Recently, I began wondering (again), if I'd made a bad decision (career-wise, not the geologist). Is it enough to work part-time as an environmental scientist without any aspirations for greater achievement? (I don't want to be a Project Manager, or an Associate, or a Principal. I like having time that is mine.) Is something really missing from my life or am I simply feeling guilty about liking things just the way they are? What's wrong with me that I don't want more: money, expensive cars, televisions...anything really. (Except I do like my wines to score 90 points or better.)
I hunger for the simple things: puttering in my garden; taking care of our home; spending time with friends and family; spending time with my geologist and resolving the issues that crop up daily - plumbing, bills, termites - so that he doesn't have to deal with them. Truly, our needs are simple and our wants are few (well, except for the living-room full of guitars, amps, and something called a "Jam Man." I'm also sort of coveting Jill's gelato machine.)
So, today I'm raising my glass in a toast to the Present Moment. Living, laughing, and loving right now. It's not instant gratification - it's embracing the only thing I truly have which is this instant in time. Would I rather read a technical journal on recent advances in tectonics theory, or stroke the kitty and listen to him purr? I'll bet you know the answer to that one. (Although I am going to BevMo to pick up my order - 5 Cent Sale time.)
"Our innate idiosyncrasies are actually more endearing to others than our most glorious personal achievements." ~ Veronique Vienne, The Art of Imperfection
So, go have an imperfect day, and love every minute of it!
12 Cheese Bits:
'tectonics theory'
You need to move. Either to LA or hey! Come to Missouri. I'm sure you can find a house in New Madrid.
Well, hell yeah, but I figured most people would go for the "pet the kitty" angle. I'm not even sure where the cat IS at the moment!
LA - Just say, NO. (I grew up in San Jose and we have some sort of in-bred irrational hatred for Southern Cal - not sure why, but it is what it is). I've heard good things about Missouri. Do you have wine there?
Google "Missouri wineries". And tell the geologist we have colonial coral. I'll send him a piece if he wants some.
This was my favorite post that you’ve ever written. It seems that we both have grown to have the same Taoist/Buddhist philosophy. While you used to be consumed with your career and success, I used to be consumed with consumerism and consuming chemicals. It was so liberating to finally understand that there is, literally, nothing other than the present moment.
I assume that you’ve read a lot of Tolle and Chopra?
I love you even more now!
Mike: Holy Shit! It's the Country's first Wine Country! I had no idea! Look at all that grapey goodness! And Colonial Coral is like a sucker punch, dude! I just may have to come out there! Thanks, Mike.
BTW - loved the "quick change" videos - that's amazingly fun to watch!
Scott: Thank you, dearheart. It's taken a while to get to this place, but I think I'm finally "getting it." Seems like we're on the same journey, doesn't it? Hopefully, someday our paths will cross. The cactus aren't going anywhere, so far as I can tell.
Yes, I do read Tolle and Chopra, along with other authors of the same ilk.
(I loved Chopra on golf - that was great, especially after I read "Who's Your Caddy" by Rick Reilly. He played with Chopra and said he was actually quite shitty. Ha!)
Love you, too, m'dear!
Oh Roomie, this is so funny! Guess what I've been (slowly) studying"? Buddhism! LOL I guess we have gotten to the same place at the same time.
About a month ago, it was storming and I was in my lounge chair with both kitties asleep/purring on me. I realized that a roof over my head, a warm place to live, and loving kitties on my lap meant I was truly blessed! Simple is underrated!
Love ya! Cheeto
Cheeto, isn't that the best?! Simple *is* underrated! (Although, I'm still not sure where the cat is ... he kind of wanders in when he feels like it ... we have an understanding! Ha!)
Is it because we're "of a certain age" - wiser, more in touch - that's it's all starting to come together? I love looking at my calendar and seeing a lot of empty space on it.
Love you, too, Roomie!
Hey man, I couldn't find this thing yesterday. Too many tequila shots?
I love your comments. You could move to Truckee too. Where else can you be so close to the primo wine country AND get a major snow fall in June?
LM
Tequila Shots? WTF?! Was this at the concert before all the dogs showed up? Yer, killin' me!
Truckee... too cold! (Unless it's July or August!) Ha!
Thank you! I needed this post today just as a reminder to keep things in perspective.
Joker, I'm glad it was meaningful. Sometimes life can get in the way of LIFE! Thanks, Joker!
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