The Long-awaited Nervous Breakdown

/ J. F. Riordan

Yesterday I never got out of my pajamas. I walked the dogs in my down coat, so no one could have known it was covering pajamas. I knew, however, and it made me inexplicably happy.

I took a very long scented bath.

I did not put on mascara.

I did not write.

I also did not drink. (Oh, Dry January, get thee behind me.)

I did not cook, other than the avocado toast with poached eggs which we all ate for breakfast. (Except the dogs, who do not like avocado, but just had their poached eggs on toast with rice and ground beef and pumpkin and goat yogurt. They were happy.)

I lay around and read a book.

I searched online for vintage houses in unlikely places and concluded that people who watch HGTV should be prohibited from remodeling any house built before 1970.

I annoyed friends and husband with texted listings of vintage houses in unlikely places. Husband promised to send postcards.

I did not mop the floor.

I did not take down the small tree in the library.

I did not run to the local co-op for any missing pantry item.

I achieved Genius level in a NYTimes word puzzle. Even the venerable NYT has succumbed to grade inflation.

I actually did not nap, but I snuggled my big dogs while they dozed in the sunshine. Auggie purred. Eli snored.

I watched British Antiques Roadshow on the new tv in the library.

I bored myself, which, I think, is something we all need now and then.

This morning I had a full hour more of essential REM sleep than previously, even though I thought I was awake all night.

Oh. And I woke up with a new idea for the book.

32 thoughts on “The Long-awaited Nervous Breakdown”

  2. After the last few months of teenagers, holidays and houseguests, this was a WELL DESERVED day of doing very little. I think days like these, every so often are good for our mental health….

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  5. You had, what we all crave, a happy, stress-free day. I’m very happy for you. And, now, a new idea for the book! Who could ask for anything more. Write on, J. F. Riordan, write on. 🤗

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  7. A wonderful way to start the new year. All those things can wait and will still be there tomorrow or the next day. I am on board with the dogs, I’ll pass on the avocado toast. Uggghhh.

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  9. Good on you! We moved five days before Christmas and I have spent many days in “recovery” mode. It is temporary, we are re-assembling and all is good. Same for you it would seem. A new book is celebratory news for your fans/readership/friends – a gift – thank you!

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  11. All in all, it was a very productive day! Not all day produce tangible items… some just produce what is needed that day… and my dog is snoring up a storm right now!

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  13. Sounds like a delightful day that likely passed too quickly. I do no spend January instead of dry January, just to start the year off with a more mindful approach toward wants and needs. Excited for your new book idea!!

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    • You go girl.
      I just spent a few days at my favorite hibernacle in Belfast ME, right on the river by the bay. Just me and my dog. Hiking, reading, puzzling, sleeping. Achieved a similar peace. And I brought it home with me today.

      Kiss ‘my’ boys. Heidi from Maine

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  18. Absolutely agree on the HGTV comment. We have not had TV since 1990 but I got to watch HGTV during the months I spent taking care of my mom in AZ. Oh such trauma watching what people have done to old homes!
    Living in an 1860 house and having a husband whose woodworking skills have gone into such restorations as Woodrow Wilson’s home in Princeton I was aghast at the lack of trying to keep the dignity of an older home on some of these shows.
    Enjoy those do nothing days.sometimes we need them.

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  20. Congratulations. The day was a complete success. 

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    div>Cassie purrs rather than snores. Makea (the cat) purrs of course. This makes for a very peaceful pseudo-nap. 

    Enjoy today, whatever it brings. 

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    Sent from my iPhonePatricia Briggs 🐈‍⬛🦮

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