88 days come and gone.
Accomplishments? perhaps. Was it worth it? absolutely.
Now it is back to work!
Much work to be done on my site, blogs, client's work, house, etc etc etc.
but this time I will remember to breathe
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Day 84 - Where I am and What I Have learned
Well, I am coming up on my 90 days and just in time. I have found that I have a hard time not working... as I started doing some freelance right away. And in the last 90 days I decided to move from NY to SC, sold a house, bought a house and spent the majority of my "sabbatical" running around talking to attorneys and realtors, electricians and miscellaneous other folks who I never expected to share this time with. It is funny how life changes in just a short amount of time.
I have yet to complete my list, but that is ok. I have learned that some things take time. It will give me things to do as I get settled in my new town. The snow here is Rochester is making climbing a tree and skydiving a little less appealling, but Spring comes quicker in SC, so I am looking forward to completing those tasks soon.
I have been able to spend time with friends. Perhaps not as much as I would have liked, but time nonetheless. Quality over quantity. And I hope to continue that contact after I move. It will be interesting to see with whom I am able to stay in touch. Distance works for some relationships and kills others...
Life has slowed down in the last couple weeks as the turmoil of moving has become a fact. It will re-ignite in the coming weeks as that reality comes into being. For now I am living in my old house surrounded by boxes and things to be packed. A month from know I will be living in my new house surrounded by boxes and things to be unpacked. Same but different.
I have learned a lot, although not what I expected. I had hoped to write my book, or at least put a good dent into it and I can't say that that really happened. I can say that the ideas have solidified and having done this I think that it will be a stronger book. But that is yet to be seen. Time will tell--as it always does.
Thanks for sticking with me on this journey, I will keep you posted as there is more to report. - Meg
I have yet to complete my list, but that is ok. I have learned that some things take time. It will give me things to do as I get settled in my new town. The snow here is Rochester is making climbing a tree and skydiving a little less appealling, but Spring comes quicker in SC, so I am looking forward to completing those tasks soon.
I have been able to spend time with friends. Perhaps not as much as I would have liked, but time nonetheless. Quality over quantity. And I hope to continue that contact after I move. It will be interesting to see with whom I am able to stay in touch. Distance works for some relationships and kills others...
Life has slowed down in the last couple weeks as the turmoil of moving has become a fact. It will re-ignite in the coming weeks as that reality comes into being. For now I am living in my old house surrounded by boxes and things to be packed. A month from know I will be living in my new house surrounded by boxes and things to be unpacked. Same but different.
I have learned a lot, although not what I expected. I had hoped to write my book, or at least put a good dent into it and I can't say that that really happened. I can say that the ideas have solidified and having done this I think that it will be a stronger book. But that is yet to be seen. Time will tell--as it always does.
Thanks for sticking with me on this journey, I will keep you posted as there is more to report. - Meg
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The book took a turn
My latest book took a turn this morning as I was driving around running errands. Up until now I have been thinking of the book as a time management book - and the irony of that was that I was having trouble finding the time to get it written. In a spurt of inspiration today I decided the book I would really like to write is more about relationships - friends, family, spouse, children, coworkers, strangers - geared towards Introverts. ("Hi, I'm Meg" The Shy Girl's Guide to Making Friends, New Contacts and Other Important Relationships) I have been told I need to capitalize on the niche that was carved out by my first book: Confessions of an Introvert-- and since this is where my passion is right now, this makes sense. The focus-refocus has energized my thinking and want of writing. This is a good thing!
On a side note my website has been going through a change-over/update again as I refocus that as well - much work still needs to be done as I added pages and need to re-arrange content, but I am taking bug reports/ideas at meghanwier@meghanwier.com. THANKS -
Meg
On a side note my website has been going through a change-over/update again as I refocus that as well - much work still needs to be done as I added pages and need to re-arrange content, but I am taking bug reports/ideas at meghanwier@meghanwier.com. THANKS -
Meg
Monday, January 15, 2007
Day 77
Day 77 or so and my 90 day plan is full of new experiences - but none I expected. With an upcoming move, I am learning things about new utility companies, school districts, mortgages, attorneys.... not how I thought my sabbatical would go - but interesting and exciting nonetheless...
