In which I am apparently Boring
I was grocery shopping and ran into a lady we used to go to church with/visit/etc. about ten years back but haven't seen much since - don't you hate it when you get that "So, what are you up to? What do you do?" question?
At least I do. I am abruptly and painfully aware of my lack of Social Occupation Status.
I am currently in the unusual situation (for this day and age) of being what might be termed a 'housewife'... This means I run around trying to keep up with caring for our property and taking care of my family, force my kids to do their homework, do the paperwork, sell random stuff online on the side, write stories the Typical Person I Know can't relate to, sing, volunteer in assorted places that don't pay me and keep up my reduced library duties at our church/preschool. All of which notably do not generate titles or money.
She tells me perkily about how she goes into jails as a chaplain and plays the piano for a local Iranian church while also working. You know - like REALLY working... I mean, the kind someone gives you money for and that you can't beg off from if you're having a bad day.
I say "Er...I, um... I write...(mumble)..."
"Are you still working in that library?"
"Uh, well, yes, though it's smaller now...I take care of my yard..."
"Oh - do you put up any produce from it?"
(relieved) "Yes! Yes I do, I just did applesauce and jam. And we have a ton of grape juice steamed out for the freezer." She nods approvingly. (whew! saved by my fruit! I am a Productive Human Being after all!! Proof I do not just sit around doodling drabbles and picking lint off of socks!)
On the up side, she REALLY wanted some of my grape juice and will be coming by to fetch some from my overfull supply, and she is a nice person, so aside from all that it was a good chance meeting, and I'm less awkward when I can *show* them something instead of trying to describe it.
At least I do. I am abruptly and painfully aware of my lack of Social Occupation Status.
I am currently in the unusual situation (for this day and age) of being what might be termed a 'housewife'... This means I run around trying to keep up with caring for our property and taking care of my family, force my kids to do their homework, do the paperwork, sell random stuff online on the side, write stories the Typical Person I Know can't relate to, sing, volunteer in assorted places that don't pay me and keep up my reduced library duties at our church/preschool. All of which notably do not generate titles or money.
She tells me perkily about how she goes into jails as a chaplain and plays the piano for a local Iranian church while also working. You know - like REALLY working... I mean, the kind someone gives you money for and that you can't beg off from if you're having a bad day.
I say "Er...I, um... I write...(mumble)..."
"Are you still working in that library?"
"Uh, well, yes, though it's smaller now...I take care of my yard..."
"Oh - do you put up any produce from it?"
(relieved) "Yes! Yes I do, I just did applesauce and jam. And we have a ton of grape juice steamed out for the freezer." She nods approvingly. (whew! saved by my fruit! I am a Productive Human Being after all!! Proof I do not just sit around doodling drabbles and picking lint off of socks!)
On the up side, she REALLY wanted some of my grape juice and will be coming by to fetch some from my overfull supply, and she is a nice person, so aside from all that it was a good chance meeting, and I'm less awkward when I can *show* them something instead of trying to describe it.