Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Scan Button

The most worn button on the car stereo is itself a microcosm of the human condition.

Life is a race, and in the end we discover we’ve only been racing against ourselves. Those that have been through it try to warn us, yet we run faster. We change jobs, channels, spouses and lifestyles so fast we seldom have a chance to evaluate, enjoy and breathe.

Right here, right now, I cannot tell you the last time I sat in a porch swing and watched the afternoon drift by. I don’t remember when I last took a walk without my watch. I wish I knew what the neighbors are up to these days. I wish I knew if my fishing rod and reel still worked.

I believe I’ve reached the point where I can say… the Joneses can screw themselves. After last week's tiring, arduous move, I’ve decided I’m going to sit still for a spell. I have a perfect place in the yard for a hammock… and a big mason jar perfect for iced tea. I’m putting a cover over the scan button.

Go on without me if you must, I’m going to listen to the rest of this song. Then maybe I’ll give the dog a bath.

6 comments:

Rob Seifert said...

You've earned a break my friend. Incidently, I never use the scan button. and I don't own a watch. Having recently elected not to chase the Joneses and abandon being a Doctor, I have to tell you, it feels pretty damn good. So sit back, enjoy the tea, and dream of large breasted women.

RCS

Weary Hag said...

I'm with RCS in that I don't own a watch and never use the scan button (but I fully agree with your well-stated comparison here). Now that I'm enjoying some leisure time, I was able to sit out back just yesterday and stare at the pond while sipping my tea. The phone rang and guess what? I never got up to answer it.
That was perhaps the best decision I made all day! It was all about ME.

The only thing I disagree with that RCS said is the dream bit. If you dream of large-breasted women, you run the risk of exhausting yourself. In fact, stay clear of dreaming about women altogether (at least for an afternoon) !!

OldHorsetailSnake said...

Mason jars are for "still" water. But even so, they will go nicely with a hammock.

Kerouaced said...

I think you're on to something here. Actually stopping to smell the roses. Damn, maybe I'll try that...

Chris Cope said...

I wish I knew how to fish.

V said...

I feel more relaxed just having read that paragraph. Hope you soaked in lots of Zen that day.

What song was it?