Miss Conception

If you're like me, you reward yourself by being able to do some of the SIMPLEST math in your head. When/how does this come about? Well, like converting time from a 24-hour clock into time from a 12-hour clock. (At 2100 the grocery stores close in my little town, but I have to say it as 9pm or no one will understand it).

Another such instance? "Tell me when you were born and I'll tell you when your mother got herself in a family way." And how is that done? Convert the name of the birth month into a number and add 3 to it. This, of course, only works if you were born between January and September. The October to December months require a subtraction of 9 to them. I'm guessing I wasn't the first person to come up with that calculation.

I spend a good deal of time by myself. Many think I am a lonely sole. Truth is that I am a very strong introvert. Being around people (even virtual ones) is not life-affirming or invigorating for me. In addition to the introvert thingie, I am also an outlier. I don't enjoy spending time with young children, I get anxious around loud voices, I don't welcome potluck activities with people I hardly know, I don't worship the sun, I don't like public swimming pools, and I actually find it comforting for me to measure or weigh my food before I eat it.

Have I lost out? Some say how sad and pathetic my life seems because of all it lacks. I don't have to deal with criticism on the frequency or quality of my laundering. I can buy hi-test gas for my tiny car without hearing criticism about my wastefulness. I can have spaghetti and red gravy every night without commentary. My night time ambulations, peculiar parking habits, color choices for paint, fabric choices for clothes, and travel plans need never go through the democratic process of discussion. My destiny is the conclusion of my life's choices.

For as prolific as my writing has been, there are some basic items that have not been worked on. For example, who gets my money when I die and where does my body go when that day comes. I have some ideas, but nothing is committed to paper.

Something to think about!