My To-do list reads like something I think I can actually get done in a day. Realistically, it’s taking me one to three weeks to get Monday’s list done. Go figure. I never, ever, thought I was an over-achiever. I always thought I was under-utilizing my time, being a bit of a slacker, and for true! I am one of those people who have seen few mornings and maybe 4 sunrises in my entire life. I am a sleeper-inner. Oh, but there’s not a moon I have ever missed!

Still. Monday’s list did not seem a far reach. Ah, but this is Truchas and we are in the grip of the magic mountain and, after all, it really is a 3rd world country here. So maybe not my fault? That’s it. Circumstances beyond my control.

But that doesn’t work either. Not only are these things I need to do they are things I WANT to do. And, having that little dull, responsible side, there are things I MUST do before I will do the other things. I’m pretty sure I need staff. I also need staff to write a business plan, person the gallery, and help me out with how I’m going to afford staff. I guess that’s the problem of business. We need more people but we won’t be able to pay them until they actually come and work for free for a year. Sigh. But somehow, someone needs to do all that, uh, stuff—so I can get back to work on my paintings. Jeeezzzzus, I just cannot do it all, at least not all at the same time!

There’s got to be better way.

My husband is feeling overwhelmed, too, on the house. We were discussing kitchen counter-top options (since our first choice fell through and our granite-counter-man dropped everything and moved to Florida one step ahead of whatever.)

So I’m thinking traditional Mexican tiles—and my husband says that I have to learn how to do it and put them in myself as he has too much to do in the house! Well, fine, but I also am having a job job (for a paycheck) I’m also taking classes in real estate, I’m also running and staffing the gallery, and I’m also supposed to actually paint some new paintings, make postcards, do advertising, serve on the HRA board, train the pup, wash and fold the clothes.....Yes, the house is big work. I don’t quite think he appreciates that all this other crap takes up that much time, but it really does. Oh, also—I made the ad for Essential Guide...wash the dishes, cook the dinners....I think you’re getting the picture. I DO NOT begrudge any of this. I’m just saying. I think I fully do my half. Yep, it’s different stuff, but it still all needs to be done.

But whatever. If I have to tile my countertop, then I’ll learn how to do it and I’ll do it. End of story.

Don’t get me wrong—I’m not complaining about my wonderful husband. I know he feels lonely down there working all by himself. I’m trying to spend more time working with him—and we need to get in there as soon as we can and more hands make light work, and I do enjoy it! It’s just if I’m there nothing gets done here and I get behind and more behind. But we’ll work it out and ” It’ll be fine, you’ll see!” (to quote the wise words of my friend Carol.)

I'm considering moving the painting studio down there right now-my husband needs proximity, company. Though logistically, that poses several challenges--as well as offering  several benefits. No way to map it out on paper--just have to give it a go and see how it works out. Dust, work dust, that's one big issue. How busy my reservation phones are is another issue--Would it make sense to try to keep the studio here? I do not have adequate resources to keep a studio in both places at once. And I absolutely will not even consider dragging studio back and forth--that's pure insanity. That is, if I've not already gone quite mad.

I think my husband needs me there. I think we'll give it a go. I would be nice to take this quadruple-use room down to only 2 uses, living room and gallery. Doesn't that sound peaceful? And take the studio, and construction aide down to the new house? Gallery will be there in only a month's time. And that place has sunlight. This place a cold, dark little dungeon. A pertty one! But cold and dark nevertheles 

OK, I'll do it.