Saturday, June 2, 2018

Random Thoughts And A Free Weekend


Lisa has never been one to engage in deep conversation for any length of time. Most of the time, she's emotionally even-keeled and if something is bothering her, it's difficult to drag it out. There are exceptions but for the most part, she's always reminded me a little of Steven Wright. These qualities of hers are one thing we don't have in common. I adore deep conversations, I'm expressive and animated.

Our polar oppositeness in this area is what sparked a quirky tradition that began over 7 years ago. When it first began, sporadically throughout the day and evening, I would blurt out, "Random Thought..." This was Lisa's cue to tell me what was on her mind at that given moment.

One evening, less than a year after our tradition started, I yelled out, "Random Thought!"

Lisa exhaled. Locked eyes with me.

"Starting tomorrow, you get 3 Random Thoughts per day. One in the morning. One in the afternoon. One at bedtime."

I knew not to push the issue.

"Okay."

"And one more thing..."

I inhaled slowly.

"I'm going to start asking you for Random Thoughts."

I exhaled a sigh of relief.

"Okay."

And so it began and it has continued to this day.

Last night, right before heading to bed, Lisa was folding one of the throw blankets on the sofa. I pointed to the rocking chair.

"I have a lengthy bedtime thought..."

I'm fairly certain Lisa rolled her eyes.

She sat.

"I want you to have a free weekend. This weekend. I'm putting my foot down. You have been busting ass every weekend since March. Between assisting others, plans, getting stuff done around here, Our Big Bodacious Painting Project, and obligations, you haven't had a weekend to do what you want, when you want, or to relax."

Lisa was quick to respond.

"I've got stuff to do and we still need to paint the bathroom and the paneling in the DIY Dog Mom Project Room. And, I want to get the underside of the cupboards painted and do a few touchups."

"That can wait until next weekend. You heard what I said. I'm not budging. This weekend is your weekend to do what you want. If you feel like sitting on the sofa all day, fine. I don't care. What's important is that you take this weekend to unwind."

Lisa sat back in the chair and exhaled.

"You've been busting your ass too. What about you?"

"I have a ton of work to catch up on. My work is different than yours. And, that's okay. I'm good with that. Trust me, when I was sick the week before your vacation and spent most of the week on the sofa, I got all the rest I needed for a long time."

Lisa picked Lobo up and leaned back in the rocking chair. I could tell she wanted to dispute this, but at the same time, Lisa looked relieved.

That translated to me not having to stand up. Hands on my hips. Puffing out my chest (a standing joke).

"Okay. I'm still going to do a few housework things to help you out because I know you have a ton of work to catch up on still. But otherwise, a free weekend sounds great."

For Lisa, her agreeing to that was remarkable.

"Okay. It's a done deal."

Lisa got up from the chair and continued her pre-bedtime routine.

"That was a rather extensive Bedtime Thought."

"Yep, it was. I hope you have a good one too." 

Lisa looked at me and snickered.

"Yeah, right. A free weekend should include no Random Thoughts."




No comments:

Post a Comment