militarymoms

Well, it’s been over a week since I last posted, and I apologize.  We have been preparing for the visit of dear friends who live in Germany.  Translation:  house shoveling.  My son was packing to go to the Philmont Scout Ranch, which meant, in reality, that every day he gave me a new list of things he needed but didn’t have.  Translation:  shopping errands.  My daughter volunteered at Vacation Bible School and had dance camp during the same week.  Translation:  sandwiches in the car, every day.

I did try to write one post earlier in the week and it vanished into a cyber-black hole just as I finished writing it.  Since I was at my daughter’s dance studio when that happened, my technical problems weren’t easily fixed.  Meanwhile, one of my long-term freelancing clients upgraded software, resulting in more black holes as I tried to upload photos.

This is just one of those times when life is happening all around me and I have to deal with issues one at a time.  I tend to feel overwhelmed when dozens of deadlines pop up at once, but I’ve learned to focus my mental energies on the things that absolutely must get done today, and let tomorrow take care of itself for a few hours.

I know, for example, that we have a dance competition next weekend and I have to do some sewing, ironing and organizing to prepare for that event.  Before then, however, I have writing deadlines, bills to pay, two big social events to attend, a ham to purchase…I’m sure this litany of tasks sounds mighty familiar.

I don’t have an online calendar that reminds me about priority tasks.  I use a pencil and paper to keep track of what I must get done.  I usually write on the back of an old flyer or article draft (I like to recycle).  No one else could possibly read my messy calendar of events, I am sure, but that doesn’t matter.

Future events are tracked on my kitchen wall calendar.  I check it first thing each morning to be sure I’m not forgetting a lesson or appointment.  It’s simple, as planning systems go, but it works.

Now, my friends are here, my son is (hopefully) enjoying his trek, and my daughter is practicing her steps night and day.  I can catch up on my writing tasks and enjoy my friends’ company.  Translation: it’s worth it.

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