a farewell to arms

While the 90's still prevail in Alabama, the past several days (save one) have only seen 80's and 70's here.  The coolness of the evenings and early mornings serve as reminders that Fall is on its way.  The Summer has been short; it didn't really start until June, and here at the end of August, it's almost gone.  It's been eventful nonetheless.

In spite of all the visitors and experiences over the past couple of months, it still seems I've not had a vacation this year.  And when I check the calendar at work I find that, well, I actually haven't.  I had a week "off" when Lennon was born, but worked off and on that week while fighting a virus in between.  Since then I've had a day or two, I think.  Doesn't feel like it and I couldn't tell you when; most of the days I was supposed to be off I've ended up working.  I need a break.

In 3 weeks I'm going to go on my first cruise.  I'm both excited and not.  Excited to be getting out of Chicago without going to Alabama, although I badly miss my family and mainly my adorable precious cute-as-a-bug grandson.  Not excited because I don't know what I'm going to do with 4 days on a boat alone with a bunch of other people who will mostly be not alone I'm sure.  Maybe I'll actually read a book which is something I haven't been able to do in a while.  Maybe I'll forget about work and the job I'm not in love with.  Maybe I won't stress too badly about not talking to or hearing from the family.  Maybe I'll actually relax and refresh and come back happy and serene.

Maybe I won't fall overboard and be eaten by sharks.  Maybe I won't be over-bored.  But really, how long can you sit by a pool or on the beach before you get antsy?  And antsy is what I need to not be.  Antsyless, anti-antsy, antsy free, unantsy.  Maybe I won't come back as keyed up and antsy as I go.  Maybe it will be good.  Of course it will be good.

So, anyway, Summer is leaving and sweater-weather is coming.  Won't be long til that first cold night and that first snow and that first BIG snow and then the holidays and another year.  Soon we'll say a farewell to arms and toes and hello to long sleeves and shoes.  Life keeps rolling along like the waves.  We just ride along with it.  Helps to have a big boat to keep us from getting eaten by sharks.