WALKING MY WAYS

WALKING MY WAYS. Life is a treadmill. One of the advantages of retirement is not having a job. Nevertheless, even then, there is too much work. Like health, house, garden, and social activities. Many years ago, my calendar looked like a chicken ran over it. Today, it looks like a whole flock of chickens did the running. Which comes with getting older. I think.

First, let’s speak about health. At least once a year, I see a dentist, hygienist, periodontist, primary care physician, cardiologist, ENT, dermatologist, ophthalmologist, podiatrist, pedicurist, urologist, pulmonologist, barber, cleaner, and physical therapist. Some, even every few weeks. (Like the barber.) Perhaps I am a hypochondriac. Or crazy. Or both. On the other hand, I have yet to see a therapist. Which is a relief.

But those are just my personal needs. Next come House and Garden. Like watering, trimming, planting, cleaning, raking, vacuuming and washing. Inside and outside. Sometimes with assistance. As well as overseeing my rental studio. And then there is cooking, shopping and eating. And going out, doing exercises, visiting friends, going to church, attending Zen, and performing other spiritual undertakings. Including Outreach. And attending volunteer meetings, writing my blogs, doing my podcast, receiving and sending e-mails, and so forth. Including a few dabs of this and that, like car maintenance, bills, checks and guests. And I haven’t even mentioned classes at the Carmel Foundation or at Ollie. Or taking NAPS. All of which mean hurdles. Too little time. And confusion. Often.

The reason I am bringing this all up, is that I just looked at tomorrow’s date, on my calendar. But I couldn’t read it. As I had too many scratch outs. Circles and Arrows. But after some effort, this is what it said: 7:30 A.M. Hygienist. 9:00 A.M. Electrician. 10:00 A.M. Outreach meeting. 3:00 P.M. German Kaffee Klatsch. In addition to cooking, eating and naps. Plus wishing three friends a Happy Birthday. In any event, it will be busy. Alas. Finis.