Nothing To Do

As a teenager I can remember being really bored quite often.

Nothing to do, nothing to look forward to for months, nothing to get prepared for except yet another day in a boring school.

I would read two to three books a week, some for school, some for fun. I would watch a lot of television, was totally on top of the news, knew all sports results from many different countries, and knew all about Oscars and nominations and Emmy’s.

If there was nothing good on TV, I would browse through the encyclopedia or the Guinness Book of Records.

I was a fortress of information, out of boredom, yes, but still . . .

Another perk of boredom was perfectly manicured finger and toe nails at all times, neat, with carefully applied make-up every day.

And, of yeah, a body shaved like Telly Savalas’ head.

Then, I started to work, have kids, friends and pets. For a long time I could still keep up with most of the above by multitasking. 

And, instead of watching television I would constantly tune into the radio, keeping up with all the news while doing my housework at the same time.

Make-up would be applied in the car on the way to work or the day care centre, resulting in a fender bender or two, but at least I looked good.

I dropped to one book a week, had to read most of it while cooking dinner, but my literary beast was being fed and that was more important than overcooked spaghetti or an Edgar Allen Poe stained and reeking forever of curry.

Then I started a business.

This morning I woke up at 10.30. I really wanted to sleep more but I already felt guilty about wasting away half the day, so I got up and made coffee.

As I poured the hot water over my quick caffeine fix, my finger nails stared up at me . . .  uneven and all paint- and pen-stained.

While dressing I observed a row of hairs poking through my panty hose . . .  oops, missed some spots shaving. Of course I skipped the make-up, again, just to save time.

As I tidied up the bedroom, neatly stacking the four books I have been reading simultaneously for the last month, as I had to dust off the top one . . . I realized I have not gotten past chapter two on any of them!  

A friendly e-mail answered my query which soccer teams qualified for the European championships and also informed me of the extremely bad weather in the UK over the last weeks and it seems there is trouble in Tibet. I used to know all this. In fact, I used to be the first to know.

What Has Happened To Me?

Well, I guess life happened . . . which is a good thing. No complaints. Being busy keeps you young and alive. Today though, in the back of my mind, a childish annoying voice wishes to reminisce about way back when. About all the great things we did when we had nothing to do.

And I wonder, wouldn’t it be great, just for the day, to simply be bored again?

(Editor’s Note: We guess Ms. Spykerman found out. We called her to check a few facts while editing her column, and her daughter said she was still sleeping. It was 12 noon!)

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