The Day the World Stopped
Good morning … this is me. We’re just settling in … the cats are flanking me … whoa Chief won. Missy made so much fuss about getting just the right meow meow spot to lay, that it woke up Chief who said … WOMAN you got nerve! Scat … If anyone is going to get their tummy petted it might as well be me for all the squabbling you are doing. HMPF! Can’t we get a little better music around here? Huh, don’t drag me into your bad mood. Royal cats … royal you know what if you were to be asking me!
Hmm. It’s like this the first is the picture of us that wakes up early and the next is us that wakes up LATTTTTTTER. But, the later one still yawns … that’s ok, though, right? Chief is saying he coulda gone for another couple of hours, but you know … given them an inch and they’ll take a mile. That’s the way he is.
Someone left the candle burning last night … he usually blows it out … so it is sort of a strong candle scent in here this morning … too much. We opened the door a bit. Hmm, maybe if I open it just a little more the kitties will be distracted and want to go out? He whispered in my ear,
“You’re a real funny woman this morning …” Gee, like no humor today? He’s umm taken the position “down in front.” I think we better be moving on.
I had a goofy dream this morning. It had this part of being invited out to this house of someone I used to know. It was a couple. And, I didn’t know it at first but the woman was going to die. I think it was the Moore family and they had some kids and they were all acting a bit strange, but that’s because they knew the mother was dying … I think. They needed attention. There was another woman who came into it as a good family friend and it seemed someone who worked with the husband.
Somehow we’d gotten into the Ann Rice series of books. They had each liked the newer ones but hadn’t read the old and I’d read the old and didn’t know the new.
So, I had told them about the special society of detectives and they were having a hard time believing it. I remember I went into this big, but messy kitchen and I made slushies for the three of us. The wife had retired. When I returned that’s when it came out these two were actually trying out a relationship that was approved by the wife because she was going to be gone. The woman didn’t like our slushies so I wasn’t real sure of her character. Then there was some kind of production by the servants who had been going through the thoughts of the last days of their last employer in a ceremony. Then the wife came down and it was real obvious how close to death she was. And, it also became obvious the reason she had invited me was that she had decided I’d make a better mate for her husband than the other lady.
The other lady figured that out too. Then there was something about me trying to figure the transportation system – like rails, and someone came to that door and called to the woman and she realized that her old life needed her and so she left … and there I was with the family and I didn’t know what was going to happen next. I think I worked at that secret detective place and I figured I’d get my direction from there. But, that’s all I remember.
Pswhoo … that was kind of a long dream. Might be time to get a little fresh coffee. Oh … yah I know take my medicine. Shoot … sometimes … oh never mind, I’m going.
Oh man … I forgot to get my medicine. You wouldn’t believe what happened.
I was on my way to the back to get the medicine … and Chief got in front of me, so I think this is a kitty who thinks he’s going to be fed twice this morning, but he led me away from the food dish. He brought me to the back bedroom. I thought this is unusual. Maybe someone had an accident or something back there, but there wasn’t anything. He jumped up on the bed so I thought wow … this kitty must need some serious petting because he’s never brought me back there before. So I lay down on the bed and sure enough … he settled against my tummy. And, then I was petting him … and boom … we were both then sleeping again. Shoot. If that isn’t the gosh darn sneakiest kitty … He’s like a cat with a plan this morning. I got up and he tried it again … so I shooed him off the table. And, now here he is again! He’s gotten into his hard luck position. This is where he sits with his back toward me and pretends to be offended. Wait, let me see what he does … Oh man … I think he thinks he’s got me twisted around his tail! He did the same gosh darn thing again … Led me right past his dishes and into the back bedroom, hopped up on the bed and tried to settle me down again. Well, I may have been tricked once, but I’m not silly?!
Well, I am sometimes silly, but you know what I mean.
Chief has always been a kitty who had the capacity to learn from situations and I’ve always taken care to listen to their ideas, but this bedding me down thing … whoooa … there’s got to be a stop to the insanity! Then I remembered I still hadn’t gotten my medicine … so sure enough he led me back again … I sat, not lay, but sat on the bed and gave him a real good pet. I really don’t think I’ve been neglectful of him, but obviously there was something extra that he needed. Maybe it was because our friend wasn’t here for a while and then he was and he was trying to get his nose back in place. I don’t know. But, maybe now we’re even because he’s laying in front of the window looking more optimistic about life than before. Kitties what can you do with or without them. BUT, I did make sure my coffee and medicine was taken. No sense to go back there for a while now. Gets to be that a girl might feel manipulated. Hmm?
