Friday, October 3, 2008

Life in My World--Jane, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday


Do you remember the children's book by Judith Viorst, Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday? Alexander received a dollar from his grandparents, but slowly and surely it sifted through his fingers during the week. He had every intention of saving it, but things didn’t turn out like he’d planned—who knew his friend, Eddie, would suddenly call and let him rent his snake for an hour for twelve cents? Every time Alexander spent or lost money it was written, “Good-bye twelve cents” or “Good-bye nickel.”

That book kind of sums up Life in My World this week.

Last Sunday I had a whole week rich in alone time because Calvin would be gone hunting. I planned to get extra Christmas projects and scrapbooking done, but then I got a nasty, nasty cold. It started on one half of my face then moved to the other and finally settled in my lungs. Good-bye nose. Good-bye extra energy.

Last Monday I thought I’d watch some old movies and read a book, but then Violet, the grape lady, (isn’t her name fitting?) called to say the grapes were ready. Good-bye 60 empty quart bottles and several hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

On Tuesday I accidentally sprinkled bleach on my favorite sweater. Good-bye green sweater.

On Thursday I planned to get some projects done and then watch the vice-presidential debate, but miscalculated. I thought I could watch a high school football game and go out to supper with Cali before the debate started. I came home to see closing remarks. Good-bye opportunity to see the candidates square off without an editorial commentary.

On Friday I absolutely, positively was going to start my projects, but I ached and thought a nap would help me feel better and give me back some energy. Good-bye two hours and no more energy.

Now here it is almost Saturday and my week is gone and my projects not even started. I am no longer rich in alone time. Thank heavens. I can hardly wait to say, “Hello, Calvin.”

Do you have trouble with time, energy or money slipping through your fingers?

14 comments:

Barb said...

I need to find this book, but part of me is scared that I will identify all too well . . .

Carolyn said...

Time seems to always always slip through my fingers. And I don't know where it goes.

Kim Sue said...

this is one reason I love blogging..for the first time I document our lives and I can look back at all we have done that month or over the last year.

but, on a day to day basis, I feel like time keeps slipping away from me too.

Unknown said...

jack and i were just reading this book the other day. (we love, love, LOVE the Alexander stories.)

and now i am sitting up too late blogging. good-bye eight hours of sleep tonight!

Becky said...

How sad for you Jane! But what a great post :) I have not read this post but my children and I have read (many, many times) about Alexander and his terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day :).

I hope that you and Calvin have enjoyed a great weekend...

I let money and time and stuff slip through my fingers often...

tina said...

Happens often. I have been at home all weekend with my boys and I haven't really felt like doing much of anything. I feel kind of bad not doing fun mom/kid bonding stuff. Maybe next time! We'll have next weekend also. I am taking Friday off, so maybe we can to do something fun!. I did make 12 random, generic "thinking of you" cards just to have on hand. I guess that was productive! Did get a start on the mounds of laundry - washing only - no folding yet. Ugh!

Marie said...

Oh, poor Jane! I feel your loss. Some how at the end of each day I wonder why it was I didn't get as much done as I thought I would.

60 quarts of grape juice?!? Wow!

I hope your cold will be gone soon and you will get some of your energy back.

Amy said...

Heavens, Jane. I have trouble with all three! I'll have to check out this book. Love the way you sequenced this post.

Elizabeth said...

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day was one of my favorite books as a child. But I never saw this one. I will be checking it out of the library for sure.
I hope you are feeling better.

Natalie said...

Great analogy! I REALLY relate!

Kathy’s Korner said...

I do, but I find it hard to believe that you do.

michelle said...

60 quarts of juice?? Holy cow! I usually get about 25.

Yes, yes, yes, time and energy are constantly slipping through my fingers...

Anonymous said...

The loss of free time is the hardest for me to cope with. I can't believe you got that many quarts! I am starting some tomorrow and hope to get 20 :)

Amanda said...

This book is frequently read at our house.

This post made me laugh because I completely identified with it! Clever.