“There are two possible situations – one can either do this or that. My honest opinion and my friendly advice is this: do it or do not do it – you will regret both.” – Soren Kierkegaard

Part of our house is going under construction. This remodel impacts my office space, forcing me to visit other areas of our tiny château to do my business. It turns out I have a lot of books. My lovely bride has even more. I knew this at some level, but when one has to hoof up and down a set of stairs moving said books, the idea goes from concept to solid matter.
As if to add insult to my developing injury, halfway through the move a book addressed to her is delivered. I growl and put it aside only to find out a few minutes later it's a birthday gift I ordered for her.
Forgot that bit.
The cats love the movement because: boxes. The dog is getting stressed, and I expect a skin condition is in his future. Otherwise, it's 60 to 180 days of discomfort. Less time that it takes to grow a baby, to put it in perspective.
My new desk area will be in the dining room. There is a nice bay window there, and I can play Gladys Kravitz to the neighborhood. When the old retired guys come shuffling by asking about this or that, I'm going to jump right in. "Huh. Things must be going pretty well for the Millers. That's the third delivery truck this week." or "The Johnson's have some company from Minnesota. There's been a new car in the driveway. Must be their kids."
This morning another realization hits me. As I sip my coffee and watch the nice old lady with the chocolate lab stroll by, I remember the windows. They are two-way. I can see her, she can see me. I'm standing in my pajamas. Most days start with me in pajamas. I sit down and get to work. If I don't have a morning meeting, it may be lunchtime before I am presentable. Sitting in the back room, this is not a problem. The front room is different.
I am going to have to alter my routine, I think. I mention this to my bride, and she says, "The bush will bloom any day now and no one will see you."
A good point. Unfortunately this means my Gladys days are in jeopardy too.
I already kind of miss my future retired old man visits.
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