I have learned that the more work I have to do, the more I can get done. That might sound like a given, but not all people are like that. Many just complain about how much they have to do, but nothing ever gets accomplished. I’m the type of woman who makes a list and checks things off. I have been known to not have an item on my list, remember it and add it just so I can mark it “done.” I’m weird like that.
My mom always said if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. A busy person knows how to manage her time to make things happen.
Blogging—Best or Worst of Me?
I think blogging brings out the best in me because I approach each post thinking, “If I were a busy person with only 10 minutes of free time, would I read this post?” I find that I try to limit my “snarky” side and take the “high road” more often than not.
The funniest part of blogging—to me, anyway—is that I like to check my stats daily. I dream of the day that all countries are “lit up” by readers! I dream BIG!
Most Like Myself
I feel the most like I want to be when I am having coffee and eating Chinese food with my best friend! Going to the bookstore with another friend is cool! Spending time with family is also great. That time is coming SOON!
Professionally speaking, I enjoy presenting at foreign language conferences. Attending fire school (as a volunteer firefighter) is awesome because I love to learn new things.
Judy!
Lisa!
Dad and Bela!
I love fighting grass fire!
Writing Voice=My Voice
The prompt for today is how is my writing voice like me. I think my writing voice is the same as me. I am myself when I write because it’s something I really enjoy. Sometimes I might sound sweet, but most of the time I am sassy. Remember: it’s hard to hug a cactus.
Facts About Me
So I signed up for the NaBloPoMo March writing challenge today. The goal is to blog every day, and there are prompts to assist me. I missed yesterday’s prompt, so I will tell you five interesting facts about myself to get on track.
1. I took belly dance class and enjoyed it!
2. My soul mate is stuck (for now) in another country.
3. I prefer the company of my pets to people.
4. I can wiggle my ears.
5. I also have the (dubious) talent of talking like Donald Duck.
Juggling Chainsaws
I feel like I’m juggling chain saws lately. Let me explain. I have a full-time job as a Spanish teacher with a history class thrown in for fun (and it has been a blast so far!). On the weekends, I do laundry at the local nursing home. If you’re counting, that’s two chain saws in the air. I am also studying for my Master’s (in Spanish, of course) and taking six credits (two classes) each semester. I’m counting each class as a chain saw, so that’s four, right? Did I mention I have two lovely daughters? Only one is still at home, so she counts as my fifth. I also have a house full of furry kids, so let’s figure them all as one more. (They are darlings, and they are considered family.) Since I’m a volunteer firefighter, I am glad things have not been very flammable lately. I do, however, have meetings to attend.
Right now I feel that all the chain saws are in the air—but it is a precarious situation. I have the sinking suspicion that one is about to drop to the ground. Let’s just hope it doesn’t whack off something important when it does.
The Reality of Nebraska Weather
Funny hats are mandatory for a Nebraska winter.
Wasted Effort?
Here’s what we did….spent 10 minutes bundling up to play five minutes in the snow with the pups. Dressing the dogs took longer than getting our winter gear on, but they look so stinking CUTE! My butt got cold because my pants were too thin for a blizzard. The monkey hat always makes me smile.
Missing Mexico
My neighbor in Mexico
I have friends in Nebraska, but I’ve only been here four years. I still classify people as “work” friends or “people I know.” For me, it takes much longer than four years to form a strong, real friendship. My friends—the ones I really count on—can be numbered on one hand. They have been through hard times with me, and we have come out stronger for it. People who know me in Virginia or Mexico have a much deeper understanding of who I am than people I’ve met here in my adopted town. I’m not saying anything negative about people here; it simply IS. It takes a long time for me to really trust someone. A gal I know said I have trust issues. Not true. I’m just not stupid or easy to know.
I can call my friends, wherever they may be, and we can start our conversation where we left off before no matter how long it’s been since we chatted. My best friend knows how I drink my coffee, what I think about politics, and how I raise my kids. She also knows how to guard a secret and watch my back. The same things make us laugh. Or cry. She knows my deepest regrets, and she still respects me in spite of my failings. THAT is true friendship.
Friendship takes time!
Ysabela and her friend, Gidalty
Energy Vampires
Are you feeling tired and rundown? Are you in good physical health? Do you “have it together” in your head? Job going well? If you are on a roll in your life, but there’s still “something” wearing you down, you may be the victim of an energy-sucking vampire.
A what? You read it correctly. An energy-sucking vampire. If you have ever been in contact with one of this not-so-rare breed, you know exactly what I mean. Maybe your friend comes to visit, stays a while, leaves, and you feel worn out by the time the visit is over. You close the door after him or her, lock it and sigh. You might even have a headache. You survived, but the price is high. This particular breed of human takes your energy like a vampire takes blood. You have my sympathy if you are a victim. You also will have some advice.
There’s a lock on the door for a reason. Use it, and don’t apologize. You have the right to be comfortable and free from intrusions in your own home. Your home is, after all, your castle. Pull up the drawbridge! (I am considering building a moat!)
Set limits on those who waste your time. It can be awkward, but sometimes you just have to say something. Don’t let anyone run over you, especially when it concerns how you spend your precious free time. Friendship should be a pleasure, not an expectation or a duty. It takes time to develop a real, solid friendship. If you’d rather not visit, just say so. Remember: the energy vampire keeps you from doing things you want to do. Be assertive.
Let me insert here that I am not known for my tact, but when it comes to protecting my free time after a hard day’s work, I can be ferocious. (Think: Mama bear. With a cub.) I do try to be nice, but nice isn’t always effective. I am not the kind of person who enjoys hurting someone’s feelings. I can see you nodding your head! I’m glad you get it.
Do you need some graceful ways of letting the vampire know it’s time to leave or that it’s a bad time to visit? You might want to check with Miss Manners, but I have a few suggestions.
*I have an appointment at (insert time/place), so I need to have time to get ready.
*I’m sorry, but it’s family time right now.
*Oh, I wish you had called first! I have plans already.
*I’m helping with homework right now. Maybe later?
*Can you come back another day? I’m taking care of chores.
*I have to get up early in the morning, so I need to cut this short.
If none of those work, be more direct. It might feel awkward, but you have to protect your energy and your time. Good luck. If you have any suggestions that work for you, let me know. I love reading comments on my blog. Thanks for reading!
Ramblings of a Perforated Mind 