Tuesday, November 27, 2007

How Do I Avoid Thee. Let Me Count The Ways

It is the last week of November. If I could, I would get rid of November altogether. November is far too dreary with its short dull days and long dark nights. There is no hope of weather that would require shorts and tee shirts, but my summer wardrobe didn't get packed away until yesterday. Was I hoping for a summer day to appear in November? No, I was just avoiding the task. I'm good at that.

For instance, it took me about a year to decide to contact O****d magazine about a submission for which I had received no reply. I sent the magazine an email and then two weeks later another email. After no response to my emails, I sent them a letter. It, too, has not been answered. It occurred to me that perhaps I should send them an - I withdraw my submission - letter. But that would be pointless, so I can avoid doing that. Instead, I decided to revise the story, and I started to do that, but other events interceded. It's on the work list, but not yet completed.

I needed a new coat last year, and the year before that, but I postponed shopping for one and by January, all the medium size coats in my price-range had disappeared. Avoiding things has its benefits. I saved money and finally, two weeks ago, I did find and buy a coat. It was a close call though. If D. had not been with me I might have resisted because I didn't want to carry the coat home on the bus.

I have quilts that I need to take to the laundromat since they are too large for my small washer/dryer. But now, there is snow and ice on the ground. I think I'll wait.

There is a flu shot clinic today and I can't avoid that since it is the only one in my area. However, before the day is over, I'm sure I'll find something else to avoid. As I said, I'm good at it.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

If I had been able to go back to sleep after 2:42 this morning, I wouldn't have gotten up at 4 and done several things. First, I finished editing a letter I have to send out as "exhibitor coordinator" for a local homeschool conference, then I revised my picture book story and cover letter in anticipation of having a published author review them, after which I wrote another blog entry and tried to reduce an adult short story so that I could submit it to a contest. I think it's still not short enough, so will have to tackle it again. I an pretty good at avoiding things, too - especially writing - so maybe insomnia is an antidote?

Anonymous said...

I wish I could avoid things. There's a lot I'd like to avoid about now. Teach me the ways. . . .

:)