Serenity

Over the weekend, I was generally grumbling about the fact that this weekend has been so boring; maybe we should have planned more exciting things to do.

Along with that came a thought.

I listed back what we did do

Friday night

After work, simply lazed around, read the mail, watched kipper with Rebecca
- Late night called some friends over to a newly opened udipi restrauant, then spent time with them till midnight.

Saturday

- Of course woke up late, cleaned the house, hearty lunch - I cooked this one.
- All of us snoozed for a 2 hour afternoon - it was supposed to be a 15 minute nap - what's the hurry? Nothing except that the sun will set soon.
- went biking over the river, eating strawberries & oranges. Just a different detour and the river look so serene. Saw some deers and rabbits.
- did the laundry...Got to register for the swimming...
- Wanted to watch Warren Betty's Reds - it’s too long for tonight, some other time...

Sunday
- did the groceries,
- Met Heidi - she wants to visit India. Iam not sure, but I am excited about teaching her some Hindi. Got to figure that out.
- went out to dinner with yet another set of friends late night. Why so late, cos that's when we remembered that we have to have dinner, he hee! Trust us. Surprise, Rebecca got new outfits... The weekend is over

Hey, wait its all over? That’s so quick.
Over all it seems time went by in a breeze, we didn’t really do anything except eat and laze and yap.
And some.

By definition the mundane is boring because it is dull and repetitive, Amazing how just the fact that nothing is 'out of order' but simply ' in order’ has the danger of seeming mundane. And how the small things that add a charm of life – strawberries by the river, just spotting the deers watching us across the road – these things are enjoyed but almost go unnoticed in the list of the ordinary.
Other privileges – simply to be in good health, being about to spend time with family and friends, laughter, small gifts - privileges by definition - are worth a celebration.

It is Monday already, off to work. Sparkling cider for someone's 17th year with the company just as the day's over. Back home.

Made a list for Costco, REI and Toys R Us. Got to pick a thing or two for the next weekend trip. Groan… Not today, maybe Wednesday, no maybe Thursday or so…

Oh, got to discuss that camping trip right now. So, off to another friend's place for yummy food and yes, to finalize the trip details.
Some restrained conversations.
Went over the checklist. Let’s check the tent.
We wrestled trying to set up a tent without its manual. Almost gave up, when Dharma figured we are missing a piece that joins all the poles. Hunted the garage. How do you spot a 5 inch something in a 3 car garage packed with stuff?
No point. Let’s do this or let’s do that. We’ll figure. It is getting late. So, let’s just pack up, and let tomorrow come.
Ha! Found it, the 5 inch star – in the bag as it was.
Less than 10 minutes to pitch the tent.
So, now that we are done, did we end the day sooner?
Eh, no? What the heck... with so much to chat about, chat, chat, chat some more. Off to bed just by midnight.
Again?
Yup.

I think I’ve read this more place, that only when the water is disturbed say, by a stone the calmness of the water body is appreciated.
The simple regularities of life give a sense of contentment.
Things in place, the mundane hum on.
The mundane threaten the calm.
It is a blessing indeed to have friends - people whom we can simply call, visit, and yap and share food with. Ah, yes the food helps... lost some sleep there, over two days in a row now. Got to catch up that now.

It is worth living...