Okay…okay…
I know. It has been disgustedly long. I never realized how much of a commitment this blog was– my loyal followers and readers have been waiting patiently for something…anything. And I wish I had some awesome excuse– I left to travel the 7 wonders or I’m busy planning a 14-month-away wedding, but alas I have nothing.
Instead all I can really say– is how fabulously relieving it is to shutdown my computer at the end of the work day– to walk away and let my mind wander into something else. Sometimes it’s reality TV (don’t you judge me) or tennis or organizing or decoupaging. I have come to realize I am a woman of many hobbies/interests/to-dos– which isn’t a bad thing– but it has awakened an inner insight– I am kind of…like my Mom.
Don’t get me wrong– I think my Mom is fabulous. She’s smart and funny (if you missed the post you can read all about her here http://dontcallmejones.wordpress.com/2008/05/11/sweet-mother-who-birthed-me/), but (and I say this as gently and lovingly as possible) in terms of how we process things or study for a test or how we go about our to-do list or how we would organize our recipes– we’re completely different. She’s more of a “fly by the seat of her pants” type of lady whereas I like a plan. She’s a procrastinator. I am a “lets do this now.” That probably makes me sound like a boring-nervous-Nelly-dork-wad, but that’s just who I am. And I know my Mom would totally agree in a heartbeat. She’s been known to ask me especially when I am doing something with a label maker, “Where did you come from?”
Growing up I identified more with my Dad– his consistent organization and diligent work ethic. He dubbed me “face of his face.” I not only physically looked more like him, but I embodied his disposition too. And I have always found secret delight in my perfectionism and conscientiousness as I watched one of my sisters or Mom struggle with to-dos or tasks that come so naturally to me. That last part may sound a tad evil– but rest assure I usually offer to help, guide, or offer some insight.
Over the past year or so though– I have noticed a never-before-detected pattern within me– I am (gulp) a tad like my Mom. I have jumped from one hobby/project/idea to the next (this poor blog may have been victim to this). And sometimes I don’t complete the prior project. Gasp! And other times I do my best to complete something knowing it’s not my best. Shudder!
This past year I have said I was going to: write a book, design my own line of invitations, learn to play tennis better, paint with my watercolors, take a printmaking class, learn to sew better..and sadly the list continues. I don’t get it– have I always been like this or is this new?
I know I can commit. I played the saxophone for eight years and field hockey for six. I did sailing. And took pottery classes. Maybe I am just the type of person who likes to do different things– who likes to keep my mind fresh and creative– like my Mom.
Although this self-realization does surprise me a little– more so– it makes me happy. I yearn to be inspired and challenged. In order to keep this part of me satisfied– I will continue exploring new outlets, ideas, and activities. And it’s okay because my life isn’t meant to be perfect or finished.
2 Comments
July 22, 2009 at 2:13 am
You are right, it has been a while, but I still check your blog regularly. I think it is great that you want to try so many new things. It’s nice to be versatile. I didn’t know that you did watercolors. Give it time, the book will come someday.
July 25, 2009 at 12:59 am
Glad to see you back! It is a good thing to have a lot of hobbies. It makes life interesting. To live a perfect or finished life would be so boring!