I don’t smell anymore. Yep, you didn’t think I’d go right there but I did. But let’s be honest: it was 87 degrees, 95% humidity and I was out push mowing and sealing boards for our new planters. I was just about as dirty as I could get. And I was in a hurry.
Why? Well, at approximately 4:11 p.m., the skies opened up. In truth, I ended up getting about 20 extra minutes without rain that could have allowed me to fit in one extra task. But, fair enough, I was exhausted. So, I showered, settled in and waited for the real showers to come.
Honestly, we needed the rain so I’m not sad. Plus, I needed the enforced break from outdoor work. At this time of year, I could literally work all day every day outside and still not get enough done. So when Mother Nature steps in and declares that enough is enough for now, I don’t argue. In fact, as graciously as I can with a sweaty t-shirt, dirty shorts and my mowin’ shoes on, I bow out. And get cleaned up. And marvel once again how well soap and water really does take care of lost causes.
But on a day when I’m also waiting to hear on a number of business development opportunities I have out there and when I’m contemplating my future – again – the summer storm is a bit more symbolic. This time, it’s not just washing away the heat and that little bit of dust and grime that builds up everywhere in a dry summer. Nope, it’s also washing away my slate a bit.
I’ve come to the conclusion for the very first time in a long time that I’ll let Fate decide this one. I pushed relatively hard and, in the end, came up with six opportunities. One wasn’t a fit and I’m down to five. Two are gimmes but they’re not that much work so no big deal. The other three? Hmm… one could be just what I was looking for. It would be that perfect glide path to full retirement. My eyes got big, my mouth watered… all of those classic “I want it!” signs. Even the constant rumination and checking of my email.
Until, of course, I went outside and toiled. Now my husband believes I over-mow the yard; I don’t believe that’s actually possible. (Yes, we are a mixed marriage. He also doesn’t mow in straight lines, which I’ve explained is illegal in six states.) Today, even he couldn’t disagree that the lawn needed mowed. And the finishing of the planter boards? That was for him. The sweat? That was for me. I needed to sweat out my angst and just let the storm roll past. Now that it’s largely over? It’s cooler, cloudy and the light rain is actually creating a soothing rhythm on the skylight that you can barely hear.
Summer storms are a bit fantastical in so many ways. They’re dramatic and full of unleashed power and yet they die down to a whimper in mere minutes. They can wreak destruction, but in their wakes, they refill waterways for wildlife and provide a good ground soaking for plant life. Summer storms are the ultimate purging of unspent and somewhat unbridled emotions. You can literally feel them building up but in their wake, they leave a sense of calm exhaustion and recovery that we all need.
Tonight, we head out for dinner as a gift from my hubby’s boss. They achieved a major milestone and earned FDA clearance for their new device, which is a portable device that tracks eye movements to help diagnose concussions. It’s truly a fabulous achievement and as someone who works in healthcare, a game-changer for sports injuries and other accidents. Her gift to her team? In a demonstration of true leadership, she provided them all with a gift certificate to take their own “home team” out to dinner and added in a company holiday on Friday. With tomorrow off, we are also planning to have a long weekend where we do a little work, enjoy a little fun and take advantage of incredible summer weather.
This afternoon’s storm could not have come at a better time. Like the storm, I’m petering out a bit. My wrists hurt just a bit from two hours of spin trimming and hand mowing and I finally cleaned up my hands from cleaning out the lawn tractor mowing deck after an hour on the tractor. But I’m cleaned up and thanks to all of the physical effort, I’m settled down.
More than that? My soul is settled. I’m finally ready to let what will be just simply be.
The Yuppie Homesteader 