Couch Time
November 22, 1999
5:17 a.m.
Lisa, Brigid, and I spent the weekend in Louisville with my mom and my dad and my brother. Sorry for not mentioning it in advance so you could avoid stopping by to find nothing new posted.   I didn't do a lick of writing all weekend. Instead we spent our time in Louisville watching football and catching up with Mom and Dad, and Jeff (my brother). We went to the track on Sunday. For those of you who aren't steeped in Louisville, Kentucky, "the track" is Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. I had intended to write when we got home, but the track was a last moment addition to the schedule. We decided to go, primarily because Brigid had never been to a session before, and we thought she would like it. Besides, I thought, the extra money I'll win could come in handy. Quit laughing. I see that smirk, there. When we did finally get home, I had a couple hours that I could have written in. But, instead, I planted my butt on the couch and stared at a NFL game between Jacksonville and New Orleans. Lisa didn't say anything, but I could hear it. Lisa: Who's playing? Ron: Jacksonville and New Orleans. Lisa (peering into the screen): Do we care about this game? Ron: No, but I'm trying to be a slovenly couch spud. Lisa: You're doing a good job of it. Ron: If you can't be good, be good at it. I felt really guilty, to be honest. Sitting there felt like I was squandering time. I don't relax well, I guess. When Lisa eventually asked me to rub her back, I jumpped at the oppportunity. I think a part of it was the desire to be doing something useful. You see, I'm often trying to do two or sometimes even three things at once. Heck, my entire morning bathroom/shower routine is based upon optimizing the process of getting cleaned and dressed. For example, if I don't pay attention to my process, I have to wash my hands several times while getting ready--there's the gel, the shower spray, brushing teeth, and contacts that all entail some type of hand washing experience either before or after them. Hmmm... Picture me stopping and looking at the screen with a raised eyebrow. This is probably beyond the boundary of giving you more than you want to know, huh? Anyway, the point was that I try very hard to be efficient in my use of time, and sitting ont he couch and doing nothing (especially since I was all by myself) felt terribbly decadent. I have three goals in life: writing, work, and family (not necessarily in that order). I should have been writing. Or I should have been cleaning the basement. Or I should have been ... well, doing about anything else. So, Lisa's request saved me. It meant that I could leave the TV on, vaguely watch a meaningless game, and still do something productive. Of course, now my fingers are sore from rubbing. If I let myself, I can complain about anything. Have a good one. Many Thanks to Shannon Wendt for her award   No, the track is not poorer for my trip. Thanks for asking. Daily Persistence is © Ron Collins |
|
"You think you've seen weird? We have beings down here called Californians! They'll show you a thing or two ..." David Brin talking to Aliens January 2000 SF Age |
BACK TO 
|