My Old Life
A good chance to catch up on some surfing.
I dropped the girls at the airport this morning to visit family on the east coast. I’m staying behind. Despite the curbside tears shed (yes, I am a softy as a father) this does present an obvious opportunity: a glimpse into what life might have been like before kids, job, house, biz and family. A look back at my old life. The one with all the free time I always wonder about. What was I doing with all that time? Imagine all the surfing I can do!
My first day alone was already loaded with errands and tasks. But no problem, I got the time! Just “Do Easy.” Nothing to distract you, let’s get after it. You’ll be surfing in no time.
Start by dropping my wife’s car at the shop. There’s a noise. Good time to get that looked at. It’s close so I’ll uber home. They can keep it. I have my car. Supposed to be hot today, better take out the trash and water the plants too. And get on top of the dishes from breakfast. We were in a hurry and Agnes didn’t finish her cereal. Be good to keep the house in order. Then there was the mail that got delivered to our old house to pick up and the PO Box I keep nearby that’s been filling up. Better check that too.
I’ll pick up some film while I’m over that way and drop some off. These shots are great. I think I have a credit. I do! $8.64 in cash, coming my way. Great. “It’s like you just bought me a coffee.” Ha. Ha.
My car is super dirty. Still haven’t heard the diagnosis on my wife's car. I’ll wash mine … I should probably post something on social media, I do run a “media company” and all. We did a great interview with a Hollywood agent yesterday and I want people to read it. Post. Post. Post. Somewhere out on the horizon is that newsletter I write every Friday. Need to do that today too. Waves could be fun. Should I check it? Or get all this done? Phone rings. They want to check the alignment at the dealer. Sounds good. Smart. California roads. Such a mess.
I just lost 30 minutes on my phone reading something that I can’t remember. I think there are rumours of a trade in the NFL. Kyle Pitts hasn’t quite panned out. I think. Who cares? Do I? Is that what I read? Yep, don’t remember. I once did care about such things. How are the girls doing? Oh! A text from them! “20 minutes of free Wifi! Eating peanut toast on the plane! Going well!” Awww, I miss them.
Where was I? I forget.
Oh yes, “Doing Easy.” Should I get a coffee? Nah, grocery run. Maybe coffee after.
“Travis?”
“Oh, hey…!”
“I owe you an email.”
“You shop here too? So funny, no worries, talk soon.”
“Bye.”
I was going to plant something this weekend. Maybe a climbing rose or bougainvillea. Spanish style house. Might look nice. Good to do some yard work. I’ll burn the weeds in the rocks too.
I should write the girls a note. A postcard! From home! How cute. Wow, that took longer than it should have. I had to customize it. I still need to send out those invoices. And get that permit for the Factory by the Sea this year. I’m hungry. Burrito? So predictable.
“Need a bag?”
“Nah. Have you had Glonuts?”
“They’re so good. I wish I never had ‘em. “
Ha. Ha.
“Bye.”
Oh I know.
I been meaning to restock the bar. I pride myself on having a nice, well-stocked bar at home. But only people who don’t drink have those. I drink. I’ll stop and fill it anyway. Or maybe I won’t drink this week. I wonder if i could still surf this evening? Is the water warm? Are there waves? Damn, it is warm today. Ugh, kind of already bumpy on the cam.
I’ll get up early to surf tomorrow. Damn, weekend warriors. Saturday. It'll be packed. But I should still stock the bar. Be great to have something to offer guests. I’m not having any guests. What’s Campari? Do I need that? Sure looks cool. I’ll just get gin. The Botanist is good. Bottle of wine. Bordeaux. Cheap though, just me. Old World. Nothing natural or fruity. Hmm, maybe I’ll make a martini. Or get a beer at my favorite dive. Maybe both! That’s what I woulda done in my old life. And still got up early.
Wonder if there’s a show to see? Anyone playing? I need to finish my book. Now is the time. What should I read next? I need someone make me a book list. My wax melted in the car while I got a coffee. Dammit. Why did I even bring my board? I mean, always bring a board. I’ll scrape the wax tonight. Before I watch that movie I want to watch. And finish that Vietnam documentary series I’m hooked on. Maybe I’ll hold off, it makes me too sad. I knew it was bad, but damn. I shouldn't be alone for that. I’ll go to dinner. Alone? Kind of awesome! Kind of terrible actually. I don't want to just look at my phone at the bar. That’s lame. Any sports on tonight? Isn’t it the playoffs? Basketball? Cool. Hockey? Even cooler. Who are the Florida Panthers? Wonder what the girls are doing. Oh yeah, pizza friday! I’m going to call ‘em. Then I'll write the newsletter. Then I’ll order my own pizza. Actually, I think there’s a frozen one in the freezer. I’ll just do that.
Whoah, is it really 5pm already? I’ll surf tomorrow. Need to write the newsletter. I’m exhausted. Can’t wait for the girls to get home. My old life sucks.—Travis Ferré