Distractions

Empty Nest Syndrome

August 17, 2010

It’s been just more than a month since I finished my year’s obligation  and I’ve busied myself with all sorts of things I wouldn’t exactly describe as constructive.  The weather here has been far less than summery, with the only warm day arriving today when within sight of the Pacific we’ve actually mustered up an [...]

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Windy summer days are gifts, their bursts of cool air a welcome relief to my perpetually damp middle-aged skin.  I  stand on the side of the house where the gusts are strongest and raise my arms a bit, allowing it to wash over me in much the same way water does as I swim.  It’s soothing. [...]

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Thinking with asterisks

February 24, 2009

William Zinsser says, “To write well about your life you only have to be true to yourself.” I knew that.  It doesn’t make it easier to choose to delve into something I don’t feel like delving into, however, and I recognize all the signs of avoidance — like grabbing my broom to rid the stairs [...]

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Yesterday, I avoided coming up here to sit at the keyboard, to sort through emails, to sip my coffee while scrolling through the early morning cacophony that is Twitter.  I’ve been doing this for more time than I like to acknowledge.  Instead, I straightened things up around the kitchen and the rest of the house, [...]

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From the Kitchen I’m exhausted, and I’m always surprised when I realize it.  Like someone who doesn’t spend 12 hours a day at the office shouldn’t be tired — ever.  So not only am I exhausted, I’m annoyed that I’m exhausted. It’s pretty pathetic.  No, I’m pathetic. To give myself half a break today, I’m [...]

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Have you spent time with wordle yet? It’s fun if you don’t have anything better to do. In fact, it’s perfect if you do have things to do, but just can’t seem to motivate yourself to do them. Cleaning the house seems more attractive by comparison considering the dark mood I was in after spending [...]

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Finding a place to begin

July 31, 2008

Nike was smart when they launched their campaign admonishing those of us who sit far too long on our ever-expanding rear ends to “Just do It.”  But when you’re someone who is more inclined to first think, then talk about what you are thinking about — like writing — then think about writing before you [...]

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