I posted this to my Chick Lit Central blog, but wanted to share it here too...I feel it's always important to count one's blessings and this is a great time of year to do it. :)
1. One is Hashem....First and foremost, I am thankful to Hashem because he is the reason that everything else in my life is possible. I cherish my relationship with Hashem and trust him completely, no matter what happens.
2. My husband, who is absolutely amazing and wonderful in every way. The most important thing is that he always knows how to make me laugh. Sometimes I can't breathe because he said something that was just so hilarious. He's my teammate, as well. I grow more and more in love with him as each day passes.
3. My adorable little boys, who know how to make me smile, even when they're driving me crazy. I love that they are growing and changing, but that they are still my babies.
4. This baby in my belly, that seems to be doing well so far, according to the past few ultrasounds (no kaynehores though). I don't know what the gender is and it really doesn't matter because I'm going to love them anyway. I can't wait to meet them this coming spring (b'shaah tovah).
5. My parents and sister. I may not get to see them as often, but we're still very close and we stay in touch in other ways. I'm excited for the next time they come to visit.
6. My friends, both old and new and the ones I've been reunited with too. I love that each friendship I have is unique and that I have lots of inside jokes with lots of different friends.
7. Where I live, as I love living in Maryland and love being close to DC. I also love my community and couldn't imagine a better place to raise my kids. I also love my house, as cluttered as it tends to get.
8. Chick Lit Central. I started CLC last year and then let things be for a while. I revisited it this year and have watched it grow and thrive. I am fortunate that I've been able to meet some really great authors and read some amazing books as a result. I also love that I have made some great online pals through it. And most of all, I am thankful for Melissa P.'s partnership and all the hard work she has put in. She has some great questions for our interviews and has kept me sane on multiple occasions.
9. Value Village. I have become a shopaholic because of this store, but it's so inexpensive and I've picked up some great stuff for myself and the kids. I've found some CDs I really wanted, maternity clothes, kids' clothing, pajamas, books, toys, etc. I even got a great deal on a single stroller recently. The best are 50% off days, even though it gets insanely crowded. I even got my mom addicted to the store.
10. Entertainment. I love movies, TV, music, Broadway shows and anything related to pop culture. I love to be entertained and look forward to when my favorite shows are on or when a movie I really want to see comes to the theater or DVD. Whether it's Adam Lambert, "Glee" or "In the Heights," I know there's always going to be someone or something that is going to be enjoyable and entertaining.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving (if you are celebrating it)!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
They say she's so lucky, she's a star....
Back in June, I wrote this post about my views on luck. At that time, I had challenged my BFF to share her opposing view on the topic in her blog. She finally took me up on the challenge and you can read her opinions here.
I really like how she validates her point and comes up with real life examples to do so. It doesn't mean I agree with her, but some things do make sense to me. Like when she talks about someone not only being able to find a job, but also one they are happy at. I can attest to this from my husband's previous and current job experience. He originally found a job out here after we moved and was miserable for eight long months under the supervision of a verbally abusive boss. After four months of being unemployed from that job, he took the time to study for his project management certification and got a job shortly after he passed the exam. He's completely happy at this job and finally has the respect he deserves. So yes, what my BFF said does make sense in that respect. And that could be said for other things...like you could be set up in a relationship but it may or may not be the right one for you. Or you could win the lottery, but only get a small amount from it.
In the long run, I still hold true to my theory that you can not win if you don't play the game. Not that playing the game is going to guarantee a win, as my BFF points out (and it makes sense), but it's better to take a chance and potentially lose than do nothing at all and expect luck to fall out of the sky. And that's how Merrylandgirl "c's" it. :) (Apologies to Sue Sylvester, but I love that line.)
I really like how she validates her point and comes up with real life examples to do so. It doesn't mean I agree with her, but some things do make sense to me. Like when she talks about someone not only being able to find a job, but also one they are happy at. I can attest to this from my husband's previous and current job experience. He originally found a job out here after we moved and was miserable for eight long months under the supervision of a verbally abusive boss. After four months of being unemployed from that job, he took the time to study for his project management certification and got a job shortly after he passed the exam. He's completely happy at this job and finally has the respect he deserves. So yes, what my BFF said does make sense in that respect. And that could be said for other things...like you could be set up in a relationship but it may or may not be the right one for you. Or you could win the lottery, but only get a small amount from it.
