Twenty

I am back in Searcy and it didn't take long for me to return to my normal routine.  I am sitting in the corner of Midnight Oil, in the chair which should have my name on it; glasses are cleaned, letters read, journal written in, coffee drank.  I am back in the usual, the normal, the life-as-I-knew-it ritual. I just realized I was too cold this morning to pray as I walked; I was too busy cursing the weather.  I had another epic dream last night involving a large mechanical dog which was terrorizing a town and I was determined to save the town; all he wanted was to lick my face though, then  he halted his rampage and became quite amiable.  These dreams are getting a little out of control.  All of this is good, and I enjoy it, but I feel that this mode is coming to an end.

Midnight Oil is not exactly the best place to write.  I knew that from the beginning but I wanted to give it a fair chance and so I have; I simply know too many people who come in at semi-regular intervals and I am to conscious of the social problems inherent in ignoring people who know you.  I want to ignore most and just write and read, but I am concerned about the consequences.  I need to find another option for writing.  Probably later in the day, probably the evening and definitely not here.  It's worse in the evening; then it's not just people I know, but a general explosion of activity; overriding any concentration.  What I need is Charlotte's where I am un-known and youngest patron by 30 years.

Also, I am getting fat.  No, nowhere near the 300 pounds as I once was, but I can feel in my body the weight compressing parts not compressed at the beginning of the semester, my knees hurt more often, and I feel lethargic often.  Also, I don't look as good in my work uniform or shirt and tie as once did.  I'm creeping on 200 pounds and I don't want to be there.

Thirdly, coffee costs.  Even if it's only a dollar a day.  'Nough said.

All of these restraints have given me an idea.  I want to write, I want to ride, and I want to save.  I think this calls for a tweak of my traditions.  I am young and flexible; though I have developed some old man routines.  I am always prepared for a change and the change of weather (if it ever gets nice again, I am afraid it will be cold for the rest of my life) and the need to change my routine has given me an opportunity to keep myself on my toes.  So here it goes:

Goals for Spring:
20 miles a day.
20 dollars (cash) a week.
20 pages a month.
20 pounds by Illinois.

I have done harder things in the past, but I have a severe lack of motivation and will power for some reason.  Anybody wanna make a bet, or make a challenge out of this?