"Only if I can call The Gal."

Music to my ears! My friend Kathleen took a new job (I think her title is "Goddess of All She Surveys") earlier this year and I'm happy to report she believes that this little ol' gal is essential to her being able to get everything she wants accomplished. How flattering is that! Since her company's offices are currently located in some suburb with an area code most foreign to me, it's out of the question. But, when their lease is up sometime over the next 9 months or so, Kathleen is confident that they will be moving closer in to civilization. They are an international company, and being this far away from O'Hare is inconvenient for everyone involved. Depending where their new offices are, I'm interested in talking about the move.

In the meantime, I am doing some freelance assignments for Kathleen's company. It helps me out because I have stupidly let my credit cards get away from me ... again! It helps her out because it helps her make the argument that there are more efficient ways to handle creative than how they have been doing it. I don't work directly with Kathleen, though. I'm dealing exclusively with her new assistant, a mid-level marketing manger named Becky.

I'm happy to report that this arrangement is working well for both of us. The first project we have collaborated on has already netted me $900 (though, as is the way with freelance work, I don't have it in hand yet) and I may make up to $750 more.

And Becky is so happy with the work that she called me yesterday for another quick job. Kathleen told her they needed to get something written, produced and mailed fast.  Kathleen asked her, "Becky, can you get this done?"

Her response: "Only if I can call The Gal."

 Cha-ching! Here comes another (approx.) $500.

Even better, it's good to know my efforts are appreciated. I'm an old woman in a young person's game. The positive reinforcement is very welcome just about now!

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Crown of Creation

1. Do you understand a belief model based on creationism? Not really.

2. Is your house run more like a dictatorship or a democracy? I live alone. The only policy debate is among my personalities.

3. Are you likely to forgive a transgression and give someone a second chance? Depends on the person and the transgression.
 

4. Is religion a big part of your life? Yes

5. Do you feel your job (or your spouse's if you work at home) is safe? Yes

6. Do you believe in gay marriage? Why? Yes. Because the arguments against it are dopey. For example, if "marriage" is really only valid because God wants us to have children, then all marriages between people who are childless or where the woman is over 50 should be annulled.

7. Do you think the current U.S. war will lead to a more peaceful world? No.

8. Do you like people with swagger? I have been attracted to men with a certain air of confidence and cool, typified by Los Bandidos Yanquis.

9. What kind of budget do you live on, is it tight or carefree? Tight. I am working on that, though. I'm trying not to spend so much, and I have accepted a few freelance assignments to bring a little more in.

Our favorite son returns

I admit that, as I watch his administration unfold day by day, I'm less than completely enamored with Barack Obama. I thought his support for gay marriage was bloodless and politically motivated. I am disturbed that his foreign policy is really just a continuation of George W. Bush's.

But in the abstract, I am so proud of him. I believe in what he represents. Like Bill Clinton, but even more so, Barack Obama proves that we are in control of our own fates in this country. His childhood was unconventional and chaotic. But he was smart, driven and talented and he made the most of his gifts.

And in the best ways, he represents the City of Chicago. He's at once idealistic and pragmatic. He's tough. And tonight, he's home.

He attended a fundraiser at one of my favorite buildings -- The Cultural Center. I pass it every workday but it's one of those sites that's so majestic I really never tired of looking at it. Over the past 100 years, it's been a Civil War Memorial and a public library and now it's the home to concerts and art exhibits.

And tonight, it plays host to our favorite son, President Barack Obama, and it was exciting to see the sidewalks filled with people, all their camera phones pointed at the building, hoping to see him enter. The el platform was full, too -- not with the usual Friday rush commuters but instead with citizens wanting an elevated view of the Prez.

It was inspiring and fun.