Isaac and Ari went to camp. I mailed them cards before they left because it takes a while for them to reach the camp. I received a card from Isaac from Canada, not long after he left. When they returned, I spoke with both and thanked Isaac for the card. I told Ari I was aware he had sent his aunt a card. He said that he did not have time to write this year and reminded me there was one year when he sent no one a card.
I choose to let this pass.
I go to the gym three times a week. I spend much time watching people. There are couples who work out together or, at least, come at the same time. There are a few that draw my attention. I am aware that the men always walk in front or the women, even when not walking single file. There is one man who comes from the weight room and walks over to the woman on the treadmill. He nods, she gets off the treadmill, and they walk to the front door. He hands her his bag. He opens the front door and exits in front of her. She follows, bag in hand.
I have remained quiet.
Erik had a kidney stone and, at times, was in major pain. He told me he had his annual checkup with his primary care physician and asked if I would drive him lest he was taking a painkiller at the time. He did not want to drive. I took him, and, at the end of his appointment, his doctor came out and introduced himself to me. He thanked me for bringing Erik. I told him it had been years, but in the past, I had also taken Erik to medical appointments.
I am thrilled I am still available!
Erik came over for dinner the other night. Isaac and Ari are at camp and Ellen had a friend visiting unexpectedly. I had made a dessert I thought Ellen would like. I had a great time, as always, with Erik. It is meaningful to so fully enjoy my time with each of my kids. When he left, I gave him the pie to take home. When I spoke with him two days later, I mentioned that since the pie is frozen, he can keep it until the boys come home. He said that would not happen.
I tried guys.
I go to the gym three days a week at the same time. I see many of the same people each time, but I have never talked to them. I know their patterns. I was aware that one woman I saw each time was not there for a long time. When she returned, I was walking past her and I mentioned that I had not seen her for a long time. She said she had foot surgery and was gone for three months. For a few days, we smiled and said hello. As I was leaving one day, she asked me my name and introduced me to another man she was talking to.
I now know the names of two people I have seen for almost two years.
My cousin came to visit. I have not seen her in a long time. My daughter-in-law went to Norway to visit family. The heightened awareness that can result from these times together enhance our lives. There is always the chance of a new revelation.
Visit someone.
I went to a mixer for one of the business groups I belong to. I do these things to network. I am focused on maintaining referrals for my practice. Due to work, I was a bit late and I discovered two dear friends were already there. I had invited them. I joined them at their table and sat there the entire time. I was aware there were unfamiliar faces at the event, probably people worth meeting as I seek to network. I did not.
I will never master this process, I suspect.
I was engaged in a conversation with my daughter and her friend about pillows. Julie specializes in this subject as she has likely tried all pillows in her pursuit of one she likes. I disclosed that I have had my pillow for over 40 years and the looks on their faces and their grunts suggested they did not believe it was wise to have a pillow that long. I was not convinced, but I saw some displayed at Costco. They were king size, so I refrained. Mine is a queen. I reflected and decided to give it a try. I loved it. I bought a king size pillow cover, but my current pillowcase is a bit small.
Off to shop for my new investment today. Likely less than 40 years. I have aged.
Went to visit Julie. The last morning we decided to have breakfast out before being dropped at the airport. Breakfast went quickly. Decided to go shopping. Worked well to be dropped at the airport as anticipated. I had checked on my flight. On time. Got to gate; delayed 20 minutes. Ended up leaving over an hour late.
Could have slept later.
On Ari’s 11th birthday, he will be in three countries. He will be leaving France, transferring planes in Amsterdam, and ending in Norway. I told him I hope his family will learn to sing Happy Birthday in all three languages.
Let’s see what happens.