jakorte's blog

I planned on getting the henna, but I hadn’t chosen where I would carry my transient art or even what it might be. That took a few page flips and about three minutes of decision making. As opposed to long term decisions, something in the short-term, non-permanence category affords me brief, joyful, self-permission for impromptu.

Unless of course, I have something else in mind: then I need to consider schedule implications. For me, creating reasonable schedules in advance lessens the stress of wondering when I will or can get things done. I had planned fun for Sunday, so all those normal Sunday assignments needed to be moved to other days. Half went to Saturday, some went to Monday and Tuesday.

Alas, another week’s list of tasks derailed Saturday afternoon and hasn’t gotten back on track, yet. To my immediate delight, Saturday must-do’s were delayed by a sudden kitten, and a case of long standing duo of puppies-love. Sunday was reworked because I had too much fun. Walking around the Renaissance Fair for seven hours negated the desire (and somewhat the ability) to proceed on schedule. Monday’s last minute call from a friend gladly piled everything forward into Tuesday and Wednesday. Until I realized that a well-loved writing group was being meeting on Tuesday.

Tomorrow is Wednesday. I’m already stacked and stretched with a fair amount of stress, feeling close to fracture. I can still accomplish the needs and goals I’m reaching for if I buckle down and get serious. I will attack four days worth of previously properly spaced achievables in preparation for my Thursday plan.

Even through all the self-torturous, guilt-ridden reworking, there is this most important revelation: I may not have conquered a list, but that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed impromptu. A beautiful unusual autumn-hued reminder catches my eye mid-task, reminding me of how I came about it. For a moment I indulged; for a short while I’ve colored my world and my hand. I appreciate and celebrate moments and memories spent and saved with friends and family, and how gloriously off-track I am!