It's been awhile.....

It's been awhile since I've posted anything, and it's not because I haven't found or lost anything.  There have been times where I've lost it and then found it later, in the oddest places.  (And no, my lost underwear isn't one of the things I've lost.......see previous post to understand this reference.)  I have lost my favorite pen, and when all hope was lost of finding it, I found it in a drawer.  I found a box of cereal in the refrigerator (you don't want to know where the milk was, ewww).  I lost three buttons.  I found three buttons. I congratulated myself when I sewed on three buttons. 

I've lost hangers (yes, it's possible, and a long story).  I've "found" blocks of time to do research and work on homework.  I still haven't found my motivation to exercise, but I have to admit I haven't been looking for it very hard. 

I've lost the time to read for pleasure - (a big shout out "thank you" to my book club for morphing into a bunco club, which has resulted in me not feeling guilty about not reading).  I've found some interesting research that will apply to my disstertation research.

I still haven't lost my clumsiness, although I would certainly like to.  The lastest result of my special ability is a very sore and slightly swollen nose!

I have found some small measure of motivation to cook.  I have found some perfect (in my opinion) accessories to decorate my newly renovated family room.

I'm pretty excited about that family room.

What was that again?

On my first day back to work after an amazing 2 1/2 weeks at home, I sorted through my email, snail mail, phone messages, and old to-do list.  After cranking out the easy stuff (yeah, I know that crossing things off a list motivates me!), I made a new to-do list.  Fast forward 2 hours......I look at my list again, and cannot remember why I wrote "Vanessa" on it.  I can't remember who that is, can't think of anyone I know named Vanessa, can't remember what I was supposed to do with/for/about Vanessa. 

I have an amazing admin staff who keep me on track most of the time.  Knowing this, I go ask one of them if she has a clue about what I meant when I wrote "Vanessa," even though she wasn't there when I did so, doesn't have access to my emails, and didn't see my previous list.  She looked at me and said, "Who's Vanessa?"  To which I answered, "I don't know either.  I was hoping you knew."  Afer asking me several questions, one of which triggered my memory to spit out the answer, I knew what I was supposed to do.

Here are my takeaways from the experience:
1.  When writing a to-do list, write more than just someone's name.  Write what I actually have to do for that person!!
2.  A great admin staff is priceless, and is the reason I survive each day.  Be very thankful and appreciative!
3.  Be very careful about taking off 2 1/2 weeks.  My brain obviously can't handle it!