The Kat Files

Hello, my dear readers! Remember me. It has been over a year since my last blog post. I apologize for being away for so long. I have no excuses except that I did not do a terrific job of practicing self-care this past school year. I’m what Gretchen Rubin would call an Obliger. Unless I have something at stake in my areas of self-care, I will make work or family obligations a priority over other areas in my life. This type of prioritization clearly equals burn out. Therefore, this summer I did nothing but practice self-care. Now, on the eve of reporting back to school for workshops, assignment changes, and classroom preparation, I am singing (humming is more like it) the summertime blues. Because for me, the summertime allows a more flexible schedule and the ability to move at a more comfortable pace. Today, I will wallow in the wonderful memories I created this summer. Let me share with you the highlights of my respite from school.

June provided relaxation, entertainment, and creative expression. 

Relaxation: stayed up later/slept later, read a book about habits, walked daily, had lunch with a friend, and watched more television

Entertainment: Barry, Jr. and I booked a room in New Orleans and attended a concert. It was the first time the two of us did something like this together. After parking the car and checking into the hotel, we dined at the Hard Rock Cafe. Afterwards, we took a taxi to the Civic Theatre to rock out with Rob Zombie. Awesome! Then we walked over to Bourbon Street to check out the sights. The next morning we visited the Aquarium. The penguins, seahorses, and otters are my favorite. Before heading home, we ate a scrumptious meal at Drago’s.

Later that week, my boys and I went to a Zephyrs baseball game. It was the first time for Andrew, and he absolutely enjoyed it!

Creative Expression: I took a weekly acting class to exercise my mental muscle and get out of my comfort zone. At the end of the month for four days, I attended the TAC Scrapbook Convention at the Airport Hilton with my BFF and our scrapbooking buddies. I worked on layouts from our Zombie Run, a homecoming dance that Barry, Jr. attended in high school, and our first year we went to Comic Con. I won third place in a page layout contest and donned a tiara.

July provided more relaxation, entertainment, and organization. 

Relaxation: went to bed earlier/woke up earlier, read a book about creating fringe hours, walked daily, had lunches with friends and family, and started re-watching the X-Files to prepare for its reboot in January

Entertainment: movies on Tuesday afternoons with my boys; another Aquarium visit, but this time with Andrew

Organization:  I began to reorganize my scrapbook room and my extensive home library (both are a work in progress). And, I took care of purchasing new uniforms and school shoes for Andrew for his FRESHMAN year of high school. I still have school supplies to buy; however, I will take care of that in the upcoming week.

I move through the summer like I’m floating on a raft on a lazy flowing river with occasional stops along the way. My stress level is much lower, almost nonexistent, and I can take my time with self-care. While I’ve made a promise to myself to be better about self-care during the upcoming school year, I lament the end of my summertime break because I know my relaxed schedule is about to speed up rapidly.

Wishing you my readers, a relaxing Sunday. Happiness!

“You must eliminate self-imposed pressures in your life to enjoy a more fruitful life. You cannot be everything for everyone. Moreover, if you do not take time for yourself, you will flatline. Pursue a life of joy and contentment, and you will be happier, healthier, and more at peace. Making time for yourself is both necessary and fulfilling.” ~ Jessica N. Turner, The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You