So, uh, I've had this little tear in my swimming trunks for a few weeks. Been meaning to go to Ross or to the sporting goods place to get a new pair. Not much for shopping. Don't get around to it. I check the rip every day and it seems OK. It's over the back pocket. You know, swimming pool chlorine really does degrade fabric. These used to be black. Now they're kind of gray. I'll get around to it. So I go for my swim this morning, and then I go in the sauna, then I'm in the outdoor shower by the pool and I hear this voice shouting Sir! Sir! and of course I figure it's not for me but then I turn and the pool person is pointing to me and saying that my trunks are all ripped down the back. And so they are. My ass is not exactly hanging out bare naked on account of that funny white webbing-type underwear thing inside the shorts. But they're totally ripped. What used to be the back is just hanging down to my knees. I'm definitely deshabile. So she orders me upstairs to change. Orders me. Well, so it was a bit humiliating and so I try to take it in stride and think of something to say and so I say, Well, what a great way to start the New Year!
And she humorlessly points out that it's not the New Year until tomorrow.
How do you like that? What is it with some people, they're so literal.
Anyway, Happy New Year from your humble swimming correspondent with the rather ripped trunks.
Next week I will bombard you with news and entreaties to join this or that workshop or getaway. The getaway is coming right up at the end of January and there's still room so I will be imploring you to come and join us. And the next workshop starts Saturday, January 8, so I will also be hassling you nonstop about that. But not today. Today is screw it, my swimming trunks are ripped, I'm humiliated by the swimming pool person and I'm taking it as a signal to chill out, quit with the endless and obsessive work and cast les yeux on the upcoming year with some kindness and optimism.
We're going to stay home and play canasta with my mother-in-law. Couldn't think of a better way to let the new year come into being without any loudmouthed help on my part.