Practice Run
Do you ever do a practice run, especially when you are learning something new, moved to a new location, or had to adjust to new limitations?
I do. For example, when I was working – especially when I had two part-time jobs- I had to know exactly how long it would take me to get ready in the morning, the length of the drive, and the time it would take to get into the building and ready to work. When I was teaching or tutoring, being late was not an option. In fact, it was recommended to be at least 15 minutes earlier than the student(s). A half hour was even better.
Of course, winters in Wyoming make scheduling even more difficult. Depending on the weather and the roads, I might need to double the time it takes to get to work.
Even though those days are over for me, I still have to do practice runs occasionally. Although you won’t get fired or told to turn around and go back home, if you are late for church, it is very uncomfortable to “walk in” late. It is much better to be early and have time to greet others, before settling down to a lesson or a song service.
Even at home, it is nice to know how long it will take to do a specific chore. Then, if it takes to long, or I am too sore the next day, I need to reevaluate how I accomplished the task, and if there is an easier way to get it done next time. If not, then I know I have to allow at least that much time in the future.
To a certain extent, I believe that everyone does this to some degree – if subconsciously. Some are better than others at monitoring their time. But, when you have a disability, it is vital. Otherwise, you will get frustrated and stressed. In addition, you are more likely to try and hurry, which might cause you to be less careful and hurt yourself. (I know I am guilty of that one.)
It Came to Mind
The topic for this post came to mind, because this weekend is a practice run for having an empty nest. No. It isn’t the same thing, yet it still applies. Before my son left for a weekend youth rally in another city, I had him get down my favorite cups and pull out a pan, so I could make beans and rice while he was gone. (He hates them. I love them.)
I made sure he emptied the trash, because the cat will get out, if I take the trash out. Last time the cat escaped, it cost me almost $150 at the vet. He was on the losing end of some kind of scrap. Sad for both him and me, that is the 2nd time, in less than a year, we have had to take him to get cleaned up and medicated.
Well, when my son leaves for college and I live alone all of the time, the cat will probably just have to take his chances. I am going to purchase another pie safe, or something similar, to keep the dishes I will need down at my level. I already keep most of our groceries in a pie safe; I also have a lazy susan to keep cans, spices, etc. I will probably move the microwave down to the bar, which is the only wheelchair accessible change that was made to the kitchen. It is a bit lower than the counters, and I can roll right up under it, in order to fix meals or eat them. The kids and I use this as a substitute for a table, although we do have a small one.
The weekend is a practice run. Unless he is playing his trumpet, my son is pretty quiet. But, I must admit I am lonely, just knowing he isn’t here. I don’t hear him raiding the frig frequently. The television is off; and, I don’t hear him telling my daughter’s cat to leave him be. (However, I don’t miss him deciding to practice the trumpet late at night, when he forgets what time it is, or that he plays REALLY LOUD.
So, it will be a very quiet, peaceful weekend with just me and the boys. (2 cats and a dog) At least, I hope so. I am sure that my son will have lots of adventures to discuss when he gets home Sunday night.
