Even though the whole point of this exercise is to record my normal days and find beauty in them, there are still days that feel too small or too open or too boring. I felt that way yesterday, even though I found plenty to write down. Sometimes, having too much open space on my calendar is an inspiration, but sometimes, it leaves me feeling like I’m not a person—no meetings, no calls, no to-dos. I don’t rest well, I know. But there is something purposeful about a fuller calendar.

Today, well, was the opposite of yesterday. My day is jam-packed. It was bright and sunny for my standing Thursday morning appointment. Then I scooted right home in time to wrap some freelance work, make some calls, and tend to some writing, just as the clouds blanketed the sky. I worked until 1:30, at which time, I started taking a few calls from potential NYU MFA candidates. (The administrative offices have asked me, the last couple of semesters since graduating, if I can be an alumni contact for incoming students.) As I discussed with Suzy, it’s funny to be on the other side of a thing, to understand the system and the work and the highs and lows of an experience, and with all of that information, to try to remember what it was like at the very beginning, when you’re so enthusiastic and curious. I suppose you could become very bitter through reflection, but it actually brings me a lot of joy to speak with these writers who are just starting out. And it’s good to think, when you’re in the system and work and highs and lows of something else, that one day there’s “the other side” to that too.

The night was full of activity, including a cross country meet up the mountain and a family movie night at the school. This has the opposite effect: I almost resent the busyness on the front end, and then when we rush from one thing to the next, I remember how fun it all is.