In the long run, I still hold true to my theory that you can not win if you don't play the game. Not that playing the game is going to guarantee a win, as my BFF points out (and it makes sense), but it's better to take a chance and potentially lose than do nothing at all and expect luck to fall out of the sky. And that's how Merrylandgirl "c's" it. :) (Apologies to Sue Sylvester, but I love that line.)
Friday, November 19, 2010
Post Prom
This week's [Fiction] Friday topic: Include at least one of these words (or as many as you can!) in your story: “blaggard” , “boorish”, “betwixt”, ”stupendous”, “spiffing”
Post Prom
Diane squeezed herself betwixt Cara and Samantha at their tightly packed table in the cafeteria, shoving Cara's tray to the side and spilling her Diet Pepsi as a result. "So, Care-Bear, who is taking you to prom? I heard Josh Hill was going to ask you."
"The new varsity football player? As if! He's so boorish, just like the rest of the team. I have a date lined up anyway."
"Do tell!" Samantha chimed in between bites of her hot dog.
"It's a surprise, okay." Cara wasn't ready to tell her friends about Darren, the college junior she had met while searching for books for her term paper at Barnes and Noble two weeks ago. He worked in the reference section during his summer break and asked her if she was interested in meeting up at Applebee's for some burgers when his shift was over. She figured that he'd readily go to prom with her, considering how much interest he showed in her during their date. They had been talking on the phone almost every night since.
"Well, if you're going to prom, you do need some spiffing up. When was the last time you had a mani and pedi?" Diane had a thing about everyone needing makeovers. Even if her friends looked totally fine, she would still find an excuse for them to get one. Usually because it meant she could throw a makeover party, which she had loved doing ever since she started subscribing to Seventeen back in junior high.
"I usually don't get manis and pedis. The polish chips away so fast that it's just a waste of money." Cara looked at her nails, which didn't seem all that bad in her opinion.
"Suit yourself, but don't go wearing sandals this summer till you at least get a pedi. And don't wear open-toed shoes to prom either. When do you girls want to go dress shopping?"
"I saw the most stupendous looking dress at Nordstrom last week," Samantha offered.
"I think I want to go with a more vintage look." Cara liked to go against the norm whenever possible.
"Should we go shopping this Saturday? Prom is next week!" Samantha squealed.
"Count me in," said Cara.
* * *
Prom was everything Cara had hoped it would be. Darren had, of course, said yes to her invitation. Diane and Samantha were impressed with him and their dates seemed to get along with him as well, even though Cara had always thought of them as blaggards.
The post-prom party was held at Dave and Buster's, which stayed open extra late for everyone who wanted to attend. Cara and Darren had a skee-ball competition going on, the winner being entitled to the all the loser's tickets. When they became tired of it, they snuck off into a corner to make out. Darren was an intensely good kisser and things got steamy pretty fast. "Should we take this somewhere else?" he whispered between kissing her ear and working his way down her chin and to her neck.
"Mmmm...sure" Cara softly moaned. She couldn't see Samantha or Diane anywhere in the crowded gaming area, so she texted them that she was heading out and would meet them for lunch the next afternoon, as they had originally planned.
They-just barely-made their way to Darren's SUV, wrapped up in each other as they were. He drove them to a parking lot at a secluded park and picnic area. They then resumed their romantic entanglement in the backseat. He left the battery on so that they could have some background music. Cara could hear the strains of Bruno Mars singing "Just the Way You Are" as they continued to get hot and heavy.
Suddenly, Darren broke away from their embrace and leaned over to the front seat to fish around the glove compartment. "I came prepared" he said, winking at Cara as he pulled her back into his arms.
"Oh, really?" Cara didn't come prepared, at least not emotionally. However, Samantha and Diane were experienced already and she felt like she was lagging behind. Wouldn't they be impressed if she had something to tell them at their lunch gathering? She continued to kiss him as he started to unbutton his pants and slowly work them off.
