Above is "Typists," a painting in
gouache from 1966, by Jacob Lawrence. I've attached a copy of that painting to the drawer on my work desk. Jacob Lawrence captured the essence and dignity of the nature of the demanding work many of us now do on computers.
I've started working on an online refresher course so that I can find work later this year. Although the refresher course will be the equivalent of a full-time job, I plan to continue to volunteer one afternoon a week helping take care of babies in the daycare. The babies inspire me. I love them. I like the freedom that volunteering gives me to just be there for the babies and to help the early childhood educators in whatever ways I can.
Funny to think that the only way I've been able to make a living for any length of time is by typing, and that when I took typing in high school in 1966, it was all I could do to get a "D" grade.
Deja vu. Pretty scary. With Oboe by my side, I'm going to give typing and editing medical reports at home another try. One day at a time. I am good at what I do, but I have let PTSD overwhelm me again and again. Next time I feel like quitting, I'll think twice and get help to put things in perspective. At my age, I'm not going to get many more chances.
Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing.
(William James)
