Mischief and Control

Work is better! I have let go of the BJ anxiety and have moved on to refocus on my job. I must continue on, for nothing is guaranteed and you know what, I really have to think about it when it happens. I am actually thankful they have waited so long (ask me if I feel that way if and when I am in the job) and have made some closure to my angst. Before I delve into that I must say I had a good time last night with jodola. She invited me to Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years at the Field Museum. After work we headed out and ran a few errands for J but this put us behind schedule to arrive for our allotted time. So J drove like a mad woman even missing her turn and having to stop on the highway. As traffic went rushing by she decided to go over the curb and onto the exit. Thank God it was small. Once we arrived safely we exchanged tickets and went into the exhibit.

Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years
Selections from the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum
The collection of gowns was stunning. She most definitely had a style that was she own and was truly an interesting woman. Most of the dresses were solid in color and of a heavy fabric. I would say that only 5% of the dresses truly had any pattern. But it wasn't only about the dresses it was about what she contributed to the Presidency. Her ability to speak five languages and her gracious beauty and warm voice made her a brilliant ambassador. The restoration of the White House, her need to preserve not only our heritage but also that of other countries and cities. One letter she wrote to the Mayor of New York to save Grand Central Station as a plea for the people of New York and future generations was very interesting to me. Just how she wanted so desperately to save this landmark and how she used subtle manipulations.

It made me thing of how live versus life during that time. I mean just the contrast from my childhood to present day is astounding. The contrast of writing a letter and how instant our email of today is in comparison. How instantly we get and receive information. Also how her clothing was saved and how outfits today are so mass-produced and not tailored to the individual unless you have tons of money. How our meals are eaten in the car as opposed to a table with fine china. Hmm.... Then I began to wonder had JFK lived would she have become so iconic. Would she have just been a beautiful first lady? The woman suffered great tragedies and came back with grace. She is like a Medea or Antigone in American culture. It just made me think.

Then I began to think of value. What value do you place on things, people, yourself? What do you find of value? What do I personally value? How important is it? I believe greatly important. We are constantly hoping to get any form of validation from anywhere. Then in turn what do you value? I see people whose lives are all about the job or maybe all about the kids or their spouse. Those things can go away and then you're left with a void. The clothes that Jackie wore only have a value because someone else has placed a great deal of value on it. What have I discovered from this? I need to stop worrying what value others place on my life and actions. I have the right to prioritize my needs and desires. The price I set be it to high or low is mine to place. If this makes not sense what so ever then this moment was worthless to you and now you will never get that moment back. There you go.


FAMILY NIGHT
Tonight Lorrie invited Neil and I over for Caesar with the family. We sat around the table for most of the evening laughing and trying to plan Thanksgiving dinner. Lorrie has invited us over. I don't know if Neil will go. It really depends on what Frank and Pat are doing and if they invite him down. I'm sure they will. I will of course be returning to my role of Scrooge in the parade so will be around for Thanksgiving. Of course I don't get much of a Thanksgiving week or weekend because I also have opening that weekend. I also have two events so I won't even be home most of the time, I will be at work. My cats are gonna hate me that week. I thought about going to Vegas the following weekend and taking either Monday or Friday off because packages are cheap but we'll see. It was a bizarre but entertaining night. Now I am home and have a huge desire to not go to work but I must for there is a great deal to do still. Oh well, no rest for the wicked.