Thursday, January 1, 2009

A Do Nothing Day...Why Is It So Hard?

It's hard for me, probably not a normal well adjusted person.

Last night we hunkered down with wine, cheese, pate, mushroom and seafood risotto (I made!) and then chocolate souflees (a la Trader Joe's). In years past we have treated ourselves to a lovely six course meal at The Marigold Kitchen in West Philadelphia. This year the other couple that usually goes with us had a child so our tradition is skipping a year (just a year I hope). Anyway, P was asllp by 11:30pm and I stayed up to watch the ball drop. I decided as I was falling asleep, that I would do nothing on the 1st, my day off.

Doing nothing is hard for me to get into. I kept finding myself wanting to 'clean up' or straighten things. We had a nice breakfast of eggs, (turkey) bacon, toasted French bread and coffee and when I went into the kitchen I had to will myself away from cleaning (I did put dishes in the dishwasher). As soon as I left the kitchen, I had to tear myself away from the 'tree area' because I was thinking it was time to put away the presents that were still displayed by the tree. I made it to my room and was finally able to find something to make me sit, drink my coffee and not worry about cleaning. I read. I read until 3pm when we pulled on cold weather gear and took G-dog to the dog park.

When we got home, I hopped into a warm shower where I stayed for about a half hour. I took my time using the exfoliating scrub. I looked at it as washing and scrubbing away 2008 and starting fresh for 2009. I know, odd but when you have been reading biographies all day, sometimes you fall into introspection. I emerged from the shower ready to take on the new year (I think my new shampoo and conditioner helped too though). I thought to myself, "I needed this day. I need every day and I just need to learn to live them a little better." :)

16 comments:

Kelley with Amy's Angels said...

Happy New Year! I also tried to have a day of "nothing" but that didn't work. Cleaned the kitchen and took down the tree. Oh well!

Here's to a great 2009! : )

Fifty K said...

It can be hard to do nothing but I finally have had first real do nothing day today. I have had 12 days off work and we have something to do everyday but today. Enjoy and happy new year.

MissKris said...

I am so busy in my daily life I find myself wishing for a day to myself. Then, when I get one, I'm so set in the GO gear, I hardly know what to do with myself when I have time on my hands. Go figure! And Happy, Happy New Year to you!

Anonymous said...

Doing nothing is so very therapeutic, it almost puts me off starting to do something again lol.

This morning, Bobo woke me up with a surprise pancake breakfast. I have spent the rest of the morning sewing a mermaid sign for the bathroom door and compiling a to do list for another day.

Exfoliation is definitately the way forward. 2008 is one year that needs well scrubbed away, it was soo ooooopsy in a bleuargh sort of way.

May 2009 be unctuos, yielding and satisfying.

xx

Los said...

I always have a tough time not doing anything ... I think it's my German heritage (or at least my German parents that instilled this "gift" on me). I have a difficult time "wasting" a day, even when I need it.

Brianinmpls said...

I am glad you enjoyed your day:) Sounds like a lovely start to the New Year:)

Decor To Adore said...

May you have a blessed new year!

Capricorn said...

I hope you get to go out with your friends next year, but I wouldnt hold my breath..kids change people.
Hey! maybe 2009 will bring your own bundle of joy?
p.s
my word verification is fucor..is that, fucker?

Andy - Instafather said...

Can you be introspective at my place? It's a little dirty. Kthx

Queen Vixen said...

Awww - I really enjoyed this post. First time I have visited your blog and will be doing so in future. All the best for 2009

Jen said...

I am glad that you had a day like this. Everyone needs a day like this once and a while but I agree it is hard to do.

Jennifer P. said...

spending a day doing nothing IS hard! I think that's why people take vacations and go to hotels where there isn't anything to do or clean :).

Your day sounds wonderful though--especially that long shower. Me oh my! I could do with one of those myself about now!

Happy 2009!

Suburbia said...

The clean slate of a new year this time are quite exciting! Hope your year is full of what you require.

As Cape Cod Turns said...

I love that you exfoliated for a new year! Maybe that's what I need to do?

Doing nothing is hard. Glad that you got a taste of it though!

Happy New Year!

Mama Dawg said...

I, too, have a hard time doing nothing. Glad you were able to and glad it seemed to help!

L.R. M-J said...

If you haven't read it, You MUST, MUST, MUST...read The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch...or watch it for free on his website...we watched it then read the book...it just puts so much into perspective, I think you'd really like it. It's going to be my new mantra...a little more sophisticated then my usual "you could get hit by a bus tomorrow, live today!"...