I’m getting back on the hamster wheel and heading back to work tomorrow after having enjoyed this past week of vacation. It will be an adjustment settling back into corporate life.
This week has been jam-packed full.
To start it off we enjoyed a fun visit from son, daughter-in-love, and grandson.
Grandma and Grandpa had a blast playing with our three-year-old grandson, Jaxon!
The weather cooperated and we were able to be outside in the sunshine making memories every day. It was a week filled with the beach, wading pool, balls, sidewalk chalk, play-doh, coloring books, puzzles and more fun than I’ve had in a long time.
Our family time went by all-too-quickly.
Since Tuesday I have been sequestered upstairs in my office working on rewrites of my memoir; I received my comprehensive edit feedback from my editor last weekend. The thing about trying to write a book while still working full-time is time becomes a precious commodity and one has to strike when the iron is hot, so to speak. So for much of the past five days I’ve been planted here:
It’s a mess – I know. Notes, reference books, everywhere; dog beds by my side (though Chelsea spent most of the time sitting in my lap); Gumby, Pokey and Mrs. Potato Head keeping a watchful eye; and hour after hour of revising.
The manuscript is being tightened up, restructured somewhat, more detail added in some places, and fluff removed in others.
I forced myself to walk away from the manuscript at regular points throughout each day to go out and enjoy a few moments of sunshine with the girls. It was so nice to be working at home and have the freedom to step out for a solar break every so often. I also stopped working at a certain point in the afternoon every day and headed out to the lawn swing to relax with a book, to tend to my flowers, or play with the girls. Again, it’s a blessing to have the freedom to make my own hours.
It’s been a bit of a working vacation for me but it’s been well worthwhile. Am I looking forward to heading back to my regular job tomorrow?
No, not so much.
I was off this past week too. Totally get the “not so much.” sigh.
Linda,
You echo the feelings of anyone who tries to write in the midst of work, vacation, family times-life. Now that I am officially retired, I need to figure out how to manage it all again in a new way. Maybe I won’t be as organized because I feel like I have so much more time? It reminds of a quote I had read “Being a writer means having an assignment every day of your life for your whole life” (anonymous) Alas, we write because we love to write. 🙂 I certainly can relate to the “not so much” part. Good luck transitioning back.
Kathy
Ah yes, I envy you, Kathy! Enjoy figuring out your new routine! I love that quote, by the way.
So glad you were able to balance your time off with writing and play…I am with you, so challenging to juggle it all!
But, it looks like you had a great week off! The look on your face is blissful! Good for you! ;)Alyssa
Linda, I know what you mean about needing to work. It does take up so much time I’d rather use for writing or other things.
I too hope you get back into the swing of things with little to no transition woes. It does sound like you had a wonderful time with the family… and your memoirs. I look forward to hearing how it goes.
Looks like a fun week with such a cute grandkiddo to enjoy it with! I know going to work tomorrow will be a bit of a downer, but hang in there, Friday is not far behind. Have a good week!
Oh! what wonderful times – don’t we hate for them to end, dang blast it all!
Sounds as if two passions took up residence within you this week–being with your grandson and writing. How wonderful to have to decide between these two passions. I, too, am passionate about writing. My friends say, “Enjoy retirement, Dee. Don’t work so hard.” But writing doesn’t feel like any work I’ve ever done. There is such a joy in finding the “telling” word. That which absolutely conveys all you want to say.
Linda, I so look forward to reading your memoir. Thank you for telling us about getting it ready for publication and also for sharing your delightful photographs.
I’m inspired by where you are in your process with your memoir. As I head back to the classroom and look for ways to keep my writing time sacred, I’ll think of you. I’m also really really looking forward to reading your finished product.
Well, I survived Day 1 back in the office. Four more days until the weekend!
I love that you share these bits of significant life with us, Linda!
I hope your day back was a good one. And I like the messy desk! There’s so much fun when you get down to it. 🙂