It was in honor of Scanman’s 50th birthday, and nearly everyone was there, including both of my ex-“husbands.” (Though I left too early to see Martin G; my real husband and I didn’t convoy to the event, as we often do when we’re going to see my fellow night-owls—I was too depressed and exhausted to want to stay more than a couple of hours. Needless to say, there’s something bittersweet about having ducked out early.)
It was a wedding-scale event, at least in terms of the guest list.
The haunting thing about it was the fact that perhaps 30% of the people there were unemployed, so there was a certain sense of people holding back, of not wanting (with one or two exceptions) to drag their personal tribulations into what was meant to be—and was, really—a joyous occasion. The temptation was to imagine that with so many “creative types” in one location, we had more than our share of those who were “between jobs,” but California’s real unemployment rate is, of course, higher than that of the nation’s.
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At least everyone celebrated! Around here, everyone lies and pretends they are working, or are “independent consultants” or are “managing money for some friends and myself (even if it is just their last pooled $1000). We almost never go to parties because my spouse has been out of work so long he (and usually I) no longer socialize much except at church events. Also, even tho I am still working for now (until the next round of layoffs start up?) people are surprised by what kind of work I support the family with now, given my education and past experience. No, not pole dancing (tho that would be more fun than what I actually do.
What were everyone’s politics? Or was that part of what drove you away?
And where are the pictures?
“What were everyone’s politics? Or was that part of what drove you away?”
I didn’t hear much political discussion. Mostly, it was hair (how it’s receding and/or graying), work and looking for work, and reminiscences of high school. I think we must be getting old.