An Hour Away

Throughout my life, I have struggled with domestic tasks. Oh, I can cook with the best of them, but cleaning is my bane. From the wandering days of my hippy mother until now, what I like best is to play. It is amazing to me, how many people just don't like it. Or are not good at it. Life is best when we are playing a fun game. We laugh harder, think better and act out of our true selves. I suppose that is why so many resist the fun of good playfulness, because we act out of our true self when we are being playful. That can be scary for many. When I act of my true self, I can be scary to many. I am only sort of kidding, just ask my brother.

There are many fears associated with playing the games that life presents us. Sometimes the consequences are not fun. We accept certain risks when we agree to abide by the rules and play. Namely, losing. But depending on the game, many physical injuries occur to the players. And of course, there is always ridicule. The joy of abandon to the game is the motivator. In my work with oppositional children, I have learned the reason for rules. They are required to have fun. They give us an agreed upon platform for our fun. That is all. No drama required, when we all agree to play by the rules. Within the rules, however, even drama can be fun. But that requires serious directing and blocking. So don't attempt drama without proper training. Again, I am sort of joking here, only sort of. All my drama people say, Hey! I love you all.

It is only in the last couple of years that I have been able to conceptualize cleaning as part of the fun. Clearing the way for the next table of fun, that is the concept. This is so clearly revealed in the realm of cooking. Doing the dishes and having clean dishes, make creative cooking possible. A fresh tableau. First, I have to do the dishes. That is generally where I am at. I dream of the clean kitchen, and I know how to have one, but I am not there yet. As a single dad, my house is my castle. I have moved up in the world. It is not a perfect castle, however.

Seeking the ultimate state of living, is our life goal and I now accept that cleaning is part of ultimate living. I realized the other day, while cleaning, in preparation for my brother and his daughter to visit, that while I wasn't there yet, I was only an hour away. Somehow, my rhythm has shifted. Upon reflection, generally speaking, I keep a state of house that is perpetually an hour away from visitors. I feel that this is an acceptable adult reality. Grown up life. This includes the toilet. As a guy, I now accept that it is mostly our mess and therefore ours to clean. We all prefer a clean spot. So stop by anytime, I am not ashamed of my life and I love stop-bys. If, however, you need to stay the night. Please, give me an hour.