ZenVeg and Other Nonsense
Life Happens – Take it Lightly
March 22, 2025
Retirement life would seem to provide all this time where I could work thru onerous lists, schedule the remaining renovation projects, eliminate the English Ivy in the yard and get in multiple Yoga sessions, visits to Planet Fitness and finally be a good church member. Yeah, no.
This would be the year that these hoarded seeds are planted methodically, in lovely flats and seed trays and bamboo rings. They would be labeled properly, for a change, misted lovingly, rotated for their spot under the grow lights. Also no.
My priorities have shifted from the household duties and are focusing on the relationships, old and new. It also has me doing some self-learning when something strikes me. It also has me walking down to the local Valero for a weekly scratch-off Lottery ticket. I am not a casino or cruise-ship gambler, so this is a small, wasteful activity that I indulge in.
Today, the bright sun was kissing me when I turned the corner onto my street. Straight ahead was a dude, having a wild conversation with himself while pissing in the shrubbery. (I hate shrubbery and that will be another story). But, since he was there, I figured I would slow my pace, let him do his thing and hope for the best. Possessing a pathetically bad bladder myself, I had nothing but grace for the dude.
He turned, saw me, and immediately went into an apology tour. “Oh my, ma’am, I’m so sorry, just that nature called, I just couldn’t help it, I’m so sorry, please forgive me, oh lord.”
“No problem dude. Take care.”
He continued to have a low-level conversation with himself as he carried on. I’ve been having those myself. My conversations are sometimes aimed at the massive amount of English Ivy I routinely have to yank out of my Cambodia-esque back yard. Sometimes I am asking myself, “Why am I in the kitchen?” I always think of that VP candidate who ran with Ross Perot who seemed to also have several senior moments at inopportune moments like a Vice-Presidential debate!
I had a happy hour with a few fellow Spanberger volunteers. I met many new people getting signatures for her to be on the Virginia Gubernatorial primary ballot. During my bar-fly time, former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney came in with a few from his team. He is running for Lieutenant Governor for Virginia, and I had a nice chat with him. I have found that my body, mind, and soul perk up and give me the most energy when I am allowing myself to be the political junkie that I am. I always quietly felt like I was a change agent, but never really got anything really huge accomplished. There is still time. That inner guru is urging me on in strange ways.
I also attended a meeting of folks involved in Registered Apprenticeship, from my former public servant life. I got many hugs, smiles, and validation. I was happy to see my old team. Frankly though, the content of the meeting was like Ground Hog Day. The college people were still squabbling with the vocational training folks. I was also happy to leave them behind and go back to my afternoon of doing whatever the hell I wanted to do.
So, take it lightly. America’s prospects don’t feel so light but as Arthur Ashe said:
Listen to your gut and follow your bliss. Stash some cash, stock up on beans and rice or whatever gives you some calm. And give grace to those who need it. Tomorrow is another day. (we hope)