Jumping from one velvety cream pillow to the next, Evelyn said, “It’s like we’re living in a new house.” With the staging furniture still here and the house no closer to being sold, I’m curious how long we get to keep this fancy stuff. Archie enjoys the faux fur rug, and I’m getting compliments on the sizeable swirly line canvas for my backdrop during virtual counseling calls.
Since the open house three days ago, no one has booked a showing. Obviously, the goal is to sell it, but just being home in this well-decorated, cozy space is something I’m soaking up. Although I miss having a TV in the bedroom. I need to get Archie off that rug. He’s not a stinky dog, but still, the Staging with Style team likely would not be a fan.
Today, I received a text from my office’s landlord, fondly referred to as Dr. B, on my phone. He sent a picture of the wooden door to my old office with a screw buried in it, asking, “Was it like that when you were here?” I thought so, I told him, but just to be certain, I found a video I’d taken entering my office, and sure enough, it was there. Case solved.
I’m too reflective at times. For example, I’ll lay here, arms crossed between paragraphs, and stare at the lit keys. I’ll think about Evelyn, about the day, but then zoom out and worry I’m not soaking up life as much as I should. It feels like pressure. Like expectation. Like I’m doing it wrong. Like I need to do more.
How do I shift my thinking away from all that? I baked banana muffins. I threw out the baking powder in all my throwing out and organizing for showing the house. Baking powder, it turns out, is a helpful ingredient for a fluffy, spongy texture. Evelyn eventually ate hers, but she got down to its level and gave it a good side-eye first.
I mentioned baking, but also Spanish and yoga. In neglecting them, I neglect myself and the stimulation of my mind and body. My hypothesis is that if I engaged with more things I enjoy, my downtime might be filled with more enjoyable thoughts.
Tomorrow, I have a five-hour break, so I have plenty of time to get the rest of Bridgerton in, a handful of yoga poses, a Spanish podcast, and a deflated banana muffin.
Okay, with no more thoughts in my mind, I can lay my head on the pillow and go to dreamy dream land. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 