This morning on my flight to Chicago, I gave up 2 hours of precious read time to engage an extremely chatty elderly gentleman in the seat next to me in conversation he decided to initiate. There are times I don't mind friendly people on the plane. Really. But just not when I already had this time set aside for myself days in advance and was looking forward to it. I really needed to catch up on my reading and was sad about the time lost.
Now, I'm not saying that our conversation was completely random and senseless. He talked a lot about his wife, family, work and life experiences in endearing ways. I asked him questions occasionally and learned quickly the conversation could go any way I wanted to steer it.
At one point we were talking about his neighbor and his failed attempts at two mail-order brides. I found that amusing.
I like to think I'm a nice person. But bagesus, I have my limits. Maybe I was engaging in a random act of kindness. Maybe I wanted to also see what I can learn from this man. I have no idea. All I know is, I gave up 2 hours of my life that I'll never get back. I'm not sure what the lesson is in all of this. Maybe nothing, maybe something. I guess I can't live in regret or try to find meaning in every experience.
I feel as if time has been wasted and I need to figure out how to get it back.
For now, I'm needing some sleep and maybe I'll make up for that time over the next few days.
The plan is to get up early tomorrow am for a long run at Busse Woods Forest Preserve.
2 hours!! Gosh darnit. I wish I had done some reading.
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