Thursday, June 10, 2010

"U" Is for Unfinished - Alphabe Thursday, 6-10-10


"U" Is for Unfinished - Alphabe Thursday, 6-10-10

I am the queen of procrastination, that's for sure.  That's why, at 65, I have a lot of unfinished business.  I look about me and see shelves bulging with books that I don't see how I can possibly finish in the years I have left.  I've sworn off new purchases until I read what I already have - many bestsellers from recent years, self help books that I know will improve me greatly if I would just get started on them, volumes on nutrition and weight loss, books on meditation and the like.

In a recent foray into the garage, I discovered ten unfinished projects from my needlework era.  My home is filled with lovely projects I did complete and which are a source of great pride.  These others have been in a cabinet for at least twenty years!  I haven't even thought about them in all that time.  I'm surprised the fabric hasn't rotted from storage in our foggy, damp climate.  I'm not likely to complete them at this time in my life so I need to get them sorted out and try to sell them on Craig's list.

Equally ignored, for the most part, are my five hundred cookbooks.  As I bought each one, over the years, I resolved to try at least five recipes from each one, within a month after I bought it.  Some, I barely even looked through.  Now, as I'm faced with the prospect of having to downsize and move into smaller quarters, I am in a quandry about these cookbooks.  I have a huge project in front of me.  Many of these cookbooks were acquired in my world wide travels and are wonderful momentos of these journeys, filled with beautiful pictures of their locales and wonderful recipes of local foods.  I will go through all the books, saving those that really have meaning to me, photocopying recipes from others that I rarely use, and the others will be sold. 

I look, with sadness, at the "baby" books of my three sons - all unfinished.  With my firstborn, Shawn, I started like gangbusters, filling in every momentous accomplishment....for about two years.  Then the entries became fewer and far between.  Soon, they stopped altogether.  With poor Alex and Jeremy, I was even less consistent.  Basically, all three of these momentos of their beginnings are unfinished.  I think I was a good mother but, somehow, having to be both a mother and father and working, literally, day and night, left me little time for these special activities.

I do admit my shortcomings but, at least, I haven't been remiss in letting my family and friends know how important they are to me and how much I love them.  I guess, as long as I've accomplished that, the rest of the unfinished parts of my life are not so terrible, after all!

I am participating in Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday - join in the fun and check out the site for other participants.



51 comments:

  1. You are so right with you final thoughts - people know that you love them despite not finishing things! We are all guilty of that! good to have found your blog!

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  2. I wrote about unfinished baby books last week. http://www.jdaniel4smom.com/2010/06/jdaniels-memorial-book-baby-book-is.html. I too have many cookbooks that I like to look through. I need to really think about using them to cook.

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  3. I can totally relate. I just made a list, yesterday, of all the things I need to finish. My goal is spend 10 minutes a day on 1 project. Good luck with yours.

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  4. We all have a little packrat in us and stuff does pile up. Feels good to fengshui a place. I used to actually like clutter and now I like organized....so we change....

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  5. Guess what?????? That sound just like me. I have so many unfinished projects, books to read, things to do before I die......!
    There simply isn't time to do all I want.
    I swear that time goes faster in this age group. Where DOES it go, do you think?
    Maggie X

    Nuts in May

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  6. I know all about procrastination - I certainly have tons of unfinished projects laying around but I think we shouldn't feel bad about them as long as we know how to set our priorities

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  7. I have a house that is full of unfinished understand where your coming from

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  8. don't let those unfinished projects weigh on you - like you said, you have lots of finished ones too :D

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  9. I recently cleaned out a lot of those unfinished progects -- sold some and then gave away some -- I am trying hard to be very selective in the things I choose to do -- especially if it comes with lots of stuff. You mention your cookbolks and the memories they have -- how about before selling them off taking pictures of them -- then you can still have the memory and a photo takes up a lot less space than a cookbook : ) Blessings -- oh I found your blog though the June Treasure Hunt.

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  10. Can only endorse laterg8r´s wise words above - just think positively!

    Happy Alphabe-Thursday!

    LOLA:)

    PS Mine this week is HERE. Hope you can join me!

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  11. fabulous post ... i believe we all have a lot of "unfinished" business ... and it's just all part of the human experience ... so don't worry about it ... just enjoy the process ...

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  12. When I moved the last time, I got rid of a lot of my stuff, but the cookbooks all were carefully boxed up and moved...

    I'm a little obsessive, ok a lot obsessive about them...

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  13. Your final words were bang on - you know what's important! I'm sure that you have a LOT in common with so many of us with those Unfinished projects!

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  14. Sounds like time to sort through and giveaway a bunch of stuff to goodwill where it can find a new owner. :-)

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  15. Happy words day

    U for Underage
    U for Union

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  16. I think everyone has that. Just do what you can do and don't worry about the rest. Your family knows you love them and that's what's important.

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  17. Oh Don't feel bad on the baby books, I did the same thing. I tend to procrastinate and then getter done in a hurry...we all have our ways, does not mean they are right nor wrong. Thanks for sharing.

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  18. gosh, 500 cookbooks, can't imagine it Carmen, I only a have a few, and I have not tried all the recipes yet :( well, like you, i am a procrastinator too

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  19. Nobody will care that you didn't finish. You had fun trying things, exploring places and cultures. What a memoir you will write!

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  20. jfb57 - thanks for stopping by!! Hope to see you here again.

