Last time we arrived just as summer was ending. The weather was warm. It rained, but there were plenty of sunny days left for us to enjoy. Fall didn’t disappoint. Beautiful displays of color, everywhere. Even with a record rainy month or two, we had some fun adventures. We also knew our usefulness in the overall situation.
Last time we arrived we didn’t know what to expect. I really didn’t, but we knew our help was needed.
Last time we arrived, I felt a little lost for a while. I wasn’t sure where I fit. I was an extreme newbie to the area and truly couldn’t wrap my head around a lot of the cultural mindset. Why were we watching the Red Sox lose night after night? We did all hear as they went from second to last to last place? Still we had to sit on the couch and watch every game to the end. There was disappointment each time they lost. I did know a little about Boston sports, but I guess not enough
The emphasis on work was another thing. It took me some time to figure out that it did not matter what you did or the speed of job completion, what mattered was staying busy. I think to win the game of life you just drag out all work so that there is no free time during daylight hours. morally this is the most correct. Free time should not exist during the day. Free time is for watching sports. After five o clock or possibly after landscaping chores are finished on a weekend. Work should not be enjoyed. That’s another thing. For it to count as work, you shouldn’t like it or try to be terribly efficient at it. I was the kid who hurried through everything so I could go play, no wonder this frustrated my parents
I had to learn that discussing worst case scenarios is common conversation. Solving is not the objective. Never offer hopeful suggestions. I have a feeling it might be rude. No one is looking for a problem solver. If you think of a solution, keep it to yourself, trust me,
Status quo. This goes along with the above mentioned. Change is not a welcome thing. Life can be lived as if no time has passed since 1972. A few things may throw wrenches into this practice, but for the most part, it’s preferable. Many things will not make sense even keeping that in mind, but it was good to remember as I navigated things like style and procedures.
Ah proceedure. I didn’t get too far in my understanding on this subject. Proccedures are a thing. People know them. I figured out that in order to learn you have to pay close attention. Proceedure is not explained, it seems both perplexing and ridiculous to the New Englander, to be asked about any of the many tasks I watched being carried out. Also, inconveniently, there is a correct way to do everything and anything short of that is wrong, and subject to ridicule. In the form of taunting, like grade school. I know.
Laughter and lightness. This will only be tolerated on sunny days and or after five, The bar scene can support a small measure of it, but don’t get carried away. Yoga people, some of them, can handle it, Quiet sarcasm is a good bet, you can laugh if it’s directed at you. Crying is not permitted. Be careful. If it’s not expected (from me), it might come off as serious. Feelings, though better not acknowledged, might get hurt. Off color humor? Best to go case by case with this one.
I have a small working understanding of how to exist in New England. It does fly in the face of most of my CA mindset. It’s no wonder they are suspicious of Californians. I’m no longer offended by this. We have altogether too much fun. Life is too light and way too fast. I appreciate the slower pace. I understand the seriousness of things. I get how weather and losing sports teams can really bring you down. When sunshine is in short supply, you appreciate it more and try not to waste a moment of it. I like how quality is important and good old fashioned pride plays out in the business world. Services and restaurants reflect this in a very good way.
When we arrived this time, Gs mom had fallen within two hours of our arrival. She wanted us to go directly to the house to check on her husband. He was extremely concerned. The neighbor brought her home from the ER before we even sat down. She was bruised but nothing broken. Much relief for all of us.
As the days continue we’ve had small and big tasks to help out with. I’m better at knowing what is and isn’t expected of me. Yard work has been fun so far. The area has only advanced in its charmingness. The excitement of Spring is contagious around here, which is fun. I mean, well, I think it’s fun. Much new work is on the horizon, so I’ll try not to get excited…Apparently I enjoyed cutting the lawn a little too much last year…
Plus, I decided to do something that I want to do. I started a new painting. It’s rough. It’s on a piece of wood I found in the attic, I found my paints, I set up my tripod, Im feeling inspired. This one thing changes everything for me.
Peace Kit 