Breaking news this morning is that Sam Zell who is like the richest Chicagoan has won the Chicago Tribune and plans to sell the Cubs baseball team … The trib is like almost 160 years old and is one of the three biggest news conglomerates out there.
Zell has made his money through real estate. He’s reported to be taking the company private and restructuring around employee stock ownership, which will force every one’s hand to improve it more. He is going to become the chairman of the Board, but he’s going to keep the present CEO and a director to be named, I think. Cubs have a new manager this year – 63 year old Lou Piniella, We’ll have to see if all that changes again too. The paper cites him as emotional, demanding, hard-headed, and a winner … eh, not my type. But, then again although I’m a trib fan, I’m also a Sox fan.
Ok, that’s enough excitement. I do like the paper though and what its doing with media … at least through the computer. There’s something nostalgic too that on a couple corners on the way to work, especially of the expressway you can see newspaper people still out on the corner selling the hard copy … I think that’s pretty cool. Ok, really on to something else.
It’s about 9 am … and with all the kitty napping we’ve been doing, we figure that we are going to save the wash for the latter part of the week. We’ve got Thursday and Friday off. Woo Hoo!!! More school time. But, we should be finishing with the paper, because that’s not happening without us. Seems like we’ve been taking a break. Our friend picked that up … he said he always knows when there is a big paper due, because we clean the house and re-kindle our diet. Well, Hmpf! Is that how its going to go. Hmm?
Hehehe no fault against the friend. We had a very nice time last night. It ended too soon though, we can always tell because we’re hearing the little person’s voice saying, “But, I’m not even tired!” Usually though she’s having a hard time picking her head up from the couch. I can hear our friend’s voice, “C’mon let me put you to bed.” It must be magical like waving a wand over us, because I think that is her favorite. I think she’d follow him off a cliff if asked. Well, at least if it wasn’t too tall.
Shhh.
Ok, ok all I’m saying is that she’s not dumb! I know, I know was just a figure of speech. I’m sorry.
Seems like we all are having a little hard time adjusting this morning. A little crabbiness in the ranks? I heard that! Shh, shh … I’m sorry … we’ll move on.
SOOO, what else … oh yes, we were saying we had a very nice time. Our friend talked about some of his concerns and there seemed to be quite a few thoughts he had had trouble working out on his own. We might ask questions, but we try not to interject our thoughts. Just mostly listen … And, he told a story or two over things that he’d watched on tv or a movie. I think he’s going to have a short week this week, which might be good for him to settle back to work without as much pressure one of his work places are closed for two days opposite the other places closed for a couple days. He’s also got his monthly card game mid-week and his fishing season is going to be starting in two – to three weeks. I think the third week in April he’s going to sneak off with his friend – not us a guy friend – and do some fishing for a week. I think it still might be cold, but in general the weather is warming. He said the daughter might come home again during the summer for about 3 weeks, but some time will be with friends and other family, so I don’t know if things will be better or worse. We’ll see. I think its different when she is in because there are things the family goes through … well you know on an on … not my business, except that it affects our friend. He tries to be the fixer. Think that’s a hard role because sides are looking for allies. Ok, ok … you that’s enough of that! Let’s move on.
He might stop by this afternoon, because he has a game or two later this evening, and maybe again on Wednesday or Friday … we’re not sure, cuz he isn’t. We’re going to have to handle the emotional excitement of having him here so soon again … titillating, just titillating! Hehhe ok, let’s move on again. Rolling stone, collects no moss? Hehehe
Hmm, dinner … well, that was good too … He brought just a few things, but one was a new kind of juice for the slushies that was more tangerine than lemonade. That was good. AND, our friend brought POTATO SALAD!!! That’s one of my favorites. And, usually with that goes buns and cole slaw and then some pre-cooked bbq chicken.
Very nice. And, of course the talking … *Sigh* He’s my favorite.
What next? Maybe we should look around make sure things are picked up … use the washroom and then try to focus on paper? Hmm? Stranger things?!!
