#37. Empathy

Perry L. Gardner: Private Journal #37
Saturday Morning, OAT 46°, October 12, 1991

 

I’m doing sexton duty for the Wachtel wedding at UUF of H. Bonnie is attending a “Chalice and the Blade” Workshop in Riverdale with Ginx and the UUWA. Got up early this AM and made a fire in the woodstove.

I felt better this morning than I did last night—I couldn’t seem to get enough energy to do anything, but I wasn’t sleepy—just tired. I called Dr. C. and rescheduled my appointment for the 23rd, where I had a conflict. I called Pat to find out what Time Magazine had reported about the Halcion sleeping pills I had been taking, and which there had been some controversy about. She was about to leave to go to Wendy’s house, but read me the article and is sending a copy.

She also told me that P.J. was being laid off as an employee to be hired back under contract. P.J. called me shortly after, and I listened. I can empathize with her dilemma in trying to do a perfect job but not being appreciated for that.

I gave her encouragement and hope I was some help to her. I told her about the Alaska job that I overran, trying to accomplish energy savings, where all they wanted was a report as per spec, which in my opinion was a waste of time. I was trying to do a good job based on intent, because we had had the scope reduced to the point of meaninglessness. Oh, well.

David called the other night, and we have been invited out there for the holidays. I’d really like to go.

I must write to P.J. and thank her for the birthday present. I also have to send the “Night Flight” memoir to all the kids.

I did finally write the note to Sammis Insurance asking for a 500 deductible and a new policy on my Homeowners insurance with a lower premium. Insurance is really there to save us from catastrophe and not from normal little problems.