Just Sitting

Posted on November 19, 2013 by simpleijustdo

I’m just sitting here in the relative silence, ignoring the thousands of random thoughts, to-do list items, and NaNoWriMo story ideas that are flitting above my head, begging to be caught and tagged. Most of them have probably been “tagged” (written down) anyway, but I’m just too tired to collect them.

It’s a busy week. I suddenly have two interviews, along with two new tutoring students, one who decided to be a beast today, and the other is just, well, adorable (in kindergarten with developmental delays and I LOVE HER). I have to try to bring The Boy back down to Earth to get final assignments in to his current school before the Big Switch on Monday, while also prepping him on two new pieces of band music for a concert with his new band class the week after next. I also have to see his new doctor about getting him out of his PE requirement so he can even have band, and darn it, I didn’t turn in that library book. What am I going to make with that chicken sitting in the sink defrosting? I haven’t written a thing today, meaning I’m exactly 1667 words behind, and now my projected end date will be past the November 30 deadline if I don’t do something about it. I have that registration paperwork to complete and get back to the new school, too, and when am I going to pick up the new tuba? I’ve committed to helping The Man paint at his current work site, but I think I can only work a half day tomorrow, and not at all on Thursday, due to interviews and other stuff. We really should get a new gas tank and hookup before cooking Thanksgiving dinner. And I have to wash these jeans – they can probably stand on their own by now. Speaking of washing, The Boy’s hair is way overdue…

Hm. How ’bout that? Got ’em tagged after all, didn’t I? I’m sure I missed some, floating up there…

Thankful for a “Me” Day

Posted on November 13, 2013 by simpleijustdo

I’ve been busy lately. I’d like to say I’ve been busy working, and I have, but not busy making a paycheck. I’ve been busy making sure my son gets a decent education. I’ve been busy writing a novel for NaNoWriMo. I’ve been busy helping The Man on a couple of big jobs he’s lined up, because I can help him when he’s painting. I’m not a pro, but I can get the job done. I’ve been busy filling out applications, taking timed typing tests, and preparing for my tutoring students.

But at the end of the day, I’m still only making about $36 a week.

And, I’m neglecting to do what I’d really like and need to do. Yes, NaNoWriMo is a “me” thing, but it is demanding, squeezing every ounce of originality out of you, and even more so that sometimes what ends up on the page is a big messy mess. And it’s work. And I really need a new pair of shoes. No, I’m serious…

See? I told you. Not just a craving for some sassy pumps. A desperate plea for decent-looking foot apparel.

Today, I get a day for me. A “me” day, that I can actually spend as I choose. Of course, there are a few things I need to do, like call about a possible new tutoring student, and some laundry. And then there’s that big meeting this afternoon, leftover from last week that has a major impact on my son’s future… There’s that.

But until about 2:30, it’s all me, baby. 😉

NaNoWriMo Starts Today

Posted on November 1, 2013 by simpleijustdo

Quills, Howlsthunder

I have committed to NaNoWriMo, which begins today.

If you are not familiar, NaNoWriMo is short for National Novel Writing Month, and it is actually a nonprofit organization that provides online (and sometimes face-to-face) support for people who want to commit to writing 50,000 words in 30 days. It really is a spectacular setup, and is an incredible opportunity for anyone who thinks they may have a novel inside of them, ready to see the light of day.

I’ve enjoyed writing since elementary school, and even took a creative writing class in college. It was so much fun, and a great break from my regular course of study. If I had it to do over again, I may have chosen a different career route, and at the very least would have made more time to write.

I think this blog has helped my writing, and to this day, people continue to tell me I should write a book, so I am.

I’m doing it.

What do you want to do? What’s stopping you from doing it?

Filling the Time

Posted on September 20, 2013 by simpleijustdo

I am so completely unused to having time in my day. When I was a teacher, and a working single mom, coming home and being able to sit down was a treat. Now I’m much more of a homemaker, something I never envisioned myself doing, but I enjoy nonetheless. I just wish it paid better 😉 I shop for groceries, do laundry (including the folding!), clean things, etc. And I still have time left over. I’m really hoping I can pick up some more tutoring students, and that there is so much interest in my classes at Michaels that I have to schedule more… but until that happens, I have a lot of time on my hands.

But I don’t like being idle.

I’m not the type to watch the afternoon “shows”, and there’s only so much Good Morning America one person can take.

I’ve decided to take some of my hobbies to the next level, possibly.

I’m going to use my camera more, really get to know the settings again, so I can confidently have my way with a camera, and maybe, just maybe open up an Etsy shop. I’ve sent a few of my shots to a professional printer who will make some free prints and send them back to me so I can check out the printing quality, and we’ll go from there.
I’m thinking about doing NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I’ve been told a few times that I should write a book, and since November is right around the corner, and I have nothing else pressing… Why not?
I’ve been checking out Zentangles, and I’m intrigued. I’ve tried it out, and it is very, very soothing. I looked into it because I thought it might help me with some of my demos at Michaels, but this may have income potential, as well.
And I keep thinking about taking this little blog to the next level, transferring to wordpress.org, and selling some ad space, too.

The best part of all this, is that it helps me to feel like I’m at least doing something that could earn money some day, and it keeps me occupied, rather than sitting on the couch, watching TV, bothering The Boy’s teachers, and worrying.