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Michelle, long time Cask Server: “I hear you’re coming back to work?”

“Yeah – About time – I guess –A little over two months of freedom.”

“I was wondering if you would work for me tonight?”

“Thought I was already scheduled?”

“You’re #5. They only need 3 waiters tonight. You would be called off.”

“Hmmm!? I would make more on Workman’s Comp. But sure I’ll cover your shift.”

“You don’t have to. I was just going to visit my father. I could do it on Monday instead.”

“No. I’ll do it. Have to return to work sometime. Guess I’m ready.”

“Thanks. See you tomorrow night.”

“Great. Thanks.”

Then just as I’m leaving home to return to work at the Casket my wife: “By the way, the owner of the Lagoon called while you were in the shower.”

“What about?”

“He wanted to know if you were still interested in a job. I told him you’d call him tomorrow.”

On the way to work: “When it rains it pours. Nothing – now two job offers. What’ll I say when he offers me the job?” – “Two weeks notice at the Casket?” – “No. I just started back.” – “Maybe I’ll like it better.” – “<This – No that - No this – that – this – that.>” over and over again with myriad variations – all with equally fascinating ramifications.

At work:

“Hi – hi – hi – hi. Glad to have you back – a-a-ack – back – a-ack,” from hostess, to servers, cooks, dishwashers, and managers.

Felt a lot of love and appreciation.

Begin doing side work – fine tuning table – polishing glassware, silverware, etc.

“Hmm? I ‘m feeling little aches in my arches and heel already, Hope it doesn’t get any worse.”

As the slow evening begins to unfold and then slow down the pain became more and more excruciating. Like drip torture – each step elicits a dull pain – just a little. But all those littles turn into a lot by the end of the shift.

“What’s happening? I thought the acupuncture was supposed to cure this pain stuff once and for all. And it’s just as bad, if not worse, than before. Why is thins happening to me? And can I go on torturing myself like this? Sounds like time to change careers. I hope I didn’t throw away the phone number for the career counselor. I’m going to have to get on that. And how am I going to be able to teach Tai Chi tomorrow morning? Woe is me! I’m right back where I started. Aurgh!”

Home: “How was work?”

“Not so good. Going to bed. Hopefully better tomorrow,” I mumble as I stumble towards the bedroom – past the growling dog – our Jack Russell terror – who is protecting my wife from me – as always.

Fall asleep immediately from emotional exhaustion. Then eyes open wide-awake in the middle of the night – about 4AM – with feet and joints aching.

“Aurgh! Not this again. I can’t take it – this cursed adrenaline reaction. And it wasn’t even that busy last night. ” <Fret! Fret!>

“Maybe your body is just getting used to working again.”

“It’s probably the cement floors. My old body just can’t take it anymore.”

As Body excretes some stressful liquids and Mind fades under Brain’s sway. “Too much stress – permanently damaged. Woe is me! Why was ever I born into this plane of suffering? Life is truly pain – just like the Buddha says. Curse my fate. I’m sure everyone is happier than poor me. How can I possibly go on?”

Then begins the battle of Brain & Mind.

“Easy there. It’s the middle of the night. Just chill. As your mother always said, ‘wait until daylight to make any serious decisions.’”

“But this is just like before.”

“Do you really want to get a full time job – 40 hours per week?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe. Pain is intense.”

“What about your creative life?”

“Damn my projects. I don’t want to feel any more pain.”

“Well at least wait until morning to make any permanent decisions.”

“Of course. But I’m not sure I’ll even be able to do Tai Chi much less teach Wu Tang Solo Sword in class tomorrow.”

“Somehow you always have and you always will. Despite emotional suffering and physical pain you always seem to make it through just fine. I’m sure it’ll be alright.”

“Oh how did I get in such a predicament? And how to get out of it?”

“How about the Lagoon? They have wood floors there.”

“That’s right. The cement is the problem. Wood floors will be perfect. The solution. I can’t wait to start working there and give notice at the Casket – the source of all my pain.”

Then came breakfast:

“I’m not sure I’m going to be able to go back to the Casket.”

To herself: “Oh great. Not this again. What about our financial future? No work and I wont’ be able to visit our daughters – my primary source of joy.” Out loud: “Why?”

“Too much pain.”

“What would you do?”

“Pursue the job at the Lagoon. Wood floors there. I think that’s the problem.”

“Are you skipping Tai Chi then?”

“No. I’m going to give it a go. See how my Body feels.”

I made it through the early forms with just a little pain and then was able to teach ‘Crossing the Iron Bridge’ followed by ‘Painting a Picture Gracefully’ from the Wu Tang Solo Sword Form to the Advanced class. No one knew anything was wrong. Somehow my feet felt fine – just little twinges – nothing major.

As the afternoon wore on I decided I would give the Casket another try.

Then A, the Casket ‘s manager, called: “You have the night off. We only need 4 waiters tonight and you’re #5.”

Relieved and disappointed simultaneously I relayed the info to my wife.

“So they hired you back but put you on the bottom of the list. Typical. I can’t wait for you be out of that place.”

In my mind: “Whoa! Harsh. So much pressure from that sector.” Out loud: “It’s just as well. My feet are killing me.” Internally: “Darn. I was hoping to work. I had resolved myself.”

In her mind: “Great, just great. He’s going to be home again. I’m not sure how long I can take his constant presence. Seeing his face is almost painful.” Out loud: “It just irritates me that they offered you a job -but no shifts.”

In my mind: “She’s sick of me. I can feel the cold radiating my way. Ouch!! Must stay out of sight. Wish I could work – Make her happy. Oh yeah. Must call the Lagoon – my escape route from this predicament.”

After the normal introductory pleasantries: “Are you still interested in working at the Lagoon?”

“Definitely. More so than ever.”

“I would like to set up an interview.”

“Uh, sure. How about Monday?”

“Sounds good. See you then.”

Off the phone: “Great, just great. From nothing to 2 job possibilities. I wonder how that’ll be?”

Soon – now just a half an hour before the shift is about to begin – Leah, another long-term Casket server calls; “Do you want to work for me tonight?”

“Uh. Andy just called to tell me I have the night off. Isn’t it a little late?”

“No. I’ll call to let them know. I’m working Easter Brunch tomorrow and need the night off to pack. I’m taking a trip to see my family in Phoenix.”

"Oh, all right, I guess." Psyche screaming: “Yippee! I'm ready to work.”

So Saturday night I changed shoes – to the Birkenstocks, which had previously caused me so much pain. Plus I rested my feet when I could. And everything went fine.

Then Ryan, another Casket Server: “Could you work for me on Sunday. I want to spend some time with my girlfriend before she leaves for Italy.”

“Oh all right. I guess so.”

“You’ll be by yourself. Make some loot.”

Thinking: “By myself? Gulp! I’ve only been back a few days and they already trust me to work alone. Ah well, as Woody Allen said, ‘the key to success is just showing up. Hope it works out.”

Sunday went fine. Big bucks for the three nights.

Over breakfast: “I’m committed to the restaurant biz. Always knew it. Just get a little confused from time to time.”

Wife to herself: “That’s for sure. First in agony – doesn’t want to work – then it’s OK & now he loves it. A true space case – And he’s all mine – Well at least it's never boring More importantly he’s getting out of the house again – ah some alone time – peace and solitude, at last.”

“I’m real excited to about the Lagoon.”

“Why’s that?”

“The wood floors will be easier on my legs. I can’t wait. The solution to all my problems.”

“When’s the interview?”

“This morning at 11.”

“Hopefully it’s all you hope for.” To herself: “Heaven. More time alone. More income. What could be wrong with that?”