Wednesday: Spent some time in good hard reflection looking at how intrusive the Brain PT schedule is going to be and how much friction it was causing to try to wedge it in. I ended up counting at least four significant points where I was dismissing the difficulty or friction (notably marked by me saying “it will be fine.”) I was thinking that over when the Brain PT tech called, and I said “let’s put this on hold until at least next semester,” and he agreed. Said no to the night-before jitters that tried to have me up all night doing an anything-project (cleaning, reorganizing, whatever).  Thursday: Said “no thank you” to the pre-court panicle this morning. Also begged off from having a post-court Lunch with friends, because I’m just too emotionally spent to do the post-mortem, especially on an effort that ultimately ended in “let’s talk about this more in February.”

Went to court. Woke up on time to go to the gym, but so exhausted I didn’t do anything other than get ready for court.   It was a long conversation in court, and not terribly difficult, but exhausting anyway. The whole matter has been set aside until February.   Tired now. Might nap.

Inktober #3 Boots   A well-maintained orchard, heavy with fruits Hanging from trees with deep, sturdy roots I wish it were mine But it isn't yet time There are miles of trails still left in these boots.

Limericks are usually kind of jokey, but my inspiration is leaning a different direction this week, and I'm sort of enjoying using them a bit more seriously.   I think this is exactly the purpose of Inktober, so way to nail it on day 2. Also, Narnia is always a win in my book.   I've gotta be honest, if I discovered an island that was 90% volcano, I might just keep right on sailing. Seems like that's just asking for trouble.

Oooh, that sourdough looks delicious. I haven't done any bread baking in a while, but these crisp mornings are giving me the baking itch.  You seem to be using your rest time very wisely in not just ceasing from activity but also doing some important introspective work that should serve you well once this season ends. Very well done.   I mean, you're not entirely wrong. I'd like to say that I am here to support you, but yeah, Maple pics are always a bonus!

Definitely leaning hard into finding space to decompress and not rush.     Hi everyone.  I have been taking rest very very seriously. And not doing anything I don’t absolutely have to do or don’t want to do.   Gym days are still happening and I am trying to be more mindful while I am there.  I have also added my shoulder and neck exercises back in as all the hours at my work desk are aggravating it. And for meals I am just staying the course so I don’t have to expend any extra mental energy.   During this period of “rest” I am slowly integrating two new practices to help balance my mental load.  I am a glutton for information/random readings, and I have way too many hobbies and side projects. I finished “Build a Second Brain” and have implemented the PARA (Project/Areas/Resources/Archive) and CODE (Capture/Organize/Distill/Express) methodologies in both my work and personal life.  So far it has allowed me to focus and carve away things that are not important and feel less stressed at the volume of random garbage that enters my purview.     The second practice is actually implementing a Bujo.  I bit the bullet (pun intended) and bought an actual Bullet Journal and borrowed the book from the library.  So far I am on my second week ( and first month) of just following the process.  I can say with some confidence so far that it has allowed me to actually think about what I add to my daily personal and work life. It has also led me to really think about what to add back after this time of rest and what to really focus on.  I didn’t really have this in past attempts and rather just used it as a tracker.  I may implement that later on a collections page for certain things, but for now I am focusing hard on what is taking up all my mental and physical and emotional energy.   Some things I have done in my down time.     And the true reason why everyone is here.     

Wednesday Report:   Chiropractor fixed me up pretty good, although I woke up again this morning with my back tight. I'll make back stretches a higher priority (whoo Cure Wounds points!) and give it a month or so, then make another appointment if necessary. Went over to my neighbor's after work and got her pool covered and grass mowed. Chiro recommended I put some heat on my back to try to prevent the muscles from tightening back up, so I laid down on the heating pad after I got home and conked right out, so nothing else done. Still, 30 points for Aid and Bless.   Thursday - Word of Radiance finished off the Vampirate this morning, so I am now 536 points away from levelling up! Will go to the gym at lunch today, then after work need to do some basic farm chores (fill the trough, clean the chicken coop, groom my horse) and would like to trace my second stair stringer. I am taking a half day tomorrow, so would like to have that ready to cut. 

Nicely done!

I FIXED IT!! Woo! I was up way later than I should have been yesterday, but with some creative and judicious seam ripping, replacement of one pattern piece, and some re-thinking of techniques, I salvaged it! I have one more piece to attach today and it will be done when we leave for the thing this afternoon. It is not 100% perfect, but it's damn close and will be more than wearable.   I am so relieved.