Chunks, or Eating the Elephant One Bite at a Time

Back when I was writing my dissertation, I belonged to an online group of Moms who were ABD at the time. There was constant discussion of how writing a dissertation is like eating an elephant. It has to be broken up into parts in order for it to be done. Not that anyone actually eats an elephant.

Today I was running and thinking about things like how many miles and minutes I've spent this week running. Since I am given a number to work with each week, like 6 hours and 15 minutes, it is very quantitative and clear cut for me how long I need to work out each time in order to get that elephant eaten. Then, I thought about how I organize my whole life into weeks, or chunks, and that the things that work best in my life are ones I break into manageable pieces. For example, the laundry. It's done on Mondays and Thursdays only. But, it's all done then. That leaves me the other five days of the week to focus on other things, without that nagging sensation that there is some laundry to do. All the meals for the coming week are planned and shopped for by Sunday. Work is assigned and broken down into pieces that can be done between 11am-2pm, which is typically when I can do writing and archive work and 7-10pm which is typically when I do photo editing work. For the most part, I am eating the elephant slowly but surely.

However.

Sometimes, I am shown that parts of the elephant are getting neglected. Last night, as I sat in the classroom listening to the graduate students propose how to handle the Schlater Project archive, one group was very concerned about the state of deterioration of some of the items. This took me aback because I try my best to preserve things (but, c'mon, I am using a basement after all). When we left, I said to my uncle, "I think they're concerned mostly with the items that are not sorted and labeled and in files." I really do think that is the major issue. But, it got me thinking.

I have been so focused on eating the portion of the elephant that is the 3,000 letters, that I've let the other items go ignored and unorganized. I take that criticism to heart and vow that portion of the elephant will get some attention in 2012.

One of the things I've implemented that helps me document the weeks, or chunks of our lives is the Project Life system created by Becky Higgins. The page protectors are split up and little bits fit into each one. And, my new iPhone takes great photos and I can send them to my printer at home to get a quick print for the weekly album. I'm geeked to say the least.

Here's hoping that each of you find the best way to eat your elephant really soon.