Calm Before the Storm

Yesterday, in a meeting with a potential contractor, I found myself detailing the calendar of milestones that will occur in our family between now and when my son goes to college in the fall. I’ve never felt luckier, even that cringy thing my Southern friends call blessed. Because I really do feel that way and am so grateful for this time in my life. Yet…

Years ago I filmed a pilot for reality TV and my then roommate was asked what people would find surprising about me. Without batting an eye she said “she never sleeps. She’s always watching a movie or working or making something.”

I’ve just returned from our vacation home in Mississippi and had such a great trip I forgot to take photos (well not many). As much as I love going there and enjoying Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the great food, the VERY funny, wonderful friends that I get to see when I’m there, it exhausts me. In fact, everything does. Then it dawned on me. I am now too old to ignore that I’m actually an introvert.

I love to see people and have drinkys. I love to visit. I love to go out, but I need a lot of downtime after I’ve done these things. That is something that I was able to overcome when I was younger by quietly binge movie watching until I had words again. I also believe this is why I stay up after everyone else has gone to bed and have always existed on four hours of sleep. Now I have *FOMO but I go ahead and MO because I LOVE to stay home.

I came to the full realization of this after the contractor left, as after having two appointments where I basically talked nonstop for a total of four hours, I fell asleep in my chair, sitting upright. I used to take meetings like this all day and then do my actual work in the middle of the night so I could also be a lady who lunched.

I really have to think about this more and how it will affect my art. Martha Stewart revealed recently that she only sleeps four hours a night and she’s 82. After I get this kid ensconced in college I have a lot of Martha-ing to do.

For now, there will be naps and four hours a night.

*Fear Of Missing Out

(Shout out to the White Pillars for a really fantastic brunch and I would have to turn in my Southern Beverly Hills Lady card if I didn’t take a picture of these gorgeous silver trays on Royal Street in New Orleans. Let me know if you want information on them.)