Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a nice weekend. It is a rainy (gentle, soft drizzly kind of rain) and very grey day here this morning. A morning that feels like you could pull the covers over your head (just one more time) and sneak in a few extra winks. But, for me, that never works. I just feel tired (and a bit lazy) the rest of the day whenever I try that trick. And it’s Monday – my favorite!! I don’t want to waste it. Nor do I want to start this week feeling lazy. And, I have to admit, a grey morning, with a good cup of coffee, sounds rather delightful just now. Before I get the coffee going, I best finish this post. Time for this month’s daybook….
The Weather – has been a bit allover the place. Mostly lovely days, temperature-wise, with some hot days. And then a drop of twenty degrees. Or more. I don’t understand weather but, I suppose, “up and down” weather is the definition of spring. (Today’s forecast is 61. Next Monday…91!?) In winter, it is just one temperature – cold. And how is that exciting?? Hooray for spring:)
As I look outside my window – not a creature is stirring. Not even a mouse. Apparently, everyone is moving a little slower this morning. Even our neighbor, who is the most scheduled person ever (we can set our clocks by his routine), was late leaving for work this morning.
This morning, I am – running slow myself. Fighting the grey, apparently. I started this post about an hour ago….when I posted about “getting the day started…and not being lazy.” Well, okay. I did stop in order to do devotions with my husband, but where have the other sixty minutes gone? I think it is going to be a bit of a fight against the lull of a grey, cool and rainy day.
Lately, I have been thinking about – returning to volunteer work. Or, at least, trying to do so. I used to volunteer regularly. I mentioned it often in my posts. (I often shared about our field trips and other fun times I shared with my friends at our assisted living center. This photo is was taken at a tulip festival in 2019. Pre-pandemic.) Yes, then there was covid. After the pandemic, I found it difficult return to most of the opportunities that I had been enjoying. For the last several years, I have not been able to find something that is fulfulling. Sure, I can fill time but I would enjoy volunteering in a way that is helpful to others but also rewarding for me. (Is that selfish?) I thought one door had opened recently, but it did not work out. Trying to give of your time should not be so difficult. Not sure what I am doing wrong.
What I am wearing – (at this moment), my walking clothes. Will I be able to get outside and walk today? Even better question: will I ever get to the point that I walk – regardless of the weather? That is a huge question mark! For now, I hope that I can get my steps in soon this morning. I’m actually feeling motivated to walk. Don’t want that motivation to get washed away in this weather!!
Around the house – it is quiet. Things look presentable enough. As much as I might be motivated to walk, I am less than motivated to do some extra house chores. When things look tidy, well, I can convince myself it is “good enough.” Are you noticing a theme this morning? The roller coaster of motivation:)
From the kitchen – there has not much of anything new. Or exciting. Truth be told, meals have been a tad boring, although no one has gone hungry. Trust me. My hubby actually prefers “tried and true” favorites (often confused with the “same ole thing”) but I enjoy trying new recipes. I am ready for something different for dinner. What will it be?
My To-Do List – for this week includes Bible study (still not enjoying this one – sigh), meeting with my crochet friends later in the week and changing over the Junior Church room. We still have Easter things on the wall. I am not usually this far behind but we recently went through a renovation project at church and my schedule is completely off. Dare I say, my motivation to get it done (and work around said changes) has been scarce. I will fix that this week!
And, from my camera – crazy squirrels! We do not typically put out birdseed during the summer, but we had a bit left in the bag and so Hubby filled the feeder this week. I might have seen two birds. Not many. The squirrels, however, have had a blast. This is the time of year that I just let them enjoy themselves! Their antics are pretty funny. And, apparently, my brother and I are cut from the same cloth. Last night, he was texting me pictures. Of squirrels. And squirrel antics!!
Thanks for reading. Honestly, not much to say this morning. Sorry this turned into a glimpse into my motivation. Or lack thereof. I totally blame the weather! Here’s to sunshine coming out tomorrow (maybe even this afternoon) and to a productive week ahead. What’s on your “to do” list for today? Will you get it done?:)
I am with you about the weather. The gray and wet days make me not want to do anything either. You should get back into volunteer work if it makes you happy.
I enjoyed your Daybook Entry responses! The squirrel pics are precious!! Wishing you a blessed week ahead!
The grey and cloudy skies do a number on my psyche, and then there is a slow spiral…I find that when I can recognize what is happening I am able to figure out where life is going wonky. Today there is sun and I feel more motivated. Spring, tho something we look forward to, sure has its ups and downs, right?
Oddly – every now and then a gray day does me good. Makes me kind of slow down. My hubby is the one who is always wanting to try a new recipe and I am the one who just likes the same old thing. I will order the same thing at a restaurant too. It drives him crazy,
I hope your motivation made an appearance and you were able to get your walk in, Jennifer. I totally enjoyed the rain yesterday. It was greatly needed here and everything seems greener this morning. I totally understand your feelings about volunteering. I am still on the hunt on that subject. Happy Tuesday!
I think the weather can significantly affect our moods and energy levels. We never have rain so I don’t have it to blame for being tired and moody!! But the wind can make me irritable and uninterested in being outside or moving much.
Hope you can find a volunteering opportunity that is the perfect fit. I have mixed feelings about my volunteering experiences. Most of them were frustrating!! If I decide to hang up my substitute teaching hat this coming school year, I might try volunteering again. Good luck to you.