Mismanaged Motivation

I can't seem to get motivated to do those things that would most help me professionally. I need to get my act together and get a study developed (the materials), get some writing done (two articles which should go out this semester but at this rate will not), and get some reading done for another study. Additionally, I need to read several new texts that I bought. But, the only thing I am really able to accomplish is canning. It is not good. Yet, I still have plans to go apple picking on Saturday morning. I plan to make brandied apple rings. I plan to finally make my apple pie jam. I don't know what else I might end up making, but those are at least two possibilities.

While I've gone to the gym twice this week, and I think I'll make it again tomorrow, my shoulder muscles are causing me such pain (probably from over lifting Monday) that I will be unlikely to lift any weights again tomorrow. The range of motion in my neck is very limited, and I spent two hours this morning in bed with a heating pad on my neck. But, next week, I shall lift again, I think, and hopefully I will be able to determine which of the machines caused this problem (I have my suspicions) and limit the weights I do with said machine.

With the type of baking and cooking going on here, I think we are eating healthier. I hope that we can find a way to continue this next year and beyond, although I'm sure the canning will be somewhat limited next year (nothing could probably ever compare to this year). I love doing it, though, and it's really nice to use my own tomato sauces and pizza sauces and so on when cooking. In fact, I may do double that next year, depending on how quickly we use up things this year. Rather than making some of the more obscure things I made this year, I will likely just find various spaghetti and tomato sauces and pizza sauces and double up on those.

I doubt, too, that I will make quite as much fruit jam. This year, I was simply obsessed with trying various combinations because I had never really combined things before. There are several holiday recipes I still plan to make, but I refuse to buy any more jars, so I can only make things as we empty enough jars to have for any one recipe. So, anyone who I gave jam to who has no need for the jars can return them. However, if you are going to use them, feel free to keep them. Having fewer will limit what I make! Although "fewer" is a strong word...

Ok. Really. I am off to read the new instructional design theories and models text. If I get really motivated, I'll work on the study materials tonight while watching the red sox and other things.