One of our favorite places to visit had a ridiculous sale this weekend and we couldn’t say no. For those of you who know us, you’ve probably already guessed, but we’re having a nice, relaxing time at the Hotel Havana.
We needed this.
The weather, the political climate (when did “hate” become a legitimate position? Don’t bother answering because it’s always been that way), and some deeply weird shit at work has left us on edge. And, loathe though I am to admit it, a night away from our four cats feels like a relief. A big, clean bed without any cat litter crumbs is a luxury we’ve not experienced for some time.
I’m falling back into my COVID routine even though we don’t have it, which is a good thing I guess. Finding ways to stay amused away from the crowds, wearing masks, baking bread, and stuff like that. I guess that’s appropriate given that the virus is coming back with a vengeance (get your shots, folks).
It’s not just me. The masks are coming back at the grocery store and other shops, the curbside slots are filling up again. I’m hoping we take it a little more seriously this time. The virus killed more Americans than any war (or all wars combined if you’re not feeling generous towards the confederacy) and the survivors are going to tax an already dysfunctional healthcare system. I’m not feeling optimistic.
The bread, on the other hand, has been great.
We love the little town where we’ve landed, but it seems to be slightly cursed. We haven’t had any rain to speak of since May. It’s bad enough that some of our trees have started losing branches. What’s coming down feels lighter than balsa wood. It’s that dry.
Oh sure, we’re saving on lawn mowing, but this weather is getting old. We’re still topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit every day. We have the heat and dryness of the desert but none of the rugged charm. I like deserts, but that’s probably because I’ve never lived in one. The grass is always greener. Compared to what we have, any grass would be.
Work’s in a weird place right now. I don’t want to go into detail, but a lot is going on. One note, though, and it’s not just the company I work for. Getting pay adjustments to consider inflation is like pulling teeth. I know that’s hardly news, but having to fight for a 4% raise for an employee is frustrating. “Are they 4% better than last year?” The answer is “yes,” but that’s not the important thing. The money we’re paying that employee is worth 4% less than it was last year. A 4% raise is just a cost of living adjustment and should be given across the board. Otherwise, you’re giving your employees an effective pay cut.
Unionize everything.
Finally, something that’s weighing on me a little personally: I think my fantasy baseball league is going to die. That’s a small thing in most ways, but this is a league my father and I were involved with starting…oh lord, has it been 25 years now? I think so. I disagreed with my father about a lot of things, serious things, but we could at least always talk about baseball. Now? He’s gone, I don’t think I’ve seen a major league game in over a decade (Nicole likes minor league parks even though she doesn’t care about the sport), and we’re getting old.
I’ve been the youngest person in the league for most of its run and my beard is fully white now. The other guys (and yes, it’s all guys) are really getting up there. Most of us have moved away from the Dallas areas where we started the league. If I’m being perfectly honest, I’d tell you I haven’t enjoyed the league for some time. That’s not the point, though. It’s a “thing that had been around long enough to feel permanent suddenly not being there” feeling.
Time plays the long game.
-RK