Or Mom who's time is just super valuable?
Definitely the third, though the first two are likely as well.
When I am likely to get stuck in the car waiting, waiting in a waiting room, likely to find myself early anywhere or really have no idea where my day will take me, I've created the habit of packing a sketchbook, my Adventures of Sherlock Holmes hardcover (or both!) in a tote and putting it in my car.
Yesterday my son fell asleep on the way home from the Museum of Science. He was badly in need of the nap, my arm problems require I not carry him, so I was happy to make use of the time by doing a third swallowtail butterfly postcard. I did the entire inking of the postcard in one sitting in the driver's seat of my car. Extremely satisfying use of sitting time!
Today my car inspection and oil change needed to be done. I am now happily closer to finishing my book. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's writing draws me in like few others. The voice that he has created for Dr. Watson is lovely and clear. I think the mechanics thought it weird such a nice book (I take off the paper covers from hard cover books. They look richer and older in their real covers) in such a setting, but these guys have no idea how impossible it is for me to read Sherlock Holmes at home with 2 whiny cats and a rambunctious child. I can blog at home because I can constantly pause... but pausing often while I'm reading frustrates me and leads to mini tantrums at the boys the fourth or fifth time they've distracted me into rereading the same line.
I bring the trash to the dumpster on my way to other places (the grocery store, doctors appointments, picking up Sebastian from school). I run washers and dryers on my way out the door to errands. I do neck exercises while I drive (actually the best place to do this one for me). I call for refills of prescriptions while I grocery shop, I vacuum during commercials. I did Wii Yoga with my son around cooking our dinner tonight (chicken and Garden Delight rotini). The only time today where my mind wasn't in two places at once was while I was in the coffee shop before picking up Sebastian drawing out the sleeping Jaguar. I stopped at Starbucks instead of going home because at home I wouldn't have drawn - I would've been pulled in by the overflow of stuff that I need to find places for in our apartment. I would've been disappointed and felt unaccomplished. Instead, I had an hour of single-minded thought and a beautiful black and white 4 by 6 of a sleeping Jaguar to show for it.
I just wonder how many other people travel with books/sketchbooks/games "just incase I find myself with extra time".
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