The month is nearing its end. I know it just started. Look
forward to June each year as it is both Fathers’ Day and my birthday month.
This year was one of those significant birthdays – 75. Doesn’t seem possible,
but neither does the ebbing of the month seem possible. It just started, I
swear!
Which then recalls all the things I have yet to do by the
end of the month. And the deadlines that beckon based on that work. Will a
project move forward or be postponed based on still-lacking elements of the
project? Will we be able to fill in the gaps fast enough and expertly, too, to
still go forward with the project?
What about all the other things requested to be done.
Accepting one role as secretary also gets me filling out reports, building
files of saved documents, retrieving older documents, printing and distributing
other documents. That doesn’t even include attending all the formal meetings
held by the organization; each of these meetings needs minutes taken, transcribed,
printed and distributed. More paperwork. Easier in the age of computers, but
still the words are said, noted, written, distributed and filed. And retrieved
later. You see what I mean? And the excel files created and maintained for
on-going work.
I’m supposed to be retired but I’m as busy as a bee (note
for younger readers, bee is not a biologic reference, but a metaphor).
Yet the organization is a good one. Busy and moving forward
doing its work and serving its mission. This is work needed to be done. Might
as well be me to do it. Not enough volunteers willing to do this grunt work;
don’t understand why about that, but it is the norm. Ask for a volunteer and it
is temporary; maybe even half-hearted.
So the assignment is served and finished for now. On to the
next project and tasks related. All in good time. They will get their attention
and completion. Eventually these will seem overwhelming but only if I let them.
Patience and deep breaths needed.
The email pings and another appointment is requested. When
can I meet this person? And where? What’s a convenient site for both of us.
Preferably in public where everyone is at ease. And the food and coffee
available!
Oh, that’s right, I have another appointment on the same
day. Well we will weave the two in with a little time to spare in between.
Wait! Do I know where this site is? Convenient distance, but is it on the GPS? Do
I recall the coffee shop? Ah, yes. I do. Know right where it is. Ok, add to
calendar time to get there and back.
Now, back to the backlog of emails. What’s this? A message
from an old friend not heard from for 2 years? Well, I’ll save that for this
evening and have a good chat via email.
Heck, I haven’t shaved or showered yet. Dishes are clinking
so breakfast is near. Dog is walked. Blog is published. Email is caught up. Now
for the phone log and messages left.
Retirement? Deadlines? Due dates? What am I doing?
Getting on with the rest of my life. That’s what I’m doing.
And working with people and making life better for them and me at the same
time. that’s a good payback, don’t you think?
Time for breakfast. See you here tomorrow morning.
June 25, 2018
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