What I learned from a power-cut

Turtle friend Robert Hruzek started a new Group Writing Project beginning this week: "World of Work". I like group writing projects but feared (due to the world of work) I wouldn't be able to find time to send in/out my contribution. Fate decided differently ;-)

"What I learned from a power-cut" (hmm, this fate must be a dead give away)

I had lost to do this week, trying to catch up with work after our short 4 days break last weekend. Yesterday I was all set-up: papers, lists, everything at the ready to give it a big boost. Then 11.00 am came: power cut. Effecting the whole area in and around our village.

Nothing, absolutely nothing. No radio, no fresh coffee, no email, no internet, no pc, no telephone. Just me, a flask of coffee - made at around 9.00am - and a book (Rosamunde Plicher's Coming Home). Street noises outside, sound of children playing across the street on the school grounds, birds twittering in the trees and bushes.

Quiet-time.

No lists, no boxes to tick. A stolen moment of pleasant quietness in a busy life.

Rejuvenating! I learned there is a time for everything and not feeling guilty: a time for work and a time for quiet-time.
And for power cuts. (From 11.00am till 9.00pm - finished the book ;-))

(Addition 11.06.07: Robert has posted "All entries: What I learned from the World of Work" on his Middle Zone Musing blog today)

Comments

[Stuart Baker]

Karin, doesn't the Universe just step in sometimes? And just when you feel pressure to get things done?

Stuart Baker
www.consciouscooperation.com

[Karin H.]

Hi Stuart.

It seems it does. Was quite a relaxing day, once I accepted that there was nothing to be done about it.

Karin H.

[Nic Darling]

This reminds me of snow days as a kid. The lunch is packed. The book bag is ready and waiting. You are just starting to dread the oral section of first period Spanish when that beautiful voice comes on the radio announcing the cancellation. Now and then the world steps in and makes a decision for you. Sometimes that is a good thing.

[Karin H.]

Hi Nic

Isn't it just! Remember my school days vividly (and the 'test-nervous' that cam with it).

Thanks fro dropping by, will read your contribution on this group writing project as soon as I can. Roofing sounds intriguing!

Karin H.

[Laura]

Sometimes you accomplish more by doing nothing than by staying busy.

Good entry!

[Karin H.]

Hi Laura

Thanks for dropping by. Enjoyed your contribution:
"What I learned form Corporate America" too

Karin H.

[Robert Hruzek]

Karin, I could have sworn I already commented here, but I must have been sleep-blogging and missed it!

Great contribution! Thanks for participating and sharing the lesson. In fact, it sounds a little like tomorrow's post on serendipity...

Cheers!

[Pete Aldin]

How did you survive without the coffee?????

Actually I relate to this. When I was on the road travelling the city and surrounds assessing the competence of retail staff, I'd get 3-7 "no-shows" a week, people who wouldn't show up for the appointment (or even for work that day). For the first 3 weeks, it really annoyed me, then I realised: I have an hour top myself here I didn't have before. Out came the novel, back went the carseat and I took a (paid) break.

If only I could be so relaxed and in the moment these days when I'm working for myself.

[Karin H.]

Hi Robert

Sleep-blogging? Turtle mode more likely ;-)

Hi Pete

Coffee, yes I missed that most. The remaining coffee (from 9.30am) in the flask got bitterer and bitterer!
As for your story and being relaxed these days: if you had that mind-set once (taking a break when nothing else is to be done - if you like it or not) I'm sure you still have it. And besides, what's wrong with deliberate breaks? Very refreshing!

Karin H.