I donned my "Elu" cloak last night, and stole into the Shelf, and was accosted (kindly!) for not having blogged lately. Well, it's been busy and I've been frumpish. So, some random observations:
Things are really in turmoil here at No. 3. Kathy, my paralegal, was just diagnosed with breast cancer, so she's starting on that marathon with the health care system, beginning with surgery Friday. I'm very, very worried about her. Frankly, I don't know for sure how to support someone in that predicament. From the work end, it's easy, I've told her to take whatever time she needs, we'll cover things here and just do whatever it takes. (I know that big companies do leaves-of-absences & Family-Medical Leave Act status, but I will be damned before I start acting like them.) But from the personal end? I guess I need her to tell me what she needs, and I assume that those needs will change from day to day. Any extra help on requests to The Big Man Himself on her behalf is appreciated. Her husband is a brother, and I've told him that when he crashes (and he will) to call me and I'll go with him and watch him drink a beer. (Not drinking right now, more on that anon.)
This darn political campaign is a major pain in the ass. It's distracting my partner, the process is demeaning (what does marching in a parade have to do with making just judicial decisions?), I'm catching flak from the bar over the whole thing and my very close connection to two competing candidates, and let's face it, neither my buddy Dave nor Amy is going to win anyway. I have an uncanny ability to predict elections, and if that sounds cocky, so be it, I got the track record to back it up. One of the other candidates (4 way race) is going to top 40% and I'm open to bets based on that prediction. (The only betting I EVER do is on elections.) That woman has a fanatic work ethic, and is leaving everyone else in the dust, and she won't slack off a bit until the primary.
My son Tim was in the local paper today in a little feature called "ordinary people," as he was out working at his (my old) rescue company at a public function. That's a nice thing. He's a good kid. Oh, and Rox, he's taking the paramedic class this year.
La Elu's car crapped out for good Monday, RIP, so she went and bought a Chevy "Equinox." Funny name, unusual vehicle, a cross between a mini-van and SUV. As for me, my Audi's got 120K miles on it, and it's good for 200K anyway, so I'll not be in the market for a car for a long time. I'm not always attentive to details, but I'm fanatic about taking care of my vehicles.
I've been asked what 3 books I'm waiting for that are just published: In At The Death, by Harry Turtledove - the 11th and mercifully last installment of a looonnngggg alternate history series; The Aftermath (Book Four of the Asteroid Wars) by Ben Bova; and Wheel of Darkness, by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, the latest installment in yet another themed series of novels. I've also ordered Wayne Dyer's new book, even though I have misgivings because he has gone from nuts & bolts to spooks & smoke over the years. Let's see, and I'm waiting on Chuck Norris's new western. I just finished an interpretation of TR's writings & speeches by a guy names Strock, and I sent it over to JC in Baltimore - I'll be interested in what tracks she leaves in the book, compared to the ones that I left. I always read with a highlighter in my pocket, I'm a track-leaver in books, and sometimes it looks like I walked through them with a whiffinpoof. (If you don't know what that is, ask Pete.)
Doreen's recent blog about writing was really great. If you haven't looked at it, you oughta.
I've alluded to a distracting major personal project. Many months ago, I blogged about my morbid obesity. I explained that I was waiting for some ineffable quality or spirit to come into my mind which would fix it. Well, I guess I got tired of waiting, or the gremlin caught up with me or God moves in mysterious ways or there are spooks & smoke at work or something. Beginning in March, I have been attacking the weight as hard as the biochemistry and physics of the situation permits. Last night, I walked past the 80 pounds-lost mark. I’ve a long way to go. So I’m “humming a little cowboy song and walking ahead at a scout’s pace.” I'm journaling a lot about this experience, because I cannot forget where I've been and how bad it is/was.
I impressed myself yesterday. I was assigned a new serious drug case on Monday, and there was a hearing set for Tuesday. I got the whole thing resolved VERY favorably for the new client because I have an excellent working relationship with the involved police & prosecutors. Won't make much of a fee, though, but that's just life.
TR is looking at me from behind my desk, so I'd better go tend to business.
Mizpah!
R
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7 comments:
Elu- thanks for the blog. I checked last night before bed to see if you had put a new one up after our gentle prodding. Interesting question about what to offer your paralegal regarding her ordeal. My mother had breast cancer twice and found great comfort in a support group. She said no matter how close you are to sisters, husbands, children, the only folks who can understand your emotional rollercoaster are the someones who are going through it at the same time you are. Even long term survivors forget the fear and isolation you can feel. I think it is a time of great inward searching,, something that is done alone. So, I would say this,, you hug her and say,, you have to tell me what you need, but I love you and I am a good listener.
I think your attitude to Kathy is perfect. Everything will change from day to day.
You must be exceedingly proud of Tim. Perhaps you could scan the item and photo at some time? When things have quietened down slightly.
-Just a suggestion
Consider talking to her about hiring some sort of "Temp" to help out, her assistant, and then hire one, and let it be known frequently that this assistant is just that, hired temporarily just to help her out and assist her until she is well. Your paralegal's work must not pile up as that will eventually be worrisome to her (and you) and she does not need more worry in addition to everything else. If she is a good worker she will worry about her work anyway even if she knows she still has a job with you. Again don't let her work pile up and it may not be much help to her if you or other people that work in your office do her job while she is gone---she may feel like a burden to you and your staff, she probably will anyway as that feeling is hard to avoid. If you are all a tightly knit group everyone helping out with her job may work out (ie. friends helping friends) but doing someone's else's job can be a touchy area. Constant re-assurance and a "no big deal" everything's taken care of approach is recommended imho.
congrats on your weight loss. that is fantastic.
be a good friend. that meaning, don't stop checking on her or talking with her because the cancer makes you uncomfortable and leaving you with not knowing what to say. having had a few friends that went through that, just being normal was the most important thing to them.
Congratulations on the weight loss.
I think those Chevy Equinoxes (?) have a great shape. I've never ridden in one, but I see them on the road, and they seem very smooth.
From the feeling I get from you in your blog and your comments, I'm sure you're doing everything you can for Kathy, and I'm sure she knows you're there for her. I like Bly's advice about the assistant, though.
great, terrific news about your weight!! As a lifetime WW member, I can appreciate your struggle. Would like to hear more about how you're approaching this task, if you feel like sharing.
Terrific, about the court case too
:)
Four
PS congrats to your son, too
:)
Four
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