Monday, February 1, 2010

I think I could spend pretty much all of my time connecting with people

The first day of connection went pretty well, actually.  I found emails from the beginning of January from a long-lost friend from high school, and another from college, and I (finally) took the time to write them both the detailed response they deserve. (I get so excited to get long, newsy emails...but then I know I should respond in kind and feel intimidated by the time commitment. Which is as ridiculous as not taking 2 minutes to empty the dishwasher!)

Then, I connected (via facebook, sadly) with another person from my college days that I haven't really interacted with in years.  I texted Alexis throughout the day (texting was necessary because it was during my work day!) and I always feel really happy to have that kind of constant, throughout the day sort of conversation with a good friend. (If Michael's job allowed it, I'd do the same with him. But he probably wouldn't enjoy it as much as Alexis does.)  I also finally emailed Kate, once I realized that I haven't talked to her since the last time I saw her, in the beginning of January. That's appalling. I can't let that happen anymore! I'll have to add her to my list to reach by phone soon.  Then, I spent about an hour chatting with my sister, which is pretty amazing, since we usually just volley voicemails and facebook messages back and forth.  While I was on the phone with her, Tina called. Shoot.  I didn't let myself *8 Tina back, but I also couldn't call her, as I was on duty and the doorbell kept ringing.  And I had spent the last several hours connecting.  Wow. If I actually try to answer the phone every time--or return calls promptly--I won't get any work done at all!

After work, instead of napping (which, after only 4 hours of sleep last night, I really wanted to do) I answered the doorbell each time with a smile and took the time to really interact with the student on the other side.  Sometimes, this worked really well. But one student may have felt a bit interrogated. But, well, her life seemed a bit sketchy today, so that might not be a bad thing.  And, I connected with two international students who didn't apply to any liberal arts colleges yet, and I spent time I didn't really have tonight finding them good colleges that will meet their needs that they can still apply to.

So, basically...I think I did pretty well in all areas....except my husband. I've hardly seen him tonight. Sigh.

And, I still have 7 interview evaluations that I never got written. And, I didn't really eat much for dinner. I was actually sort of amazed at the fact that I think I could spend pretty much all of my time connecting with people I actually like.  Maybe connections should have gone hand-in-hand with Balance!

Still, I have to say I feel pretty good. I am tired (4 hours of sleep will do that to you) but I feel...satisfied and happy.  I'd rate my connection level a 7.5 out of 10 for the day.  Not a bad start.

Time for food, check-ins, and bed. Tina--I promise I'll ACTUALLY call you!

2 comments:

runningwiththejig said...

Does connecting with yourself also count this month? Just because it is about connection/intimacy doesn't mean you need to deplete all of your energies!

Now that I've said this, I want to be sure to be on your list of people to call/interact with!

Melisa K. said...

I thought of that. But since I have a whole separate month for that, I don't think so. However, I should try to remember that we need BALANCE in order to FOCUS. =)

And, you are definitely on the list!