Keep Calm and Carry On

A new canvas sits above my computer on the wall directly in front of the treadmill. I stared at it off and on during my five-mile run on Saturday and often steal a quick glance each time I walk down the hall past the guest room. How perfect is this message for me right now? (The British government must have known I’d need the boost.)

The number one thing I’m working on right now – aside from the book and upcoming half marathon – is my stinky attitude. While there is an innumerable amount of things for which I need to be grateful, my brain has decided otherwise. It isn’t that bad, I tell myself. Yes it is, I say back. You’re being selfish. It could be worse, I counter. Yes, but it could be better, I maintain. And so it goes…

We haven’t had a showing since before Christmas, yet I have maintained a rigorous cleaning schedule just in case. In six short weeks we’ll reach the one-year anniversary of our house being on the market, and nearly nine months of this ridiculous living situation. I have to believe it’ll be over soon and that God’s covert plan for 2011 involves a move to Knoxville.

Week one of unemployment my new career as a freelancer was busy, thankfully. (See? I’m trying to be thankful.) I settled into a nice routine of playing with Jackson, working on the book, and running. Chores, errands and lunch with friends are scattered throughout. The challenge now is to get myself to bed in a timely manner, but between playing bonus levels on Lego Harry Potter and reading the Wideacre series after, it isn’t happening. Bedtime has been hovering around 1 a.m.

By the way, don’t judge me on the Lego Harry Potter bit. The way I see it is that it keeps my hands busy in the evening when my brain goes into overdrive. And if my hands are busy then I’m not eating late at night to self-medicate, which in turn assists the half marathon training and preventing binge guilt, which benefits my overall health. There’s logic in there somewhere. Plus, the game is super fun.

The boys and I will be in front of the TV tonight for the BCS Championship game between Auburn and Oregon. It’ll be pizza and popcorn and nervous knots for us as we root for a fifth straight SEC win.