Two weeks the wife and I have had off from work.
Two weeks.
Now if Time were passing as it usually does when I am not on holiday then by rights we'd only be up to Tuesday of the first week. But no. Here we are at the Saturday of the last weekend. How the hell did that happen?
I guess the old maxim is true - the one about having fun and all that. Though I'd be hard pressed to tell you just exactly what it is we did do to fill the last two weeks. A shortage of coin meant that a proper holiday was out so we did lots of home days and lots of away days. Little villages in the Cotswolds, visiting friends in Gloucestershire, meals out, pootles around the park, or even just lazing in our own garden, etc. We've both filled the time and luxuriated in it.
And as a consequence Time has speeded up and whizzed by like it can't wait to get away from us.
Next week sees the end of the holiday. Next week sees the return of the alternative.
Note to self: edit self expression and emotional content here.
But one thing this holiday has taught me is that, no matter what speed setting Time seems to be running on, a happy and fulfilling life is inevitably based around spending time with the people who matter to you and not the people who don't; listening to opinions and advice from those whose opinion matters and not listening to the same from those whose opinions should be binned and, most most important of all, daring to stop dreaming and daring to start planning.
Because no matter how fast Time is running, it's running in my favour now.
26 comments:
Spending time with the people who matter and masking that time count seems to be the answer.
For us, being an ocean away from some of the miserable expat crowd is a real bonus.
We didn't feel it alone on our own at home, but fleeting contact with some of them made their antipathy to us palpable.
Now keeping well clear of similar types here...
The fly in the web: discernment is one of the many paths to enlightenment...!
Time just flies when you're doing things you enjoy. The way to slow it down is by doing something you don't like everyday. Have you ever tried licking a frog?
Gorilla Bananas: the French? Are you kidding? I'd need injections first.
All very true words. I know what you mean about the holiday thing. I'm at the end of my fifth week off work and about to go back on Monday...I did loads, yet it still feels like it flew by! Incidentally, drove down the M40 on the way home from hols and saw the signpost to "Leamington" ... naturally thought of you and yours!
OC: well, we'll have to see if that connection remains for the future...! Going back after 5 weeks is going to feel very harsh!
There is nothing more depressing in life than the thought of returning to work after a break. Make the most of your last weekend of freedom. x
The older you get the faster time goes too.
Very Bored in Catalunya: I plan to suck out every last succulent second...
Tenon_Saw: I'm noticing...
That last sentence very enigmatic. But more power to your ambitions Steve.
"The future belongs to those who have the courage to believe in the beauty of their dreams "
Eleanor Roosevelt
Not all families can spend two weeks together without being at each other's throats. There is an underlying sense of harmony and contentment when your posts include your wife and son. Thanks for sharing that.
Keith: three cheers for Eleanor Roosevelt - and for you as well!
English Rider: pleasure - thank you for commenting.
Kiss your kids every time you can...pretty soon they will be teenagers at school and you will be so uncool they will pretend not to know you! Time, as you say, speeds up in a curious way....enjoy your last weekend.
Libby: I suspect I am already not cool enough for my kids. Or my wife. Or my shirt.
I tell you, you're onto it Steve. Idf these blasted earthquakes have taught me nothing else, it's that time is short and you gotta prioritise your life to waht really matters and not the fluff and bollocks of stuff that doesn't. Cheers, we still have the rabbit hutch put aside for you!!
Oooh, Steve, I am so excited for you. And for Karen. This post is full of promise and determination, I hear it in your words now. Just keep moving! Much love xx
Amanda: cheers - and I'll even bring my own carrots!
Being Me: nebulous plans but plans nevertheless... slowly taking shape... a way forward... a way out...! I'll let you know more when I know more.
OH oh, Sag is offering you a rabbit hutch: well I have a concrete cottage needing homing - just a bit of earthquake maintenance needed - 5 mins from Pommyora (actually that's estate agent speke, more like seven) 25 mins from an international airport (actually the rabbit hutch is probably 25 mins from the airport too). Well, between Sag and me we could work something out when you and Karen make that Big decision...
Jeneane: a rabbit hutch and a cottage? Wow. Two properties up for grabs... and one of them mobile. Well. I suppose technically both are fairly mobile...!
"A good holiday is one spent among people whose notions of time are vaguer than yours." ~John B. Priestly
Then again...."How long a minute is, depends on which side of the bathroom door you're on." ~Zall's Second Law
Marginalia: I would concur with both statements and if I had the time I'd be able to explain to you why.
Re those last three lines - "By George I think he's got it!"
Bish Bosh Bash: By God I hope it works!
As one who is going to be 50 next year, I am trying not to think about ANY of this stuff...! But I'm glad you had a good holiday.
Fran: I'm only 42. Plainly I'm old before my time.
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