* * *
The first time was nothing like she was expecting or hoping for. In fact, it was somewhat uncomfortable, given they were tightly squeezed into the backseat and a seatbelt clasp was digging into her cheek. It also hurt, which she was never warned about to begin with. She figured it wouldn't always be this way or no one would be sleeping together. One night of pain would be worth it if she could have many more nights of pleasure with Darren. However, her future fantasies were dashed over an early morning pancake feast at Denny's.
"Cara, you know you're really something special, right?"
"Um, I guess." She shifted around uncomfortably in her seat while methodically making circles in the syrup on her plate with a piece of her pancake.
"I just don't know that I can do this with you anymore. You're 17 and I'm almost 21. I think it's illegal or something. Plus, I am seeing someone at school."
Cara dropped her fork on her plate with a loud clang. "You think you could have told me this before I asked you to go to prom with me? And does your girlfriend know that she's dating a cheater?"
"I didn't know I was going to meet you and we have an open relationship for now. Being with you made me realize that I do want to be exclusive with her after all."
"You know that last night was....my first time."
"I kind of figured. Which also scared me a little. That you gave something so important to me. I don't know what I can offer you in return. I just know that you're young and you'll meet the right guy when it's meant to be. You're beautiful and any guy would be lucky to have you."
"So you're giving me the 'it's not you, it's me' excuse." Cara gulped down the rest of her now tepid coffee and got up to leave. "I guess I'll be going to Borders from now on."
"Cara..."
"Thanks for what I thought was a great night. Have a nice summer." She figured a flippant "yearbook" response was all he deserved at this point.
As she exited the restaurant to what was already turning out to be a warm, late-spring day, she realized that she didn't have her car with her. She didn't want to bother her friends yet and didn't want her parents to know what happened. And there was no way she was going back into the restaurant to ask Darren for a ride home. She kept some emergency money along with her cell phone in the small purse she bought to match her dress. She used both for a cab.
On the way home, she texted her friends that she was too tired for lunch, as she stayed out way too late. She then showered, crawled into bed and contemplated why she gave something so precious to someone who didn't care. And she thought the football guys were boorish. The thought of such irony made her laugh, even as she cried herself to sleep.
Post Prom
Diane squeezed herself betwixt Cara and Samantha at their tightly packed table in the cafeteria, shoving Cara's tray to the side and spilling her Diet Pepsi as a result. "So, Care-Bear, who is taking you to prom? I heard Josh Hill was going to ask you."
"The new varsity football player? As if! He's so boorish, just like the rest of the team. I have a date lined up anyway."
"Do tell!" Samantha chimed in between bites of her hot dog.
"It's a surprise, okay." Cara wasn't ready to tell her friends about Darren, the college junior she had met while searching for books for her term paper at Barnes and Noble two weeks ago. He worked in the reference section during his summer break and asked her if she was interested in meeting up at Applebee's for some burgers when his shift was over. She figured that he'd readily go to prom with her, considering how much interest he showed in her during their date. They had been talking on the phone almost every night since.
"Well, if you're going to prom, you do need some spiffing up. When was the last time you had a mani and pedi?" Diane had a thing about everyone needing makeovers. Even if her friends looked totally fine, she would still find an excuse for them to get one. Usually because it meant she could throw a makeover party, which she had loved doing ever since she started subscribing to Seventeen back in junior high.
"I usually don't get manis and pedis. The polish chips away so fast that it's just a waste of money." Cara looked at her nails, which didn't seem all that bad in her opinion.
"Suit yourself, but don't go wearing sandals this summer till you at least get a pedi. And don't wear open-toed shoes to prom either. When do you girls want to go dress shopping?"
"I saw the most stupendous looking dress at Nordstrom last week," Samantha offered.
"I think I want to go with a more vintage look." Cara liked to go against the norm whenever possible.
"Should we go shopping this Saturday? Prom is next week!" Samantha squealed.
"Count me in," said Cara.
* * *
Prom was everything Cara had hoped it would be. Darren had, of course, said yes to her invitation. Diane and Samantha were impressed with him and their dates seemed to get along with him as well, even though Cara had always thought of them as blaggards.
