I've coined a term for a certain situation in life that I use time and time again. I call it "Ketchup Time." It's that period of time after a trip away from home where you just aren't ready to jump into life's routine, rituals and schedule as of yet. You have clothing to unpack, souvenirs and trip finds to put away or give to friends and dirty clothing to wash. All the little odds and ends required for this trip have to be put away, the suitcase has to be emptied and stored and everything has to be put back in its proper room, drawer, closet, home, etc. And if this isn't enough, you have to read all that mail you had held and act on some of it depending on how long you've been away. You have to hear all your landline phone messages and take care of all the crises that occured because you weren't home to hold the universe together. And then.....if you didn't take your laptop with you on the trip....the deluge of emails from the people and businesses you contact daily are awaiting response. Some may even think you're upset with them because you haven't responded in a while. And when that's all complete....pick up kitty from those who have been taking care of him. And don't forget you have to get groceries and restock the refrigerator and cupboards that are empty from your absence!
My friends, clients, customers and business contacts all know what Ketchup Time is. I have also tried not celebrating Ketchup Time and actually went to a Toastmasters meeting the next day with jet lag and hardly remember a thing I said or did at that meeting! Because I give myself Ketchup Time, I also give all the people I know who go on trips Ketchup Time. It's just a given. I don't bother them for 3 days after they return from any trip.
I had a coaching instructor who taught us to pay attention to how we pack for a trip, as it reveals a lot about us. Since packing and unpacking are not a favorite art of mine, and there is always the forget-to-bring-one-item-on-each-trip law of packing that a dear coaching friend told me about, I much enjoy observing how I approach the whole packing event. Do I pack each item lovingly? Or is it a chore?
I recently celebrated a much longer Ketchup Time than usual as I attended a Teesha and Tracy Moore Art Journal Retreat (see my other blog about that blissful event) that required the most unusual items (due to the creative recycling of everyday objects it requires and the art supplies.) I had no problem with the Eye of Knute and ladybug wings required, but Seattle Airport certainly didn't trust the objects I transported home and ransacked the whole suitcase with careful attention to the gel medium we used to stick art to the page and make it glossy. Ransacking takes longer to sort and put away, adding to my Ketchup Time.
I know often life doesn't allow Ketchup Time and many have to jump back into life not as prepared as they'd like. But, it is a practice that helps keep stress away and anything that does that is welcome in my life. Do you have any Ketchup or Non-Ketchup Time stories....or any packing/unpacking stories.....or any baggage security line stories to share? Please do! They are always so entertaining.
