RECHARGE

I have a proper job for the first time in a while.

I oscillate between embracing and resisting it. Both in equal measure.

I’m sitting waiting for guests to check in. Check-in happens between 14h00 and 17h00 but those times don’t mean much to most folks who are on a holiday schedule and tuned into a holiday mind.

If you don’t know already I moved back to the Garden Route to step into my parents holiday rental business; take over an existing yoghurt making business and give myself a bit of a break creatively as other things take priority.

Holiday rentals are no joke. I have a front row seat to peoples quirks, vulnerabilities, mannerisms , needs and wants. People are needy. And I don’t mean that as a judgment, I am observing something in others, I don’t seem to have within myself.

Complete strangers arrive at the place you rent out. You meet once at check in and then you’re best friends. For the few days they are staying in your place, they trust, they ask, they assume, they need, they want. None-stop.

I go on holiday and the host must please just leave me alone. I want nothing to do with them. I actually would even prefer the key be hidden somewhere and we never meet. Wow I am anti-social I think to myself. No wonder I don’t live in a commune, I’d be the worst community member there. The wonderful things one learn about oneself throughout adult life.

At this stage I am gob smacked at every check-in so far. Humans are down right fascinating and at times I literally have to tell myself to close my jaw as it drops in disbelief at the needs of others.

Again, I am merely noticing the needs I don’t have that come real easy to others. I ponder about this deeply in the silences of my life. I want for very little.

Today I fitted a cycle in between meetings and check-ins. Yes, I know it’s Sunday but here work does not keep office hours. What does it even mean to live for the weekend.

Halfway into my bicycle ride, there was an earlier than usual check-in. Not planned I need to add. Needless to say I’ve never cycled back home so hard and probably the reason Strava thought I did good on my activity log for the day.

I’m in an era in my life where I need to plan my outdoor time acutely. I’ve always been of the strong opinion that work needs to fit into my play schedule, not the other way around. Right now, there’s so much work and very little play as I learn the ropes of rentals, yoghurt making and delivering. Sharpening my peoples skills, good luck to anyone checking into our holiday accommodation having to deal with me. Just jokes. I am actually really good with people. And to rest assured I even had tea with guests this evening.

Between yoghurt making/delivering schedules, check-ins and cleaning schedule checks it’s a real juggle.

My last check in for the day was around seven but messages between guests and I don’t stop until eleven. It’s a funny business this thing called hospitality.

My bicycle ride saved me today. A few stolen moments where nature charges my batteries and gift me with perspective.

Thank you Earth for the recharge.

Back to man made things for now.

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