It’s the end of a (very) long day, concluding with a work dinner. I drag myself out of the car, pulling my briefcase behind me. My shirt tail is untucked. My tie half undone. My shoes, dusty and scuffed. A disheveled, sloppy mess.
I’m hopeful that I can slither into the house and get a few minutes to myself. I enter. The house is quiet but for the soft murmur of a TV running on another floor. I slowly strip my shoes and socks, with my bare feet cooling on the wood floor. I’m in decompression. Hose me down with pure oxygen. Let Solitude rain on me.
And then.
There’s Thunder. Four legs storming up the stairs. Zeke’s bounding down the hallway. Dad’s Home! He wiggles in and out of my legs. Kissing (licking) my suit pants, leaving white slobber dripping from my crotch. Well that’s nice. Ah, just forget it. It just adds to your ensemble.
Susan rounds the corner. My Hummingbird spewing nectar all over. She’s talking. I’m listening. (Sort of.) The subject turns.
SK: Do you want some feedback?
DK: No.
I continue disrobing with my back to her.
The Joker. Jack. Without the face paint. Ready to unleash chaos on Gotham. He pulls up. How he’s matured. 10 years ago, the Jaws would have been tearing at flesh.
SK: It’s really not that bad.
DK: NO.
Did I forget our anniversary? Did I leave the toilet seat up? Am I translucent? 30 years of marriage – – aren’t the signs obvious. Don’t poke at the Beast. No. Not now. No. No. No.
SK: I was reading Mimi’s blog post. It made me cry. It was so good. Did you read it?
DK: No.
SK: You should read it. Your blog is getting dull. Repetitive. It’s boring.
The Joker turns. He’s wearing a wry grin.
A glimmer of recognition flashes across her face. A direct hit on multiple nerve endings.
She backs out the door smiling. Let’s go Zeke!
Image Source: Black-and-White
Ah Susan…thank you thank you thank you. Ironically, I was just emailing an old friend who wanted to read my blog, and I told him that some of it was trite and arguably boring, apologizing all the way. I love that you enjoy it – l.o.v.e.
That said, I don’t think DK has hit reiterative yet (but for his Saturday morning work out experiences – which are necessary so we all feel like we’ve exerted some effort). There is nothing predictable (other than his self-deprecation and love of his family) and he manages to post more cool, eclectic and creative entries than anyone else I know (figuratively speaking since we don’t know each other per se). Just sayin’….
No comment.
Oh come on – not even a smile? I have a feeling Susan is da bomb and I extolled your talents. ‘No comment?’ Really? 😉
Oh, I was smiling.
I’ll take it.
and after the long, and sometimes draining days i used to spend in advertising, i would come home and sit on the couch, just wanting to stare at the wall, and not talk to anyone, no noise, no phone, brain and heart almost shut off, for a bit, and say, ‘i just need 10 minutes.’ each of my daughters remember this clearly and bring it up from time to time. it was all i could do to just keep breathing at times, and then i was ready to reenter the world. i understand this post, dk.
That’s it Beth. I’m right there, right there with you…
*chuckle*
🙂
Reblogged this on THE STRATEGIC LEARNER and commented:
Kanigan reveals a very private moment with dog and wife … and a confrontation with himself:)
🙂 Thanks for sharing John
Lol…who ever would have thought a Hummingbird could have such power?
Yes. Who knew! 🙂
I’m with Mimi on this one, pal (I know, I know, you’re astonished… 😉 Keep on rolling down the road–your posts are as much a part of my first cuppa, and I look forward to each with equal enthusiasm….
🙂 Thank you Lori.
ROTFL. Mission accomplished, a quiet retreat ensues. But I have to wonder; “My Hummingbird spewing nectar all over” …. my friend, if that is meant to be an endearing comment then you may need to spend some more time on that area of your development. Though, for a Beast, not bad perhaps?
Laughing. That, Friend, is as endearing as it going to get.
Ha!
Right.
A gem is not polished without rubbing, nor a man perfected without trials – Chinese Proverb
Then diamonds should hang off me like a fine winter coat.
They don’t?
Laughing. I’ve been lookin’
Susan, you’ve no idea, I am a regular reader of a highly selective list of 5 bloggers, and your husband is at the top of my list. He has qualities which I simply do not come across elsewhere, the most notable of which is his humility – a rare find in today’s increasingly fake and recyclable world.
The only thing that is boring about his Blog are his overuse of food images and recipes for entirely inappropriate foodstuffs, of which he purports to be a fan. That is indeed boring, and if you can persuade him to desist that would be great.
Can’t.Stop.Laughing.
1) Thank you Michael.
2) I’m doubling down on the food images and recipes. You will see an avalanche.
I love the posts that expose your inner curmudgeon (ok, maybe outer, too). I love the posts about your family (though Susan is an infrequent flyer. Now I want more of her) and Zeke. Dog slobber is always entertaining. I love your work ethic and management zen. I love the music. The music. The music. I love how you pull things from *everywhere.* I love the amazing photography. BUT, I’ve been wondering if your SMWIs are inspiring YOU. If not, then perhaps that’s a piece that could use some attention–for your own sake.
Hard hitting stuff! 😐 If your blog was boring David, I don’t think there’d be anyone visiting – so I’d say your safe there! 😉
Thanks Suzy!
On Sat, Jul 26, 2014 at 5:47 PM, Live & Learn wrote:
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