I did it. The hose reel came together. The Bluetooth headphones connected. Patience won. And sleep. It is odd to think that at an age when I have little time left, I now appreciate the benefit of taking my time. Of going slow. Of waiting. Of backing off when frustration arrives. I wish the lesson had imprinted on me sooner. It would have saved me from days of rage and stuttering incoherence. But I’m all about continuous improvement.

Take yesterday. I went to Marble Falls with two tasks in mind. Change my oil. Check on stain for my fence. I did the first, but in the hour long wait forgot the second. I remembered on my journey home. Rather than rant and rave and keep on driving, cursing my stupidity, I stopped. Turned around. Drove back into town. Went to the paint store. Got my info. Came home. It took a little more time. But the box got checked. The job got done, and now I know what I want to do to stain my fence. And it’s not a burr under my saddle.

It feels good and I guess that’s how we change. We like that good feeling. And I suppose it’s all about control. A nice thing to have when you can get it. It’s the main thing I’ve learned in life. There are things I control. There are those I don’t. It’s why I keep my house tidy. Work in the yard. Change my oil. Rotate my tires. Wash my clothes. Read books. Play my guitar. Try to be pleasant. Those are some of my things. Keeping up with them makes me feel good. I wish I’d learned the lesson sooner. But I think I’ve got it now. And that feels good. So, off I go.