June report card
Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 10:14AM So, it’s time for my June report card but I’d like to challenge the fact that June actually occured. I’m not convinced it did. I remember Father’s day and the last day of school for my son, but beyond that, it seems like maybe three other days went by and now it is suddenly July.
I’ll wait for an official ruling on whether or not June really happened but in the meantime, here’s my report card:
I work out 4-5 days a week: Shoot! I went away to Arizona and got out of my routine. Now, I’m having a hard time getting back into it. My sore triceps tell me that I did work out recently but I’m hoping July will be kinder to me so that I can regularly fit this in again.
I meditate for 15 minutes at least 3 days a week: I’m going to sit down to meditate when I have a bit of extra time here and there but I’m not going to continue to beat myself up about not doing it. I’ve discovered that I’m better at meditation when I’m doing something like walking, vacuuming or making beds and I think it gives me similar benefits so for now, that’s my meditation practice. (I’ll add this to the long list of things I think I’ll be able to do once S starts Kindergarten.)
I spend one night a week hanging out with M once the kids go to bed: We could do a better job. Since we both work for ourselves, we often end up back at the laptops at 9 PM. We did play Scrabble one night which was really fun even though I got killed. I should have known how it was going to turn out when M got the 50 point bonus for using all of his letters (including a “z”) on his first turn.
I spend money based on what’s important to me rather than making impulse purchases: I spend money on food, toilet paper and birthday gifts for other people’s kids. I’m not sure those are the things that are most important to me but those are the facts for right now.
I’m off to update my list for July and since it’s summer, I think I’ll include things like relax, play, laugh and drink margaritas. The funny (and not-so-funny) part is that relaxing is one of the things I’m not very good at so it really will be a stretch for me. Wish me luck and enjoy July!
Reader Comments (3)
You make beds? You mean, even when company is not coming over?? I think you make an important point here --- we can get hung up on the goal (and our failure to reach it) when perhaps its not the *right* goal for us. It may not be compelling enough, or we may operate differently. I'll be anxious to hear how your impromptu, less structured meditation goes!
Erin -- you are such a rock star. I wonder if you realize how inspiring you are -- I think doing a monthly report card is the single most courageous thing I have ever encountered!
You are my hero --
Well I would like to give myself an E for effort on my last report card. Sadly, working in Australia did not workout. So personally, since I am very very hard on myself, I WANT to give myself an F. I am proud of you for NOT giving yourself a grade at all. You simply analyze what you did well, and how you can improve. You also are good at letting the little things slide.
The thing for me is that I have a bucket list. I am sure most of us do. But I have a very distinct one. And I have lived up to most of that bucket list so far in my life. I have graduated from University with a double degree, traveled a lot of the world 30 countries I think, and have been a ski bum for a season (and about to do it again.)
But like you Er, I have TOO MANY dreams. I want to do everything. And honestly I am very disappointed in myself that I couldn't make living in a foreign country not work. It was ALWAYS on my bucket list and now that I have tried and failed (in my mind) and I am discouraged and frustrated. But I know I need to keep my head up. We are not superheros. We cannot force ourselves to love every experience we try. Thank you for opening my eyes to that. It has been a VERY hard two months. But one thing I did learn. Don't EVER take your family, friends and country for granted. We live in a wonderful country with so many opportunities and advantages. We are so lucky us Americans. We need to always remember that. If anything, this is what I learned living here in OZ. I love being an American and can give myself an E for effort on trying.
-E