January 8: This morning I ran 5.4 km. It’s the fourth time I’ve run since Christmas and it’s not a lot when I consider that I was running 20 km a crack last year. But it’s a start back toward some level of fitness, and certainly better for me than an equal amount of time in front of the idiot box ( TV or computer – take your pick ). I ran through the cemetery as I frequently do. I find it quiet, safe and it provides a contemplative, if slightly melancholy place to reflect on things as I run. Mostly, though, it was just nice to have some time to myself to reflect on the chaos of the last few months.
Frequent reader(s) will know that I returned from Europe at the end of September. I had 4 days to pack the place up and get that moved to our new home just down the walk from my apartment. Kate was in a somewhat worse position because she had 20 years or so of accumulated possessions to sort through and decide whether to move them, store them, or recycle them. In the midst of that exercise, her time with the Ivey Foundation ended – something that we did not expect but which has worked out to be quite beneficial for both of us.
After she moved, there were many days spent “setting up house”. As anyone who has done this recently will tell you, it’s not as easy as it should be. Each of us is used to having certain things in certain places, and deviating from that means compromises or choices which need to be worked through. We spent a good long time doing this, and then realized that we still had to get ready for Christmas.
Kate is a shopper. I say that with some admiration because I am not. She enjoys thinking about what gift would be appropriate for each person on her list, and it can be a long list with sisters and in-laws and nieces and nephews and children. Then there is the process of tracking down the gift, getting it wrapped (also with great care and attention), and delivering it to the recipient. My aimless wandering through Winners and the LCBO, and stuffing the selected items in bags, are clearly not going to cut the mustard next year.
Our expanded circle of friends generated what was – to me at least – a lengthy list of social commitments in December which included a gala concert, three group get-togethers, four dinners at home and two at others’ homes, two full-on Christmas dinners (on the same day, of course), two brunches, one celebration of life out of town, and thankfully, one quiet New Year’s dinner at home. If there is an element of the holiday season that I enjoy more than any other it is the opportunity to get together with people to begin or reinforce friendship, and to share good-will and happiness. These events didn’t disappoint. That said, it was a bit daunting for me – a natural recluse – to be in so many social situations in such a short time.
And now things have begun to feel more “normal” – whatever that might be. Given everything that has happened over the last couple of months, it honestly feels like Kate and I have not really had a routine time since we moved. It feels like now is the right time to pay attention to our lives together and get back in the groove on enjoying each others’ company. Maybe even do some running in the cemetery….