A Time-Out

-

It doesn’t seem that I can ever satisfy the bastard in my phone who sends me a message at 9:30 at night that says:

“A brisk 3-minute walk will close your move ring for the day.”

But…I’ve been going way too hard for the last 6 months.

Up and out by 6:30 and hundreds of job sites and ladders. When I’ve been off for a day, I’ve been playing golf…

…so, I got a bit of a message on Monday morning.

From my body!

My left shoulder was aching, and my back felt like a piece of plywood that pulsates.

“Uh-oh.”

On Monday I reasoned that moving would loosen me up and that I’d be for as a fiddle on Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday, whilst climbing a 40-footer to a roof deck, I wondered, for the first time ever about the day when I can’t do it anymore.

Tuesday evening didn’t bring any relief.

On Wednesday, I gave in and scheduled a therapeutic massage, and while I instantly felt some relief…

…I was still feeling some discomfort.

I spoke to a higher up in the company and he said:

“You gotta’ listen to the alarms.”

So, a Friday time-out.

I mentioned my intention to take a day to another work pal.

“Should I get a tee time?” He asked.

“No! I gotta’ hit pause on all of it!”

The plans for the day include:

1). Eat breakfast out.

2). Play catch with Ollie.

And nothing more.

“You’re gonna’ drive me crazy being around the house all day,” Kathy said.

Probably, but the alarm bells are ringing.

And I have a Saturday hot pepper party and a Sunday tee time.

Time outs are good, and I’m definitely not closing the move ring tomorrow.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I bet you tha
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C’mon, Oliver,”
Read more

Eyes on the Horizon

-
Image
My sister’s book is out there! Go get it!! It makes me so proud to see the book on Amazon, knowing that it’s very, very great! It’s been a long, long time since we were out in California, brainstorming my stories long before they were published. Carrie Lynn was writing, writing and writing some more through the years and I kept telling her… …”Go for it!” Well, she did!  To amazing results. Of course I was able to read the book as it was being put together, but I ordered a copy from Amazon yesterday and can’t wait to read it again. The shoe is on the other foot now as I have been sitting on a lot of my writing lately. I plan on getting it out there before the end of 2024, but for now: Carrie takes center stage! And it’s so great… …go get a copy!
Read more