The post-prom party was held at Dave and Buster's, which stayed open extra late for everyone who wanted to attend. Cara and Darren had a skee-ball competition going on, the winner being entitled to the all the loser's tickets. When they became tired of it, they snuck off into a corner to make out. Darren was an intensely good kisser and things got steamy pretty fast. "Should we take this somewhere else?" he whispered between kissing her ear and working his way down her chin and to her neck.
"Mmmm...sure" Cara softly moaned. She couldn't see Samantha or Diane anywhere in the crowded gaming area, so she texted them that she was heading out and would meet them for lunch the next afternoon, as they had originally planned.
They-just barely-made their way to Darren's SUV, wrapped up in each other as they were. He drove them to a parking lot at a secluded park and picnic area. They then resumed their romantic entanglement in the backseat. He left the battery on so that they could have some background music. Cara could hear the strains of Bruno Mars singing "Just the Way You Are" as they continued to get hot and heavy.
Suddenly, Darren broke away from their embrace and leaned over to the front seat to fish around the glove compartment. "I came prepared" he said, winking at Cara as he pulled her back into his arms.
"Oh, really?" Cara didn't come prepared, at least not emotionally. However, Samantha and Diane were experienced already and she felt like she was lagging behind. Wouldn't they be impressed if she had something to tell them at their lunch gathering? She continued to kiss him as he started to unbutton his pants and slowly work them off.
* * *
The first time was nothing like she was expecting or hoping for. In fact, it was somewhat uncomfortable, given they were tightly squeezed into the backseat and a seatbelt clasp was digging into her cheek. It also hurt, which she was never warned about to begin with. She figured it wouldn't always be this way or no one would be sleeping together. One night of pain would be worth it if she could have many more nights of pleasure with Darren. However, her future fantasies were dashed over an early morning pancake feast at Denny's.
"Cara, you know you're really something special, right?"
"Um, I guess." She shifted around uncomfortably in her seat while methodically making circles in the syrup on her plate with a piece of her pancake.
"I just don't know that I can do this with you anymore. You're 17 and I'm almost 21. I think it's illegal or something. Plus, I am seeing someone at school."
Cara dropped her fork on her plate with a loud clang. "You think you could have told me this before I asked you to go to prom with me? And does your girlfriend know that she's dating a cheater?"
"I didn't know I was going to meet you and we have an open relationship for now. Being with you made me realize that I do want to be exclusive with her after all."
"You know that last night was....my first time."
"I kind of figured. Which also scared me a little. That you gave something so important to me. I don't know what I can offer you in return. I just know that you're young and you'll meet the right guy when it's meant to be. You're beautiful and any guy would be lucky to have you."
"So you're giving me the 'it's not you, it's me' excuse." Cara gulped down the rest of her now tepid coffee and got up to leave. "I guess I'll be going to Borders from now on."
"Cara..."
"Thanks for what I thought was a great night. Have a nice summer." She figured a flippant "yearbook" response was all he deserved at this point.
As she exited the restaurant to what was already turning out to be a warm, late-spring day, she realized that she didn't have her car with her. She didn't want to bother her friends yet and didn't want her parents to know what happened. And there was no way she was going back into the restaurant to ask Darren for a ride home. She kept some emergency money along with her cell phone in the small purse she bought to match her dress. She used both for a cab.
On the way home, she texted her friends that she was too tired for lunch, as she stayed out way too late. She then showered, crawled into bed and contemplated why she gave something so precious to someone who didn't care. And she thought the football guys were boorish. The thought of such irony made her laugh, even as she cried herself to sleep.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A new blog post for Empowering Parents
Here is my latest post for Empowering Parents. It comes from a blog I posted on my blog for the boys a few years ago, but I changed a few things around and updated it a bit. Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Someone you probably never heard of....
While looking for some music to play in my car this week, I came across "Too Much Plenty" by Beki Hemingway. I used to listen to this CD all the time back in the day. It has some really good tunes and her voice is so melodic and genuine. Hearing it again made me think about how much I missed it and also made me wonder why Ms. Hemingway never made it big the way most other singers have.
