EGGS MAKE ME GOOEY INSIDE
It has been a stressful couple of weeks.
At my new/old job, I have found myself in the precarious position of doing what's right for the paper at the risk of pissing off some friends who work there. Morale is worse there than I thought, and I no longer have the luxury of only thinking about the people I like even when I know they are part of the problem. So I have removed myself from some of my friendships, hoping that if they are real friends, they will respect me for having the greater good in mind. But the whole thing has meant some late night philosophy in between jugs of Captain Morgan's rum and pints of Ben and Jerry's. I only hope I don't cramp up from spending hours curled in the fetal position.
To top it off, I'm still helping out the dumb asses at my old job, getting up two hours earlier to do work for them. They didn't start advertising for my corporate hack position until recently, and I had promised I would help them out until they found someone else. I found out this week that the delay was due to the fact that my former bosses, the arrogant bastards that they are, had a bet that I would fail at the newspaper job and come begging for my old one back. I guess they thought this whole journalism thing was just a 13-year-old phase I was going through. Then, when they did post my job this week, they did so at almost $30,000 more than I was hired at six months ago. I finally snapped and told them I would finish what I started for them, but as of next week they would be on their own. My only consolation is I'm charging them a shit-load for the work I am doing.
My husband has also had a shitty week. His work has also been causing him tons of stress, which means our rum bill has gone up even higher. Between us, there haven't been a lot of sunshine and rainbows. And, as all of you who have been in relationships know, you tend to take out your stresses on the person closest to you. Needless to say, our cats were getting worried about who would win custody.
Then one night I came home really late after having to help host a candidate forum for the city council race. I hadn't eaten all day, and my husband insisted on cooking me eggs when he saw that my blood sugar was low.
He sat me down on a stool near the kitchen and went to work, letting me vent about my day as he moved around the kitchen, emptying the dishwasher in between whisking eggs and making toast and lending a sympathetic ear.
Sitting there watching him work, I got perspective again. I could feel everything sliding back into place after being out of whack for so long. Here was a man who loved me enough to make me eggs at 10 p.m. when he had to get up at 5 a.m. He cared enough to put his own worries aside and let me complain about the day, even though lately we both had done enough complaining to last a lifetime.
The eggs were delicious - the best I have ever had.
They not only equalized my blood sugar, but they equalized my life - proving that no matter how complicated life gets sometimes, the simple things - the simple gestures - are what really matter.
Your post warmed my cold heart, made me hopeful about eventually finding love, and has me totally craving stuffed French Toast from IHOP.
Posted by: AJ | October 30, 2005 at 04:25 PM
Wow, you couldn't have said that better. I get those moments every now and then and the Hubby knows how to make it just right :)
Posted by: Leesa | October 31, 2005 at 07:45 AM
Tell your husband that I'm in the process of moving back to Marin, switching jobs, and my wife's due in December. I could use a shitload of those eggs. Over medium please.
Glad to see the fresh post - hope work calms down so you can keep writing for us!
Posted by: Maringuy | October 31, 2005 at 07:50 AM
I love the name of your site, Cookie Bitch! That is hilarious! Have a happy Halloween!
Posted by: Susie | October 31, 2005 at 08:55 AM
Did you really think they were sincere when they wished you good luck at the paper? Of course they want you to fail and come crawling back. That is part of the arrogance that makes them so successful. They want you to need them. It strokes their egos and makes them feel important. Though I miss you dearly, don't come back. Be glad that you got out when you did. Sharon says hello!
Posted by: Megan | October 31, 2005 at 10:01 AM
those sound like some delicious and very timely eggs.
and when taking those shots for the wolf outside your door, be sure to have an extra shot handy.
just in case she has cubs.
Posted by: Groonk | October 31, 2005 at 01:35 PM
The incredible edible hubby.
Posted by: Neil | October 31, 2005 at 03:42 PM
Could you rent your hubby out to girls who are mostly just dating badly? Please?
Posted by: sandra | October 31, 2005 at 11:07 PM
Your post made me smile.
. . . and reminded me that I haven't eaten breakfast yet.
Posted by: Rabbit | November 01, 2005 at 06:30 AM