Father’s Day - Building Together

Months ago, I expressed my desire to get a couple of big, solid bookcases to store my ever-expanding library. Currently, said library exists in numerous locations - mostly boxed up, but also on my bedside table, floor, the top of my wardrobe…

My Dad’s response was “don’t buy bookcases, I’ll make you some”. Now, many months of labour later - in the times he could spare it - the project is nearing completion! Nick, Dad and I spent the morning gluing together the second of my lovely bookcases.

My wonderful father has spent much time, money, and brainpower to design a magnificent set of two bookcases that will go a long way in housing my library. All there is to do on my next visit to my folk’s place is stain the wood, then secure the backing… and they will be done!

It was satisfying to spend the morning being constructive, and contributing a little to this project. The most satisfying thing of all, though, is that in 50 years time - chance willing I live that long - I will still be able to meander over to my hand-made bookcases, and know that the hands that made them were those of my wonderful and generous father.

So, thank you Dad, for all you’ve done for me - I am a very lucky woman to have such a father.

Walking - a cure for ills

Missing Nick combined with feeling crook and stress about work combined to make me feel a little down this morning. I stayed in bed later than usual reading my latest NewScientist, but my mind kept wandering to the myriad little issues that have been cropping up at work for me to deal with.

So, I decided what I needed was a good long walk. It’s uncharacteristically grey here today, so it was a cool, though long, walk around my neighbourhood. It cheered me to see all the lovely gardens and houses around, and it got me moving, and thinking about what was really important. Work is important, as it is my livelihood, but once it starts impacting on my life beyond the hours I’m there, something needs to be done!

Thinking about it, I realised that living a more sustainable life is all about trying to slow down, to avoid the ‘rat race’, which I’ve never been attracted to anyway, and focussing on the things that really matter, like my family, friends, health and personal development.

Jobs will come and go, so I need to make sure I’m not neglecting my life and well-being for the sake of little stressors that will mean nothing in five years time… and probably even sooner.