Tara and Time Management

I'm Tara and Time Management is one of my favorite words. Time management is important to me because:

We all have the same amount of time each day. It's up to each of us how we use our time, though.

There's a quote I really like by a man named Michael Altshuler that says "The bad news is time flies. The good news is that you're the pilot."

I think if we learn to manage our time we'll be able to do a lot more with our lives.

My Favorite Memory: Sky-Watching - By Tara

Hello. I'm Tara. Olivia wanted me to tell you one of my favorite memories. I don't exactly have one though. I really enjoy being outside on our back porch with a good book, watching the sky in-between pages. 

It's so beautiful seeing the different cloud formations and watching the sky turn different colors as the sun sets. Sometimes the sunbeams look so close I feel as if I can almost reach out and touch them. 

I guess that's one of my favorite things to do: Watch the sky and read while basking in sunshine. 

Overcoming Fear - By Tara

Mama says I was three when I read my first book. It's not that I'm overly intelligent, I was just born with such a love for books I couldn't risk waiting until a normal age to begin reading. Who knows what I might have missed? 

My dream is to one day be a librarian. I can’t imagine anything better than being surrounded by books all the time.  

I go to our library a couple times each week. Mama says it’s good practice for me. 

“I declare, Tara, you’re so quiet I hardly even notice you’re around.” Mrs. Holden, our librarian said with a smile when she almost tripped over me. 

I looked up from my seat on the floor where I was reading a new mystery book. “Sorry.” 

“Oh, it’s not a bad thing. I wish more of our children would be as quiet as you are.” Mrs. Holden began to walk away, then turned back. “Tara, have you ever thought of helping out with the children’s story time? Or even reading to them sometimes?” 

My heart began beating faster. “No.” I like being in the shadows. Talking to one person is hard enough.

“You’re here a lot and we’d be delighted to have your help. You’d be a perfect fit.” Mrs. Holden’s smile got even bigger. “Besides, your mother said you want to be a librarian when you grow up. It would be a good experience for you.”

I sucked in a breath and tried to smile. “I’ll think about it.” I said it to make her stop trying to convince me. I couldn’t purposely make myself the center of attention. 

Mrs. Holden told Mama about the idea when Mama came to pick me up; Mama agreed that it was wonderful. 

“Mama, I can’t,” I told her when we were in the car.

“Tara, I know you’re quiet, but sometime you’re going to have to learn how to talk to other people if you want to be a librarian. This would be the perfect place to start.” 

What she said made sense, but it still scared me. 

* * *

“Come here, Tara.” Daddy patted the arm of his easy chair. 

Snuggling next to him I took a deep breath. Daddy always made me feel safe. 

“What do you think?” I asked in a whisper, knowing he would understand. During super Mama had told everyone about Mrs. Holden’s offer. 

“I think it’s a mighty fine chance. It won’t be easy, but it will be good and eventually you might even enjoy it.” 

“I need to conquer my fear?” 

“That’s right, little lady.” Daddy gave my shoulder a squeeze. 

I thought about it for a long time before nodding. “I’ll help Mrs. Holden.” As scary as it was, I felt a strange sense of excitement inside me. It felt good to step outside my fears. 

Tara on Time

“...And make sure you put the casserole in the oven at 4:30 so it’s ready in time for supper.” 

I gave a small nod, still engrossed with the Hardy Boy’s book I was reading. Joe had just been hit over the head and had been knocked out. Frank didn’t know he’d gone to the old mansion, so who would ever find him? 

“Tara!” Mama’s voice broke into my head. I quickly skim read the last of the sentence before looking up. 

“Yes, Mama?” 

“You weren’t paying attention to me, were you?” 

“I’m supposed to put the casserole in the oven so it’s ready to eat by 4:30.” At least I thought she’d said. 

“No, no, no.” Mama looked a little bit frazzled. 

I closed my book and put it next to me on the couch. “I’m sorry. What am I supposed to do?” 

“I have to go to Forward Focus for about an hour to finish up some work. I need you to put the food in the oven at 4:30 and please make sure you have the table set by 5:00. Alright?” 

I nodded. I wished I was a bigger help to Mama but I got so engrossed in my books that I sometimes forgot anything else existed. 

After Mama left I glanced at the clock on the wall. I needed to take care of the food in thirty minutes. I started to pick my book up again, then stopped. I didn’t want to lose track of time and disappoint my family. 

Walking into the kitchen, I set the timer on the stove and then settled at table with my book. I’d just read in the kitchen to make sure I heard the timer and that way I could make sure my family had a warm dinner at 5:30 when my parents got home from their job. 

* * *

Sitting at the table an hour and a half later with my family all around me, eating the delicious broccoli and cheddar concoction Mama had made us, I smiled. It felt good to know that my family could count on me and that I’d helped get this wonderful meal ready.