I Got Big Plans

In November, my girl, Rachel L. Hough, and I went to her lake house where I pounded out 15,000 words on my next book Life With Extra Cheese. Since that time, I've not added one single word on it. Not one.

I've met all of my deadlines. I've blogged (some), but as far as the book goes? I just haven't had the time or the energy. We'll blame the holidays. Also, we'll blame the fact that my life has seemed completely unorganized.

Last night as I lay in bed watching Orange Is The New Black, I was jealous of the fact the the girls (not the inmates...that's so rude) were putting together a newsletter. I ached wanting to write, but since it was well after midnight, I couldn't very well justify getting out of bed and writing. Plus, I was unorganized. What would I write anyway?

So, I looked at (lusted after) Erin Condren's Life Planners. Then I watched her video and learned about the coolness of her life planners. All of a sudden I'm a former meth head with my hands in the air shouting hallelujahs like Pennsatucky was bringing the word to the community room at Litchfield.

Then I bought one. I bought a life planner. It arrives in two weeks. I cannot wait to get myself organized.

'Cause, really, all I am missing from getting organized is a pretty life planner.

Thanks, Rachel and Rachel and Brian

In September, my friend Rachel Hough said, "Hey! I've got a lake house--let's go!" So this weekend we did. 

I've spent the past few months trying to find my new balance. Briley is in the fifth grade (which is the worst grade ever invented if you ask me); Hadley's in her last year of middle school; Brian's busy with teaching and picking up the pieces that I drop as I try to juggle my life. The transition of having my mom at home with us has really been an easy one, but it's a change nonetheless. My last TMI Mom book, Girlfriend Rules, was just published and my next book, Life With Extra Cheese, was moving along slowly.

Normally, once the girls are in bed, I sit down and write a few chapters.

Lately, though, once the girls (including my mom) are in bed, I crawl into my own bed and essentially start drooling before my head hits the pillow. (Don't worry about it, though; the cats lick up my face for me.)

The most common question I'm asked when I am speaking or presenting is "How do you do it all?" Up until recently, I would just shrug my shoulders and say I didn't know. And I really didn't know. It just worked, and it just happened.

The past few months, though, I've felt literally drained. I needed to be revived. I needed some time--just time.

So with a ton of momma (and daughter) guilt, my mom went to stay with my sister, Rachel, Brian wrangled the kids (including one that developed strep throat) and I went to the lake with my friend, Rachel.

 

It was exactly what I needed. We didn't have wi-fi, which was a good thing. We had Taco Doritos and peanut M & Ms, which was also a good thing. I changed into yoga pants on Friday evening and didn't change out of them until this morning. This was a very good thing.

My mind cleared. My shoulders eased. My words flowed.

Ahhh ... it was  good weekend. Thanks, Rachel, Rachel and Brian for letting it happen.