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Downtownat10 · 06-29-2003, 06:37 PM

As I was digging through some old e-mails, I came across a message I sent out to everyone I know a few years ago. I wouldn't normally waste anyone else's time with my e-mails, much less an old one, but after reading it I still got a bit of a shudder, so I thought I might post it here, since I have yet to add something to the Literature section of TFP. Hope someone enjoys it!

_______________________________________________

03 August 2001

Some say it is a beautiful sight, watching the sun first pierce the morning sky, especially when viewed from the sands of the east coast. It brings with it a sense of rejuvenation, as if all life is preparing for another day's adventures, and the brightness chasing away shadows from the night. A new beginning, the first day of the rest of your life. How can anyone not see the true beauty in a clear sky, glowing with a soft blue atmosphere, making one forget the noises and stress of the day to come?

Yes, I could have slept, and yes, I probably should have. Had common sense overrun emotion, I would be lying peacefully in my bed, with not a care in the world aside from the impending buzz from an alarm set to ring in the new workday. But, alas, ours is not a relaxed time with vacation and fine wine, rather a dull rigamarole of day-in and day-out consistency. No time for curiosity of how to spend the day, instead only wonder for when the coffee will be done, or ticking the minutes away until a well-deserved lunch break. Yes, some of us are the (un)fortunate souls of the nine-to-five hamster wheel or the seemingly endless road to higher education. Our weeks are passed with eager anticipation for the weekend, which can never last as long as we would like. Some say in a time of financial woe across the nation, we are the lucky ones to have employment, if for no other reason than to ease the tension when the bill collector comes 'round. The days of childhood innocence and unconstrained time have passed, and been replaced by responsibility and obligation, some to family, some to love, and some simply to self-support.

I encourage everyone, everywhere, to take one hour out of your day today, and do something outlandish. I do not advocate causing a disturbance to those around you, but perhaps only a disturbance to your routine, as I know we can all get frustrated. Don't take that next cup of coffee; you understand as well as I that it will only upset your stomach and give you jitters. When the day is coming to a close, put down your work and simply look out the window. Enjoy the view, whether it be a mountain, and ocean, or the streets of downtown. Most importantly, take your lunch break ten minutes early, and come back five minutes late. With that extra fifteen minutes, stand outside, breathe in the warm air of summer, and imagine yourself as a kid again, running in the grass, swimming in the lake, or riding your bike down the longest stretch of road in the neighborhood. Remember what it was like when there were no bosses, no time clocks, no staff meetings, and no urgent phone messages. Truly believe that you have no other care than making it to dinner before dark, or scraping your knee from a trip over a rock. Relish in the wonders of what you were able to enjoy as a child, and you will begin to understand that, although it may not be as easy or convenient, they will never be gone. Take those fifteen minutes to understand the things you were given, the things you have earned, and the things you are working towards.

When you get home tonight, take an extra moment to kiss your mate, hug your children or parents, or give a call to an old friend. These things you cherish are what will keep you young, even though you may believe you are getting old. None of us are truly old, but rather more experienced and prepared for the adventures to come. Take this message as nothing more than a reminder that those days of ease, although seemingly long gone, are not so far away after all. It is summer, and like the sunrise I am viewing, the weekend is almost in clear view.

I hope this letter finds everyone well. Read it again if you need, or simply if you want. It is just my way of saying hello, and I wish everyone luck on their daily routine. Perhaps we can all take from this a little tidbit to pass the day. I can assure you that I will heed my own advice, and make good use of my extra fifteen minutes at lunch.

06-29-2003, 06:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
Downtownat10 Crazy Location: A Fortified Compound, East Coast	Something I wrote a while back As I was digging through some old e-mails, I came across a message I sent out to everyone I know a few years ago. I wouldn't normally waste anyone else's time with my e-mails, much less an old one, but after reading it I still got a bit of a shudder, so I thought I might post it here, since I have yet to add something to the Literature section of TFP. Hope someone enjoys it! _______________________________________________ 03 August 2001 Some say it is a beautiful sight, watching the sun first pierce the morning sky, especially when viewed from the sands of the east coast. It brings with it a sense of rejuvenation, as if all life is preparing for another day's adventures, and the brightness chasing away shadows from the night. A new beginning, the first day of the rest of your life. How can anyone not see the true beauty in a clear sky, glowing with a soft blue atmosphere, making one forget the noises and stress of the day to come? Yes, I could have slept, and yes, I probably should have. Had common sense overrun emotion, I would be lying peacefully in my bed, with not a care in the world aside from the impending buzz from an alarm set to ring in the new workday. But, alas, ours is not a relaxed time with vacation and fine wine, rather a dull rigamarole of day-in and day-out consistency. No time for curiosity of how to spend the day, instead only wonder for when the coffee will be done, or ticking the minutes away until a well-deserved lunch break. Yes, some of us are the (un)fortunate souls of the nine-to-five hamster wheel or the seemingly endless road to higher education. Our weeks are passed with eager anticipation for the weekend, which can never last as long as we would like. Some say in a time of financial woe across the nation, we are the lucky ones to have employment, if for no other reason than to ease the tension when the bill collector comes 'round. The days of childhood innocence and unconstrained time have passed, and been replaced by responsibility and obligation, some to family, some to love, and some simply to self-support. I encourage everyone, everywhere, to take one hour out of your day today, and do something outlandish. I do not advocate causing a disturbance to those around you, but perhaps only a disturbance to your routine, as I know we can all get frustrated. Don't take that next cup of coffee; you understand as well as I that it will only upset your stomach and give you jitters. When the day is coming to a close, put down your work and simply look out the window. Enjoy the view, whether it be a mountain, and ocean, or the streets of downtown. Most importantly, take your lunch break ten minutes early, and come back five minutes late. With that extra fifteen minutes, stand outside, breathe in the warm air of summer, and imagine yourself as a kid again, running in the grass, swimming in the lake, or riding your bike down the longest stretch of road in the neighborhood. Remember what it was like when there were no bosses, no time clocks, no staff meetings, and no urgent phone messages. Truly believe that you have no other care than making it to dinner before dark, or scraping your knee from a trip over a rock. Relish in the wonders of what you were able to enjoy as a child, and you will begin to understand that, although it may not be as easy or convenient, they will never be gone. Take those fifteen minutes to understand the things you were given, the things you have earned, and the things you are working towards. When you get home tonight, take an extra moment to kiss your mate, hug your children or parents, or give a call to an old friend. These things you cherish are what will keep you young, even though you may believe you are getting old. None of us are truly old, but rather more experienced and prepared for the adventures to come. Take this message as nothing more than a reminder that those days of ease, although seemingly long gone, are not so far away after all. It is summer, and like the sunrise I am viewing, the weekend is almost in clear view. I hope this letter finds everyone well. Read it again if you need, or simply if you want. It is just my way of saying hello, and I wish everyone luck on their daily routine. Perhaps we can all take from this a little tidbit to pass the day. I can assure you that I will heed my own advice, and make good use of my extra fifteen minutes at lunch. __________________ Heh. Oops. Sorry about that one...