random thoughts – Day 2,287 (Friday) – restless

Some days (like today), I wander around the house like a ghost. No real intent, just vaguely moving about. There was a feeling of restlessness, like maybe I wanted to be doing something, but I didn’t know what. Early in the day I considered hopping on the commuter train at Wachusett Station and riding it all the way to North Station. Or maybe jumping off one stop earlier at Porter Square in Cambridge. Anything was possible. The schedule was consulted and I learned the train runs about every two hours, providing me with several opportunities to launch the idea.

I did not do this.

Needs paint.

I read. I moved a painting from one living room wall to another and hung a photo in the newly vacant spot. I made a grocery list and went to Aldi. I went to Aubuchon Hardware for a few things, most importantly, paint for the housing for the oil tank because I want to paint it before the new siding goes on so that I don't need to worry about getting paint on the new siding. The trip was not as straightforward as I thought it would be.

Upon entering the store, a clerk near the door asked if they could help. I responded in the affirmative, explained my paint mission, and showed a photo of the item in need of paint. The clerk began to rattle off every type of paint available. I did not want a full menu of options from which I had to choose. I wanted to know, from someone who ideally knows more than I do, the single best option for the project at hand. It turned into a fresh new level of hell.

After some discussion (too much), it was decided spray paint was probably best. They then showed me four or five versions of silver spray paint in stock in the store (all by the same company), but couldn’t really tell me anything about what made any can  different from the others beyond the price. What in the actual hell. I could have gone through the exercise alone and not had to politely deal with nonsensical interaction. 

I ended up buying two cans with a metal mailbox depicted on the label, which I interpreted as meaning it was good on metal. By then I couldn’t wait to get out of the place. There was no way I was going to endure going through the rest of my list (new house numbers, potting soil, sanding block, privacy film for windows, ceiling fans).

Maybe the next time I’ll say I’m just looking. I bet there are dozens of cool things I would buy if I knew they existed, but as part of the Ace network, the sales people pounce to offer service and get you back out the door. I get the impression that browsing is frowned upon. Maybe I’ll go to Lowe’s where you can browse in peace and good luck to you if need help.

Kiki watching the birds.

Back at home, I settled in to watch World Cup matches. For this, I blame Tartan Army and the Boston fan hijinks that led to them dominating my Facebook feed for the past week. First, USA played Australia (we won), then Scotland was beaten by Morocco (and I felt badly for Scotland). Games after that were on for background noise while I drained the battery in my cell (twice) playing a dumb arrow game. 

When it was still light out, Kiki sat on the window sill making funny little noises. The subject of her attention was two crows (or maybe they are ravens) that were walking on the lawn and driveway. 

Kiki was fixated on them. I was fixated on her and wondered if she was offended by the yard intruders, was taunting them, or maybe is hoping for friends. I wish she could tell me.