Would you put on the kettle?

So. It's going to be a late night. And it's really totally and completely my fault, unless you'd like to blame my parents.... my daughter just said, "Mom, are you like Bunya in that you have to do other stuff to get warmed up to work?" I said, "No, that's not it." Then she said, "Are you like Grandpa in that you have to play three or four card games before you can start working?" To which I said, "Hm. I think I am beginning to realize where I get this procrastination from." Easier to blame my parents than to realize how I let my mind wander to 500 other tasks throughout the day, thus stretching out how long e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g takes by a million percent. Okay, huge exaggeration. But jeez. Can I just focus and complete ONE task at a time? So frustrating. I do get a lot done, but I'd like to not have to work into the night. I've seen my mother do this so many times... but she's a night person. I'm a morning person. Unfortunately, no matter how early I get up I won't be able to assure myself enough time to finish this project and I sorely need to have it finished before I go to the office. If I work now I will just stay up as late as I need to in order to get it done.

Anyone have any suggestions for keeping on task, developing disciplined work habits, and remaining focused on one thing at a time? I've tried the list thing, keeping a pen and paper handy to jot down the thoughts as they come at me, but it's proved ineffective in regards to remaining focused. I might need a brain transplant.

Okay, today I'm grateful for a daughter that drove to Starbucks to get her mom some fuel, another daughter whose cheerful demeanor brings joy to my world, a husband who gave me the sweetest, warmest hug in his sleep, and a puppy who isn't biting my ankles or my hair at the moment.

Someone else is practicing being grateful and I have decided that in this moment, it certainly couldn't hurt. :)

Wish me luck on my work. My goal: in bed by 12:30.