"Beauty confronts us with the requirement that we place ourselves among...the redeemers, the leaders in the protection of life. Once you have seen the bush on fire, you are not going to get out of the assignment unless you close your eyes to the beauty.... [You] either have to close your eyes or go back to Egypt and set the people free." - Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker, "Rising to the Challenge of Our Times"

Saturday, October 20, 2007

inventory

I've been trying to do some things that I've meant to do for a long time, that have been somewhat hanging over me and impeding my forward progress, much like big mean row of defensive linepersons in my head.

So.

I have recently:

• made a list of my expenses and income

• determined that my income really needs to be a bit higher

• taken a flyer to the local law school offering myself for tutoring services (did this Thursday, flyer has to be approved by the Dean, and I'm hoping that when the students get their midterm grades back soon, I'll get a few bites)

• photographed some things for e-bay that I will list this weekend

• made a commitment to sort out some old bills by the end of the day today (though what is the 'end of the day' may be open to interpretation)

• decided to stop avoiding the library and pay my fines today so I can check out books again (though I've not yet left the house today, this is something I'm intending to do)

• taken some things to a jewelry store to find out what the cash value might be

• thought about playing my guitar on the outskirts of the farmers' market, but slept in and stayed in my pajamas half the day instead (so far)

• vacuumed, because you can do this wearing pajamas

• made some payments toward my sleep debt

• decided to make a get well / birthday / el dia de los muertos card for my sister (why send three cards when one really good one will do?)

Not all of these things have felt terribly good to do or to think about, but I think they will all make way toward feeling better.

4 comments:

Alice said...

I always feel better when my life feels orderly.

It's when things pile up and I'm not doing anything about them because it feels overwhelming that I get feeling not-so-good.

George said...

Your papa has the previously discussed, new, John Grisham, non lawyer book, "Playing for Pizza". Analgous to your expereince with the Rage perhaps. It contains a book mark worth a few dollars. Enjoy both!

adamf said...

Sounds like some of the stuff we've been doing. : ) Minus of course the possible tutoring at the law school... Nat could try to do it there but I think they'd kick her out.

We started unplugging everything as well--apparently toasters and tvs etc. use "phantom" power when they're plugged in but not on, and you can save a little $ that way off your bill. Okay, maybe only a few cents, but it makes me feel better.

limes said...

hugs to sister emily!