On sunsets, cerebral overload and the restorative qualities of a steady Law & Order drip

me at the ranch

Skip vacations at your own peril.

On my way up to mine, I cried no less than five times. I think. Frankly, I was so disgusted with myself, I kind of lost count.

I also spent a good portion of the trip doing 75 - 80mph, having to pee but refusing to stop because I was in a hurry to get to vacation, and worrying about the kettle I was sure I’d left on to burn down my entire apartment complex.

Oh—and there was a lovely phone fight with The BF. Because nothing says “relax and kick back” like some hating on the one you care about most.

When you are a workaholic—meaning, when you “love” your work so much you become addicted to it—it is as hard to let go of the feelings you wrap around yourself to keep it together as it is for some people to knuckle down and get to it, period. Neither is better than the other; like the man said, everything in moderation, moderation inclusive. (Of course, workaholics and our dopplegangers—would they be slackaholics?—latch onto that last bit as our saving grace/”out” clause.)

Fortunately, even assholes like me can have their rough bits worn off by long walks on the rocky coastline and a fine quality sunset cheered on with beer and a burrito. The sweet-funky, ’70s love shack I rented comes complete with everything I need to readjust my attitude: wraparound view, high-speed internet and yes, cable TV. PLUS a hideous old recliner from which to watch it.

I have work to do these next few days—work I truly love, elective work I’ve been itching to get at. And get at it I will, tomorrow morning, with a strong cup of black tea to inspire me (and a killer view of surf crashing on the rocks if that doesn’t work.)

But for now, it is me, my Archie Bunker chair and an evening of Sam Waterston et al stretched out before me.

I am so happy in my little self-love shack by the sea I could cry.

Tears of joy, of course…

xxx
c

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14 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. standing on the solid ground shore with the pacific waves crashing helplessly against the break always reminds me of that time i befriended the high school bully and i could say anything i wanted into the wind, with no consequence, and only then is the ocean spray truly refreshing. i envy your vacation, even though i will have my own in two short weeks. good on you.

  2. I have a $300 gift certificate to a spot in Avila Beach, and you’re making me very itchy to use it.
    good girl!

  3. You’ve gotta mix a little relaxation with all your fun and pleasure (aka - work for all you workaholics). There’s nothing like a return to nature to put everything into perspective. Hope you enjoy yourself and come back revived.

    http://www.soupornuts.com

  4. communicatrix

    brandon - what ho! is that a new blogging outlet I see!!!?!! Ladies and gents, leave this here blog immediately and head on over to the master, so he can show you how it’s done. (and yes, b, there is something about the specific sound of the Pacific. In addition to being freeing, it’s rendered all the fancy playlists I dragged up here completely superfluous.)

    Lisa - Cash it in! Cash it in! This is the greatest place on earth!!!

    chris - Thanks–me, too.

  5. Can I just offer a bit of advice. Don’t tax your kidneys! My mom, who is 88, has suffered incontinence for the past six years and I vividly remember her regularly “holding it” until she had to race to the bathroom. I’m sure her lack of control now was caused by her over-control years ago.

    Other than that, enjoy your vaca!

  6. dailytri - yikes! there’s the Good News of the Day. I’ll get right back to enjoying my vacation now.

  7. Hypnoguyla

    Well, Well, Well - the thought is now reality. Congrats on letting go, which I know you will do, and enjoying the dream!

  8. Archie Bunker chair and you left “meathead” at home?
    Self-love, do I dare ask…..hummmm

    ENJOY and have a brewski or two for me would ya!

  9. Archie Bunker chair and you left “meathead” at home?
    Self-love….do I dare ask, HUMM

    Enjoy your time and have a brewski or two for me would ya!

  10. bf

    we had a fight?

  11. Bob

    Sorry you had a rough trip down, but the place sounds great! I love the “Archie Bunker chair” description. Wonderful.

    I’m looking forward to your contribution to the Desiderata series. Hope to hear from you soon, but don’t worry about it on your vacation!

  12. And once you are totally relaxed like a wet noodle, it will start all over again the first week you are back, going through emails, catching up with mail and voice mails.. But, relax while you have the chance!

  13. communicatrix

    bf - I can’t believe you don’t remember it! boohoohoohoohoo

    Bob - I’m looking forward to seeing it up and running!

    Red Jello - Red Jello!?! I want to be relaxed like your name! But it was great. Too short, but great.



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