Layover

Let’s see….in the last week and a half, I have spent time decomposing—make that decompressing—whatever! I have slept until I am ready to get up every morning; picked strawberries; made jam; reconnected with friends at a networking event; cooked dinner (yikes!—but just one time); gone shopping with no money (compare that to taking an alcoholic to a beer tasting); did a classy photo shoot at “The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg” for a NY agency (that was cool!); written numerous blogs; had breakfast with friends; walked approximately a hundred miles (more or less); took naps; wrote more blogs; talked to my Aunt Kay; started reading a book by William Faulkner; took more naps; wrote blogs (did I mention that already?); tried to set up lunch dates with my kids because I have nothing else to do—but they are busy working (remember "Cat's in the Cradle"?); scheduled a trip to Oklahoma; started to understand a book by William Faulkner; wrote blogs; called most everyone I know because I have nothing else to do; thought about what I want to do in the future; tried really hard to figure out how I can justify a NY shopping trip with no money; procrastinated doing most things because, “I can do that tomorrow.”

Are there any rules on this? As you know, I like rules. Let’s write some:

What to Do When You Have Nothing Really to Do

1. Enjoy the time. It won’t last long.


2. Remember when you would have killed for this time alone.


3. Resist the temptation to eat constantly.


4. Clean house. You can’t afford the maid anymore.


5. Write some blogs and spam your friends’ emails with notices every time you post a new one.


6. Do your own nails. It may be a while before you can afford a manicure and pedicure.


7. Daydream about whatever. Just let your mind wander.


8. Read a difficult book—like one by William Faulkner. He doesn't follow the rules very well!


9. Clean out the bathroom cabinets…tomorrow.


10. Call your friends. Sure, they’re really busy, but what the heck, you’re bored and they are nice about it.


11. Check your email every 7 minutes. Reading junk mail is underrated.


12. Check your phone’s caller ID. Maybe it rang and you just didn’t hear it.


13. Go to Barnes & Noble and just hang out and drink lattes with the other losers. Just kidding. They’re not losers. They’re just retired.


14. Pile the dishes in the sink. You can wash them tomorrow.


15. Walk 3-5 miles a day…or quit eating so much!


16. Let you naturally curly hair have its way for a change.


17. Wash your own car. That guy that comes to the office and washes it? He costs money.


18. Sit in the sunroom and enjoy the gorgeous view and wildlife. This you can afford.


19. Download new songs from iTunes.


20. Wish you had the money to replace your broken iPod.


21. Plan what to wear to your phantom job interviews.


22. Worry about your present situation…tomorrow.


23. Check your bank account for overdrafts hourly.


24. Go get something to eat and take a nap.


25. Carpe diem!!

Oh, and be sure to schedule at least one important action item per day. But if you don't get around to it, don't worry. You can always do it tomorrow.

This won’t last forever. But then, if it does? So what!