My youngest son came up with this theory. Life hasn’t been going too well for me so I’ve had to eliminate negative things (and sometimes people!) that aren’t making a positive contribution to my life.
He came up with “29 Days of Fun”. This month he’s been asking me every day “What are you doing for fun today?”
I’ve at least been writing about fun each day – was I too busy to post? Maybe.
You’ll see that by Day 17 I got the desired result!
29 Days of Fun! — Day 1
Horticultural Therapy. That’s what I call it when I go out in my garden with no deadlines and nothing in particular in mind.
It’s wonderful to just do some trimming of overhanging branches. I even used my new present – a cordless weed eater — light weight and it makes a big difference around pavers and edging – my back garden may yet start to look tidy (my trusty lawn man ‘Speedy’ comes twice a month to mow and edge the front, just so our public side looks presentable!).
All the cuttings can be cleared out on bulk trash pickup day next Thursday – that will give me a hard working but fun day on Wednesday.
The other ‘fun’ part about bulk trash day is checking what others deem their trash – usually a treasure or two to find, just for the sake of looking!
I had a chance encounter with my new neighbour who yelled “Hi Helen” across the fence and we exchanged “What a lovely day to be outside”.
Our substitute mailman commented that it was a good day to be doing the trimming. When he returned with a package for us I told him I’d be happy to share plants with him if he was interested – there then ensued a 20-minute conversation about growing plants in Florida! He’s third generation Chinese from Boston!!
My final ‘fun’ conversation today was with my neighbour’s daughter. As she proudly showed me her uniform coat I reminded her of the date of the local orchid society meeting – she was pleased.
I haven’t even reached supper time and I’ve had a ‘fun’ day, including seeing people too!
Day 2
It’s always a fun day when the two of us can go on a trip together, have extended time to talk and listen to our sons’ CDs.
We had a light bite for lunch en route and then stopped at the neighbourhood Starbucks – a new tradition! – for coffee and cake.
In the afternoon we saw our sons’ barbershop quartet perform – always a pleasure even though only one son could make to the gig so they had a Tenor sub. The whole programme was simple yet entertaining.
We had a late afternoon ride along our favourite Intracoastal road – quite the best in Florida. So wonderful that I’m not even going to tell you where it is!! I’m keeping it for my own fun and pleasure. Find your own!
The evening saw us at the second show and the afterglow with friends – always lighthearted – I come away with such warmth around me and a big smile on my face.
We got home at 3 a.m. pooped but happy!
Day 3
How much better could it get?
Today we celebrated 27 years since our youngest son was born. When he called us our day just increased in fun and happiness!
Sports fan that he is we are invited for Superbowl Sunday at his place. The usual munchies and chatter, but we’ll all be together – how much more fun could there be in one day for us?
Day 4
Did I have fun? I think I did! Garden work is fun for me albeit hard work today. But I did transplant a couple of small shrubs and water them in, then root pruned another plant to prepare for potting on and giving to a friend – but the most fun is watching my youngest son direct the barbershop chorus – an unanticipated evening bonus!
When I listen and look at my youngest child, at just 27, standing as director in front of so many 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80-somethings, making them sing well, and smile while doing so, I fully understand what ‘fun’ means.
29 Days of Fun — to be continued…