Holes and Loopholes
After a week of 15 hour days, I decided to play hooky (almost). I wasn’t sick, I was tired. My routine started the same as it has for years; I got up, made a cup of coffee, watched the news and then off to my office, still in slippers and pj’s.
I started up the computer, poised to begin another day. I stared. It stared back.
My brain synapses weren’t snapping. Running on autopilot, I did the next best thing. I went shopping. I wasn’t completely deviating from my normal routine. It was Thursday, and Thursday is grocery-shopping day. List in hand I proceeded directly to the Starbucks counter located in the store. “A Hazelnut Mocha, Tall, with half a shot and Soy Milk, please.” My favorite latte slightly adjusted to my changing life (and body).
Unable to steer with one hand, I used the cart’s built-in cup holder as I worked my way up and down every isle. I learned to start my shopping venture with a drink. It is a great comfort knowing my latte will not become another statistic, violently targeted by the parking lot surface. I have seen many new creations, their foam still fresh, tossed and jostled until their innards shoot out from their lid. Of course, if you must venture out with a full cup, provide protection– plug the hole with a straw.
Forgetting one item on my four-item list, I headed home. True to my challenge, I brought my camera for possible poetic inspirations but none came.
Once again, I stared at my computer. It was 1 pm. Too late to watch Perry Mason, and too early for dinner. Exactly what I did during the next three hours is a blur; I probably took a shower.
Then a miracle happened. After a dinner of yogurt and cereal, my energy level skyrocketed. I did the dishes, wrote 2 articles, created a web design, played a few computer games and organized my desk for the next day.
Still awake at 2am, I flipped through TV channels deciding on an educational program showing trained aid dogs being paired with the handicapped. Setting the volume to mute, the subtitles started to scroll by.
I don’t know about you, but I never learned to read subtitles at ludicrous speed. I switched off the TV and went to bed.
Morning came too early. I stumbled to the kitchen, starting my routine of slippers, coffee, and computer. As the familiar computer chime sounded, I realized I completely forgot to work on my challenge.
Oh, Poop! Three days and I am already behind on my challenge. So, I am revising my challenge from a poem a day for a year to simply writing for one year. Essentially the same contract, but now it offers a loophole for future lapses in memory.
To keep your brain healthy, experts say to continually challenge yourself, to learn new things. I agree. I am learning I can’t drink whole milk, I can’t shop without a list (which I can’t remember to use), and I am learning how to deal with an ache in my hip during high humidity, while I live three blocks from the ocean.
I have also learned not to focus on tomorrow. I will concentrate on the now, and right now—I need another cup of coffee.
very good