Friday, December 29, 2006
Holidays
Visiting my inlaws at the holidays makes me twitchy.
Very twitchy.
I am fortunate that they are a good family--but the noise! I am barraged by the endless bickering for the sake of being heard, and the general angst brewing amongst them drives the introvert in me crazy.
Coping with the visits with my husband's family is probably the hardest thing that I do and still call "vacation."
Family situations can be rough no matter who the family is, and holidays are filled with the noise and unusual people anyway. I have at this point, several years of these visits under my belt, and I have yet to leave without a stress migrane or cigarette-induced asthma.
So, this year I am writing this book as a coping mechanism. I have also found that the community laundromat is a quiet hideaway--and a place near enough that I can disappear to collect my head, breathe and come back with a bit of refreshed attitude (without being considered "missing" and having the police called).
Here are some ways for you to gather your self and find calm in a sea of chaos (or family):
Walk Away - Walking away for 5, 10, 15...or more minutes during a holiday party, gathering or visit can be just the thing to bring you back to a more social demeanor.
Find a Hiding Place - Just like my laundromat, you should seek out a place to be and relax where people aren't likely to interrupt your quest for calm. I have talked to many introverts who have confessed to using the bathroom at parties as a place to collect themselves in relative quiet. I have been known to do the same (and for almost every lunch period in 9th grade, but that is another story), but as of late, I have been smart enough to scope out a few hiding places ahead of time. The "where" depends in where I am of course, but a little recon goes a long way to finding a more hospitable (and better smelling) place to take a moment.
The Buddy System - A spouse, child, or friend can be a godsend in a tiresome family situation. Give them a heads up and work out a system where they can be your advocate when you need to take a breather. And who is going to be upset if you "need" to take your kid home early!
Take a Call - In this age of ever-connectedness, if you need a little break from the festivities, take (or make) a call. I called my dad to chat the other day in the midst of a particularly stressful holiday gathering. The brief walk outside and the calm of taking to my dad, (who himself understands the stress of large family get-togethers) was enough to allow me to face the rest of the event.
Have a Drink - Your choice on alcohol vs. not. (You will know when to bring out the heavy artillery!) A beverage to drink gives you something to focus on, a reason to get up and walk away to fill your cup, and it can be calming. Just be careful to drink in moderation--for obvious reasons (i.e it scares people when the introvert of the party suddenly gets on the table to dance--trust me).
Those are some basic coping mechanisms for family gatherings. You will undoubtedly develop your own and adjust them to your situation, but remember that it is always better to take the time you need to be social, than to lose your cool with your loved ones, or cause yourself damaging stress.
Very twitchy.
I am fortunate that they are a good family--but the noise! I am barraged by the endless bickering for the sake of being heard, and the general angst brewing amongst them drives the introvert in me crazy.
Coping with the visits with my husband's family is probably the hardest thing that I do and still call "vacation."
Family situations can be rough no matter who the family is, and holidays are filled with the noise and unusual people anyway. I have at this point, several years of these visits under my belt, and I have yet to leave without a stress migrane or cigarette-induced asthma.
So, this year I am writing this book as a coping mechanism. I have also found that the community laundromat is a quiet hideaway--and a place near enough that I can disappear to collect my head, breathe and come back with a bit of refreshed attitude (without being considered "missing" and having the police called).
Here are some ways for you to gather your self and find calm in a sea of chaos (or family):
Walk Away - Walking away for 5, 10, 15...or more minutes during a holiday party, gathering or visit can be just the thing to bring you back to a more social demeanor.
Find a Hiding Place - Just like my laundromat, you should seek out a place to be and relax where people aren't likely to interrupt your quest for calm. I have talked to many introverts who have confessed to using the bathroom at parties as a place to collect themselves in relative quiet. I have been known to do the same (and for almost every lunch period in 9th grade, but that is another story), but as of late, I have been smart enough to scope out a few hiding places ahead of time. The "where" depends in where I am of course, but a little recon goes a long way to finding a more hospitable (and better smelling) place to take a moment.
