Desperately Seeking Bark

My attempt to scare her off having apparently failed, Ms. Seeking Liberal Yet Grounded wrote me back. She described her life outlook in ways that I frankly didn't completely understand. On her use of the word "liberal" for instance: I feel comfortable re-invoking the traditional meanings of abused words. Meaning may change, may be distorted, but as long as it shifts quicker than the generations pass I think it's fair to keep multiple meanings at the forefront, don't you?

Um. Yeah. Yeah, sure. OK so she might be a bleeding-hearted, tree-hugging liberal. That doesn't mean she wouldn't be a cool person. Let's what she makes of this:

Hi Libby*,

My principles in a nutshell: When the cashier gives me my change, I count it. If he gave me too little, I ask for the correct amount. If he gave me too much, I give back the difference.

Honesty might not be the best policy but, as someone once said, always telling the truth means you never have to remember what you said. Plus you occasionally get to see some very shocked looks on cashiers' faces!

I admire your idealism. I hope it survives law school.

My outlook, buffeted by the turbulences of reality, is more earthy. Former NFL coach Sam Rutigliano was once quoted as saying, "You have not lived a perfect day unless you have done something for someone who cannot pay you back." I don't live enough perfect days but I'm working on it. I'm working on rising above the petty sefishness and insecurity that keeps me from giving more of to others. I may not make it but if awareness is the first step to enlightenment I have a start.

I imagine that single motherhood + law school = not much time for crusades to save the world, let alone a relationship. How do you keep all the plates spinning?

I watch little TV. Family Guy, Grey's Anatomy and the occasional sporting event are about it. The last movie I saw in the theater was one in which I appeared. It was a small part in a short film that played at some city's International Film Festival. I like sappy romantic comedies, even with their trite happy endings because I'd like to believe that it could happen that way.

I don't travel widely. In a previous career as a reporter I moved around enough (7 states in a 9 year span) that I didn't have to travel to places -- I just moved there! A rolling stone gathers no spouse. I want to stand still at least until the room stops spinning.

I don't mean to imply I'm looking to get married. Or looking NOT to get married. I'm not looking for anything. I'm just trying to keep my eyes open so that I can see possibilities.

~ Jack

*Maybe that IS her real name.