So I'm at the Palos Verdes Library, because my computer got taken-away by the Apple Store this morning (just for a week, or so, I hope).  Therefore, I don't have much time (they give you 60 minutes, and I spent the first four checking email and facebook, so am down to 56...uppp...55).  That said, pardon my lacking conclusions and/or edits here.  But interesting thoughts brewing that I at least wanted to get out of my noggin.

I'll start with the Apple Store story.  So it was a bummer that I had to bring my computer in there 2 days ago for plug issues, and even more of a bummer that it bonked while they were messing with it.  Hence the Friday morning visit to the computer doctors.  Again.  Anywho, the more fun, or intersting, or confusing part of the tale, was that my appointment was at 8:20am, meaning before Brea Mall (where the Apple store locates itself) is open.  So a) it took me about 20 minutes to figure out how to break into the mall (before realizing they do, in fact, leave one cooridor/door open...which was of course on the other side of my Macy's parking spot), and b) it was wierd to be in the mall without other shoppers.  Since coming back from Uganda last summer, among other things, I've never been too savy with crowds.  I used to have panic attack and turn into a nutzo, and now I just get a little wobbly inside.  Either way though, try not to frequent crowds or rambunctious activity too often.  What was wierd about this morning, however, was that I visited the mall and even walked around a bit, why Apple was looking at my Apple, and had little to no anxiety.  Noticeably so.  Part of that may be pure growth on my part, but I think the bigger part is that as much as we criticize and blame "the mall" or consumerism for its rampant attacks on our wallets and well-being, I realized this morning that there's something to say for 'our' role in those attacks.  In other words, I think it takes two to tango, consumerism included.  Something about the lack of hustle and bustle and hoards of talking people around me made a morning stoll in the mall quite enjoyable, in fact (and I'm the one to typically say so).  So that's all I've got there...nothing terribly insightful, just an interesting observation about malls not being terribly vicious organisms, in and of themselves. 

So after leaving Apple, and en route to therapy, where my therapist never showed-up, I had to stop by the post office to send my sister's birthday gift.  The gal at the counter was named "Pervin."  Now when I say that name, it sounds quite horrific, like some car part, or ancient haunted house.  But when she says it, her Iranian accent gives it this lovely mix of romance and story.  Pervin was wearing a unique ring on her left ring finger, to which I of course commented, "Wow, what a remarkable turquoise stone and diamond.  You have one creative husband!"  "Oh my dear," sometimes I wish this was from a husband.  But truth be told, I bought it for myself.  I was divorced ten years ago and am now scared of going out with a guy, let alone allowing him the gift of decorating my ring finger!"  I guess post-people don't get a terrible amount of intimate talk time, which made me eager to hear out Pervin's next five minutes of downloading on love, life and relationships.  She rarely even looked me in the eye, but spoke with the confidence and cavalier of being interviewed for a talk show.  (You'd think this would only happen when there were no people lined-up behind me...oh, but there were.  Pervin was on a mission though, and P.O.'ed people weren't gonna stop her dialogue on life's meanings and mysteries.  She told me I should only, "go out with guys one day a week, adn if they want more, stop talking to them.  And then she said the best place to meet nice men was church."  I smiled and told her good, cause I tend to hang around that crowd on occassion.  And then she told me, "marriage is great for people who want to "make babies."  But if you're like her, (and don't want to make babies), just take the drinks and friendship and leave the marital stuff for other folks."  As I left her counter, I thanked her for the unexpected post-office wisdom.  She leaned-in and said, I really don't know you, but listen here, keep with your God stuff and you can't go wrong...I wish I'd started into that path many decades ago."  I smiled, wanting about 2 more hours to tease out this last sentence from/with her, but there were snickering folks behind me.   

Okay, I'm down to 35 minutes on "remaining screen" and have a load of emails to return.

Hope you're well.

PEACE