the ocean

Somehow it is already November. I certainly can't say I know where all of that time went, but I can speak for some of it.

Work, of course, is a thing. And it has taken up some of that time. I was up until 1 AM for a case filing a few weeks ago for the first time in years. I am perhaps no longer really equipped for that sort of thing. I reached a point where, as I attempted to read, words no longer made sense to me. There was also a bit of maniacal laughter for no reason. All perfectly normal, I assure you. I've also had work travel, which is not just eating lunch alone at an International House of Pancakes, but also having awkward encounters with all manner of security personnel. And performing unlicensed therapy for clients, of course. It's all a very rich text.

There are also the joys of home ownership, of course. Planting plants, watering plants, murdering plants as the cold season approaches. Staining and caring for wood that seems to have a death wish. Wondering where all the bugs come from and if there is some gentle, ethical way to get them the fuck away from you. Putting up holiday decorations, taking down holiday decorations. Working with contractors who clearly despise you. It takes time to do these things right.

Social engagements. Charcuterie boards, appetizers, dinners in and out. Engagement parties, bachelor parties, weddings. All manner of alcoholic escapades. Seeing friends in shows. Talking about having seen (or not seen) friends in shows. 

Also, of course, family. My niece and nephew now have packed schedules of dance, theater, and sports. I fortunately do not have to drive them to all of these activities, but I do have to show up and appreciate those activities occasionally. I assure you that grade school dance recitals have lost none of their luster.

And then there's the creative stuff. Lots of time spent writing and probably twice as much time spent staring despondently at the screen and not writing. Time performing or meeting about writing or performing. Dreams haunted by weak rhymes or awkward meters. 

Dogs have gotten a lot of time, too. I am less convinced now that they are trying to kill me than I was a few months back, but it's still a distinct possibility.

Anyway, it's all flying by! In a good way. Also a bad way. But regardless in a way we really have no say about.