Spent

It's done. I'm finished. It took me much longer than expected, but after one last sleepless night of editing, I'm calling it. I don't know how many of you will want to read it, but you can see a 10-page preview of the book here:

http://www.lulu.com/content/4970025

If you want an actual copy of it, let me know. I might order a few of them myself to try and save on the printing fee.

You wouldn't happen to have any brain laxative, would you?

Converging ideas create traffic jams in my mind. Irate drivers exit their vehicles and brawl on the halted interstate. Emergency vehicles cannot reach the carnage to clear or even assess the problem.

How many brain cells can you kill in half a winter? Enough? Apparently.

My fingers once stumbled along behind my train of thought in a failing effort to keep up - like a team of 10 puny third graders trying to take their respective Great Danes for a walk behind a parade of racing rabbits.

Now they sit, bored and twirling their leashes.

Why in the hell can't I write?

Third graders and Great Danes? Really?

"Muse, can you step into the office?

….

Thanks.

Oh, why don't you go ahead and close the door. That's great. Thanks.

….?

Hmmm... where to begin...

Muse, you know we think you're great, right?

….

I realize that you fell into this job without a complete understanding of your duties. However, I - as well as the rest of the staff - feel as though you have been here long enough to familiarize yourself with your duties.

Should we discuss your excessive absences? Low quality of work? Lackluster attitude? Failure to be a team player?

….!

C'mon, Muse. You know as a friend I love you like a brother. I promised your mom I'd give you a chance around here, but if you don't get your act together, we're gonna have to let you go.

….!!!!

Hey, sit back down, let's figure this out.

..

I know demand was high during the fall. 12 - 16 hours a day would wear anybody out. But we can't go from that type of performance down to... well... this.

Why don't we get back into the swing of things with a 4-day-a-week schedule?

.

Two? Are you kidding me? I can get Chuck from accounting to cover that shift. Seriously. Work with me here.

…

We'll meet in the middle. How's three sound? Good?

…

Great!

It's good to have you back, Muse. Bright and early tomorrow? Oh, you've got a thing? Okay. We'll shoot for Wednesday.

…

Another dentist appointment? Really? Fine. Thursday. No later.

..

Yep. Take it easy.

(Door closes)

Janet, can you get me Chuck's number? Yeah, from accounting. We might need him to pick up a few extra shifts. I don't know for sure."