Hello, Routine. I’ve Missed You

I’m a huge fan of variety.  In fact, I’m the type of gal who’ll FIND a way to mix things up if the daily grind gets to grindy.  (Yep, I made that word up.  I’m licensed to do that.  I’m a writer.)

But there’s also such a thing as too much chaos—a time when the one thing you need in order to get your shit centered is a healthy dose of routine.

I’ll give you three guesses to figure out where I am—and the first two don’t count.  🙂

July has proven to be quite the whirlwind tour four me, starting with what should have been a week in the tropical paradise of Playa Del Carmen, but somehow ended up being an exercise in stamina. I came home with a jacked-up back and spent seven days at work catching up, only to high-tail it out of dodge to the National RWA Convention in Atlanta for another fivedays.  (Romance Writers of America for those unfamiliar with the acronym.)

Now, the idea of a bunch of writers in one place may sound really dull to those of you unfamiliar with writer types.  If it does, let me fix that picture in your head: I had workshops from 8a-4:30p three out of the five days, pitched my manuscript seven times (each one the equivalent to sticking your finger in a light socket as it pertains to stress), and attended five parties–one of which handed out riding crops and bondage tape as party favors.  (Never pin a romance writer in a stuffy hole.  We’ll never stay there.  😉 )

Oh, and before I left for Hot-Lanta, I squeezed in a Slash concert at the Hard Rock.  (High quantities of Titos and Tonic are not recommended pre-travel.  Just sayin’.)

Now, here I am, staring at the end of July, wondering when the room will stop spinning.

I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but, “Thank you, God, for getting me back to my normal routine.”  Sick as it sounds, I’m actually looking forward to a date with my elliptical tonight.  Post pain and sweat, I’m going to spend some quality time with my WANA pals and my writing, then get my kids bathed and ready for bed.

Sweet. Simple. Routine.

What does all this prove?  Well, for starters, I am definitely a Libra and require balance.  I watch some folks who thrive on nothing but non-stop chaos and my feet flee their presence almost instinctively–as if too much of their go-go juice might rub off on me and leave me forever tainted with the need for bedlam.  Then there are the others who never push themselves out of their everyday schedule.  I can’t hang with them long either, mostly because I get bored.

No, I’m Goldilocks through and through.  I need life to be “just right”.  Not too hot, not too cold.  Not insane, but not boring either.  Give me spring, not summer.  Fall instead of Winter.  I don’t want need to win the lottery, but a steady paying job is nice.

Where are you?  Are you a thrill junky who needs a constant mix of new and exciting?  A slow-and-steady-wins-the-race type?  Or do you prefer the fence line like me?  It takes all types to make the world go round.