Time. You really don't realise how valuable it is until you run out of it. I am constantly trying to fit 30 hours into a day and its not working. Juggle, shift, reshift and cancel. Repeat. How much time is one person worth? Are others worth more? (and yes, of course) Who do you cut off? How many work hours is enough for secure that promotion? How much time off is appropriate?
It's so difficult to balance so I greatly appreciate when people are on time and say they will do something or be somewhere at a given time. Today's cake pick up was perfection. Yesterday's cake coordinator a nightmare.
I've also never appreciated 'taking time out' (i.e., a holiday) until now. When you are disconnected from the world, it is amazing how much you can do. How your thoughts reside and having 'me' time is so important. I had 2 days in lieu this week yet I feel far from refreshed. Quite the opposite in fact. Driving takes time. Baking takes time. Resting and recovering takes time.
What is the value?
I spent a whole afternoon with my grandmother today. But it is not nearly enough. I would give so many of my hours just to know that she will be well - healthy and strong - for the next few weeks while I am gone. We don't know what tomorrow will bring... today was a tough day for her. I'd also give so much to understand why (but children should be seen and not heard...).
I had lunch with my mum and sister today. Not just to get my vietnamese fix for the next few weeks but we hadn't done lunch together in a while. It's hard between jobs and errands and weekends (just imagine if I had a family of my own... :O). Marrickville is such a bustling place - I love it. Not sure I'd want a tiny terrace to live in but the area is nice.
I need to pack. And clean. And gear myself up for a bit of a culture shock. Do some research on getting around Tokyo and basic set ups like phone and transport, etc. Time time time. Maybe I need a time out?
And a few happy snaps from my last getaway:
