Comments for sursumcorda.salemsattic.com/post/victory

Comment #2809

2012-08-22T13:15:14Z

As much as I love going to Maine, I look forward to getting back into a routine once the summer is over.

Thanks for sharing what works for you.

I'm off to dig out the washing machine buried under all the sheets, towels, and clothing from our most recent trip.

Comment #2808

2012-08-19T22:26:43Z

On the negative side, when the Sabbath becomes really special, and you look forward to it all week, and then suddenly you find you have to give most of it up for (ugh) shopping and (double ugh) decision making because that's the only time all the relevant parties are available, you get really surly. At least I do.

Not that I have any excuse for complaining—Porter's working a lot harder than I am on this redo-the-bathroom project.

And the better part of an Ovomaltine dark chocolate bar (another Sabbath treat) did quite a bit toward restoring my good humor.

Comment #2807

2012-08-15T15:07:02Z

Gambate! I think organization is like exercise and lots of other things. Now is the right time and no time is too late. Don't forget that 90 year old who learned to read. (:

I'll take your efforts to heart as I devise my system in our new house. I can't forget that there will be setbacks or I'll get too discouraged.

I'm glad to read that the lists are helping you - I think I need some as well.

Comment #2806

2012-08-15T10:50:11Z

Maybe you don't have to take the week off entirely, but cut things down to the minimum so that you have that freedom for spontaneity that you miss when you over-schedule yourself. Have freezer meals ready, but allow yourself to try a fancy dish if inspiration strikes. Or keep meals regular and cut back on other things. For sure don't make yourself work on any particular project. Use the time to chill in Quad 4 guilt free; let yourself be consumed by one project (just keeping up your set minimum chores); read a book during lunch and keep reading as long as you want; give yourself space to rest and reflect on all you've done and dream up ideas for the future. Rest doesn't have to mean no work. Work feels great when you have time, energy, and permission to do the work you feel like doing. Of course you'll have to plan for the mini-vacation so you can properly enjoy it, but I think it will give you tons of energy going into the next few weeks of tough work.

Comment #2805

2012-08-14T21:52:20Z

A Sabbath week sounds lovely! Any suggestions as to how to implement it? Some things can take a week's break without harm, but we still need to eat. Perhaps I can rely on stored freezer meals (gathering a double portion of manna) and take-out pizza. :)

I keep all my daily checklists until the Weekly Review, so I can look back at what I've done -- or at least what I've done that's on the list, which ends up leaving out a lot. And yes, it's very nice to have a concrete reminder, even for myself, that I'm not eating bon-bons and watching soap operas.

Comment #2804

2012-08-14T20:09:41Z

Thanks for taking the time to share. Of course I have lots of questions. GTD does not have much to say for those tasks that happen routinely, which is fine for the office, but home life is full of such things. I'd like to see what your different checklists look like. Maybe you could post a picture of a blank one?

You say lots of good stuff I relate to, but it's far past my 'turn off the computer' time and I still have to sweep the floor before bed. Do keep us updated and consider having a sabboth week every 6 weeks or so. It does sound like you keeping up a horrific pace, but isn't it great to have something on pen and paper to help you answer the dreaded question 'but what do you DO all day?'