The Buddy System - A spouse, child, or friend can be a godsend in a tiresome family situation. Give them a heads up and work out a system where they can be your advocate when you need to take a breather. And who is going to be upset if you "need" to take your kid home early!
Take a Call - In this age of ever-connectedness, if you need a little break from the festivities, take (or make) a call. I called my dad to chat the other day in the midst of a particularly stressful holiday gathering. The brief walk outside and the calm of taking to my dad, (who himself understands the stress of large family get-togethers) was enough to allow me to face the rest of the event.
Have a Drink - Your choice on alcohol vs. not. (You will know when to bring out the heavy artillery!) A beverage to drink gives you something to focus on, a reason to get up and walk away to fill your cup, and it can be calming. Just be careful to drink in moderation--for obvious reasons (i.e it scares people when the introvert of the party suddenly gets on the table to dance--trust me).
Those are some basic coping mechanisms for family gatherings. You will undoubtedly develop your own and adjust them to your situation, but remember that it is always better to take the time you need to be social, than to lose your cool with your loved ones, or cause yourself damaging stress.
Day 60
I am not sure why it seems like I am always trying to catch up. I suppose there must, naturally, be times where I must not be doing what I should be doing. Hmm like maybe this morning when I slept in. I think I made it to 9:30. Not exactly the noon I have been aiming for, but a good amount of time just spent sleeping in. I still have plenty of things left on my to-do list, so maybe it is best that I save that one as a celebration... (sorry - random blogging/thinking).
The house went on the market today. Or at least the sign is in the yard and the info at the real estate agent's. I think it still need to be entered in the website but it is a start. No turning back now. And right on time the water-heater finally went. A new one gets put in tomorrow.
I finished up sending out Christmas cards today. Yes, it is after Christmas. So they are New Year's cards...Merry Holiday. That took the better part of the day, but I feel 100% better for having that done. Also to send out tomorrow are bills, and an over-due Christmas present to a good friend's daughter and one to my sister. Presents are always better after the hustle and bustle of the holidays right?
I got a chance to write a little in Florida. I am not sure how what I wrote will eventually fit into the book, but it was what came out of me at the time, and therefore must be meaningful (or at least that is what I tell myself.)
The house went on the market today. Or at least the sign is in the yard and the info at the real estate agent's. I think it still need to be entered in the website but it is a start. No turning back now. And right on time the water-heater finally went. A new one gets put in tomorrow.
I finished up sending out Christmas cards today. Yes, it is after Christmas. So they are New Year's cards...Merry Holiday. That took the better part of the day, but I feel 100% better for having that done. Also to send out tomorrow are bills, and an over-due Christmas present to a good friend's daughter and one to my sister. Presents are always better after the hustle and bustle of the holidays right?
I got a chance to write a little in Florida. I am not sure how what I wrote will eventually fit into the book, but it was what came out of me at the time, and therefore must be meaningful (or at least that is what I tell myself.)
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
OMG
I am so glad to be home! I am back from a week with the in-laws which followed that whirl-wind trip to the Carolinas. I have so much fantastic book material in my head--too bad I'll have to wait for the people responsible to die before I can write it down.
I did get to read a bunch - fulfilling that "read stuff" thing on my list. I know that I have a bunch more things to do on that list, but I will get to them soon!
Sad news in that I didn't get to do the skydiving thing. Yet. I will though!
Happy Holidays all - I am off to bloggity blog blog. Much work to be done on that and the www.MeghanWier.com site tonight.
I did get to read a bunch - fulfilling that "read stuff" thing on my list. I know that I have a bunch more things to do on that list, but I will get to them soon!
Sad news in that I didn't get to do the skydiving thing. Yet. I will though!
Happy Holidays all - I am off to bloggity blog blog. Much work to be done on that and the www.MeghanWier.com site tonight.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Day 49
I think I have figured it out... it is day 49. I am doing better today and getting ready to do the Florida thing -- maybe I will check out the skydiving situation in Tampa :)
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