"What I Dream of is an Art of Balance..."

Henri Matisse

I'm sitting here hanging around with the kids, just about to take a bath. While I'm in there, I'll probably read some more of "Good In Bed" (I love some of the lines in this book!) or critique a chapter. Probably read, I think.

I have to start packing for tomorrow. I'm wearing a great green T-shirt with a white T-shirt underneath that I absolutely love. I'll have to bring it with me.

Josie's out at work, then she'll see her brother Chris. She has a whole variety of activities lined up for today. I would like to visit my grandmother at some point.

I'm content right now. Very content. Things are moving forward. This is a good space to be in.

Billy goat

Just managed to upgrade my seats to Chicago tomorrow to an even better location...sweet. I have all my shirts chosen, bills paid, and have a ton of pages to print out for the train ride.

What's the difference between this week and last? Last Saturday was one of the gloomiest in my life and this Saturday I'm feeling great.

Here's a slight aside, but it's actually to the point. There's a guy at worked, Bill D., who I never really liked much. In fact, I used to call him the "Prince of Darkness." (Not that there's anything wrong with that...) He had a reputation for being sneaky, for pontificating way too long, and for being a bit vain. (No comments from the cheap seats, please...)

But lately, I've come to know him on another level. I've come to see him as an extremely smart guy (he can express himself better than anyone else I know) with a very sly wit. He also has a good sense of work/life balance. You never see him in the office beyond five thirty. And he has a broad grasp of the arcane.

Anyway, I was feeling a bit...I guess, empty...the other day at work. And I've come to find that when I get this way, talking to him can be helpful. And sure enough, I was right.

"Ted," he said. Well, as I said, he talks a lot, so he didn't say it right away. "Your biggest problem is, you don't have something that keeps you awake at night, sweating. Wondering, how in the hell am I going to accomplish this? You've been editing the Instrument Panel for four years, you're good at it, you've won awards for it. It's not a challenge any more. You need a new mountain to climb."

Yes. That's it.

I need a challenge. I need to keep my mind engaged, constantly. Otherwise, I grow antsy. Ornery. Restless.

This week, I have tons to accomplish. I have a goal to reach. I have things to do, targets to hit. That makes all the difference for me.

I must find new mountains to climb when I return.

(no subject)

I am now going to lay on the couch and watch Spy Kids 2 with Annie. It's a nice way to end a kid-centric day!