Life of Leisure?

After waking up this morning, and sipping my first cup of coffee, I realized that today was going to be one of “those days.” I sure you know what I mean…a day which would require extra effort to feel productive, when all you want to do is snuggle in bed all day long with your corgi. But I have a strong work ethic (although not as strong as my father’s – he’s over 90 and still going strong!) and I was raised Southern Baptist (we’ll talk about that in detail at a later date!), so I feel especially guilty if I waste a day doing nothing. I could stay in bed, facing my recriminations, or I could figure out how to navigate the day. In addition, I didn’t have the slightest idea of what I was going to write today. Believe me, I have a jumble of personal issues, but I don’t really feel like brushing out my “inner fur” in front of you (see blog entry, THE ZEN OF GROOMING A CORGI to understand at allusion). Besides, if I divulged all my inner demons…then I really wouldn’t have anything to talk about in the future.

Normally, when I’m in this type of quandary, I soak in the swimming pool and hope to court my creative muse. But the weather has turned cooler. The nights no longer feel like they are on “preheat” and the days on “broil.” Anyway, the pool was a bit too chilly. Since we don’t have a pool heater, our pool becomes a glorified water feature…purely ornamental. Instead, after highly caffeinating myself (two cups of coffee and a sugar-free Red Bull), I hopped on my bike and rode around the neighborhood.

When I say “rode around” I mean just that…going around and around our little gated community. While it can be tedious, I don’t have to worry about traffic, and I see all the neighbors walking their dogs….Grace’s little terrier; Bob’s little mixed breed; the two westies owned by the “when is she going to admit she’s a lesbian?” Trump supporter (she’s been complaining about the number of pride flags in the neighborhood…oh the drama!) I’m privy to the neighborhood drama since the hubby is the president of the HOA. Now you would think being “First Lady” would be a glamorous position, but I’m no Eva Peron…..maybe Imelda Marcos (like shoes! See, I am Carrie Bradshaw!) I think the one non-official duty I’ve had is scooping up some roadkill because nobody wanted to do it.

Anyway, after about an hour, I found myself in front of my computer typing out this missive, and figuring out how I planned on spending the day. I try (feebly) to adhere to a daily schedule of tasks, which I typed a few months ago, after the novelty of social distancing had worn thin. Remember when we thought life would be back to normal after just a few weeks?! And the idea of social distancing for more than a couple of months seems inconceivable.

Looking at my schedule you’d think that my life is one big unending vacation. And I have to admit, that I am very fortunate. Before taking early retirement, I held a nicely paying corporate law job (no, I wasn’t a lawyer)…a job which I did very well (and hated most of the time). I finally left if when the electronic leash became too tight. I was carrying a Blackberry and checking emails at all hours of the night, sometimes while I was offstage performing in a play! Finally, I realized that it was destroying my quality of life…and that it was becoming my identity….so I tendered my resignation. So, I am very fortunate that my hard work paid off….because I know there are so many people are working just as hard, and struggling financially day to day. So I left the firm, and – surprise! – they managed just fine without me, and I without them.

Where was I going with this? Oh, yes, staying productive during the day, especially during a pandemic. Sometimes I feel like one of Sondheim’s THE LADIES WHO LUNCH, from his musical COMPANY. If you are Gay and aren’t familiar with this song, shame on you! Listen to Elaine Stritch’s rendition. ! Find it on YouTube!

“Off to the gym, then to a fitting Claiming they're fat And looking grim 'cause they've been sitting Choosing a hat

Does anyone still wear a hat?” I suppose if there is any moral to this entry it’s that regardless of how fortunate/lucky/blessed you feel you are, always keep active, especially during this time. Keep plugging away, even when you feel that it’s pointless. It isn’t really; you have been every the rare gift of available time to better yourself and the world. Don’t let inertia drag you down…keep moving! Keep growing! Now for another vodka stinger!