Accounting For My Time

This hasn't been an incredibly productive summer as far as I account for my own productivity. I've written dozens of articles and helped plan and execute a very enjoyable vacation, but I haven't produced anything that I can really hold up and say, "Look! I did this!" Housework never stays static and meals are consumed, but the fact that my kids are still alive is at least a good sign.

Husband has been very productive in the ways that he counts productivity, and as he couldn't do it without my help, I guess I can take some pride in my efforts. He claims it was the green juice I've been feeding him every morning that finally helped him overcome the block he's had on planning his new series for middle grades. He now has a plan and has written almost 1/3 of the book. It delves into the realm of Norse mythology but doesn't mimic anything having to do with Percy Jackson or other currently popular middle grade fiction. The protagonist is a 12 year old boy who knows some sleight of hand and will end up on a really magical quest. Boys, magic, and quests. Exactly the things middle grade boys are asking for.

As for me, for the first time in 18 years, all my children will be going to school for the full day starting in a week. This means that I will have, in theory, about eight hours a day to produce something of worth that is not tied to cooking or housekeeping. Or, at least, not only tied to those things.

While the temptation to a) feel guilty that I am not homeschooling all my children, and b) watch Bollywood movies is strong, I'm pretty excited about it. What did I do before having kids? I can't remember. What will I do now that I have some time on my own to pursue my chosen activities? Try not to waste it.

Here's a tentative list of what activities need to be included in my days:

Priorities:

• Scripture reading and prayer
• Exercise 
• Preparing healthful meals
• Work writing

Other Stuff:

• Researching how to get my degree at long last and what I need to major in in order to get a Master's and Doctorate in Ancient Scripture (more on that in another post). Also Architecture. Study.
• 30 minutes of cello and/or piano practice a day
• Deep cleaning the house one room at a time while listening to talk radio. Sadly, one cannot clean and watch Bollywood at the same time unless one is fluent in Hindi and is not reliant on subtitles.

That will probably take all of my time when you factor in unexpected incidentals. One must be flexible, after all. I'm just hoping that when I lay my head on the pillow at night and account for my day that I can be satisfied and pleased with my progress and productivity.