Wait a minute! It’s that time again—spring forward! That means I’m about to lose an hour, and I can’t help but feel a little panicked. Seriously, oh keepers of time, I’m a busy single mom already drowning in responsibilities. If that hour disappears, my pile of unopened mail will surely linger for another month. Or more.
So, in the spirit of productivity (and a bit of humor), here’s a list of 23 things I could be doing with that precious hour instead of losing it:
- Tidy Up: Not just a quick fix; my dust bunnies are practically holding family reunions at this point. They probably have a family tree.
- Enjoy a Soak: I can’t even remember the last time I took a leisurely bubble bath. Was it while I was pregnant with my now-teenager?
- Read a Book: I’ve been attempting to read “Girl in a Band” by Kim Gordon, but those tiny bursts of time on my phone during commutes don’t do it justice. It deserves a full hour!
- Tackle Taxes: Actually, forget that. I’d rather binge-watch a show. The taxes can wait.
- Find a Magic Wand: If only I could wave it over my taxes!
- Date Night: Or at least make time for a date that could lead somewhere exciting.
- Take a Nature Walk: I live right by a lovely natural forest in Manhattan, yet I can’t seem to find time to explore it with my eight-year-old.
- Grocery Shopping: Yikes, actually, first I’d need to…
- Clean the Fridge: Seriously, what is that moldy thing sitting in the back? It’s like a science experiment gone wrong.
- Write for Fun: You know, the creative stuff, not just work emails or lists. I used to love writing long pieces before life got in the way.
- Join a Yoga Class: Not the kind that streams on my computer, but an actual in-person class.
- Smell the Flowers: Daffodils are popping up outside delis in New York—spring is here!
- Create Some Art: No, doodles on my kids’ homework don’t count as “art.”
- Go for a Bike Ride: This is contingent on the snow being gone, of course.
- Organize Digital Photos: So I can eventually find that hilarious picture of my son in a pink tutu. I may need more than an hour for that, though!
- Savor My Morning Coffee: I want to enjoy it like they do in commercials, not chug it while multitasking.
- Do Laundry: Or maybe I should just buy more socks online.
- Meditate: I’d need to lock the dog away first to stop him from licking my fingers.
- Catch Up on TV: I hear there are some great new shows out there—what did I miss?
- Stare Out the Window: I really need more moments of just being still and looking outside.
- Pick Up the Dry Cleaning: I’m sure there are items there older than my children!
- Play Guitar: My daughter and I started lessons together, but she has now completely outpaced me. I’m officially a guitar drop-out!
- Lunch with Friends: If they haven’t forgotten me due to my neglect.
Dear friends, if you made it this far—kudos! How did you manage to read the entire list? Share your secrets with me! I miss you all. Let’s plan lunch soon—just not this Sunday, as I’m losing that hour. But soon, I promise. When the last one heads off to college or the snow melts, whichever comes first.
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