Above the Odious

I am home one day and now prepare to go with ma mere for the Hillbilly Holidays.  We will have turkey dinner with her relatives.  That is close as I want to admit to the genetic heresy that is my bloodline.  The cat, who is already traumatized by my five day departure, will surely go loose in what appears to be her little tick of a brain.  Burdens and responsibilities.

(Hippolyte Flandrin, 1846)

But I am free of the factory for another six days so there is that.  Oh, I have many things to do, but I am free not to do them even if it is at my own expense.  I am content to do nothing, at least for now, at least until everything has truly come undone.  But these are the holidays, and I will give myself such presents.  And likewise, I must begin thinking of presents for others.  Whiskey and champagne and books, of course, and maybe even a print or two, but there are other, more difficult presents to think about and buy.  Just thinking of what to give other people, though, always brings me back to my own selfish desires.  What is it I want?  Maybe I will give myself a Vespa this Christmas.  It is a "practical" gift as I rarely go outside my little village other than to go to work.  Maybe an iPad, or maybe a new Apple computer with a 26" screen.  That is all, really, along with the camera that Minnicks is preparing for me (though I have all but paid for that already).

But I was talking about presents for other people, wasn't I?  And there are cards to be mailed.  That should get done this week.  And there are the people I supervise at the factory to think of as well.  My head begins to spin.

I think I will take a walk, then, until my mind has settled.  A little exercise, some reading, and lunch.  Then I may begin to think about the serious business at hand.  There is always so much to do and so little will to do it.  Times being what they are and all.  Yes, yes, we must surely try to lift the spirits.