Thinking Smartly

“Yes, I gave a condition of my own.”You can’t just cave in on everything if you’re negotiating.--Charles Baxter, THERE’S SOMETHING I WANT YOU TO DO, CHASTITY Chapter
Ok, guess what, a new (impersonal) typewritten letter from Chad.   I like it one uses their own handwriting because it makes me think a secretary or an assistant typed it out.  Ha-ha…even though that isn’t the case here.  Here is what Chad wrote:
20 June 1991Dear Michael:Thanks for the postcard from The METRO Museum of ART in NYC.  You’re so cultured, Darling.   Speaking of cultured…you mentioned rummaging through pictures.  You mentioned it, so I thought I’d mention it, just to remind you that you’d mentioned it.  I never seem to have enough pictures of you to rummage through.
Are you still unemployed?  I am.  I have been offered a teaching position at CHABOT COLLEGE, starting in September.  I’d be teaching Mass Communications.  I have to be finger-printed and the FBI has to do a thorough investigation of my background before I can sign a contract and begin teaching.  Me, a college professor…seems kind of strange.   The pay is thirty something an hour.  I don’t know if that’s low or high for the position but it beats nothing an hour.  And I’m lucky CHABOT COLLEGE is hiring me with only Graduate school teaching experience at San Francisco State University.   Who know what will happen?   You let me know how your situation is and I’ll keep you posted as well.
How has your visit with your family been?   You’re fortunate to have family that comes to visit.  I’ll be Ashley has grown a ton since I’ve seen her.   How’s your mom doing with you so far away?  We know you’re her favorite so…it must be rough.  You mentioned Mike Miller possibly coming to visit you.   What the heck is he up to these days?  How about Suzy?
Hey, remember how much I used to love AMY GRANT?  No?   Well, have you heard her BABY BABY song?  Have you seen the video?  She’s got a brand new single out called EVERY HEARTBEAT.  If you don’t have her HEART IN MOTION CD I highly recommend it.  Just thought I’d share something that I enjoy with you.  If you get a chance, pick it up and let me know what you think.  I think she’s going to be in concert in Southern California sometime in August.  Maybe I could come and visit and we could take in the show?  (Nothing like inviting yourself…sorry, never mind).  Well, I don’t have much else to say other than give my best to ALAN.   As best you can give my best—that is.  And if my best ain’t good enough for him, never mind (as Gilder Radner used to say on SNL-Saturday Night Live).Take Care,Chad
I didn’t expect the “inviting yourself” remark in Chad’s letter.  I felt a bit of anguish about it.  It’s like the ball is in my court.  I can never say no—and so I chose to simply say nothing.   Better a silent, convenient forgetting.
And funny how I got a cute tennis ball postcard from Dorothy the next day:
6-21-91Hi Michael!Glad I caught you at home yesterday.  I was in need of a “MICHAEL Fix”.   I enjoyed our talk though I feel I may have done too much of the talking!   I’ll have to remember next time.  I’m sitting here at the top of my hill wishing I’d asked you more about what you’re doing.  I know you said you’re oven is not on right now but are you out and about enjoying the summer weather, and beaches, too?You have no idea how much I want to hop on a plane and have you show me some of those beaches, art galleries and restaurants you are enjoying!   Things I’ve been trying to resolve for quite some time still remain unresolved to the point that I feel my life is in limbo.   Limbo because I’ve given up for a while…I need to gather the mental and emotional energy needed to continue the effort.   Too much invested to give up trying—maybe it’s that TAURUS in me….stubborn and loyal!   In any case I look forward to the day I do get on that plane, check into a motel/hotel and give you a call to say, “Hi Michael, I’m here.”Love, Dorothy
Dorothy always inspires me with her words.   I admire how she simply decides to STOP in order “to gather the mental and emotional energy needed to continue”.    Still…she never seems to stop as she is always thinking smartly.
“People like us who have so much to do, are NOT the type to become addicted.”Reading and music and painting were enough to keep us happy.--Emily Hawn, NO HURRY TO GET HOME