A Week of Rediscovery

I have had one of those weeks...
I stopped to think this morning, "Why do I feel so crazed? It was a short week and I'm exhausted!" Tuesday was piano. Wednesday was grocery-shopping with the kids, dance class, and tutoring. Thursday was a visit from my little friend, Caleb, receipts for the insurance company, a play in Owen's room, and refinancing the house. Today, breakfast with Diana, two trips to Home Depot, more banking, puppy to the vet, building shutters...
Sigh.
This weekend still has a big garage sale, a junior high play and Children's church.
Well, there's the laundry list. It's a lot, but not so far off normal. (The kids took turns being impossible, though.) What I will remember about this week, however, are these two things:


1) I rediscovered the joy of Jane Austen (via Hollywood.) I watched Pride and Prejudice and then Sense and Sensibilities. I was just tickled and remembered devouring and loving Jane Eyre as a teenager. I'll look for Pride and Prejudice next time I'm at the library. The movie was really good, but I'll bet the book is even better!

2) I reconquered my fear of power tools and had a blast building some new shutters for my little house. Some time ago, I bought a miter saw for Mark as a gift. I think he despises it because it represents all the ways he does NOT want to spend his time. But, I wanted to use it. And, I was scared of it. I took a lot of woodshop in high school. I liked it. My parents influenced me to take a clock-making course in 9th grade and I built a grandfather clock. Still, that was over twenty years ago (how did I get this old????) Today reminded me how much I love to build things.

Moments like this are truly good for my soul. It is heartening to learn or re-learn something. It feels good to get my brain engaged. Aging is a lot less scary when you can find great enjoyment...and sometimes even wonder...in your ordinary days.