Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Just Me?

I find that each day, I do not have enough time to do the things I need to do along with the things I want to do. Is this just me? Do I just have too many balls in the air? Do I want to do too many things? Should I just be concentrating on one or two "want" things and not the many that I have?

Obviously, I have to do the "need to do" things no matter what and this currently entails (in a nondetailed fashion): keeping my living space clean, doing all finances, keeping outdoor living space neat, maintaining car, shopping for living space and digestion, maintaining cat and fish, exercise (which hasn't been done this week, but needs to be at the top of the list) and any volunteer work that keeps me current on computers (Google for now). A job should be in the list and is probably on the horizon as well.

Now the "want to" list is broken into two categories...there is the stuff I wish I had time for and then the stuff that almost falls into the "need to" category above and mostly gets done, but only in little chunks of time. "Need to" stuff is helping friends in various ways, volunteering opportunities that don't necessarily keep me current on computers (but still might help my resume at some point), practicing/learning Japanese, blogging and other computer activities, and time with friends (necessary when you are far from home).

Lastly the "wish I had time for" list which sometimes gets attention but mostly doesn't. This includes learning guitar, practicing my flute, having friends over, watching movies, writing more, be creative, traveling, tutoring and exploring the area.

Oh, and I can't forget that with this economy, I really need to get something that pays something...so I am not really sure where to fit that one in...I know the basics of time management and I feel that I am always multitasking (watching a movie while doing bills or folding laundry...etc), so I don't know if I would learn much from going to a class (that I don't have time for anyhow). I just don't know how it all fits...do most people set aside time for those things they really want to do and the others are just passed on? Should I be trying to do a little of everything (for one hour) each day or should I say, study Japanese just two hours twice a week and then do other things in other blocks of time?

Obviously, none of this should be causing me stress...there are people in the world who have to worry that the bus they are getting on each day might blow up...compared to my "should I wash the car or study Japanese" quandry, I sound pathetic. But as I was making the bed this morning, already ticking off in my brain the things I wanted to get accomplished in the day, I had to wonder if I am the only one that feels like the days are getting shorter and the lists just keep getting longer...

______________________

Four Years Ago on In My Words...Father's Day Cards

4 comments:

Chicken said...

I definitely feel like it has to be balanced no matter what. Don't deprive yourself of the creative part because in the end what are you going to remember about your life? The laundry you did or the music you made?

Mind Sprite said...

No, you are definitely NOT the only one. I've really been struggling with this lately. I'm not even keeping up on my "need to do" things and rarely spend time on things I want to do. Which usually has the end result that I get frustrated, do what a want for a big block of time, then feel guilty and scramble to get the stuff I have to do done. There are days when I so regret buying a house and even more so a big piece of property. I had a lot more time and sanity before I had a homestead to take care of.

I have no answers for you, other than to take one day at a time and don't beat yourself up too much for not being Super Woman.

... said...

Nicely said guys...and you are right, the small stuff is not worth the sweat, but it is nice to know I am not alone in my frustrations...

Owning a home does add a level of work to the day but it so worth it!!! I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Wish I was Samantha (Bewitched) and just had to twinkle my nose and get some of it done and out of the way!

Anonymous said...

You're not alone - I feel the same way. I am always "doing" and then I'm exhausted and don't have the energy to do the fun stuff. My goal this summer is to figure out this balancing act and find a system that works for me. I envy you as it seems like you get a lot done - maybe it's just not the right stuff. I did waste a ton of time tonight searching for several pieces of important documentation that should have been organized and then would have been easier to find. I thought of you as it seems like you have your paperwork in order!!! Goodluck with your dilema.