Between uni and placement, it could be very easy for me to not have time for the things I enjoy and to spend time with those who are important to me. With this in mind, I have made Saturdays sacrosanct. I feel, if I don't make sure I don't do training stuff that day, when do I have a day of rest? It's not like Sunday's really an option, as I am usually involved in some part of the worship.
Then, there's finding time to keep up with the housework. Boring, I know, but necessary. I'm not a housework fanatic, but like to do a little often. With the occasional half-hour here and hour there, that's when I try to squeeze those things in. One things for sure, ministry training certainly concentrates the mind in ensuring I use my time as effectively as possible. It's amazing how much can be done in half an hour if that's all the time I have!
Some weeks are easier than others. This week, I will be out 3 evenings and have placement commitments during the day in my day off uni. It probably won't go above my max 10 hours (in theory, though my supervisor does make sure I do stay within this), but it would be nice to actually see my husband. Looks like I'll be booking him in on Friday! How candidates with children cope, I have no idea.
In many ways, when things are scheduled is out of my hands; I am, after all, just the trainee minister. In ministry, I may have a little more say over when meetings are. And, if they are in the manse, I won't have to commute to them!
Despite the busyness, I know this is the right path for me and know if it was a free and easy ride I wouldn't really be learning anything, then I would land up completely unprepared for when I am on my own (God willing), in a parish with no one to fall back on.
Showing posts with label time. Show all posts
Showing posts with label time. Show all posts
Monday, 14 November 2011
Monday, 17 October 2011
Switching off
I've been very tired of late. It's a combination of the "nights fair drawin' in" as we say in Scotland, getting up about 1.5-2 hours earlier than I have become used to, using parts of my brain which have been under used for years and placement stuff. What hasn't been helping, though, is me not switching off from it.
I'm trying to have that Saturdays are my time. No uni work, no placement time, just time for me. I feel it's important to set this early on so I do make sure I don't spend all my time on the job. But on Saturday there, I just have verbal diarrhoea recounting the week, pretty much verbatim (I have a spookily good talent at doing this!). I know spotthegerbil is interested, but my constantly talking about the events isn't good for me either.
So, I need to find a way of putting uni and placement things to one side, at least for one day a week. I know it won't be easy - at the end of the day this is very personal, both for me and the people I will pastorally care for. It's not like a pile of paperwork where it'll still be there in the morning and no-one will be affected.
Yesterday, I did decide not to look at blogs or talk uni and I felt better for it. I think doing that on Saturdays may help. And I think asking for advise, from fellow candidates and my supervisor, will give me some pointers.
I'm trying to have that Saturdays are my time. No uni work, no placement time, just time for me. I feel it's important to set this early on so I do make sure I don't spend all my time on the job. But on Saturday there, I just have verbal diarrhoea recounting the week, pretty much verbatim (I have a spookily good talent at doing this!). I know spotthegerbil is interested, but my constantly talking about the events isn't good for me either.
So, I need to find a way of putting uni and placement things to one side, at least for one day a week. I know it won't be easy - at the end of the day this is very personal, both for me and the people I will pastorally care for. It's not like a pile of paperwork where it'll still be there in the morning and no-one will be affected.
Yesterday, I did decide not to look at blogs or talk uni and I felt better for it. I think doing that on Saturdays may help. And I think asking for advise, from fellow candidates and my supervisor, will give me some pointers.
Sunday, 9 January 2011
30 days to go
I had a bit of an odd conversation at my home church today. At coffee, I mentioned to my Mum I've 30 working days left (devastated I am, truly devastated!). This is as I have to use my holiday entitlement before I leave under voluntary redundancy. As a result, I am having all of March off. Hence, 30 working days left.
So, the person sitting with us, somewhat indignantly went "How?". I explained I was taking voluntary redundancy. "Well, you'll get something else, won't you?". "Err, possibly not", I replied. "Taking a few months off to do my own thing is looking very appealing. This might be the last chance I get". The person then asked "so, is he [Spot] letting you".
I recalled the conversation to Spot and he was surprised and a bit taken aback. He is very supportive of me and completely understands why I would want to take some time out. It did get us talking about what I would have done if he hadn't let me. That's something that hadn't occurred to either of us. We support each other. That's the way it is. Yes, I may do some voluntary work, but it'll be on my terms. I may just take very long walks and even get back into cycling. Whatever I do, it'll be between God, Spot and I. No one else. I'm looking forward to it.
So, the person sitting with us, somewhat indignantly went "How?". I explained I was taking voluntary redundancy. "Well, you'll get something else, won't you?". "Err, possibly not", I replied. "Taking a few months off to do my own thing is looking very appealing. This might be the last chance I get". The person then asked "so, is he [Spot] letting you".
I recalled the conversation to Spot and he was surprised and a bit taken aback. He is very supportive of me and completely understands why I would want to take some time out. It did get us talking about what I would have done if he hadn't let me. That's something that hadn't occurred to either of us. We support each other. That's the way it is. Yes, I may do some voluntary work, but it'll be on my terms. I may just take very long walks and even get back into cycling. Whatever I do, it'll be between God, Spot and I. No one else. I'm looking forward to it.
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