For my 40th year there has been lots of talk of travel. So far all talk, no action.
- First I was starting to plan a trip to New Zealand. The plan was to meet Keros on his way off the ice in October. Jackie was easily convinced to come. Then I remembered that October is the CSWE conference, THE most important time to interview for social work faculty positions. Plus it would mean I can’t teach in the fall quarter or be a filed liaison. So the cost of the trip minus the loss of income (not to mention the experience) is a deal breaker for a trip to NZ in October.
- So, Jackie and I have decided to take an alternative trip. She is great – any place, any time. We’ll keep up the conversation.
- Kitty would like to take a trip for our BDays. We had hoped for her to get to Florida while I’m here but the plane fare was prohibitive, so no go. We hope to do something else.
- Rob has some free ticket, origin unknown, for a trip from Denver to NYC in January. He put in for the Saturday of MLK weekend in the evening since I teach in the afternoon. I’ll stay until Thursday thus including Obama’s inauguration and the premier of LOST which will be fun to watch together.
- Kary, Sonia & I have talked about a trip for mine and Kary’s BDay (Son is a youngster). Perhaps meet in Chicago or Southern CA. Maybe Mexico.
- Amy & I recently reconnected on FB – not like we weren’t connected, just temporarily out of touch – its happened before, I wasn’t worried. Perhaps she’ll come to Denver for our BDays. Or I’ll go to Rochester. I’ve talked about getting to Rochester anyway, to visit with Conrad & Gilly’s baby due in May.
- Jess & I are going to Vegas in March on her ‘free trip’ earned by sitting one Saturday for several hours hearing about a time share. That is a Tuesday – Thursday, we may turn it into a girls trip. Anne, Lindsey, who else?
- The family is going to upstate NY for my parent’s 50th anniversary (Sarah is not committing, and that’s a lot drama, or course). I think that’s in August.
- The high school FB crowd has been talking about some kind of mini-reunion because we are all turning 40. Meghan Guarnotta has been elected to be in charge by Melissa Skehan, we’ll see if that materializes. Kitty is going with the old HS gang to Florida except that Martha is pregnant, so it may not materilize. I was not invited and am not disappointed as I would not be interested in attending.
- When the idea of traveling to NZ feel through, Keros and I emailed about the idea of a trip for or after Thanksgiving. Feels like a million months from now, but I guess its only a few months…
Lots of travel talk. Doesn’t look like I’m cutting back on spending money on travel or even thinking about it. I don’t think I want to. I think I am ok with that.
Friday, January 2, 2009
On leisure time
The Utne has such good fodder for discussion and thoughts on life. In this latest issue, there are a series of articles on rest, leisure time and America’s obsession with production.
“We are increasingly aware that capitalism is failing to make sense of our lives; money is not making us happy. But many of us who are ready to change are not aware of any alternative. So we carry on rushing around, making money, buying temporary happiness. In a culture so dependent on activity – on consuming, producing, and achieving – rest becomes a radical form of protest and a catalyst for change.
I wrote in my green brain recently (a small, green notebook used to record random thoughts), that everyone talks about seizing the day and very few people seem to do it. Now, of course there are class issues that imminently drive this matter. Those who have, have lots of time and choice about that time. People living in poverty have very little time and choice. For me, I have an abundance of leisure time, particularly now. I have been trying to learn how to relax. To be ok with spending the day walking with friends, hanging out in the park, reading a magazine. It has not been easy. I am my father’s child and have trouble slowing down and when I do, I have tremendous guilt. I am getting better at it.
Slowing down and taking time to enjoy small things is something I would like to be more deliberate about. I believe it will make me calmer, more thoughtful, less stressed out, more forgiving, peaceful, and sane.
I have also been much more deliberate about how I spend money. I make myself think much more intentionally about how and where I spend my money. I make myself say, ‘do I need this?’ multiple times before I buy something. It has been working. I am spending less. Except on travel. I still spend lots of money on travel. I haven’t decided yet if that is a good or bad thing.
“We are increasingly aware that capitalism is failing to make sense of our lives; money is not making us happy. But many of us who are ready to change are not aware of any alternative. So we carry on rushing around, making money, buying temporary happiness. In a culture so dependent on activity – on consuming, producing, and achieving – rest becomes a radical form of protest and a catalyst for change.
I wrote in my green brain recently (a small, green notebook used to record random thoughts), that everyone talks about seizing the day and very few people seem to do it. Now, of course there are class issues that imminently drive this matter. Those who have, have lots of time and choice about that time. People living in poverty have very little time and choice. For me, I have an abundance of leisure time, particularly now. I have been trying to learn how to relax. To be ok with spending the day walking with friends, hanging out in the park, reading a magazine. It has not been easy. I am my father’s child and have trouble slowing down and when I do, I have tremendous guilt. I am getting better at it.
Slowing down and taking time to enjoy small things is something I would like to be more deliberate about. I believe it will make me calmer, more thoughtful, less stressed out, more forgiving, peaceful, and sane.
I have also been much more deliberate about how I spend money. I make myself think much more intentionally about how and where I spend my money. I make myself say, ‘do I need this?’ multiple times before I buy something. It has been working. I am spending less. Except on travel. I still spend lots of money on travel. I haven’t decided yet if that is a good or bad thing.
My 40th Year
I have been tempted to start a blog for a long time. I have given it a try a few times and it just never took. It seems that as I embark on my 40th year on his earth, it is an appropriate time to try again. I am in a particularly quiet and reflective time. In fact, as someone who is constantly busy – with work, play, and a variety of responsibilities – I do not know that my adult life has ever been quite this quiet. I am pet-free, partner-free, and without fulltime employment.
I am healthier and in better physical shape than I have ever been. As for what I have accomplished, I am in my third year of a PhD program with the hopes of finishing in the next 18 months. I love what I am studying and contributing to the field of social work. I have amazing friends both in
What I would like to accomplish this year (just a start - hope to update periodically):
- Proceed with my dissertation. I’d like to finish my data collection and begin writing with a goal of finishing and graduating by winter/spring of 2010.
- Continue to try some physical activities in addition to running, i.e. yoga, swimming, cycling, what else? I’d like to do at least two competitive races this year; one or two half marathons and prep for the Disney Half in January 2010 with Carrie & Lee. Maybe a mini tri or a duathalon.
- Take a contemplative prayer course and start a regular prayer routine. Along with this, I’d like to get to church at least one time each month in
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