Theory of Relativity?

Perhaps it is since I became a parent. Or maybe because I am getting old...er. Quite probably because I have been surrounded by new everything for the past two months and my sense of observation & reflection is heightened. Whatever the source, my awarness of life's relativity has intensified.

Here are a few examples of my recent observations.

1. Bedtime. "I need to stop going to bed so late," said Ann at 11:00. "I actually got to sleep in today," Ann thought as she awoke at 7:15 to the sound of her singing son. Are you ready? I am about to sound like a reminiscent grandparent. I remember the days when staying up late meant a.m. hours. When sleeping in meant p.m. hours. Early. Late. Sleep in. Realtive.

2. Age. Do you remember those days when you looked at your parents, when you had to really crane your neck back so you could look up at them, and thought to your tiny self, "Dad's old!" Forget about grandparents, even parents were old. In truth, my parents were under 40 when I thought this 20 years ago. Now, I am only 12 years and some months away from turning 40. It suddenly doesn't seem quite so horrifically aged. Perhaps it is still old and my grown up brain has just subconsciously come to terms with the inevitability. Young. Old. Ancient. Relative.

3. Speed. Josiah & I climbed the stairs (one flight) today quickly; it only took 30 seconds. I carried him down the stairs quickly; 5 seconds. This website is taking forever to load; 10 seconds. I waited forever for the NYC marathoners to pass so I could cross the street & get to church; 30 minutes. (I gave up & went home, by the way. Tsk, tsk Mrs. Pastor’s wife) Quick. Forever. Relative.

4. Distance. Where I grew up, far to me meant driving to the other side or outside of the city, say 15 minutes away. Where I spent the past 9 years, far meant driving, say, 45 minutes or more. Here in NYC I drive no where, so everything over a mile away; far. Grocery, post office, cleaners, bank, pharmacy, dollar store, restaurants, church, park, library, hardware store, department store, electronics store, all within a mile. If I have to drive at all; Far. Relative.

This list is surely not complete, or even extensive. Just some things I noticed this week. A strange thing that happens in our brains, isn’t it. These words hold their meaning only within context. Move the setting and the word can be nearly redefined. But one thing I know. Chocolate in every context in my brain; fantastic!


Highlight of my week: Finishing the painting projects!