I have long wanted to write a self-help book and am satisfied the time has come. The idea came to me 50 or 60 years ago and I got the first part of the title down but something came up. Project was delayed while I fleshed out the theme. I only got back to it the other day when Norma took the cover photo at my cardiologist's office --she goes with me to help describe my symptoms and make sure I don't run away-- so that's done.
Scientific studies establish that women can hear and smell better than men but men can read finer print. I don't know if it's true but I know women smell better than men so I will write the book in large print and everybody can read it. But these were not issues when I was actually in high school. I graduated from EGHS (pronounced "egghiss"), named after a prominent local figure, Gwyllm Eghs, who immigrated from a nearly vowel-less Welsh village and made good.
My high school days were before smog laws and poor California air quality had an unfortunate effect upon our school uniform and, of course, our class photo:
In fact, it was not until we were all out of high school that I noticed, with delight and some relief, that most of my girlfriends had been female. Gone were the days when I'd have to go, "Say, can you read this fine print for me?" --which gave off confusing messages all 'round. Socially, EPA is helpful.But as to the text of the book: I shall have to set out certain cool axioms to work from. Early on, I learned being cool consisted of raised eyebrows, a slight knowing smile and just looking like wherever you are, THAT'S the place to BE! While waiting in your cardiologist's consulting room, this can be done with eyes closed. Trick is not to slide out of your chair. When I master that, I'll continue the book.
I don't know if women actually smell better than men but I can smell a best seller a mile away - - and I know I'll be able to enjoy reading it if it is written in large print. And, by the way, there's no truth to the rumor that you can't judge a book by it's cover.
ReplyDeleteHaving been raised in Southern California, I can fully identify with the gas masks. Without them, my brain would have deteriorated even more rapidly than it already has.
My valueless comment is probably starting to smell, so I'll stop while I'm ahead. My only purpose in commenting is to confirm the fact that I was here.
Thanks Jon, I'm glad you're here!
ReplyDeleteI was here :) And those masks look very fashionable indeed.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to practice that look.
ReplyDeleteThat high school looks awfully familiar. Was it actually an entire city inside that one mountain? Or perhaps they used a jelly mould to build your community. 50/60 years, steady on, mate; you don't want to overdo it!
ReplyDeleteJust say no to HS reunions. My 40th will be coming soon but nobody showed up for the 30th, so I hope they just let it die. If we'd wanted to see each other, we would've stayed in touch.
ReplyDeleteDon't take any $%&! from the cardiologist either. And good luck. Let us know how it's going.
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Dorobo-- Thanks! All my school lacked was "The Worst DJ Ever", which I encourage everyone to view at Dorobo's "Your Tube Source" blog.
ReplyDeleteDelores-- If you can do "the look" without sliding out of your chair, I'll be envious!
CarrieBoo-- Yes, my H.S. bears a strong resemblance to Hamlet's castle and the Pacific Ocean. I can't explain it.
Austan-- I like your reunion views and share them wholeheartedly.
Since my hubby and I were in the same graduating class and knew a lot of the same people, I succeeded in dragging him, kicking and screaming, to one reunion. Thirthieth? Thirty-fifth? One of them. And we had an absolute blast. (Except I don't know why they let so many old people crash the party.)
ReplyDeleteAnother fun post. And I don't blame your wife for going to the doctor with you. That's the only way wives can be sure you guys are following the doctor's orders.
I have yet to be at one - not that my HS hasn't hosted - it just wasn't my gig.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading your BIG words :-)
Thanks Susan and Tesha,
ReplyDeleteI attended only my 5th and 20th HS reunions and agree, a little goes a long way. Missed all since but there's always that bit of temptation, isn't there? Suspect I'll resist it this time too.