I've been a bit fuzzy-brained today. We had plumbers in this morning, which was good because a minor problem got solved before it became a major one. It was something I could have done, in theory, but the First Reader suggested we call in the pros. For one thing, they would be able to spot potential greater problems... and as it turned out, the old toilet installation used a small flange and required a lot bigger wax ring than I thought (and had bought) so it was a good thing they did come in. They assured us the toilet's a good one, the original install wasn't old-school enough to be an issue, and we are off and running with two bathrooms once again.
I've been reading. After submitting the anthology story the other day, my brain has been drawing a blank. Reading will, I hope, fill up the well. However, once I get into a book, I tend to lose track of time. Which is how I've stayed up until almost midnight twice in the last week. I probably shouldn't read at bedtime, but honestly I don't have a lot of other time to do it in! Which leads to needing a nap after work and that just snowballs. Maybe this weekend I can try to reset my sleep time.
I've been contemplating again. Contemplating what? Everything. I'm looking at how quickly the holidays are looming. I have books planned to publish. I have a library to organize. I have stories to write. I have a novel to work on. I have more than I can possibly get done.
I missed my livestream today. I'd just sat down to a lovely dinner the First Reader made when it was stream time and my alarm went off. I had forgotten about it. So, I opted to take the evening off rather than rush and do the stream. For my own mental balance, and because I'm fighting off being whiny in public. I've taken all these projects on, and just because my outlook is bleak right now is no excuse to snivel. If I can't sell my work? Well, that's what I'm going to have to focus on in 2023. I'm a bit nervous about putting out an art book and a story collection this year. Given the sales numbers recently... no, it's worth my time. That's all I'm putting out right now. Not that my time has no value. it's just that time is all I have to put in right now. I'm literally investing time into my future. I'm also thinking about the value of my time.
I'm going to have to reconsider the pace I'm working at. I need to carve back out the time to spend with family. There's only so much of that I'll get. It's a finite resource.
One of these days I'll be alone, and then I'll need the work to keep my mind busy. Until then, I'm going to have to think about where I'm at, and what I'm trying to do.