Ok, that wasn’t too bad … just a few dishes, a few pieces of clothes and fixing some cushions and pillows. We got another coffee too. We’re at a stable point in weight this morning that we were at yesterday. So, we’re feeling pretty good about that … when I got hungry this morning after the kitty episodes, we had an orange … that seemed to help. We’ll need to figure out where the next money is coming from to fill up that stock after tomorrow and where we’ll get the next money for parking.
One thing at a time. No expenditures for today … let’s breathe, one two three, pswhoo. Ok, good girls.
Ok, this is the point where it is 9:30 am and all seems to be fine, except someone seems to be avoiding her paper. What would it take, Hm???
Ok, that’s fair … I would expect some whimpering here. It’s not the easiest thing we do, but let’s think positively about it k? Like you know that after you get us started, we all chip in and its not so bad. Sure, we have to think a little harder, but we really do enjoy the work, remember? Maybe you could just watch this time.
We could take it real slow. Why don’t we just open up a few things and “glance.”
You know nothing serious … just take a peek? Hmm? I know, I know … it hurts your head. Here let me message your head for a minute lets see if that doesn’t make it feel better? Ahh that was nice wasn’t it? Nice to see that smile on your face.
Thadda girl. Ok … good … you opened the big paper … that was nice. Why don’t we try opening one more thing. Can you find the OneNote sheet with the outlines? Go ahead and try, we’ll wait. More massaging … sure!
There ya go! I know you could do it! You found the right parts too. We’re proud of you.
I knew you could do it! Good girl. I love the way you perk up when you know what good work you are doing. Ok, now this next part is going to take a little faith on your part. We’re going to need to take over the steering for a little bit. There’s no reason to be scared, you can stay … just why not take one of those comfy chairs in the back put your feet up? Maybe we’ll get dog? Hmm? You hold dog and we’ll do the peeking … I’d like to just look over at the paper a little. Hmm, give it a try?
There ya go. Better. Ok, here comes the sneaky part .. I’m going to peak, k? Just a little.
I know, I know … that was hard. I believe you it might have hurt a little. Maybe this next time you could close your eyes and let us open ours? Hmm? Thadda girl … we’re proud of you. Just going to take this slow, k?
Dear Dr. Marvin,
Just wanted to elaborate a little more ... we're at home today. I was working on paper when Rich came in at about 11 pm. I had expected him around 1 pm, so we joked on his way from back of house forward, but when I saw his face I knew something was wrong. He asked me if I'd im'd him .. took me a second, but told him just one that had said if he was in the market the cubs were for sale. But, by then she'd already gotten ahold of the other letter. Rich stayed here until about 1 pm.
I was pretty shaky ... am better now though feel like I'm walking in a cloud of confusion. I made sure to shut down - not cancel, but made private my blogs. we cried a bit ... just scared, rocking ... not sure I know why. Rich said I had to stop crying though so I could take care of him if he needed my help. That got us to stop. We made sure he checked his bank account, credit card etc. He was told on the phone before coming here that amongst other things he had better not come home. I think rich knew but wanted to me to know that after all these years he was going to take me up on our offer to stay.
He cried some mostly thinking of his kids. After his son called him on his cell, Rich took a few moments before responding to it. He took it in the back.
Later he said what we'd talked about ... or at least he asked me if it would be ok, to play down the relationship. We said anything he needed. He told his son we were a lady friend he helps out and that we've hugged and kissed. His son told him it sounds more serious ... rich told him not to make more of it, but his son told him that I'd already closed down my blogs. They knew that. Rich said his son was fairly calm at the time and that they both knew push come to shove that the son would take care of his mother. The son said to rich that it was probably about time that his mother and him quit the relationship. Rich said the other two have already told him that they think he should have divorced her by now. And, apparently his two best friends have been telling him the same. None of them before though knew of me. I told Rich that she was probably already on her way to a lawyer, and Rich said she'd already been there before. He's most confused as to how to still help his family. He said he doesn't know what his future might be. The only thought of what he wanted out of the house was his fishing gear and some clothes. I suggested he stop by and by some underwear on his way back here. I also suggested that he think about getting a lawyer. He's gotten a lawyer for his daughter, so I'm pretty sure he knows what that's all about.
