Manic Monday #8

Which sex do you think has it easier in our culture? Have you ever wished you were the opposite sex? For the most part, I think men have it easier because historically they have had more power. Men have been responsible for most of the law making and law breaking in our society. Of course, they historically have had more stress and tend to die younger, so maybe it evens out. And yes, when I see how short the mens' room lines are at sporting events, I have wished I was male.

What books from your childhood would you like to share with your children? Charlotte's Web. Charlotte inspired me to work to become a good writer and a true friend. I owe that spider a great deal and would love to share her message.

What is one talent or skill you don't possess but always wanted? I can't sing for shit. Completely tone deaf. In my dreams I sound like Streisand. No one has been rude enough to tell me what I sound like during waking hours.

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On my mind …

It's been a big weekend, with seismic shifts in the lives of those close to me.

1) Saturday afternoon, my brother-in-law was laid off again for the second time in six months. His boss was counting on a big job beginning next week, but at the last minute the contract fell through. My poor BIL only had this job for 90 days, and he was very happy with it -- even though it didn't pay very much. Financially, things are getting dire in that household. I worry about the impact their money problems will have on their parenting skills. Their oldest -- my niece, a high school freshman -- has been having big problems of late.

2) My uncle, who is dying slowly from Parkinson's disease, has taken a radical turn for the worse. For the past year he has remained in his own home with live-in help -- a lovely pair of middle-aged sisters he met through his church. They take turns staying with him and helping him out. But he needs more assistance than they can give. He needs around-the-clock nursing care from trained professionals. Which he refuses to even discuss. His behavior has become dangerous and erratic. Since much of it is in response to his meds, he doesn't even recall many of the more harrowing incidents. He is very wealthy and can fight any moves toward hospitalization or a nursing home. Yet I worry because he's a danger to himself and others.

3) There were layoffs at work. I expected them, and certainly one of the 5 people involved had it coming for his role in the way the account was mismanaged, and consequently how close we have all come to losing our jobs. Still, whenever anything like this happens there's upheaval and heightened sensitivity on the team.

4) I can't stop thinking about my own personal Brad and Jen.

5) I have an unsightly and painful zit in my eyebrow.

I have to remember that #5 is really the only one within my control, and beyond putting zit cream on it, there really isn't even very much I can do about that one.

That's hard for me to accept, since I like to arrange and fix things. But it's so easy for me to be swallowed up by problems like these, and that serves no one. I need to keep my wits around me, in case my mother or my niece or "Brad" need me.

So now, if you'll excuse me, I have to slather acne cream in my eyebrow.