Barb’s Burblings

It’s 11:15 on a Friday night and instead of doing something fun, like seeing a movie or playing Super Mario Bros. or watching John Oliver’s stand-up show, I’m working. (Or, you know, taking a break from working.) I have a freelance project that’s due Monday. I’ve had this to work on since December 22. So there I was with a choice: Work on it over the holidays, when I theoretically had more time, or wait until now.

Naturally I waited. I’m a procrastinator at heart, but this was less a case of just putting it off and more making a conscious decision to not worry about it until this week. I had a busy week off–dentist appointment, trip to the Newseum, gathering with friends, cleaning. I wound up with really not much time to sit around and do nothing, and I grabbed at that chance. I spent last Sunday watching a 6-hour documentary about Monty Python, laying on my couch in my pajamas. It was so worth it.

But it is a trade-off. I was asked to take on another project. I could definitely use the money, but I had such an incredibly busy December that I figured my sanity was worth it. I needed some time without work hanging over my head like that. But it’s a hard decision to make, because it really is gratifying getting that check. (The work itself isn’t too bad, either. Generally.)

Similarly, I also need to finish Anna Karenina for my book club on Monday. I have a good 300 pages to go. Plus this project. Plus volunteering both tomorrow AND Sunday. And then I went and got a ticket to see The Fantasticks tomorrow night. A little crazy? Sure. But I want to see it and it closes this weekend. And this way, I have a good 3-hour window in which to read between finishing at Ford’s and heading to Arena. There’s a method to my madness.

But again, having fun tomorrow means focusing tonight. And break’s over.