Happy Friday, friends. It’s (obviously) been a really inconsistent blogging week for me, but I honestly needed some time away from the screen. I had a record week for Zoom meetings, and that isn’t a good thing. If you’re actively participating and listening in a Zoom meeting – you really shouldn’t be doing anything else. As I learned in a course I took yesterday, multi-tasking is a thing of that past – it’s simply not possible to give 100% of your effort toward one task, while you are attempting to do another. So, all that Zoom, meant some later nights at my computer trying to get through the work that had piled up.
I’m hoping this is a one off week, and I also acknowledge that I know my February and March work calendar is packed to the brim (so, it won’t be like this forever). Here’s the thing for all of you in the working world: I’m not against delegating some of those meetings out – and you shouldn’t be either. I am a tad of a perfectionist, and I would like to be in those meetings to hear that information firsthand. I’m also a realist, and would really love that time back in my schedule to get to emails, projects, etc… So, I’m not against raising my hand to ask if someone might be able to step in for me on a meeting or two.
In going through my schedule next week, it looks a bit better, so I’m not dreading what’s coming down my pipeline. Also, my motto for the rest of this month is “progress, not perfection.” I realize that I’m not going to be able to get to all of those items on my to do list by the end of January, which is completely fine. As long as I can knock a couple of them off, I know I”m making progress!
Quick lunches
There were some days I was in back to back meetings, so I need to whip up lunch quickly. I think I threw in the towel around Monday evening when I realized I’d eaten a banana and some almonds for lunch, and I made a salad (in bulk) that would last me the rest of the week if I needed something quick.
This one has some kale, radicchio, quinoa and parmesan. I tossed it in an oil-based dressing, added some smoked tuna and avocado, and it was good to go. I’m actually going to finish off the last of it for my lunch this afternoon.
For an afternoon snack, I’ve been reheating pieces of this banana bread I made a couple of weeks ago. I froze the pieces, so all I need to do is reheat for about 30 seconds in the microwave, and it tastes like it just came out of the oven.
Throwing in the towel
Sometimes, it’s okay to acknowledge when you need to “throw in the towel.” Around Wednesday, I knew I needed to do something for myself. I needed a bit of a reset. So, I texted my tennis instructor and my friend to see if we could do a lesson that evening. And, we were able to get one in! Two hours on the court, and I was back in a good mindset. For those who are dying to know, we still aren’t great. We are learning how to serve and volley, and our teacher has resorted to using terminology he uses when he’s teaching kids. 🙂 The next Serena and Venus we are not.
It was a bit chilly out when we played, so I had to wear some layers. You all know I don’t love the cold weather.
Spuds
While the spuds are normally a favorite of mine, they have been testing my patience this week. It probably stems from the fact that they just aren’t getting as much attention when I’m glued to my webcam all day. So, I had to run to Petsmart and grab the Spuds some toys. I need to do a toy review soon for tough chewers (because I’ve got two big chewers in the house). I was interested to see how long this one would last, and he’s still going strong. I will admit, he’s lost some stuffing along the way.
I have also ordered some Smart Bones on the advice of a friend. Sawyer used to love rawhides, but I know they aren’t great for dogs. We haven’t let the Spuds have a rawhide, and I’m interested to see if they like the Smart Bones when they arrive.
We’ve had some sleepy Spuds at the end of the day also.
Running
And don’t worry, I’ve still been able to get some runs in. In fact, they’ve been crucial at allowing me to disconnect form work – and get into life mode at the end of my days.
Getting Ready
And finally, getting myself ready for work has done wonders. Don’t get me wrong, many of my days are spent in yoga pants, comfy socks – and a blouse – all for the purpose of Zoom. But, when I feel like it might be difficult for me to get focused and stay present, it helps me to get ready. To do my hair, makeup and get dressed in pants that aren’t yoga pants! Although, as I’m writing this, I’m in my yoga pants – and sweatshirt – because I’ve only got one more meeting left on the books for this week.
Happy weekending, friends.
