NURSING HOME

Yesterday was a day straight from Hades. I nearly walked out of work until I remembered that I had to pick Jim up on campus from a meeting and so I couldn't leave. I even contemplated walking to nowhere -- just away from everybody and every responsibility. It was a day full of burden and unbelievable stress. As I went to bed and closed my eyes, the last thing I said was, "I hope someday I will be able to quit work."

Needless to say, I wasn't anxious to go back today. I hoped that I would find a moment of joy or goodness somewhere. That laughter and happiness came in the most unexpected way. Roland (my boss) and I had a meeting with a vendor first thing this morning. It was a cordial meeting but one where unpleasant things had to be discussed. As we were proceeding through the meeting, I looked down at my lap and at my feet. I looked back up at the men and then suddenly I looked back down! Never in my life have I ever had the urge to jump up and rush out of the room as I did then. I needed to go out in the hall where my burst of laughter could be vented. But I couldn't leave. I needed to be very professional. I covered my mouth with my hand and lowered my head so the men wouldn't notice how hard I was struggling not to laugh. I was sure Roland (who doesn't laugh very much and at very little) would see my shoulders bobbing up and down. Somehow I made it through the meeting and quickly rushed out into the hall where I just let it loose. Everybody in the office laughed with me as they saw me pointing at my shoes.


Yup -- I wore two different shoes all day long. I couldn't even go home to change because I didn't have the car. Hey -- I have to get dressed in the dark because Jim doesn't get up for a half hour after I get up. But guess who is going to have to cover his eyes from now on early in the morning? Your dad.

I decided that it looks like it's about time for me to begin the search for a nursing home that will accept crazy old women who wear odd shoes, red hats and purple dresses. Maybe they will even let me spit if I feel like it. And then work wouldn't want me there anyway. Anybody have a place for me to stay?