Success!

Brunch with Emily was spectacular! She is an amazing conversationalist, a skill likely cultivated by years as a hostess making small talk with customers. More amazing than her ability to speak interestingly, though, is her level of intelligence. Apparently Emily has a Master’s degree in political history, something she intended to turn into a career in Washington before her father turned ill right about the time of graduation. She came home from American University to Philadelphia to take care of him until he got better. As it turned out, his illness was terminal and she spent two years tending to him at bedside as he faded and eventually passed away. By that time she was far enough removed from her education and the contacts it provided that she did not believe that she had a chance at forging a successful career in politics. Working at a successful restaurant during this time, however, provided her with an amply sufficient income and an introduction to her first husband. He was a career-minded real estate agent and investor and had proved to have to little time to spend on maintaining their relationship after their marriage. They separated amicably after three years and she has not remarried since.

Emily is not interested in another marriage in the short term and though she suffers no problem with libido, she does not seek sexual affection. This may make her about perfect for me since I am not looking for a marriage to replace Cecile and prefer not to have a sexual relationship -- at least in the short term -- that will belittle what I had with her. I’ll not ramble about it farther, but I was very happy with the result of our date.

Eugene proposed the alternate landing location for the ship to the University and they agreed to the necessary additional financial support believing that the discovery of a new life form will likely pay back in money as well as enhanced reputation. He has begun the process of getting docking permission in Savanah, but the captain of the ship has assured him that it should not be any trouble. Based on this, I plan to petition my superiors for the temporary transfer to Atlanta tomorrow. Barring unforeseen difficulties, I should be there to meet him on arrival at the end of the week.

Because this journal is supposed to be about me, I feel I should report I am in the finest spirit I have been since Cecile passed. I know I haven’t been recording things that long, but already I have gone back to read some of my previous entries and reminisce - for lack of a better word - and that in itself has been therapeutic, even in just this short time. I suppose some of my joy also comes from the success of my friend, small successes in my own work and some quality human interaction. But I believe the simple act of recording aspects of one’s life somehow makes them more real, more fulfilling. Whatever the cause, I will continue with this journal indefinitely and enjoy the feeling it gives me.