Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Yikes, it’s March already… I would ask where has the year gone, but that would make me sound way too much like my mother, which validates that my mom really did know more than I ever thought possible and also imply that if I truly do understand the meaning of what she was saying, I am growing older, albeit not as gracefully as I had envisioned.  A true domino affect if I ever saw one.

Time never went by this quickly when I was younger.  Matter of fact, it felt like it sometimes dragged on endlessly.  I find this an interesting catch-22: I now seem to be doing more to prove to myself that I have done something productive and that I can feel good with the accomplishments that increase the value and meaning of everyday life, but by doing all of these activities, I cannot seem to find time in the day to do nothing, nada, zilch, except to sit back, reflex and count my blessings.

It is all a matter of perspective.  Laundry is a noble deed (although 3 loads a day may be a bit on the excessive side – are we the cleanest family… or the dirtiest?); emptying the dishwasher is not exactly a labor of love, but it does mean that we eat home a lot (as a family unit, bonding over surprising, death-defying homemade concoctions); vacuuming (proves that I am the master of the dust bunnies)… and these things are just for the family.  I am fortunate that I have the energy, inclination and desire to make my house a home.  I obviously benefit from the efforts put forth, but in a certain special way I want more, I want it all.

I know what you are thinking… what a selfish little piggy-girl… okay, you may be right.  Women are notorious for being martyrs – you know, the “over worked, under paid” type that can hold a grudge ‘til the cows come home. I really don’t want much… other than health, happiness and world peace… you know, the basics.  And, just as an aside, I would like the time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of the labor.

The most difficult first step is actually being able to sit still for longer than 5 minutes.  This is a challenge.  I have tried watching television (Donald Trump has really gotten on my nerves this year); playing my son’s Gameboy (that pinball game can be quite addicting) and my latest passion, knitting (to date, I have completed 10 scarves – which is quite a few considering I have only mastered one stitch and started in January, which would equal 1 scarf made every 2.4 days – this is a sad statistic).  For some reason I possess a serious case of ants in my pants and the longest I seem to be able to concentrate and focus on relaxing is approximately 3 minutes.

Well, at least I know my weakness, a first step to recovery.  It could be worse; I could really dislike what I am busy doing and end up a crotchety old lady (no comments from the peanut gallery!), complaining.  But I like (mostly) what keeps me occupied and out of the bars during the day.  I don’t know, I would probably be bored to tears and complain that I had nothing to do if I took to taking it easy too much.

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life.  Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.                      

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-