“The Dog” Journal
Welcome to the Dog Journal, a blog where I periodically share my best finds for taming those puppies that gnaw at your planner.
Could be a quick time management tip, a smell-the-flowers moment, a comment overheard on the elevator. Whatever the inspiration, I hope you’ll blog right along with me by commenting and sharing your tips and stories for taming an overbooked life.
Sometimes Late Is Good
Couldn’t help reflecting yesterday on the day the dog really ate my planner. May 9 was exactly one year since my husband’s unexpected death.
Rarely did the dog eat his planner. He did not overbook and was ridiculously punctual. Among his things were eight watches and five replacement bands.
No surprise that for important appointments he was always on time. I just wish he’d been late for the final one. At least a decade or so would have been nice.
Take Five For People-Watching
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Funny what the most memorable part of traveling can be. In Philly for a meeting, I took to people-watching. Memorable, for sure. Not that people-watching in Columbus, OH is less exciting. It’s just that the press of errands and deadlines discourages this engaging sport.
For writers and daydreamers, there is no better break. In front of the Radisson Warwick, in the heart of downtown, three of us had plenty to gawk at: prom-goers emerging from shiny black limos, upscale young couples pulled along by leashed puffs of thoroughbred puppies, and most memorably a tall blonde in an orange chiffon gown and spike heels accompanied by a young man in bermudas and flip flops.
What was the story behind this odd couple? A little miscommunication? Happy self-assertion? Blatant disregard? We could only speculate. And that, in the people-watching business, is half the fun.
What’s For Dinner?
Just had a revelation. Often eating solo since my husband’s death, I don’t plan meals. Sure saves a lot of time, just grabbing stuff from here and there and making it “go” together. I love the creativity of it. Reminds me of my grandmother’s sewing projects – a bit of lace from this cast-off dress, some random buttons, one piece of fabric that was actually acquired for the project – usually from a salvage store.
I wonder where I got off on so much planning in the first place. Maybe to save the energy of daily inspiration? Maybe so my husband would be assured that life was under control? Maybe to impress? Whatever, I like this way better. Feels more like playing a sonata than assembling the instrument to play it on.
Passover: The Fifth Question
After years of celebrating Passover, I’ve got the Four Questions (and the answers) down pat. But the really tough question – the Fifth – is not so easy. When does Passover begin?
Seems it depends on which calendar you check. On one of mine, March 30 says “First Day of Passover.” On another, March 30 says “Passover.” On two others, March 29 says “Passover begins at sundown.” They’re all technically correct, but the person making the matzo balls needs to know soup’s on at sundown before the first “day” of Passover. This year, that would be Monday night.
Of course, first one must find the matzo – increasingly easy around Columbus, but not so much in other parts of the country. A friend’s sister, matzo-searching in Virginia, reports the clerk sent her straight to the dairy case. “Right over there,” he said. “Lotsa Mozzarella!”
