Five Reflections following a Calm Weekend

I’ve decided to turn off Social Media, for the most part, over the weekends. By Friday, I can’t think of anything witty or thoughtful to say, and every single pictures looks the same, so it’s best to yell uncle and quit while I’m strong. I used to think one day off was enough, but now, I’m convinced I need two days.

The first day off Social Media, I last about ten minutes and think to myself that I need to check my twitter and my Instagram accounts. I might have new followers, or maybe someone asked me an important question that cannot wait until Monday. Then, while my hand is reaching for the iPhone, I remember that the world did just fine without iPhones and social media for thousands of years. I take a deep breath, squeeze my fingers into my palm, and resist. I do this about five million times.

Day two, What is twitter again? I’m too busy enjoying my life, reading my book, and drinking my morning coffee.

I finished Calypso by David Sedaris. I love his books. I bought two at a used book store this last summer and have read most of his books since then. My problem with David Sedaris is that he’s very good at what he does. He’s a brilliant writer, and he’s hilarious. I read his work and love him and hate him all at once. I plunge into writerly frustration and wish I could put five words to the page as well as he does. This jealous envy plagues me. That’s how I know they’re good. I twitch when I open their books because I know that they’ll woo me and wow me and I’ll shake my head in mesmerized wonder. Calypso did not disappoint.

I watched the first episode of Marie Kondo’s show on Netflix today, and promptly walked upstairs and rid myself of half my wardrobe. The unused part, of course. I threw out all the busy patterns, even if they’re adorable tops. I just don’t wear them. They make me anxious. I wear solid shirts mainly, along with some floral. Not busy floral, but lovely floral. It helped me to take a deeper look at my own style. I’ll remember the next time I’m shopping to avoid the busy patterns, because even if they’re wonderful, I don’t tend to use them.

We also went through the garage. Our garage is overwhelming. It’s filled with life. It’s stacked with remnants, boxes filled to the brim with memories that waft with the fragrance of nostalgia, but it’s time. And so we went after it with some gusto. Not everything, but enough that it looks more orderly. I must say, wherever it was that I read it, when you go through your things and look at them, hold them up and decide what to do with them, it really does bring a sense of closure.

Companionship truly is a lovely gift. John and I stayed home most of the weekend. I’m nursing a terrible winter cold, and we decided to focus on organizing things in the house. We watched a movie, read books, I worked on Greek, and we ate some nice meals. I realize companionship is not everyone’s gift, but it is mine, and I’m deeply thankful for it.

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