I say, What?...

I have come to the conclusion that one of the major advantages of retirement is also the biggest disadvantage.

Yup, the fact that there is always tomorrow.  

The advantage of not doing something today is that I can always do it tomorrow.

The disadvantage of not doing something today is that I can always do it tomorrow.

But, what if tomorrow never comes?  Not really 'what if tomorrow never comes',  but rather, 'what if I never think this is the tomorrow that I will/can do it'?  Whatever 'it' is.  

I am the Queen of Procrastination.

 
Here's the deal...

I have a long list of things to do.  Yet, with no urgency involved in getting things done...with having all day every day, rather than only the hours after work and the weekends, I tend to put things off and sometimes just plain don't get at them.

Back in August, after a month of being retired, I instituted a daily schedule...a routine, of sorts.  That's all fine and good.  When I follow it, things get done.

But, what if something upsets the apple cart.  Or, what if I don't feel like doing things in that order that day...I would rather not do 'that', but would rather do 'this'.
 
I guess I need to feel some sort of urgency.   

Take, for example, making Christmas gifts.

Two weeks ago, I decided what I wanted to make for each person on my list.  I gathered some of the fabric needed and made a note of what fabrics I might need to buy.  A good start, I thought.  Well, that's all I did.  I have too much other stuff to do.

Yes, but did I do that other stuff?  Um....no.  Well, perhaps some of it, but I certainly did not put my nose to the grindstone.  Not.  At.  All.

So, I now have set deadlines for myself.  Let us see how that works, shall we?  Now, mind you, I still need to be making doll clothes,  doll quilts, carry cots, and other items for my business.

How to deal with that?  Separating what needs to get done.  I think a good plan is to work on my business sewing during the week and devote my weekends to gift-making.  I think my focus and concentration will improve with that in mind.

So.  The first project for this weekend involves these squares.

I am going to make a set of coasters for my Aunt Bev.  Perhaps 4.  Perhaps more.  We shall see how much fun I'm having.  The coasters match a table runner that I made for her a few years ago.  See it here.
I will not go to bed tonight until they are done.  I have several hours, so I should be able to get them done. If I apply myself. Which, may I say, I really must do.

~sigh~

The life of a retiree.


On another note...I finished a doll outfit.  This one is not for Aubrey (and Aubrey was her name), but will be placed for sale in my Etsy shop sometime this next week. 

Did you notice the itty-bitty cross stitches on the sleeve edges?  Just an extra little touch...

Okay, I must go and get started.  I have deadlines to meet, after all.  ~grin~

I hope you're getting done what you want/need to!

Have a great weekend!




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11