Anxiety Dreams

I am in the parking structure when I realize that it is 6 pm. I was supposed to be at University Commons at 5:00 to give my presentation, but I was also supposed to pick up Emma Jane at synchro at 5:30. I stir, realize I am in my own bed, and decide I don't need to solve these problems at this time.

Moments later, it is 6 pm. I was supposed to be at University Commons to give the presentation at 5, but I can't find my car. I am walking down the ramps in the structure, pressing the "panic" button on my key chain, but the horn isn't honking. I still can't find my car. I'd like to call Margaret to tell her to have everyone eat dinner first. I'll be there in time to give the presentation with dessert. But my cell phone isn't working. I still can't find my car.

When I got to work this morning, I spent over an hour preparing for the presentation. I've never given a single presentation for an entire hour, unless it was about a project for which I had full ownership. This will be more like a lecture.

How can I possibly keep these people interested for a full hour?

I hope I don't get lost on the way there.

The Haircut - Part 2

Setting: We are in an elevator at the eye doctor's. The elevator stops and a man gets in.

Sam: What floor?

Man: Four, thanks. (Sam pushes button.)

Man (to me): She's very polite. (pause) Is she going to get drops in her eyes?

Me (looking at Sam): Yes.

Man (to Sam): You'll do fine, young lady. The drops will wear off soon. (Elevator stops. Man gets out.)

Me: Are you ready for that haircut?

Sam (grinning): No.

Louise & Other Thoughts

My brother's babysitter, Louise, died last week. She was 20 years old. She had leukemia.


I know only a little about Louise. She made a sparkly purple cape for Kaeli with Kaeli's name sewn on the back. She took a great picture of Evie holding an orange. She had a serious boyfriend, and was going to art school in New York City.


Kaeli was crying and missing Louise at family dinner the week before last. She said that no one cried at Louise's funeral. I remember that from Grampa Jay's funeral, not seeing anyone cry.


At Bill's funeral in July, everyone was crying, even Rich. Even me. We cried at Mamaw's funeral last year, too. I guess it's a southern thing.