2020-06-22 — Slowing Down

No, I didn’t get to bed at 10:30 and then wake up at 1:21 to start writing in my journal. That would be cool and a funny way to start off the “stephen goes to bed at 10:30 now” step in my journey, but no, apparently the bedtime portion of that list is taking full advantage of the plurals I used to describe my timeline of progress (the phrase “coming days and weeks” So… no 10:30 for me tonight. Maybe tomorrow. 🙃

Honestly, I completely forgot about the 10:30 thing. I got home probably about 10:30, finishing the last car about 8:10 ish, and just chatting with my buddy Jimmy who’s been my helper the last couple of workdays, until I got home. But once I got home, instead of eating, running, or writing in my journal or any of that, I fixed one of the wheels on the mower deck, put my headlamp, earbuds, and earmuffs on, and rocked my way around and around and around the property until, finishing up the last long patch of grass about 12:30 a.m., when I rolled my little butt back into the garage, turned on the Ozone machine (we’ve had a massive infestation of brown recluse spiders, and I saw a huge one yesterday, and so I’m hoping to chase them off or exterminate them, via the ozone machine), started my countdown timer, and went out for my nightly run–daring the mosquitoes, bears, and mountain lions to make a meal out of me.

Anyway, things have slowed waaaaay down. Saturday and Monday, the two busiest days of the week, have been slow. I did two cars today, and I think my other tech did four, and my helper/buddy Jimmy did most of the work on the two that “I” did (he’s gonna be going to school this fall to learn to be a mechanic [he was an army mechanic for seven years, but this is quite a bit different]). We’re looking pretty slow tomorrow as well. Not sure what the deal is.

Feast or famine.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing to be slower. I’ve needed some of that, but it’s slow enough the last two days that I’m concerned about getting my full-time tech enough work. I haven’t these last two days, and that’s not good. We’ll see how tomorrow goes, but it’s not looking good at the moment. 😬

Anyway, perhaps a positive update for you: I haven’t cursed at all for a few days now, not even a flier. I’m getting closer and closer to officially adding that to the list of daily challenge successes I’m tallying (the no swearing at all). I’m happy with my progress so far. It’s significant to me and quite noticeable.

Uh-oh… I’m falling asleep. It’s 2:10. Gotta go to bed. It’s been a good day (of course). I did lose a couple jobs that I probably could have had on the schedule had I not taken the day completely off yesterday. That’s the tough thing about this business. You take one day off, and it can hit you really hard the next day–not getting enough work. It can be super rough.

Anyway, I got the metal pile taken to the recycler. I got the paint code for my Civic.

Ok… asleep again.

Well, folks, I’m gonna say it’s a sign. Too tired to go on. Time for these:

#1. I’m grateful that I learned how to type years ago, so I can type at a speed that’s quick enough to somewhat keep up with my thoughts. (Although it does seem to take a long time to write in my journal).

#2. I’m grateful that I was able to get that last job today that we did. That saved my butt from a totally crappy money day and made it just an okay money day I think. That last job was yet another mid-2000s 4-cylinder Honda Accord with a bad starter. Jimmy ended up doing two starters today. 😊

#3. I’m grateful that I was able to have Jimmy with me today, that I can help him make some extra cash in a time of greater need, and that he can help lighten my load.

#4. I’m grateful that my headlamp is bright enough to light up the yard enough to mow. The lawnmower bulb sockets are so worn out that the bulbs won’t stay on/bright, but the headlamp works well. 😊

#5. I’m grateful to be free of the burden of the draw to TV and movies that I used to have every night. It’s gone.

Good night, my lovelies. 😊 I wish you beautiful dreams, and peace, and happiness with loved ones tomorrow. Loves and hugs.

Lift the World.

~ stephen