Friday, June 6, 2008

It's no holiday finding seven ways to pass the time of day

I'm really going to have to stop using Fred Smith lyrics as post titles one of these days ... but not yet. His lyrics are gold for times like this.

I finished up work on Wednesday. I wish they'd warn you how much time you'd have to spend deleting files and emails and filling in forms and doing exit interviews and arguing about money and process with HR - Wednesday was a 10 1/2 hour day and I only came home when Scott phoned me and screamed "what the HELL are you still doing there?".

It took only 10 minutes yesterday morning to realise I am not one for being idle and silent. I went to talk to the broadbeans but they didn't talk back. Disappointing bunch.

Broadbeans

The broccoli weren't much friendlier.

English Spinach and Broccoli

(We've had to possum-proof our vegie patch - Porku Possum seems to have followed us from Emu Ridge and has taken to snacking on our broccoli seedlings and strawberries.)

Luckily the electrician came over for a couple of hours so I had someone to talk to. I did force myself to sit down for 2 hours to watch some Gilmore Girls on DVD, but it was hard. In those two hours I also made Leek and Potato Soup, Spinach and Mushroom Risotto and mixed the bread dough for rising and baking this morning, so I really wasn't sitting down that much, was I? Then I paced up and down the lounge room waiting for Scott to come home.

I'm going to have to learn how to relax.

This morning I was up earlier than I usually am when I have to go to work (this is getting ridiculous, ), and I baked bread for Scott to take to work with his soup. June Cleever, move on over.

Home made bread

It is just perfect bread, using the no-knead recipe for Domaine de l'Arlot bread. I got it from Scott who got it from a workmate who got it from the Canberra Times, but I notice the link is actually a copy of her article.

Finally, thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts. I've definitely felt your support over the last week. As much as I am delighted to be paid for doing nothing the next 79 weeks, it's been a cruel and stressful time, and I think it will take me a while to get over what has happened. So please, there is nothing to be jealous of. And while I wouldn't wish this on anyone, the piss-off money will help me bring down our mortgage and enable me to check out whether getting further into the craft business is really worth it.

*edited to add some Fred for your amusement.


11 comments:

  1. There are days when I talk to no other adults whatsoever until my husband gets home. I hear you. It's only Day One, though. I bet you'll settle things out and find a routine that works for you. Meanwhile, enjoy all that yummy food!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your bread looks wonderful... I'll be thinking of you in this time of change. In the last few weeks, I've been setting daily creative goals, and find they really help me.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Like Amy said, you'll get into the swing of things in time, don't be too hard on yourself. Maybe make a list of things you've wanted to make but never had time, and set a plan for working through that?

    ReplyDelete
  4. sounds like you need a Daily Routine. Me, I'd sleep in and then knit all day. In my jarmies. I definitely need a Daily Routine!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh my... you seem a little lost. I have no problem filling in my empty days. In fact, I need to schedule time to do the boring stuff like shower, eat, brush my teeth etc etc. I'm like rose red, I find it very difficult not to spend all day knitting in my jarmies :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a crappy time of it you've had Michelle! Try to take care of yourself, and in a weird way you will eventually learn to enjoy the time off. Hubby has been retrenched twice now - it does great things for the mortgage and has actually always ended up well for us. Hopefully it will all end up well for you too!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ooh, I LOVE Fred Smith!! Thanx for including the clip! I'm coming to realise that you and I have quite similar taste in music!!
    Good luck as you settle into the time off! I'm ashamed to say my days at home are nowhere near as productive as your first couple have been already!! But I'm enjoying just relaxing :)
    Nice to catch up on Thursday!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jeez woman, slow down! How will a mere mortla like me keep up with this craking pace when I finsih up next week? Talk about set the bar high.

    Sounds like youre still buzzing....as RR said, hopefully when you find a routine and get some longer-term tasks going you will find the time to chill a bit.

    And if not, I've got dozens of things to do over here and you can talk all you want!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm sure you'll settle into a routine of sorts. You certainly haven't stopped yet !

    ReplyDelete
  10. Congratulations on your leap of faith. Im sure you'll learn how to pass the time in no time!

    ReplyDelete
  11. That bread looks divine!

    I am sure you'll get used to all the free time soon enough! Just try and remember all the things you wanted to do...but never had the time!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by! I love reading your comments, but if you're anonymous please tell me who you are.