So how’d it go last week? Your Passover resolution—the one about balancing the matza balls and chicken soup with the writing and revising of your play?
That one? Oh, not so good.
I’d have bet on it.
Be quiet.
Well—did you accomplish your goals?
Pepi and I made a great Seder—the best ever some told us.
And?
And we worked hard.
And?
Uncle Gene—Pepi and Earl’s uncle, my brother-in-law from a former life, died.
I’m sorry.
Well, it was for the best. He and Aunt Janet have been failing for several years now. I think when Uncle Polly died after years of suffering from Parkinson’s and Aunt Rhonda died unexpectedly from a heart attack, Janet and Gene just lost it. They were on a downhill slope anyway. So Gene Rice’s death last Monday, followed by the funeral and shiva service on Tuesday was a relief of sorts.
Yes, I understand.
So as far as Passover went, the whole family lost a couple of days in the preparation process. Then we went into full speed ahead action Wednesday through Friday night when people started arriving.
Wow. I’m impressed. But. . .
Working at that level, by nightfall, I couldn’t keep my eyes open if you must know. I barely could read. Mostly I vegetated, played on the computer. I never even thought about the play.
How quickly you let go of those goals of yours.
They’re back now. . .
We’ll see.
Yes, they’re back. I just know it. Of course, I do have this LTO for my business to prepare for. Lot’s of phone calls letting people know about the launch of our new Essential Oils line this coming Thursday. And a weekly meeting Thursday night — we have invited guests. Other than that—and the mattress issues I’m dealing with after too long a hiatus . . . I can start writing again.
Sounds possible, but plausible? I’m taking bets. . .
You’ll see.
I want to see. That’s my job—seeing. My job is not an easy one with such a subject as you.
Stop complaining. I’m 72 years old. I’m active and healthy. I’m attentive to my children and grandchildren, even if they do live out of town. I tend my garden and plan for spring flowers. I love my husband and see to his needs. I’m doing well—I am religious about taking my supplements, which is the reason I can do so many things. . . and . . .
And I thought you were a feminist. Don’t feminists put their careers first.
Well—feminists can balance career with family. And their families support them in that effort–if they’re lucky. If not, they move on.
Yes. And yours does. Support you, that is.
Totally. They know and understand me.
So what’s your excuse?
No excuses. I pulled it off for years—I balanced career with domestic life. Okay, so maybe now I’ve become more traditional in my lifestyle. Maybe it’s because this husband works so hard and comes home tired. His retirement has turned into a full time job—a hard one. He deserves my support as he’s supporting me.
Wow. You sound so nineteen fifties I can barely bare to hear your thoughts.
Sorry. Next time I won’t be so open and honest.
You can’t hide from me, silly. I know all you know.
And you’re so polite about your opinion of me.
My job has nothing to do with politeness. My job is to keep you honest.
You do your job well. In fact, I think you are the most successful person I know.
I’m not a person. I’m a thought process. You’re the person.
How am I doing?
Pretty good. Not bad. You’re disappointing yourself, but that’s not a matter of age—that’s just you.
Whew. Well, at least I’m still me.
Yes.
For what that’s worth.
It’s worth a lot. Being true to yourself is the key to happiness.
Thanks for reminding me.
So what are you going to do today?
I’m going to work on the LTO—Essential Oils. I’m going to get food for tonight’s dinner—because it’s Passover and too hard to eat out. I’m going to find my mattress notes and move forward on that. I’m going to Fed Ex the Face Spa materials for Lori’s fundraiser event.
So your play . . . ?
Has to wait.
And your Claire project? The one Carolyn is editing with you?
That starts when her semester ends.
And then?
And then, when those two projects are in launch mode, I’m going to start editing the story of Bobby and Miriam—the emails. They comprise a wonderful story and while I’m still a sentient being, I’m going to shape them into a narrative people can enjoy and learn from.
How noble.
Pahleaaase. Give me a break.
That’s not my job.
I know. And you always do your job so well. So hey, keep up the good work. I think you’re an asset rather than a liability after all. In fact, I think I’ll give you a promotion!
Yeah right!
Come on—be grateful. Compliments don’t come easy for me.
Tell me about it . . .
This is wonderful, Miriam. My inner voice just beats me up — your’s has a sense of humor!
Results are probably the same. Expecting beyond the rational is all it’s about. Thanks for reading this. I have to figure out how to get automatic notifications for some of the regular readers.
I really, really love this!