I first saw her in concert (10 years ago) when she opened for Aimee Mann at a small concert at a community college in the Chicago suburbs. Originally it was supposed to be Juliana Hatfield as the opening act. However, she was sick and Beki took her place. She kept apologizing for not being Juliana. She didn't have to be though. I was immediately taken in by her voice and the lyrics to her songs. My favorite on her album is still Ft. Bragg. It's about having a cool backyard where all the kids want to play. (This was sung from the point of view of a kid, as well.)
After her performance, I bought her CD, which she was selling in the lobby. She even autographed the cover, saying "I'm not Juliana." I listened to her CD all the time after that concert. It managed to stay close by in my collection, making it into several of my cars.
I definitely encourage you to check out her music and see why I like her songs so much. I didn't even know that she put out another album in the early part of the last decade. I just found this out today in a search to find out what has become of her.
If I hadn't been a fan of Aimee Mann at the time (thanks to the "Magnolia" soundtrack), I wouldn't have attended this concert and would have missed out hearing a great singer and listening to her CD for years to come. This makes me wonder if there are other great performers who are slipping under the radar unnoticed....
I first saw her in concert (10 years ago) when she opened for Aimee Mann at a small concert at a community college in the Chicago suburbs. Originally it was supposed to be Juliana Hatfield as the opening act. However, she was sick and Beki took her place. She kept apologizing for not being Juliana. She didn't have to be though. I was immediately taken in by her voice and the lyrics to her songs. My favorite on her album is still Ft. Bragg. It's about having a cool backyard where all the kids want to play. (This was sung from the point of view of a kid, as well.)
After her performance, I bought her CD, which she was selling in the lobby. She even autographed the cover, saying "I'm not Juliana." I listened to her CD all the time after that concert. It managed to stay close by in my collection, making it into several of my cars.
I definitely encourage you to check out her music and see why I like her songs so much. I didn't even know that she put out another album in the early part of the last decade. I just found this out today in a search to find out what has become of her.
If I hadn't been a fan of Aimee Mann at the time (thanks to the "Magnolia" soundtrack), I wouldn't have attended this concert and would have missed out hearing a great singer and listening to her CD for years to come. This makes me wonder if there are other great performers who are slipping under the radar unnoticed....
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Any dream will do
I really like this time of year for a reason that has nothing to do with upcoming holidays or getting to wear sweaters. It's the time of year when we read about the story of Joseph in the Torah. Ever since I saw "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in 1994, I have become fascinated with this story. If only all stories from the Torah were made into musicals, I'd be reading the Chumash from cover to cover! When I was going to Sunday School as a kid, I thought that the story of Laban switching Rachel and Leah at the last minute was very interesting. I didn't know at the time that it would lead into the Joseph story so well.
For those of you who don't know this story already, here is a quick synopsis. Joseph is the most loved by Jacob because he was born to Rachel, his intended wife (prior to the wedding trickery). Jacob gives him a beautiful coat with many colors. Joseph is a dreamer and he interprets his dreams to mean that he's superior to his brothers. They become enraged and sell him into slavery, telling Jacob that he was killed by a goat instead. Joseph works for Potiphar and attracts the interests of his wife. He refuses her advances and she lies and tells Potiphar that he came on to her. He's thrown in jail, where he ends up interpreting dreams for his cell mates. The dreams prove to be true and Joseph becomes well known for his special skill. Meanwhile, Pharoah is having horrible dreams and asks Joseph's advice. Turns out, the dreams are predicting a full harvest followed by a famine. He tells everyone to prepare for the famine, which does become a reality. Pharoah makes him his right hand man. Joseph's brothers later come looking for help during the famine. They don't recognize Joseph and ask for his assistance. He then frames Benjamin for stealing his cup. The brothers show their loyalty to Benjamin and then Joseph forgives them. (I know there's more to it in the Torah, but I'm using the version that I understood clearly from the musical.)
When I first saw "Joseph...," I fell in love with the story and music. I loved how everything fit together so well. I found it fascinating how his ability to interpret dreams put him into such a high position of power, something he had interpreted from his own dreams initially. I loved how the music carried the story along and followed different styles throughout (country, reggae, 50's, etc.) Of course, I thought Donny Osmond looked hot as Joseph at the time and his singing voice fit perfectly into the musical.
