AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 8, 2006 — When I first retired, I'd go out and about and take my time wandering around Austin and really revel in it. I wouldn't worry about wasting time.

Today I became anxious while essentially goofing off in this way.

Oh, I had an alleged purpose. I was supposed to be going to Target to look for something for my great nephews' upcoming birthdays. And delivering my Dad's income tax info to the CPA.

Ha. That Target doesn't even seem to be there anymore. And I goofed off looking in Uncommon Objects afterward. (My CPA lives in an office upstairs from there.) Sadly I didn't take the camera so no pictures.

I went to the little toy store on South Congress after that. I did buy a few things for the nephews. It's hard to know what to buy even though I get hints from my niece.

It was a pretty day. And I was out shopping and driving around Austin when things weren't busy.

But I just couldn't revel in it. I felt anxious like I should be doing something useful. Like my own taxes. Ugh. Or chores around the house.