Hey everyone, I’m working hard on the writer’s workshop and getting a lot out of it. I’m very pleased with my progress though I still have a lot to learn. Still dealing with stuff but the load is getting lighter. My mom was accepted to grad school so when she moves out in January she’ll be okay. I’m going to Colorado Springs this Saturday to take part in Story Corps. I’ll be interviewed by my husband and we’ll be talking about/remembering/honoring my father. I’m nervous but happy at the same time. It’s going to take a lot to keep it together. If they put it up on NPR I’ll share it with you.
And one last thing, my camera is DEAD and I don’t have a replacement so there won’t be any new photos up until the new Nikon is in my hands…but it will happen soon.
Okay here’s my dialogue from last week:
I love it when the sky is gray like today. The clouds threatening to weep. Addison thought to herself. She stood at the counter refilling the container of powdered creamer while listening to the clock tick closer to 8.
“Well God got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning! Have you seen that sky out there?” Annabelle said sitting down to one of the many tables.
I love this weather. Addison whispered to herself. Entering the room, Annabelle and Karen, the worst gossips in the office. Addison only spoke to them when she needed entertainment.
“Morning Walter! How are ya?” Karen said appearing more perky than a person is allowed to be.
“Can’t complain anymore than usual.” he said. Addison always thought that he looks like he’s waiting to die. Ever since he lost his wife he’s always had that look. The only reason he works anymore is so that someone will find the body. He told Addison that her first week on the job. Also, he doesn’t want his cats to eat him. “Traffic was rough, I’m out of oatmeal and my back hurts. But it always hurts…”People seem to stop paying attention to him once his mouth opened.
“So, I went out with Gary last night.” Annabelle said.
“That new guy you were talking about? Tall, thin, kind of-” Karen thought out loud.
“-A Loser. That’s what Annabelle goes for.” Did Addison say that out loud?
“Yep. That’s the one.”
“So, how was it?” Karen asked.
“Oh, not as good as it could have. He wanted to eat at that new Indian place downtown…”
Ah, Indian food. Too many Brown people for her. Addison thought as she went back to the creamer, her peaceful moment ruined by the two ladies. She took a deep breath looking out at the gray clouds. It was on days like this that the best things happened. It would be a good day unless God did actually get up on the wrong side of the bed. Then we’re all fucked.
“So I was watching Crime Unit last night.” Karen said “I just love that James Crug! He’s just so good and so attractive…” Karen runs the regional Official James Crug fanclub and decorates her cubical with posters and postcards appropriate to convey her obsession. Addison thought she was weird. Out the window the clouds seemed to be fighting, preparing for a big finish.
“What are ya doin there Addison?” Walter asked.
“Just refilling the creamer.” she said looking at him over her shoulder. “It was low and I didn’t have anything better to do.”
“Ah sure.” Walter said watching her hands. “How are you liking the job?”
“Oh, it pays the bills.” she responded “It’s not a forever job, just a for now one, you know.” she said noticing him watching her hands and smiling to himself. She turned back to the creamer.
“Ah yes, I know how it is. Just one day after the other.”
“Yeah. Never thought I’d be here. It won’t be much longer though I wouldn’t think.” Addison kept spooning the white powder into the container, her back to the room.
“I don’t know Annabelle. That doesn’t sound like a safe idea.”
“Oh Karen you worry too much. I’ll be fine. It’s just a dating thing. I’ll sit there and the men will rotate. They sit with you for a couple of minutes. You know, so that you can get to know them or know if you’re wasting time.” Annabelle said with a smile.
“I still don’t know. I have a guy I can-”
“-Yeah I’ve heard about him. Thanks but no.”
Addison’s attention turned from the women back to her own thoughts. Like why was she still there? Will she still be here in ten years? She hated it there. Hated the lights, the walls and the smell. She hated the people –
“So what do you see yourself doing?” Walter asked more interested in her than usual.
“I don’t know but there’s go to be something better than this, you know?”
“Sure.” He said and looking at his coffee.
Addison finished scooping the white power into the creamer container. She looked at the wrapper the words,“powdered laxative”, showing prominently. It looks just like creamer.
Walter looked at her and winked. “Yeah, I think I’ll be skipping the creamer for a while.”
