Friday, January 04, 2013

Recuperating

A New Year, and I am still in recovery 
(post-Holiday recovery mode--
happens every year.)  

Well, several times every year,
because it makes for a great excuse
 to pretty much shut down everything 
except what I want to do.

Now, what I want to do can vary greatly.

Some days I might choose to remain 
in my pj's all day with a cuppa and a book.

In the first 3 days of this year, 
I've drunk endless cups of tea and read 3 books.
This may sound challenging,
but consider that I might read from
6:00 PM until 12:00 AM--or even later.
I am a high stamina reader.

Some days I might be in the cleaning
and clearing out mode.
(This is a frequent choice in the delusional
optimism associated with a New Year.)

So far, I've cleaned out four drawers,
and straightened out the linen closet.

Although I had great intentions
of continuing the drawer and closet
challenge...I fear I've run out of steam
(and interest)
in continuing that particular project.
For now, at least.

I make lists.
Long ones.
Of what I want to make, or do,
or should do, 
but probably won't.

I contemplate.
I vegetate.

I browse Pinterest
and ooh and ahh
and make more lists.

Then pick up another book.
Eat the last of the 
tomato basil soup.

I did throw away all left overs from New Year's--
cabbage, black peas, cornbread,
but 
didn't really "clean" the fridge.

I've been in a frenzy of review writing
for my book blog:

The Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: 
The Epic Live and 
Eternal Photographs of Edward Curtis
by Timothy Egan

The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

Two Dystopian Novels
(One Second After and World War Z)

Why won't I review the darn books
as soon as I finish them?
So many more to review from 2012.

And since right now I'm in an intense
reading cycle, more books to review
keep adding up.
MUST
finish 2012 books first!

I found this list by Rhymes with Magic
that cracks me up
because
it is so real.

Resolutions?
I've had a few...

I suppose that is part
of what all the lists are about.

So, how is your New Year progressing?


11 comments:

  1. I'm in a (holiday) recuperative state, myself, doing much the same as you have been (minus the book review thing, though I have been reading a lot). I also have done 2 blog posts in the first 3 days of 2013: wow! I am also in my pjs as I type this =-) Happy New Year!

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  2. My new year is progressing quite abnormally, which means I'm not quilting enough! You seem to be making all kinds of progress. Love your "high stamina reader" term....I say I "wolf-down" books, as opposed to someone who savors books (for me everything is compared to eating).
    Great post, Jenclair, you've inspired me, again!

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  3. DebbyMc - Love the holidays, but the aftermath is like a activity/over-eating hangover! I'm so glad you are back to blogging! Aren't pj days relaxing? Happy New Year, Debby, to you and your family!


    Mary - You must be doing a little basking in the satisfaction of having a quilt selected for the QuiltCon in Austin and an article for The Quilt Pattern Magazine. Bon Bons to you, Mary!

    I "wolf-down" most books and savor a chosen few--reminds me of that Francis Bacon quote:
    Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts, others to be read, but not curiously, and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention.

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  4. Jenclair~ I made a sign for my studio door awhile back that said something about staying in my PJ's making art all day!
    I'm reading "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed. It's very good and I'm trying real hard to get it done as it is due back at the library on the 12th!! Think I'll go read now...

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  5. I think some people might call me a high stamina reader, but compared to you, I'm not! I can't focus that long on a book, or at least not most books. But that's okay -- I guess I end up reading my fair share :) Happy New Year!

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  6. Great post! I have no expectations of myself. If I feel like staying under the covers and turning on the TV, I do. If I want to pass on the housework and read a book, that's exactly what I do. I guess it's part of being retired and being old enough to feel I've earned the right to do what I want to do and when I want to do it. Woohoo!

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  7. Nancy - Great sign and no greater luxury than staying in pj's and indulging in creative activity. I'm not so creative at the moment, but still big on indulging myself.


    Rebecca H. - :) Didn't recognize you at first, especially not on this blog, instead of the book blog. Being retired offers long periods of doing whatever I want; teaching requires so much time--working hours extending long beyond classes, so your reading is pretty impressive!


    Rian - I love retirement! Just wish I could take as many fascinating trips as you and Jim, but my travel stamina is not that great. Woohoo Retirement is right!


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  8. Wow Jenclair. That's stamina. Books, decluttering and more books.

    I've at least 3 books to finish plus 3 from the library. Also taking eCourses about evolution and University Spanish.

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  9. Simpleimages2 - So far, so good. :)

    Sound as if you are keeping yourself busy, too!

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  10. I can't wait until I retire and can have lazy days of reading and staying in my jammies. You keep so busy. You can declutter my house anytime! haha.

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  11. Stephie - Retirement is wonderful! This cleaning, organizing, decluttering may not last much longer, though!

    I still have a few goals to get through, then back just to regular housekeeping.

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Good to hear from you!