Holidays are almost here, and I have slowed down but I am doing OK.
I used to pride myself on being disciplined and no matter what the odds, you could count on me to get things done. Now, it is not so much. I need more time to accomplish tasks and in this mañana time of my life, timetables are never thought about and I often get distracted doing the simplest of things. The "I have to do", list has become "I'll get to that another time". I have lost my focus and my need to "ACCOMPLISH". Getting from A to B usually has me stopping often and checking out other things that catch my fancy. Last week, while cleaning out items in my basement to make room for outside furniture, I found myself, instead, looking through old photo albums and reading journals that had been packed away. The chairs I planned to bring in are still outside. This week I have company coming and there is much to do. I have good intentions and I know that all the important items, like Thanksgiving dinner, will get done (fingers crossed). Other things will be attempted, probably done or possibly not, but I will be forgiven. They all know that the old grey mare ain't what she used to be and they will be OK with that. Others will bring the desserts, so if the turkey isn't quite finished, we can live on pumpkin pie and fine wine.
It isn't always easy to get to the finish line.
This video is not in English, but dogs speak all languages with their eyes and their tails.
That golden is all golden. In every moment given him. Pumpkin pie and fine wine answer the question, What would the golden do?
ReplyDeleteThe Golden had fun and didn't" miss anything that was placed in front of him.
DeleteLOVE that golden. And emulate him all too often. Scratch that thought - I should be MORE golden, not less.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
He is our kind of dog, isn't he, EC. He is a showman and knows that everybody loves comedy.
DeleteYou are not alone. I do the exact same thing. I must focus. I have company coming and the house is a mess.
ReplyDeleteJust keep the lights down low and serve wine. Even if your guests are standing in pet vomit, they won't notice. That is my plan.
DeleteI am easily distracted doing other things too. : ) Things somehow always get done anyway.
ReplyDeleteThey usually do and even of they don't, most won't notice or care. It is about the people and love, not the dust and a missed veggie.
DeleteI can really relate to this. My house is littered with half finished projects, half emptied dishwasher and the ironing half done. I must egt organised as someone tells me that it will soon be Christmas.. How did that happen ?!
ReplyDeleteMy house and feelings exactly!
DeleteWho had the most fun out of the three dogs, number 3 of course. I was a head nurse in an emergency dept for some years-discipline up the ying yang. My brain has used up all its orderliness long ago. Meandering through life has a lot going for it in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI like the "meandering through life" statement. It sounds more joyous than the "have to be, have to do, have to go" life that we live for many of our days.
DeleteI'm done with timetables forever.....wing it....that's my motto.
ReplyDeleteI love wings, especially barbecue.
DeleteI am continuing to get more distracted, and find myself taking longer to do even the simplest of tasks. Just keep your wonderful sense of humor throughout, and all will be fine. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving, Arleen!
ReplyDeleteJulie
I have a feeling that most of the people in the world are distraced and can anyone blame us.
DeleteI find it refreshing to put off chores and projects that I never had time to put off putting off before. You have no attention deficit, Arleen. You have attained ergonomic equilibrium.
ReplyDeleteI looked up ergonomic equilibrium, Geo, and you are absolutely right, I think. However, in between looking these words up, I started playing Candy Crush.
DeleteI have the week off from school this week for the Thanksgiving holiday. I have a big list of all the things I want to accomplish, yet have done almost none of those things. It's so easy to put it off, knowing I have a whole week ahead of me still. Only, the week will fly by in the blink of an eye and I won't have anything done. Eek!
ReplyDeleteI bet you love the challenge. I used to be that person.
DeleteWhen I was young, I was a teensy bit anal-retentive about getting things done and having a picture-perfect clean house. As I got older, I realized it was a gross waste of time.I mean, not once in all those years did anyone ever express an interest in eating off my clean-enough-to-eat-off-of kitchen floor, and who the heck wants to see their reflection in a floor, anyway? That's why God invented mirrors. I've never looked for cobwebs or dust when I visit anyone else, and it only stands to reason that no one who visits us is inspecting the place for flaws, either. Life's too short to worry about streak-free windows and immaculate ovens. It's all about priorities... and people. I'm all for enjoying the distractions that get in the way of completing a task, safe in the realization that everything will get done eventually.In its own due time.Or not...
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
You are absolutely right, Susan, however, I wish I could stay more on point. Sometimes, I wish I had that younger Arleen back. It seems to me that it was easier than. Of course, my memory is fading also.