My husband jokes about how obvious the rhyme scheme of the songs is, but the musical starts out with a teacher explaining the story of Joseph to young children. It's meant to be family friendly overall (although the part with Potiphar's wife is questionable). And if the rhymes make the songs easier to memorize, then so be it. My sister and I were singing the entire soundtrack word for word only a few weeks after seeing the show for the first time. And I still know all the words so I can sing the songs to my sons. I was thinking that I would want this to be the first musical I take my sons to see when they get bigger. I think they'll appreciate it and if it gives them a better understanding of the Joseph story in the Torah, then I consider it a bonus. I know I'd enjoy seeing it again anyway!
For those of you who don't know this story already, here is a quick synopsis. Joseph is the most loved by Jacob because he was born to Rachel, his intended wife (prior to the wedding trickery). Jacob gives him a beautiful coat with many colors. Joseph is a dreamer and he interprets his dreams to mean that he's superior to his brothers. They become enraged and sell him into slavery, telling Jacob that he was killed by a goat instead. Joseph works for Potiphar and attracts the interests of his wife. He refuses her advances and she lies and tells Potiphar that he came on to her. He's thrown in jail, where he ends up interpreting dreams for his cell mates. The dreams prove to be true and Joseph becomes well known for his special skill. Meanwhile, Pharoah is having horrible dreams and asks Joseph's advice. Turns out, the dreams are predicting a full harvest followed by a famine. He tells everyone to prepare for the famine, which does become a reality. Pharoah makes him his right hand man. Joseph's brothers later come looking for help during the famine. They don't recognize Joseph and ask for his assistance. He then frames Benjamin for stealing his cup. The brothers show their loyalty to Benjamin and then Joseph forgives them. (I know there's more to it in the Torah, but I'm using the version that I understood clearly from the musical.)
When I first saw "Joseph...," I fell in love with the story and music. I loved how everything fit together so well. I found it fascinating how his ability to interpret dreams put him into such a high position of power, something he had interpreted from his own dreams initially. I loved how the music carried the story along and followed different styles throughout (country, reggae, 50's, etc.) Of course, I thought Donny Osmond looked hot as Joseph at the time and his singing voice fit perfectly into the musical.
My husband jokes about how obvious the rhyme scheme of the songs is, but the musical starts out with a teacher explaining the story of Joseph to young children. It's meant to be family friendly overall (although the part with Potiphar's wife is questionable). And if the rhymes make the songs easier to memorize, then so be it. My sister and I were singing the entire soundtrack word for word only a few weeks after seeing the show for the first time. And I still know all the words so I can sing the songs to my sons. I was thinking that I would want this to be the first musical I take my sons to see when they get bigger. I think they'll appreciate it and if it gives them a better understanding of the Joseph story in the Torah, then I consider it a bonus. I know I'd enjoy seeing it again anyway!
Friday, November 5, 2010
A Painful Reminder
I know I took another month off from writing. I somewhat like where I'm taking the Lou and Cat story, but I also feel like I'm hitting a snag. I'm hoping this will fill in a piece of the puzzle and also get me back on track.
This week's [Fiction] Friday topic: Your Main Character picks a sliver of glass from their sleeve and gravely inspects it...(now keep writing)
This is a continuation from my posts on June 25th, July 2nd, July 9th, August 6th, August 20th and October 1st....in case you want to go back to the beginning.
A Painful Reminder
After making several rest stops along the way home, Lou returned to his house at around four a.m.. He could easily get some sleep for a few hours before opening his veterinary clinic for the day. However, he wasn’t planning to stick around and potentially run into Cat again. She had to have somehow found out what had happened five years ago, or she wouldn’t have picked such a sadistic song for him to sing at the karaoke bar. He didn’t want to face her again. He’d let her move on and forget about him.
Lou started packing up his clothes and other necessity items, filling his car as much as it could handle. He wrote a rent check to his landlord to cover June and July and left a note with the check that he would not be returning. He would send for his furniture and other items in a few weeks, once he knew where he wanted to settle.
