Playing Hooky!

Last Tuesday Gretchen and I played hooky, took PTO, and enjoyed an encore performance of 'Jane Eyre' at the Guthrie Theater. I have read the book at least three or four times, and studied it in an English course while in England. I thoroughly enjoyed the adaption of the novel. I was excited by the anticipation of knowing what would happen next on stage. After the 10:30 AM performance we had lunch at the nearby Spoon River. My delicious vegetarian bake was neatly complimented by one well mixed, perfectly garnished Bloody Mary. We had a lovely time.

Seriously, what a great way to spend a week day! Neither of us had any cause for the guilt that would occur if we were to leave our husbands and kids on a Saturday to enjoy a show. Our kids didn't know the difference. Our job duties were still there for us on Wednesday. We purchased the tickets just the week before, and I am so glad we did.

Sometimes I find the less I plan ahead, the more fun (less anxiety?) I may have. There is a knack to finding just the right balance of planned versus free time, with all the important people and groups we want to share our time with. I am well aware I will contemplate this more and more as my babes grow. Gretchen and I tried to see this performance last fall. The stress of finding a workable date became too much, and we never went.

Sometimes I achieve just the balance I desire with Mark, my children, my family, and my friends in one weekend or day. Sometimes I am overbooked and overwhelmed, with only myself to blame. Then I find those days with nothing 'planned', and become fearful I am 'missing out' on something or somebody. When the sun has set, I usually haven't missed anything at all. I am sure most (or all) of us struggle with balance. I guess it is how we handle it that matters most. Some days I am successful, and some days... not so much.

Last Tuesday was a success.