Turning Time Into Money

"That's what we do here."

What a perfect quote from BB for the moment, in the assistant performance review meeting just concluded.  Stated without irony, as a proud summary of a lifetime career.  In a context where it was painfully obvious he could not remember your name, and in which his luddite refusal to adopt new approaches/technologies nicely mirrored his insistence that if only he could be allowed to work twice as fast, he would generate more profit.  To what end? 

The younger new partner in the room of course of a similar view, noting earnestly early on that, as far as the future of his practice is concerned, it will be "...busy, I hope."  Spoken in a sheepish manner, almost like he was embarrassed to be saying something so obvious out loud.  While all the while the voice of Thoreau thundered quietly inside your head.

It is Day 2 of the working year, and... oof.  Meeting on potential arbitration processes with no easy answers.  Musings on ever-new rate structures.  Stridently avoiding required work to be done on Board submissions and inter-company contracts and transition notices.  Watching stocks plunge and a rag-tag Arsenal side try and hang on in the Carabao Cup, the logo eerily reminiscent of Brawndo and what plants crave, perfect also for the moment.

Just get to the weekend, then to the next weekend, then to the February 21st departure.  Worry about the rest on the return.  In that light, here are some rules repurposed from last January, for the 35 days from this Saturday to Dad's 68th.  Stick to them this time, eh?  (see, he does say it. -ed.)

1. No Twitter.  Just don't even open it anymore.
2. Facebook (and phone) use as limited as possible.
3. 7 minutes.  Never miss 2 days in a row.  And 2 per day after any misses.
4. Yoga, starting with Nidra next Tuesday on the 30 day pass.
5. Get out of bed when your alarm goes off.
6. Write (and finish) one story for the CBC contest.
7. No fast food.  No pop.  Fresh groceries.
8. No alcohol... Starting Saturday, the 25th your only exception.
9. Water and stairs.  Early and often.

You can get there, McMahon.  42 days.  The perfect answer.