ReplyDeleteI have chosen a life-style that involves far more work than ever before. Nothing can be put off till tomorrow, or we freeze, starve, or have two very angry dogs. I like it this way, but may not always be capable.
ReplyDeletere the video. I have one of those..... Monty!
You are up especially early today, Cro. Getting things in focus is always better in the morning, especially at the dawn of day. Unfortunately, about that time, I am just falling asleep after a night of trying to get into dreamland. I have read that this may be the reason I lose my concentration during the day.
DeleteI think Monty enjoys his interrupted life.
I get distracted all the time. During the time it takes to go to another room, I'll forget what I went there for, find busy-work to do or something distracts me, and then when I return to the original room, I'll immediately realize what I missed. Back to the other room, get distracted, and the cycle continues. I'm sure your turkey will be great! That everyone enjoys themselves - especially you - is the most important. :)
ReplyDeleteSince the Internet knows everything, I looked up why we forget when we go into another room to get something, we forget why we are there. It has to do with going through doorways. That made me feel so much better as it isn't me, it's the damn molding.
DeleteHi Arleen. I think one of the better things about growing older is that one can get away with so much! In fact, I was so adrift that I started working again. Not for the cash, although it is useful, but to keep my brain ticking over!
ReplyDeleteI love the video and cheered for the last dog. He didn't care what the rules were, he just wanted what he wanted. Must be an old timer!
Listening to: Loudon Wainwright here
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
You are a wise man, Bazza. I am at my best when I go to my volunteer job. It makes me think and the socialization is great for the brain also.
DeleteYou gotta love that last dog in the video. He was like, "Wait, wait, om nom nom, squeak, munch, squeak, yahooooooooo!"
ReplyDeleteHe stole the show and won the Mr. Personality prize.
DeleteSo many of us in the Autumn years get sidetracked with "other" little projects. I have begin calling this "sorting through the Grace Notes"....each memory and wonderful find is so full of memories.....isn't that what life is all about....MAKING MEMORIES.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Jo
Funny you should say that. The past ten years my main objective has been about making memories with my grandchildren and I try to do it as much as I can. It is my gift to them.
DeleteThat video made my night - wonderful. Perhaps it's because I can identify a bit too close for comfort. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving meal together and what doesn't get done - worry not.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, joyful and funny. We need to see more of that is these difficult times.
DeleteHave a good week, Molly.
The beauty of it is, Arleen...as we get older all those deadlines we used to push ourselves towards are no longer as important or as urgent as we once felt they were. Things still get done...even if they don't, it really doesn't matter...the world won't come to a screeching halt. I relate to what you've written...I'm similar. I think as we get older we do realise that it's the little things that matter and if something doesn't get done...what the hell! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a very relaxed, Happy Thanksgiving, Arleen. If the turkey doesn't get cooked....have it for Christmas! :)
True enough, Lee.
DeleteI love your last line.
As i read your blog, it sounded like I wrote it or you wrote it about me. Isn't it fun! I move slower than a snail! At least we're alive and still kicking! Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteLooking through old journals and photograph albums sound absolutely perfect - the rest will all get done. Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteThis has been my problem of late- the I'll get to that later. I have to almost force myself to do things "now."
ReplyDeleteI have been meaning to get around to here, but like you, I have been dawdling at other tasks. I end up doing things I like rather than things I should at this age,but that is my opportunity!
ReplyDeleteWe all get distracted with the noblest of intentions. The dog's owner must have been so frustrated. Great stuff.
ReplyDeleteIf it's there, why not pick it up?
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Hey maybe that is my problem - no, but I tell you I live with three that really do have ADHD! I love your blog header with the lighted trees. sandie
ReplyDeleteI'm with you sister-- I'm definately a member of the OCD club. I know that I set goals for myself that are hard to meet-- I'm usually my own worst enemy. I love the way you can be so honest in your view of everything---
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family--
Love
Vicki
Dear Arleen, you and that golden retriever have the philosophy that most appeals to me. I wish only that I could live it! I tend to get caught up in getting things done during December. But this year because of ill health I've had to let much go. The Christmas tree may not be decorated, although my brother assembled the three parts. No home decorations. No Christmas letter written or cards sent. But I have done things that I truly enjoy, like bake quick bread and cookies and biscotti . . . and rest and read Christmas novels by Anne Perry and others and listen to Rosamund Pilcher's "Winter Solstice" on tape, which I've done every year now for about 7 years. I love the story.
ReplyDeleteYour posting is filled with a peace that comes I think from simply living the day and being in the moment. Perhaps, your inspiration will help me do more of that in the coming year. Peace.