doing nothing

[susandennis]

Most of the time, I am home.  Most of my home time, I am in my living room on my orange chair.  Most days, I leave the house once to go the pool and maybe stop at the grocery or pop into the library to return or pick up.  But those things turn out to be exceptions. I'm a hermit inside this condo.

I don't have a job. I don't spend time with friends. I don't have that many friends to spend time with. I don't go out just to go out. I honestly think the outdoors is more of a requirement to get from one place to another, not somewhere to go because it's there.  I rarely even text. My COPD does limit my ability to do some things BUT I think it's really more of an excuse not to do those things I don't want to.

My brother talked to me while we were in Las Vegas that he was concerned about his being so one-dimensional.  He wants more.  He wants a hobby or a something that will take him away - mentally and otherwise - from his regular life and mix him up with more/different people.

I think I have even fewer dimensions than he does but my difference is that I am really fine with my nothing. I deeply appreciate the nest I've made here and the freedom I have to wallow in it 24/7 if I like.

When I listen to pundits prescribe the happy, fulfilled life, they seem to pretty much take what I value, make a bullet list and say Don't Do These Things.

And yet, for me, I can't see why not.  I'm happy. I'm optimistic. I am not beholden to anyone.  I have no husband or children. I have a sister who's not in my life by my choice and I have my brother but that's it for family. I appreciate having my brother in my life and while he may judge and/or scratch his head at my choices, he respects my choices.  He explains me to people by saying 'she's unique'.

In thinking about my life choices, I realize that I started creating this current life years and years ago.  I think it's something I've always wanted and I am very grateful to have it now.  It's certainly not for everyone.  Most people don't even 'get it' but it works just perfectly for me.

---

I am trying to be patient with Seattle Seahawks fans.  But, I am beginning to hope that they lose on Sunday and this whole thing is over.  My twitter feed is littered with 12th man crap.  The local news is similarly but even more painfully infected with pathetic need to lather up the crowd already crowded onto the bandwagon.  I'm done. I'm over it.

Comments

[brigitte lichtenberger-fenz (from livejournal.com)]

A great post, Susan. I love it. Love the fact that you created this life for you and that you're happy with it. That's exactly what we all should do and what I'm trying to do as well.

[susandennis]

Thank you, Bridgette!

[pisceandreamer.livejournal.com]

I love that you have crafted this life that you really like - not a lot of people can say that.

[badrobot68.livejournal.com]

Honestly, that is the sort of life I would also enjoy. Obviously I have obligations and still have to work and stuff, but I'd be perfectly happy in my own world most of the time. I'm not the sort of person who gets bored or lonely.

[rsc.livejournal.com]

You've made a life that works for you; what more could anyone want?

As for the Seahawks, win or lose, they'll be done playing in Seattle (for this season) after this Sunday.

[susandennis]

The 12th man thing has gone way beyond the stadium. It's not going to die until they lose and even then it may take a while. I'm just done with football and spring training is too far out.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

The 12th man thing isn't unique to Seattle or the team. It didn't originate with the Seahawks. It started at my alma mater Texas A&M:)

[susandennis]

I don't care where it came from, I just want it gone.

[gfrancie.livejournal.com]

It sounds like a really satisfying life. A rare thing.

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

You go swimming.
Unless you have an out of the ordinary (and very cool) house, you don't do that in your living room!

[susandennis]

wouldn't that be just amazing??!!! a lap pool in my living room! I don't think the home owners association would go for it.

[shutterbug.livejournal.com]

I like your life, even if it isn't for me. I am trending more towards what you have, but I don't expect what works for you to work for me. I think what's the most admirable about it is that the you love it and are happy.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I wish I was more comfortable with doing nothing.

[zimzat.livejournal.com]

It's The Onion (so not true) but this seems like something you'd enjoy right about now:
http://www.theonion.com/articles/seahawks-to-seattle-fans-shut-the-fuck-up,34967/

[susandennis]

OMG! so it's not just me?!! at least it's me and the editorial decision group at the Onion. I'll totally take that as upscale company. Thanks. Fun read.