we're all rushing around, getting more and more efficient at things.  this.  that.  everything.

we take great pride in working hard, in producing great work, in looking for the next big adventure.

i made a new years resolution to myself.

to start saying no, even when offers are seemingly wonderful.

just to say no for me.

for the selfish beauty of free time.

free time to sit on my couch, to sit and read, to sit and listen, to watch the rain pepper down all around me.

to spend time with friends.

to drink wine and talk about our understanding of string theory.

to eat chocolate and whisper sweet nothings to loved ones.

i haven't exactly entirely managed to stick to my brash resolution.

i've said yes to more things than last year, more little projects, more fun times.

so you'd think about now i'd be up to my neck, stressed and fidgety, fighting for freedom from the shackles of a self-imposed year of workaholism.

well yes, but no.

no?

i've found a little solution to stress and over-work.

that's to get no by saying yes.

saying yes to life's little simplicities.

i think i owe it all to a certain young beauty that's recently stepped into my life.

she works very hard, long hours, and often probono work.

so how do two young workaholics survive and not get eaten alive?

saturday mornings.

late sunday afternoons.

friday nights.

wednesday lunchtimes.

and occasionally monday evenings.

we share little moments, even 5 minutes at a time.

wading cross town to lock eyes.

brush cheeks.

and disappear.

meeting on street corners, heading opposite directions.

to interlock hands.

tickle.

bump.

giggle.

we do nothing.

which seems like everything.

the wind speaks more logic in a salty sea breeze.

but the little simplicities continue.

and before time catches up.

i see the present.

she sees me.

and we're completely free.

xxx