What
makes for an average day? I mean, for you.
I
hope this finds you healthy and happy.
I’d
love to hear things are amazing. But honestly, I’ve arrived at
a point where going to bed and waking up healthy and happy is
likely more important than anything else. So, as a beginning,
sincerely, I hope you’re healthy and happy, and hope that’s an
ongoing thing.
What
I’m off thinking about though is wondering what makes a standard,
basic, nothing high and nothing low day.
A
few days ago, I had a really basic bad day. Nothing truly horrible.
But a basic bad. I woke up, opened the fridge, and realized I
hadn’t taken the bacon out of the freezer the day before. That
changed breakfast plans. The changes to my anticipated start continued
when I realized I hadn’t run the dishwasher, so most of the mugs
were dirty and I really didn’t want to invest the effort in washing
one just for the cup of hot cocoa I was craving. I walked across
the kitchen to the sliding doors into the back yard. Opened then
blinds and saw it had snowed. Enough that I was going to need
to head out and work in the driveway.
And
that’s enough to give you the idea of what I mean. Nothing was
actually a problem. Not even close. Just a collection of inconveniences.
I had plenty of orange juice, the toast and cereal were wonderful,
and I managed to get a bit of fresh air and some exercise.
Was
I happy with a shovel in my hands? No. But it wasn’t an emergency
or a crisis. Healthy and happy, all is fine.
Terry
and I try to invest time with each other. Could be playing cards.
Might even be just watching television. When it comes to average
days, generally we try to do a few things together, make dinner,
and settle in around the house. That’s an average day.
The
world has changed over the past year or so. Heading out for a
meal, enjoying a trip to the movie theater, visiting with friends…
all effectively shut down, and we all understand that.
Depending
on what you do for work, an average day can end up being designed
around that. What hours you need to work, whether or not you have
a commute, and even things like when you eat and who you may be
with when you do can be designed around your occupation.
Some
people we know are involved in taking care of their grandchildren.
An average day involves getting moving and heading out for a few
hours to babysit as a result.
A
handful are invested in their homes. Maybe a garden or assorted
activities and upkeep are handled each and every day.
A
couple of friends call members of their family—parents, kids,
siblings—every day.
I
don’t go shopping every day. I try to call my parents often, but
it doesn’t happen every day. I try to make our meals, do some
writing, spend some time with Terry, and I’ll almost always do
a bit of cleaning (if only to keep the dishes from piling up).
Hardly amazing, perhaps bordering on routine, and purely average
for us.
People
talk about a return to normal. Getting back to things as usual.
And I do understand. But for me, the really special things will
be when the world gets back to a point where I don’t have to think
about doing anything above average. Back to a time when I can
travel out of state without considering restrictions. Back to
a time when I can pay attention to release dates and not whether
or not the local cinema has any show times.
I
hope this finds you healthy and happy. I hope you’re having some
good, average days. And I look forward to seeing you again once
we can move beyond the basics.