Learning what is important

Yesterday I wrote about managing my time, today we are throwing it all out the window. 

Last night, our neighbor and friend Martin texted us and asked us if we could do him a favor. We are always telling him to ask when he needs help, so we were happy he did. 

He didn’t need anything moved or lifted; he needed us to go to Albany with him at 5 pm to pick up a mattress that he purchased. He was afraid his truck wouldn’t make the ride since it’s acting up. 

Martin’s wife and our friend Eileen passed away suddenly a year ago from a heart attack. That event has changed how I look at everything on my journey. It was beyond a shock; I was texting with her only two hours before. I only knew Eileen for 8 months, but we became fast friends, and we spent almost every Friday and Sunday having dinner with them. 

Our last dinner together was a gift; we almost didn’t go because it was just the beginning of Covid. I said no, then I changed my mind and said to her, “fuck it, we are coming for taco night.” Martin wore gloves, and we sat socially distanced. It was the best decision I could have made because we had a great time together, the last time together. 

We called Martin and told him no problem; we would be happy to help with the mattress. A couple of years ago, I would have said it was too late or whatever dumb ass excuse I would have made. But things are different now; life is short, so live it. 

We decided to have an administrative day at VT Spätzle this morning; tackling banking, paying bills, organizing, and filing paperwork. It felt good to catch up after a month of office work neglect finally. 

I spring cleaned our bathroom, went to the bank and post office, and worked out. I have a little bit of time to relax and sit in the sun before leaving for Albany. 

When we talked to Martin right away, he said he would take us out to dinner after picking up the mattress. He and Marty argued back in forth that we would go out to eat, but he wasn’t paying. It was comical, actually. 

We are taking two vehicles since the van only has two seats. Martin’s son Luke is going to take a ride with us too. We always say we will go to Albany to go out to dinner, but we never do. Now we finally have the perfect excuse to make it happen. 

As it turns out, a wholesale customer called and placed a nice size order literally around the corner from where the mattress is, which is fantastic. If we weren’t going to Albany tonight, we’d be stressing when we would go this week.

Friendship and family mean so much more to me now; everything else can wait. I’ll repeat it; life is short; live it.