It is snowing today in Tulsa. Since that is a rare occurrence, everything in the city pretty much stops. Life, for a moment, seems to stand still. Thank God for snow days.
This gives me an opportunity to finally catch up. I have many things I want to write and things I want to tell you but the obligations of home have been getting in the way.
I’ve always had difficulty transitioning back into “normal” life after a vacation. Even when I quickly tackle the unpacking and laundry and store my luggage back in the closet, it’s a challenge to return to my old rhythm.
This return was no different.
I thought I had a head cold when I got home. You know, the paradoxical complete congestion accompanied by a continuous drip. Instead, the doctor said I had an ear infection. A puss-in-the-ear kind of infection. Gross. New doctor, new insurance, and a new pharmacy meant it took a few days before I got my prescription. I’m not good as new, but I’m feeling better.
In the meantime, Mazie got into some of the chocolate I brought back from Modica, Sicily. Once again (just like in December), she ate an entire 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate with red pepper. I swear I’m going to change her name to Cocoa.
Mazie is fine. Induced vomiting and forced consumption of charcoal probably weren’t fun for her but overall she seems no worse for her indulgence. I, however, paid a $305 bill, made myself a martini, and went to bed. I slept for 12 hours.
Then there is the mail, both physical and online. The bills. The insurance policies up for renewal that increased, which triggered a two-day search for a new provider. The shopping for food. And work: the unfortunate requirement of having a “day” job to pay my bills.
The obligations of home take a lot of time.
Have you ever felt like you needed a personal assistant? Someone to make appointments, shop, pay bills, take in the car for tune-ups and tires, follow up when things go wrong, and just in general handle the demands of home life? Yeah, me too.
In part, that’s what friends and family are for. Home is the people who have your back. The people you can rely on and lean on. Your emergency contacts. Your peeps.
My emergency contact is out of town for family weddings. And their gas pipe broke in their front yard when I was out of town as well. Thankfully, other friends were around to step in. And I was there this week when the gas man had to reset the system. That’s what friends do.
When snow took me by surprise in January and the city was locked down for three days, a friend shoveled me out. I was so grateful. Today, I’m sweeping my stoop with a broom, because I don’t own a shovel. I might get stuck in my driveway but at least I’ll be able to get down my steps!
But the BIG news since my return is….
drumroll….
My new windows have just been installed! If you’ve been following my drama with mold in my apartment, you know this is a big deal. The windows arrived two months earlier than expected, which was a fabulous surprise.
From old to new
I really like my new windows. They open from the top as well as the bottom and tilt inward for cleaning. Pretty darn cool.
I debated putting the blinds back up because honestly, I don’t like the look of blinds. But then one of the window installers mentioned how there are windows now with remote controls to open and close the blinds, which got me thinking…
I like opening my blinds in the morning.
In fact, walking through my apartment and opening the blinds on each window is a favorite part of my morning routine. There is something incredibly satisfying about the slow movement of the blinds going up as I pull on the cord and assess the view. From the bedroom, the dining room, the living room, and finally, the front of the house looking out onto the street.
Sure, I do this when traveling as well: I always open the drapes or shutters in the morning. But it’s different at home. When I do this at home, it feels like home. Here I exist, awake to a new day, surveying my surroundings.
What about you? Is there something you do every morning – or every night – that feels incredibly satisfying? Something that is unique to being at home?
I’ll be writing more soon, I promise.
But, if you’re interested, here are a few links to some of my favorite new reads:
Kate McDermott’s Newsletter – For anyone who loves to bake, you need to know Kate! Kate is the author of Art of the Pie: A Practical Guide to Crusts, Fillings and Life (2016). More than that, she’s just the kind of person you want to share a morning cup of tea with.
Holy Wr*t! – Michael Reed breathes new life into bible stories. His take on scripture will make you chuckle and also make you think beyond what you were taught.
The Story Birds – If you love folk tales, fairy tales, and parables, check out these unique stories.
Crime and Punishment – And now for something serious. This newsletter explores economic, racial, environmental, justice, and equality issues. Written by an environmental law attorney.
The Sample – Click a few boxes to indicate your interests and every day you’ll receive a new offering. It’s a great way to discover new writers!
These aren’t the only things I’m reading. I’ll share more with you in the future. In the meantime, enjoy your day and look for a new post coming soon.
Welcome home! 💗
LOVE the new windows. You sure needed them! Welcome home to a new perspective.
Also, thanks to your encouragement, I now subscribe to Kate McDermott's blog. Thank you for connecting us!