Un-Balancing Act

The night trying too hard almost killed me. The evening started as a success. Thousands of dollars were being spent with each paddle's rise, benefitting a charter school on the island. On the microphone a local, well-liked politician energized the group with his beaming smile and rhythmic descriptions of items up for bid. Wine flowed endlessly, poured by the smiling staff hustling around the tent to ensure glasses remained full. Alcohol is a good fund-raising lubricant. The team of servers kept close watch on our table especially. At our table, their boss, my partner, was keeping close watch on the execution of this important evening. The auction ended and as we all dispersed from our seats to congratulate our table-neighbors on their winnings, my partner approached me quickly. His hand firmly grasped my empty arm (as the other was holding a wine glass) and he told me we were leaving. I was confused at first but as he began to describe the flaws in service he noted during the...

It's yet another cycle I go through, living in denial for things I don't care to deal with and then procrastinating until I have absolutely no choice but to do it. Usually it's a financial thing. I work pretty hard for my money and have done so since I was 15... The difference between now and then is that I am much cheaper and more reluctant to let my money go. Of course now I have actual responsibilities and not just a pair of gap jeans calling my name. But this isn't just about money. It's about laundry, dishes, ordering a new remote when my guy throws the old one out the window in a fit of rage, and this morning it is about packing. I hate leaving my family for work trips. I admit there's a certain something that seems fun a first: interacting with other adults, dining, exploring and networking. But really it's just me leaving them to it on their own unable to micromanage the day to day in our house. So I check my flight schedule. It's about eight h...