The first time John went to Tennessee to play with trains, I made one rule for myself. That rule was, do not say “I should…”
I refused to press myself to do anything in the “must” category. I would not dust or vacuum, clean a bathroom, whack at the wicked wisteria, undertake a major garden project, or clean out a cabinet. John was doing just what he wanted to do, and so would I. In retirement, that’s the closest I get to a vacation when most days are filled with pleasant choices. I allow just enough pressure to keep us from living in filth and squalor.
Within one hour of John’s leaving this time, I broke that rule. After walking to the creek, I saw the little dish I’d left on the kitchen counter. Aaaarrrgggghhh! I soaked Sweet William seeds overnight, and I had to plant them. Rule or no rule, those seeds had to get themselves into the ground. To make matters worse, I had decided where they were going, and the soil was weed-choked and hard. My advice to myself is, “Next time think ahead, you silly goose. Only you can deflect a ‘should’ job.”
Here is a thought on a higher plane. Son $ sent a photo of his car 48 hours after he took possession of it. He proved his prowess with a standard shift, because you can’t get to a point like this without being a nifty shifter.
Mehrling Muse 
You sound like me! Dave goes golfing and I think, what should I be doing? Well, Mother’s Day it happened but I said no way! That’s how I ended up at the movies..,it was nice.
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I’m thrilled you escaped your “should be doing” on Mother’s Day.
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I think the same way…..when Lar goes off to a sale I try find something I like to do! Sometimes I just enjoy reading a good book!
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I thought I would be reading a book when John left, but when the new computer arrived, I dropped all other plans. Most of it is set up now, enough that the pressure is off.
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I’m the same way, Michelle and her Mom say they are going into town. Do I sit and relax with the house empty? Nope. I find anything and everything to do while they are gone.
Very nice looking car and he should be proud that he can drive a stick. Not many people can these days.
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I wish I could remember details of $’s learning to drive a stick. It involved a trip to NY and being stopped in Virginia. The policeman felt so sorry for him, with whatever tale he told, that he let him go with just a warning. I should get him to tell it again the next time he comes, because it was hilarious.
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Put 1200 miles on our Forrester last weekend going to Burlington, VT for eldest grandson’s graduation from Champlain college. It is amazing the # of Subaru’s in mountain country. When herself quilts, I blog. The grass can live to grow another day.
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Nice car! Subaru? Or…?
BTW re “I allow just enough pressure to keep us from living in filth and squalor.” – FUNNY! I can so relate!!
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Yes, it’s a Subaru. Paired words often have a distinct order. Americans talk about macaroni and cheese, as well as peanut butter and jelly. It hurts the ears if they are reversed. I couldn’t remember if squalor and filth should be filth and squalor. Have you any idea?
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You did what you wanted to do and that’s all that counts!
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“the closest I get to a vacation when most days are filled with pleasant choices”
I love that you choose to always be so lovely, Anne 🙂 😀
Also, the car looks great!
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I’m a pessimist who likes to laugh. Retirement is marvelous. You are way too young to think about it yet, but I hope you will eventually find the joys of retirement. Your smile gets bigger as your naps get longer.
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Hahaha 🙂 well, it sounds great!
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