confessions of a procrastinator

they say, “it’s the thought that counts” -- however, i’m pretty sure it was never meant to be used as an excuse for inaction. i must be the queen of good intentions. i have unmailed letters galore (sorry E), i have Christmas cards from 3 years ago still sitting in my dresser, FULLY decked out with personalized messages (sorry christina, & jessie), my purse still has a wedding card in it from this past february (sorry bonnie), and there’s a bday present sitting unfinished in the middle of my living room floor that is two MONTHS late and counting (sorry jay!). what am I supposed to do now? aside from the bday present (trust me jay, i WILL get it to you before i leave the country [see? Good intentions!!]) i think etiquette states that it’s just a little MORE than tacky to send a card filled with greetings that no longer make any sense – “merry Christmas from NL! still waiting for my visa . . .” – i’ve been living here for two and a half years. at least if they were “belated” cards i could try and get away with it, although i’m sure there must be an expiration to the validity of the belatedness – most likely only days, maybe weeks. NOT years. i guess i could blame it on the post office :) . that’s actually not COMPLETELY impossible. a couple of months ago at work we received some return mail that was sent out in 2003 – must’ve been collecting dust bunnies somewhere. it could happen – but for three years in a row? i think i’m in trouble.
so, i’ve decided to turn over a new leaf and actually start completing those ‘thoughts’ that i have such good intentions about instead of letting them become a part of my unintended museum of unsent gifts, that only a packrat like myself could possibly accumulate. i haven’t been able to throw them away -- that would mean resigning to the fact that i really did drop the ball – and i don’t like to admit defeat! but i think it’s time i let go of “thoughts” that were, and let people know i really do love ‘em by “actions” that are.