Lies, Damn Lies, No. 1

I don't know if this is going to be a series of posts or not, but let's just assume it is - there's certainly plenty of material for it:

LIES I TELL MYSELF

(and proof they're not real)

No. 1

"I never get to do anything!  I'm working all the time and it leaves me with no time for fun stuff."

LIES.

I needed to write this today because I heard this complaint in my head.  Sometimes it's useful to remind myself that there's no need to be down - there's light at the end of the Tunnel that is Busy Season, and meanwhile, I regularly participate in some REALLY neat, enriching and satisfying activities that have absolutely nothing to do with work.

Here's some cool shit I've done in the past 6 months, despite my busy work schedule while enjoying my demanding and engaging career, and in no particular order:

1. I helped lead a group of beginner runners to successfully complete a 4.37-mile race through a 10-week program.
2. I went to a concert.  On a TUESDAY night.  If that's not living-on-the-edge, I just don't know what is.
3. I participated in a 12-week running program myself to help improve my own speed and endurance.
4. I filed my taxes on time (ok this doesn't really fall into the category of "fun", but I did.)
5. I went to an Easter Parade Party.  Now, who else gets to say that?!?
6. I ran not one but TWO half-marathons.
7. I baked an amazing, basically perfect, blueberry pie.
8. I celebrated 10 years of marriage.
9. We went to a beach party with friends.
10. I attended the wedding of a woman whom I've known since she was three months old. That's right I said MONTHS.
11. I celebrated my brother-in-law's graduation from graduate school.
12. I went to the Jaycees Beerfest - another great day with friends.
13. I attended an event honoring women of distinction in our community and met a dear old friend of my mother's - and she received one of the awards!
14. I spent two weeks attending a daily swimming class and learned a new skill.
15. I went to community theater and saw the musical SHREK.
16. I spent an evening out of town listening to my friends' band play until the wee hours of the morning.
17. I volunteered as a leader in a women-only running group for 8 weeks.  There I met bunches of great ladies and running partners!
18. I went to a fundraiser for a great local charity and simultaneously got to visit with a dear friend and her mom.  And we accidentally got her mom pretty drunk.  She was hilarious.
19. I ran a race with one of my very best friends and then spent the rest of the day together.
20. I volunteered answering phones during the spring fund drive for my local public radio station.  (Donate today for the fall fund drive - click here!)
21. I hosted a birthday party and had all our friends over, hanging out and enjoying each other's company until (again) the wee hours of the morning.

And #22:  The past few weeks, I have been helping promote an upcoming concert.  My very favorite singer-songwriter is coming to town and I have the privledge of helping get the word out.  By the way, here's where you can get tickets and info.  It's going to be a fantastic, intimate show; one not to be missed.

So screw you, lying voice inside my head.  I have a pretty great, fun-filled and enriching life outside of my office (and the hotel rooms I stay in so often).  I just need a little reminder once in a while.

Back to work, you!