I just returned from watching Stardust, a delightful fantasy film (still in theaters) about a star that falls to earth and — having taken human form — helps a young man find his true love, liberate his mother, and slay the evil witches.  The little shop boy even becomes a king in the end!

It was a cute family-type film.  I’m sort of a sucker for the fantasy genre, so YMMV.  That said, a premise of the film — that the thing we desire most may be hidden under our noses — did strike a chord of sorts. 

People nowadays really don’t take the opportunity to just slow down and savor the moment.  We rush from one commitment to the next, always in a hurry and rarely able to just focus enjoyment in the present.  Many of us retreat to “little things” that help keep us sane (for me, it’s long drives through the countryside, with the windows down and music blaring).

Case in point:  I’m on a four-day weekend.  And guess what?  I’ve been stressing about all the things I should be doing, but haven’t been.  Instead, I’ve been shopping, watching movies, putzing around on the Web, blogging from coffeeshops … and feeling guilty about it.  I keep thinking to myself, “Self, you need a vacation to unwind and relax” — as I’m on a four-day vacation to unwind and relax!

So, I’m going to waste today and tomorrow and I’m going to enjoy it.  The opportunity comes along too rarely to let it pass unappreciated, especially when it sits right under one’s nose.

For the rest of you … when you waste time, at least have the decency to not feel guilty about it. 🙂