Monday, November 21, 2011
Nail Biter
- I am impatient.
Who wants to wait for a bus and travel across the city in a 45 minute commute when it only takes 15 by car? Biking doesn’t take that much longer than driving, plus I’ll save time because I won’t have to bike on the trainer at night or go to the gym – so the impatience excuse really won’t work for biking, except…
- It is cold.
It’s freezing out in the morning. Given the choice between A) a 3.5 mi ride in 30-degree weather, or B) travelling on a heated seat with warm air blowing on your freezing fingers…what would you choose?
- I am busy.
Sometimes waiting for a bus or taking a bike isn’t an option when I have to get across town & back quickly. There are situations when getting up early or being patient still won’t cut it.
I want to improve. I'm weak! I may try a week without driving another time. However, last week was a FAIL.
This week, I’m going a week without fake nails. For years, I bit my nails down until they hurt (gross!). About 7 years ago, I started getting fake nails, which solved the problem. I've had them ever since. However, the compulsion to chew them is still there.
For the 2nd time in 7 years, I took them off. (cue the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey) Realistically, I won't break the chewing habit this week, but I hope to at least make an improvement. My mouth may be so full of turkey & stuffing that I won’t have room for fingers anyway!
Monday, November 14, 2011
A Week Without Driving*
“No” ruled. Guess what I did on Sunday? NOTHING. I slept in, bummed around, and then celebrated my dad’s birthday with my family. Saturday, I had nothing planned, so I went to work & caught up on some work I’d been stressing about. I’ll admit that a 7-hour shift on a weekend doesn’t sound like fun, but it was so nice & quiet at the office, I got a lot done! Bliss.
Lesson learned: Gonna try to say “no” more. I’ll always be busy, but this week I didn’t feel overwhelmed when important things came up…such as my brother-in-law’s homecoming party after a year in Iraq.
Today begins my Week Without Driving. You’ll notice I didn’t say “Week Without a Car”. I think I’ll walk more, but I’m still allowed to carpool. Also, because I’m a realist, I’m permitting myself one cheat: I’m allowed to drive to Southwest High School to meet with my Teammate. It’s 30 minutes across town by car & I have to fit it into my workday, so biking or waiting on a bus will not work for this one, and I cannot skip it. Ben carpooled with me this morning, and instead of driving to the gym, I biked on the trainer at home.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The more you "no"...
Alas, this is the life of a neurotic.
Monday, November 7, 2011
A Week Without "Yes"
This month, especially, I’m feeling the pressure: from friends, from family, from my job, and from volunteering. It seems like everyone needs something now, and they’re all important. Birthdays, sweeps, fundraisers…a girl’s likely to go nuts! I am depleted of sleep, time, and money from this “yes” habit.
Instead, I’m saying no this week and giving myself a staycation, hermit-style. So sorry, loved ones, but I’m practicing my “no” this week. “No, I can’t go out tonight.” “No, I can’t handle that this week.” No, I can’t help you tonight.” “No, I can’t stay late.”
And I’ll be repeating to myself “No, you’re not a bad person for saying ‘no’.” Think I’ll start to believe it?