Two more

Yesterday was a perfect example of why I am loving my new normal. During the afternoon I was able to clear out the spare 6 foot workbench that I no longer have a good spot for. I gave it away for free and was not even required to be home for the process. Instead I had the man text me when he was at my house which then allowed me to open the garage door remotely while monitoring everything he did on the camera. As soon as I saw he had both pieces out the door I closed it behind him, easy.

When I got home last night I didn’t have anything pressing that had to be done so I decided to do something I would like to do instead, play pickleball. I had already played during my lunch hour but I felt good enough to go play some more. One of the guys I knew from volleyball mentioned the group that he plays pickleball with on Wednesday nights so I figured I would join them. It’s only 5 minutes away.

We were getting ready to play when the NPC police showed up asking if everyone had their membership card. I did not, I have been playing for 18 months without one. However during prime playing times (8-12AM and 5-9PM) they are more strict about it. At first the woman was being pushy about it, saying we aren’t allowed to play without it. I told her firmly that I will finish my game and then go get the card. She said “ok, but just ONE game”, lol.

The “membership” thing at the county pickleball facilities has always bothered me because it is a county park, paid for with county tax payer money. Charging an additional $55 a year to this company that has a pro shop there and “manages” the courts always annoyed me. However since I live there now and presumably will be playing a lot it made sense to just drink the Kool Aid and sign up.

After getting my card I wound up playing with different people. We switched around partners a bit but then I wound up playing with the only woman out of the four. We stuck together for something like 5 games as we were determined to beat the other two men, one of whom was a skilled 4.0 player. The beat us pretty easily the first 3 games but we managed to squeak out a win in our fifth and final game which was satisfying. I wound up playing a total of two hours plus in the session.

Afterwards I didn’t feel like cooking so I stopped at an Italian place on the way home and enjoyed a margarita pizza with a couple beers at the bar. I wound up in a long conversation with an older woman who works for the sheriff department. As I walked back out to the car I soaked in a feeling of good fortune that I am now in this situation, where options are nearly endless and the future is full of possibilities.