When I was working, I always knew when it was Saturday, because there were--depending on what kind of week it was--anywhere between five and 36 work days between it and the previous Sunday. Also, depending on what kind of weekend it was, there was anywhere between 15 and 25 minutes between Friday afternoon and Monday morning.
But retirement is so cool. So cool! I never know what day it is unless I've missed an appointment and someone calls and asks with exaggerated patience where I'm at this time. I try not to do this often, because ... well, because it's annoying and it's expensive for someone. It can be you, and you deserve it, or the person who's being patient with you, who doesn't. Sorry, Julie. I'll do better. Really I will. At some point.
The winter holidays have been my favorite time of year since ... oh, forever. When I was in school, we didn't get that many days off. There were two in October for Teachers' Institute (I'm not sure what that was. It may have involved drinking and other possibly illegal acts, but they never told us), and two for Thanksgiving, then something like 10 that covered Christmas and New Year's. If we had other days off before Good Friday, I don't remember them, and I am the one telling this story.
So, yeah, that's why the winter holidays were my favorite time, and it seemed to me there were at least three years between each Christmastime. (I may be just the slightest bit hyperbolic here, but I am the one ... oh, I just said that.)
And now, the winter holidays come around while some of us are still wearing flip-flops and tank tops. While it may be suggested that that's because last year's winter clothes no longer fit, I'm sure that's not true. It's undoubtedly because we don't remember where our winter clothes are. Or something like that.
More likely it's because time goes so fast in retirement, whether you're having fun or not. Which is one of the many reasons to make sure you ARE having fun. Oh, yes, I'm about to offer advice. Aren't you thrilled?
There's no reason not to have fun. And, the truth is, I forget that for some people, complaining is how they have fun. Or if they can say something just cruel enough to make someone flinch, their day is made!
If today's not fun, give some thought and memory to one that was. Think about someone you love or something funny. For example, those of us who knew Keith Overton undoubtedly heard stories about tipping over outhouses. Personally, I wouldn't have enjoyed that--particularly if I'd been in one--but I still snicker when I remember him standing in the backyard talking to my mom.
If you resent other people having fun while you're not, just grow up.
If you find yourself criticizing anything that doesn't involve you directly, just stop. It doesn't make you feel any better and, chances are, it's not even any of your business.
Let it go.
Re: Number 5. If someone tells you to let it go, just roll your eyes. If you could let it go, you would, right? Sometimes things hurt too much, losses are too great, or your life's going to change because of things beyond your control. I tell you this because I've never been able to let anything go in my life. But I keep going, and you can, too.
And last. Find something to laugh at, someone to help, a kitten to cuddle, a puppy to pet, a book to read, a place to go, a little kid to make your day, a big kid to amaze you.
There you go. My on and on for today, when I forgot it was Saturday because you know, 15 minutes ago, it was last Saturday. Have a great week, enjoy this oh-so-short winter holiday season. Be nice to somebody.
P. S. I almost forgot a couple of other things. First, I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Second, Window Holidays will begin on December 1st. I hope you visit every day! - Liz
What a great post for someone who forgot they needed to post. LOL This just proves that doing something last-minute, whether due to cluelessness or procrastination, still has its merits. :)