allezhop

I remember walking to school as a teenager and noticing an elderly man who watered his garden every morning at the exact time I passed by. I couldn’t imagine why anyone would be up that early if they didn’t have to. (I assumed a lot back then, but that’s sixteen for you.) Now, I’ve become that person. On my days off, I wake up before dawn to enjoy my routines and get everything done before lunch so I can laze about all afternoon.

(I don’t know if that man ever lazed about, but I certainly do.)

I don’t really celebrate holidays anymore. Since I’m usually desperate for downtime and a break from being around people, I’ve created my own solo traditions - like a Harry Potter marathon - and specific foods that I love. I’m content. In the back of my mind, I know there is always the option to start new traditions with friends who also don’t have local family if I ever crave human contact. So far, though, that hasn't been the case.

Yesterday, I made progress on my next video by recording the audio and adding the images. I’m not entirely happy with the audio, though; it dropped out in a few spots early on, likely because of how I set the noise filter. I might re-record it today, or I might just let it be. I want to create quality content, but letting go of perfectionism is often the only way I can create anything at all. It’s a hard balance to find.

In the afternoon, I spent a lot of time reading and did a DIY version of a vibroacoustic bed at home. I used a vibrating pad and binaural beats; they weren't synced the way a professional sound bed would be, but it was still deeply relaxing and meditative. (I incorporate meditation and self-hypnosis to all of these sessions.) I also watched Resident Alien. The end of season two is an improvement, but I’ve heard the final two seasons are very short. It’s a shame it didn't maintain the same excellent blend of comedy and characterization of the first season, but oh well.

So far today, I’ve finished my morning routine, done some gentle yoga, and taken out the trash. I tidied the kitchen a little, too. I still need to vacuum upstairs, but I’ll save that for later in the morning so I'm not being a terrible neighbor.

It’s a rainy day, so I’m tempted to just read all morning, but I think I’ll compromise by working on my video from the comfort of my bed.

Since last week, I’ve been battling this low-key "ick": a little bit of congestion, a general sense of being "crummy," and lingering exhaustion. Since I've been doing really well with routines, I might have tried to power through it, but right now, I’m trying to balance my energy as I balance my budget.

Yesterday, I planned to hit my home strength barbell routine. I finished the warm-up, but my body gave me a very clear NO, but I did pick up the barbell for a few squats before I listened- since the NO didn't stop.

Instead of giving up on everything and just playing my games in bed, I ran a load of laundry and spent five minutes on the dishes. These were small tasks, but they kept the house functioning without draining my battery.

After that, I prioritized a scarf I’ve been knitting. I had a goal to give a bunch of these away to my colleagues today, and I didn't want to push that to the last day before break. So, I gave myself permission to spend the afternoon and early evening in "recovery mode" - just me, my knitting needles, and the TV. (My colleagues were delighted with the gifts. :) ) 

I woke up this morning still feeling exhausted and a bit congested, but I made it to work. I do believe that if I had pushed through my workout and routine yesterday, I would be home in bed today. With  the break just a couple of days away, I really don't want to get sick; so I'm feeling good about my choices to change things up.

Now I'm in my bolstered bed nest to blog and work on my YouTube scripts. I'm dead tired, so I will get up in a bit to shower so I don't fall asleep too early. 

One more day!