I could be described as a wordsmith, putting words together to make a statement. I enjoy word games, word puzzles, rhyming words, and finding the right word. It’s a craft where some people make a living, others just enjoy it, and still others are lucky enough to benefit from both. For now, I’m strictly in the category of enjoyment.

In last night’s Broadway presentation of Evan Hansen, the lead character is advised to write a letter to himself. It gets him in major trouble. I write a letter to myself every day in the same therapeutic manner. So for, I’ve gotten little feedback, except from my wife. It hasn’t jeopardized any relationships or friendships, but perhaps it could. I guess I’m living on the edge of danger. As I put words together every day, occasionally I will find some that compliment each other. For example, sometimes I’m seen as a “homebody,” where life is comfortable and safe. We travel a lot, so coming home can often be a relief. I used the alliteration “Homebody Heaven” in yesterday’s blog (See Post #529). I then frequently do searches to see if others have copyrighted or coined these phrases. Sure enough, there is a shopping website homebodyheaven.com and another that uses the variation Home Bodys. I want to make sure they get credit for their creativity, so I’ve included links. They express a similar bond about enjoying your time at home, and more specifically buying items to beautify your home. 

I’m returning from five days in New York City, and wrote about some of my experiences. On the flight home I got restless watching video, and needed to write for awhile. I’m a bit A.D.H.D., an explanation of why I frequently waver between excessive travel to the other extreme of “homebody heaven.” Also, while I’m home I can’t stay still for long or focus on any one thing. I will go for a run, walk the dogs, clean, occasionally cook, read, watch a documentary, fold clothes, write lists or diaries, watch a movie, surf the web, play a game, shop online, watch sports, or play with financial spreadsheets. Many times, I’ll try to do all of these at once. To me, life is all about variety, and the real reason why I never get really good at anything……….

You see, I’m now back after another diversion, ready to write another paragraph. Has the mail come yet? Are the Cubs playing? How much of my retirement savings did I spend on this last adventure? Will the funds hold out? Did I book that flight, hotel, rental car for our next adventure? What else? My mind is always busy…even if I’m not. Likewise, my blog is divided into many different categories, so I can bounce around between travel, sports, running, pets, and retirement. There’s even some subcategories to further keep me from maintaining focus.  

Should I be embarrassed that I have a lot of down time at this stage of my life? Should I be looking for more constructive ways to spend my time? There can be a lot of guilt in being comfortably retired. I wish there was a way for everyone to join me in “Homebody Heaven.” Stay tuned for the next episode, or go to the website and do some shopping from and for your home.