The Diary of Anne Ku

15 July 2000 Saturday

WORKAHOLIC NO MORE

I opened all the windows in the little rental car. I wanted to recreate the feeling of driving in my red convertible. The wind blew back my long hair. Had it been a convertible, I wouldn't be able to see on the highway.

Soon the humidity made me sweat. Yet I couldn't figure out how to shut the windows. The radio stations played familiar tunes from long ago. The highway was almost deserted as I sped along. My friend's directions were perfect. I passed the Houston skyline and got off at her exit.

On the eve of my going away party, she had come early and prepared a dish. By the time the rest of the guests had arrived, she had disappeared to go back to work. I told her time and time again: stop working. Go home. She was the most dedicated colleague I knew.

Three years later, I arrive at her doorstep. My philosophy had changed: look out for number one. Your health, beauty, freedom, state of happiness, etc, are the most important. I didn't have to preach this time. She has seen the light. It will take time getting used to this, reorienting her life to herself rather than some external entity.

As I write this, I wonder whether she needs now to tell me: stop working. Go home.

yesterday

tomorrow

20 August 2000

I had jotted down my thoughts of the day during my travels. Now that I've FINALLY unpacked and cleaned up my room, I found these notes. So I will now "back-fill" my on-line diary.