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  21. JDaniel4's Mom - it looks like we have a lot in common. I will have to go back and check out the link you gave me!!!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  22. Mariliz - I like your idea of spending ten minutes a day on one project. I'm going to make that resolution as well!!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  23. Susan Erickson - I do feel a real sense of accomplishment when I've tackled a project and completed it!!!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  24. Maggie May - you are definitely right. Time goes by faster after fifty, I'm convinced of it. I guess we just have to let the unfinished stuff go!!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  25. lissa - as of today, I'm letting go of my remorse over all my unfinished projects! Someone else is welcome to take them over if they want. At least, I got the poetry book done and that gives me so much joy!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  26. Tracy - it definitely looks like I'm not alone with my unfinished projects! I've struck a nerve, it seems!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  27. laterg8r - you are so wise! I have accomplished a lot, you are right! I need to look at what I have done, not at what I haven't. Thank you, my friend!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  28. Betty Anne - I'm glad the June Treasure Hunt brought you my way...and I like the idea of photographing my cookbooks before I sell them or donate them to Good Will...great thought!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  29. Nora Johnson - my mid year resolution is to let go of my stressing over unfinished business. One can only do so much!

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  30. you have achieved what one should in a lifetime - a great human being! the rest is inconsequential

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  31. Jo - I've gotten a lot of feedback that I am definitely not alone in my unfinished business...so there is no need to fret over it. I am in good company!!!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  32. Rocky Mountain Woman - maybe I need to send some of my beloved cookbooks to you...you are probably way younger than me and might have a lot more time to try out the recipes!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  33. Pondside - I'm in great company, it seems, in my sorority of unfinished busines!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  34. GardenofDaisies - I've got the whole weekend delegated to sorting through things and getting it ready for sale or donations!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  35. sm - thanks for stopping by and commenting.

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  36. Viki - you are so right...those who are important to me know that they are and the rest of the stuff is superfluous!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  37. Debbie - there's not a thing I can do now about the baby books! I can't remember the milestones...all that is fading with my mind!! My boys tell me I'm getting "old timer's disease" - guess I am!!!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  38. betchai - yes, those cookbooks reflect my love of eating!!! As you can tell from my photos, I'm no lightweight. I need to get these pounds off...the only cookbook I need to keep is one of low calorie recipes!!

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  39. lakeviewer - you always say the nicest things. I should try to write my memoirs but it took so much just to get that book of poetry written!!

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  40. What a poignant stop on our little journey through Alphabe-Thursday's letter "U"!

    I always have UFO's laying around, and good intentions piled into the closets!

    I wonder if that's just part and parcel of being a creative person.

    Look at what you have accomplished, though. Married a son off, published your book, started sorting through to make a major change in your life.

    This stop made me think on my little journey through Alphabe-Thursday's Letter "U"!

    I would rather have 10 UFO's and haven taken the time to look at my garden and hug a grandbaby and written something from the heart.

    Your success as a person is not determined by how much you get done, Carmen...but the joy you have in your life.

    Gee.

    Sorry for getting up on my soapbox. I just think you are an amazing woman and I want you to see that about yourself, too!

    A+

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  41. Good for you for recognizing the things you have finished and paid the most attention to are the most important ones ~ your children, your family, and your friends. Unfinished life? I think not. This is one of my favorite U posts.

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  42. I think the last part of your post says it all. Loving and appreciating your family and friends is the most important thing, the rest of it are just details that don't really matter in the long run. Of course I type this as my feet are resting on a storage ottoman that I had to buy to have a place to store all the photos that still have not made it into albums :) Kathy

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  43. Jenny - I always appreciate your words of wisdom. You always see the good in life. You're the best and help bring out the best in me! Thank you.

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  44. Cheryl - I guess you are right. Projects can be completeed whenever. The important things in ife are those with love...and they must come fist!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  45. mbkatc230 - It takes awhile to let go of the superfluos stuff we've hung to all our lives. I know I'll feel better when I've decluttered!!!


    At 65, I've done it! My poetry book - Life's Journey by Carmen Henesy - is out on Amazon!
    ( Poems about the things that have been important to me in my journey through life, some humorous, some sad, some that may have meaning to you as well )
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Journey-1-Carmen-Henesy/dp/1451547366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274652997&sr=1-1

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  46. love is very important, other things can come 2nd

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  47. Ayie - you are so right. It's the answer to all.


    13 2010-05-25 Life's Journey Amazon $12.95 $3.66 1 $4.11 unpaid CHRIS NOTHDURFT

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  48. Holy crap, you stole my life too! LOL or at least part of it. I am coming up on 50, have a TON of books and cookbooks, never finished the baby books...have needlework projects started, and now I scrapbook and I have done some recent pages of our family but seem to mostly scrap for others. My oldest is 27 and yet I have yet to start sorting the photos and begin those scrapbooks. YIKES!! I am recently disabled and that has caused issues with the house, as I get no help, so now I have the sorting and cleaning to do, and it is a huge house, so the job is quite overwhelming.

    be well,
    Susan

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  49. Unfinished business is the guilt trip of life. At my house we say....Pack your bags. We are going on a guilt trip....Then we all laugh and nod that look of understanding because we just can't do it all and we just can't be perfect at anything. I guess if we could, we wouldn't need a Savior. That assuages the guilt trip of life and we get back to doing the one thing we love the most.....friends and family. So, unpack your bag....haha.

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  50. you are too hard on yourselves...we all have unfinished things...I think it is just part of life....I bet the grown kids will enjoy the baby books just the way they are.....

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  51. You know, we got rid of so much cra%, er, stuff last year as we entered our *big transition*, and we still filled two huge storage lockers! One has mostly furniture and household goods, and one has mostly tools/ and yard equipment. I can't help thinking we could have done better. We spend over $400 dollars a month to store this stuff! And the really important stuff? The kids, grandmother's quilts, and photo albums? They're not even in the storage lockers! It's just silly. We should have donated more....

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