The Visible Woman...January 28, 2001

Kind of slept in. Then did whatever we pleased. Neighbors Andy and Laurie were over to help us with some outside chores. I made my friends Nancy and FP Lilly a thank you note for forging a hat and coat rack for the bedroom that will never in a million years tip over. It was cool seeing this piece come together from scribbles on my white board to a real, solid thing, delivered unexpectedly last Sunday night in the purple truck.

I organized our montly expenditure. It's heartening to stay within the budget and see that we are continuing to save for retirement. Retirement...when I could fritter away my days, all my days, like today. Spent a little time helping FFP with Quark and the new printer on the Mac. (I know nothing about all three.) Spent time playing with my pictures and software. Spent time on my work project. (Oh, wait...if I were retired....) Spent some time taking pictures of my new clothes rack, making the thank you card, reading old journals. Glancing at books I should read. Spent time glancing at papers I'd like to pore over. Talking to the neighbors about projects. If only I had a stretch of days like this, I'd get this room in apple pie order, do all kinds of creative stuff, read, read, write, write. Wouldn't I? Surely I would. Unless I decided that since I was retired I should travel more and then I was never here to catch up.

As long as I'm here, in reach of my computers, books and toys...I could never get bored.

Why does one agree to go to a party celebrating a football game when one doesn't even know who is playing? Because you like the people giving the party, of course. Silly. That's why.

I visit with the guy who is a sound engineer, the guy who has a band, his daughter (who is a freshman in high school), a senator and his wife, our buddy Rebecca, her boyfriend (a New Yorker who isn't too happy with the game, hmmm). Small chats with virtually everyone. Way too much to eat and drink. Argh.

Do you ever get in a conversation with someone about music or books or films and realize that, although you both have lots of favorites, you have not a single title in common. This is especially surprising with movies, especially when the others seem to share some of the same genres. You will finally hit on a couple that are on both your lists but mostly you favorites elicit blank stares from them and vice versa. Had this experience with John and Susan the other night and the capper was when I started talking about Wings of Desire.

"Oh, you mean City of Angels?" John Said.

"No, that was a remake of it. I hated that one. But Wim Wenders did approve it."

Perhaps it comes down, sometimes, to the difference between those who embrace subtitles and those who don't.

Weekends are too short. Then on Monday you feel guilty for goofing off although time to goof off was what you most desired. You got it. But you feel guilty. Sigh.