314 Days

How can I avoid the cliché that “time flies when you’re having fun?” In truth, even if you’re not having fun, life does move pretty fast. [Oh, shit, I am not going to quote Ferris Bueller next.]

Today, I found myself sitting on the couch in our living room. I’m struck by how different this room is from what it was 314 days ago. The spot had been occupied by Jack’s “office” for over 16 years.

It drove me more than a little batty that this cozy room had what I deemed an eyesore. Every single time I wanted to read a book in front of a fire it felt like “work,” even though it wasn’t my work, was staring at me. I often launched into a monologue about “how much nicer it would be to entertain family and friends in our LIVING room” without someone having to (1) sit in an office chair and (2) everyone seeing a desk with a printer, computer, and copious stacks of paper.

My current view is of the fireplace. In the corner, where Jack’s desk resided, is a lamp, a club chair, and an ottoman. A blanket that I crocheted is draped over the back of the chair. The seat beckons someone, anyone, to snuggle up with a cup of tea and a book. I know this is true as that someone is often now me.

Change. It can happen. It might take 15 years, but it can happen if you’re open to making it happen.

Left: Note the lovely fireplace and the “office”. Right: Doesn’t that look like a nice place to read?

314 days ago Jack and I left our jobs behind. We said that we’d give ourselves a year to recharge, rethink, and (possibly) reinvent.

Here’s the thing, at least for me, about having a timeline. Actually, scratch that. Here’s the thing, at least for me about having a deadline, arbitrary or not: the closer you get to the end, the faster it seems that time has passed and is passing.

Have you ever ran a race? Yeah, I know I don’t look like an athlete. I’m not. I did, however, happen to participate in some races in my more fit days.

At the start of a race or a project, everyone tends to go full out. The adrenaline in flowing. You’re pumped. You feel fresh. Excited! Creative! Hungry!

Once you’re in the thick of the course, you find your groove. Maybe you slow down a bit. You take in the view. You encourage the people around you and feel the energy of others supporting you. A little while longer, you may fatigue. But, that’s part of it. Maybe you’re enjoying every step. Maybe you’re struggling. Either way, you keep on.

Suddenly, you see a sign that the finish line is near. Urgency strikes. Time speeds up. You pick up the pace.

Left: The starting line of the 2013 Urban Raid in Portland. Right: Finishing strong and beating the time I had set in the 2012 race.

In 51 days, I will reach the one year mark of my sabbatical. I don’t see a “finish line.” I’ve found a groove and my reinvention is still in progress. I’m not slowing down, I’m just getting started.

More to come…

Left: A very tired selfie on March 16, 2024 in Gorham, ME. Right: Having fun with my niece on Feb. 27, 2025 at a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, LA.