It’s 12:45am, and I’m exhausted, but can’t fall asleep. Nights like this are often useful for contemplating, organizing, planning. Tonight, not so much. Can’t focus enough. Usually the list comes pretty easily, tonight it’s a pile of too many things that I have to get done mixed with too many things I want to do just for fun mixed with the collected trivia of the past few days.

In Harry Potter, in the 4th book, we’re introduced to an interesting device that becomes very important later in the book, called a “pensieve”:

…Harry did so, staring at the stone basin.
The contents had returned to their original, silvery-white state, swirling and rippling beneath his gaze.
“What is it?” Harry asked shakily.
“This? It is called a Pensieve,” said Dumbledore. “I sometimes find, and I am sure you know the feeling, that I simply have too many thoughts and memories crammed into my mind.”
“Er,” said Harry, who couldn’t truthfully say that he had never felt anything of that sort.
“At these times,” said Dumbledore, indicating the stone basin, “I use the Pensieve. One simply siphons the excess thoughts from one’s leisure. It becomes easier to spot patterns and links, you understand, when they are in this form.”
” You mean . . . that stuff’s your thoughts?” Harry said, staring at the swirling white substance in the basin.
“Certainly,” said Dumbledore. “let me show you.”

It’s a really cool device, like a big birdbath that you drain your thoughts into, and you can examine them from above. When you’re done, you take them back. Or not, I suppose, if you’d like to clear your mind of some fluff.

I was thinking about that, because tonight was one of those nights when, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t keep my mind on a straight path.

Some of the things tapping the inside of my forehead tonight…
For the WTP Board of Directors, we’re compiling a bunch of information to help them as they try and fundraise for our first season.
I’m also still searching for another 2 or 3 person big-name comedy that will be cheap to produce.
The Amazing Race finale was fun, and I love that show. However, I’m very glad that the “Family Edition” is done, and in February it goes back to normal!
Speaking of game-shows mis-labeled as “reality tv”: Survivor finale was good. No spoilers here, but I’m glad it turned out the way it did.
Tomorrow I get to spend an hour working college students thru some basic blocking moves onstage. Should be fun and, hopefully, useful for them.
Maggie couldn’t sleep tonight. She made some beaded necklaces with Jeanne for a while, then sat with me and drank warm milk and watched some of The Amazing Race while coloring a card for her teacher. She’s getting big.
I have a pile of bills I need to pay. Ugh.
Speaking of bills, I need to finish the WTP ‘now-thru-August’ budget and mail it to the board for preliminary scrutiny.
“Time is being spent. One way or another, it’s being spent. The question is, How are you choosing to spend it?”
I need to check my list, but I may be done with my Christmas shopping.
It’s interesting how people you thought were your friends just drop out of your life, and sometimes you’re sad, but sometimes you don’t mind at all.
When does the Serenity DVD come out?! I can probably find out by the time I’m offline – gotta love the internet!
*sigh* I must exercise more.
Thursday John and I are meeting with a gentleman about the WTP building. The only thing holding it up right now is a weird issue with the rights to the alley. Should be solvable. Annoying that it’s slowing us down.
I think we’re gonna sign Max up for karate. Whooo, it’s expensive!
The Detroit Tigers have signed two new pitchers – Kenny Rogers and Todd Jones. While not superstars, they’re good players who should help. I’m happy about it.
In my attempt to whittle down TV watching, I’ve now eliminated The West Wing. Man, has that show slipped in quality.
Both kids have their Christmas parties at school tomorrow. I’ll be making an 8:30am trip to the school to drop off snacks and teacher presents.
Tomorrow we’re supposed to get more snow. That means I’m gonna have to snow-blow the driveway again. That’s okay, it’s kind of a stress-relieving activity.
Time to go to bed.