The next step was to think of a new name. It was difficult enough to come up with something as inconspicuous as Lou Ames. He used his maternal grandpa’s first name and his maternal grandma’s maiden name, which seemed to work well. Maybe he’d use his paternal grandparents’ names this time. Except he didn’t think anyone would believe he was Melvin Pfeiffer.
Lou took one more look around his house to make sure there was nothing else he missed. He opened his closet again and noticed his old gray hooded sweatshirt lying in a heap on the floor. He didn’t remember seeing it there before, but he figured that was what happened with a clean closet. He grabbed it by the sleeve and felt a small prick on his left hand. Wincing in pain, he dropped the sweatshirt and went to the bathroom to grab a bandage. Then he returned to his room and picked up the sweatshirt again, this time more gingerly. Lou held the offending sleeve up to the light and saw something shiny sticking out of it. It was a sliver of glass. He opened his nightstand drawer and found a pair of tweezers. Pulling out the glass from his sleeve, he inspected it closely, with the gravest of expressions on his face. He remembered that the last time he wore this sweatshirt he had doused Dr. Shipp’s office with gasoline and then watched it burst into flames when he threw the lit match at the glass window. This piece of glass must have lodged itself in his sweatshirt before he ran away. He was surprised that he never got rid of the sweatshirt to begin with, but he was not thinking clearly at the time.
Just then, his phone buzzed with a text message from Cat.
Where R U? I’m coming back to LA 2day. Can we meet for lunch?
Lou deleted the text, shut off his phone and buried it in the trash. He then wrapped the piece of glass in a tissue and threw it in along with the phone. Time to move on before his past caught up to him again.
This week's [Fiction] Friday topic: Your Main Character picks a sliver of glass from their sleeve and gravely inspects it...(now keep writing)
This is a continuation from my posts on June 25th, July 2nd, July 9th, August 6th, August 20th and October 1st....in case you want to go back to the beginning.
A Painful Reminder
After making several rest stops along the way home, Lou returned to his house at around four a.m.. He could easily get some sleep for a few hours before opening his veterinary clinic for the day. However, he wasn’t planning to stick around and potentially run into Cat again. She had to have somehow found out what had happened five years ago, or she wouldn’t have picked such a sadistic song for him to sing at the karaoke bar. He didn’t want to face her again. He’d let her move on and forget about him.
Lou started packing up his clothes and other necessity items, filling his car as much as it could handle. He wrote a rent check to his landlord to cover June and July and left a note with the check that he would not be returning. He would send for his furniture and other items in a few weeks, once he knew where he wanted to settle.
The next step was to think of a new name. It was difficult enough to come up with something as inconspicuous as Lou Ames. He used his maternal grandpa’s first name and his maternal grandma’s maiden name, which seemed to work well. Maybe he’d use his paternal grandparents’ names this time. Except he didn’t think anyone would believe he was Melvin Pfeiffer.
Lou took one more look around his house to make sure there was nothing else he missed. He opened his closet again and noticed his old gray hooded sweatshirt lying in a heap on the floor. He didn’t remember seeing it there before, but he figured that was what happened with a clean closet. He grabbed it by the sleeve and felt a small prick on his left hand. Wincing in pain, he dropped the sweatshirt and went to the bathroom to grab a bandage. Then he returned to his room and picked up the sweatshirt again, this time more gingerly. Lou held the offending sleeve up to the light and saw something shiny sticking out of it. It was a sliver of glass. He opened his nightstand drawer and found a pair of tweezers. Pulling out the glass from his sleeve, he inspected it closely, with the gravest of expressions on his face. He remembered that the last time he wore this sweatshirt he had doused Dr. Shipp’s office with gasoline and then watched it burst into flames when he threw the lit match at the glass window. This piece of glass must have lodged itself in his sweatshirt before he ran away. He was surprised that he never got rid of the sweatshirt to begin with, but he was not thinking clearly at the time.
Just then, his phone buzzed with a text message from Cat.
Where R U? I’m coming back to LA 2day. Can we meet for lunch?
Lou deleted the text, shut off his phone and buried it in the trash. He then wrapped the piece of glass in a tissue and threw it in along with the phone. Time to move on before his past caught up to him again.
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