Rich says its his fault because he left the computer on, but I feel its my fault for having written him the mushy letter. I'ts just that he'd been gone so long with his family over his daughter's visit. The only other thing that could happen that the wife doesn't know about is that she could figure out the business deal he has with his friend. it was a 30,000 business venture. Rich and I aren't on any financial stuff together and he says that 90% of the groceries he bought for us was in cash. He has some emergency money hidden at home and so he is concerned about getting that. He's afraid that she is going to take him for alimony, even thought the children are 22 and up and she works and now has an inheritance of about 100,000 from her mother. I didn't think even if she got it she could get more than she already takes from him, although he might have to continue paying for house, or they would sell it and she could get the money. He's still concerned with making sure the bills get paid. I'm worried because on my old web site I had written down my address and that is still up even though the site is long past gone. I think if she doesn't show up by this afternoon she could show up later tonight. If that is what she was going to do ... she would most likely be driven by the son. I think of her doing things like bashing in his car or mine. I also worry about someone letting her into the apartment. I hear often enough a request to be buzzed in. I would hope nobody let her in ... would feel disarmed by her, but I'm not sure. I probably deserve this. I don't know if a lawyer was contacted whether or not he would recommend he not stay here because of what it looks like to move in with me. I don't know how much rich has thought out since being here, though I hope he stays.
I feel very tense, but at the same time there's this part of me that's grateful that this part is over. She had sent me a short IM back saying,
Hello!
'SWEETIE PIE'S' WIFE - of 34 years!
I've nothing to believe she's is going to take this lying down although the relationship has been so bad. I tried to get a feel for what he's going through, I think he's been in shock maybe too. He said that he was going to try getting ahold of his best friend Bob and maybe going out for lunch. But that at 4 pm he had a game in Naperville. I'm unsure of whether or not he's going to try going home for clothes. I had the thought that he might wait until she's supposed to be at work tomorrow. Who knows what she is going to do. I feel intimidated by her. I told him she's probably feeling as angry as a bull in a china shop.
Rich was teasing me that now we were going to figure out that we're terrible together in as far as our habits goes. He says he was rough on us before ... just think how it would be now. He was figuring how we could both be connected to the Internet. I told him of course he could have our bedroom. I just hope he stays ... I don't know though. He let me sit next to him and we eventually found our regular spot rubbing his back. I teased that we'd all found our spot because where he sits forward on the couch, Chief sits toward the back of the couch so we looked like a trio.
I don't know how I feel right now ... Mostly worried I guess I told Rich that if he wanted to make a choice to leave me in order to stay in his marriage, I would understand, but he wasn't ready to give up on our relationship. I'd like to think that isn't going to change and things are too far gone at his house to ever go back. He was concerned about not knowing what was going to happen with his life. I don't think he has any doubts I would like it to be with me. He thinks he's going to drive me crazy. He might, but I know also that he's out of the house enough so we're not always getting in each other's hair. Just this second I thought I'd never spent a whole weekend with him. and only the two times up in MN with him overnight. I don't know who or how I'm going to be in his families life. I'm pretty sure we'll be guarded against those relationships for quite some time. I don't even think toward his kids would ever accept the woman who broke their mothers heart. I think she's the type that will grieve over this the rest of her life.
She's the grieving type of woman.
I don't know I just got my phone working and placed a message on your service. I sounded shakier than I realized I was. I feel a lot better if some woman comes and starts beating on my car I can call 911. Deb, told me its probably a pretty good idea to start locking doors too, so I did that. I IM'd Maury and he knows ... he said he would talk to me later. I don't see the point of troubling Joe with this right now. Maury will probably tell him and Thom. I expect something like, "well, what did I expect?" I asked Rich to think about what Sr. Theresa might say if the wife went there. He doesn't think she'll cut off his livelihood, because she will most likely want to be supported. I think I'm going to send this on so in case you have a few moments, you'll know what's going on.
Please try to get a hold of me. Just maybe a little preventative maintenance??
Us
Ok, that’s the whole story right now. I talked to Deb a little bit between getting our phone service back on line. Right now I feel like I have a head ache … not really hurting as much as pulling my head. At this point, I see no need to further hiding our friend’s name because my blog is now private.
posted by Ann Marie @ 4/03/2007 03:34:00 AM
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