Days Off

It lays out in front of you like the horizon of a California highway at sunrise. Full of possibilities, driving into a glorious unknown that you can't wait to discover, yet assuring you of a beautiful journey on your way there. Calling at you like the Sirens beckoning Ulysses,...."Approach sailor,....approach and enjoy. Bask in our glory,....."

Ahhhhhhhhh. Days off.

Days off are NOTHING like vacation. On vacation you're required to have a good time, whether you like it or not. "Must sit by pool. Must order fruity drink with rum and an umbrella. Must squish toes in sand. Must lay in chaise lounge and listen to reggae music. Must get sunburn and mosquito bites on ankles. Must, (grunt) wear (heavy breath) Hawaiian shirt." Days off present an unadulterated freedom from expectation, liberating you to do what you want WHEN you want, or not even do it at all.

This week I have a couple of those days, and I'm experiencing an unusual phenomena. What is often considered work becomes an anticipated chance at unfettered productivity. Here's some of the stuff on my list:

-Clean the house

-Get ahead on some later choreography I need to prep

-Mow the few strands of growing grass in my thirsty, dead yard

-Pull weeds, which seem to be the only remaining things that grow!

-Make travel reservations for upcoming business trips

-Make supper (Ramen noodle soup and crackers, perhaps?)

-Run to the grocery, bank and post office

-Give myself a haircut (Yes, to save $$ I actually DO THIS!!)

-LAUNDRY!

Point is, when it's optional, it's more fun. No gun to your head or deadline. No penalty for failure to complete the assignment. No one standing over you, lauding your achievements or dissing your laziness (Yes, I'm a 45-year old man who just used the word "dissing". If you don't like it, then get out my grill homey!!!) I have a feeling that today will be gloriously and unexpectedly productive and acheivement-oriented, just because I want it to be.

And now,....preparing myself for the work to come,....a nap.