The New Road

Social stuff around death

I can certainly see the need for all of these customs around death. It's tough for people to know what to do or how to act. For me, I'm just trying to get on with life. And maybe that sounds hard assed or something. I don't really know. But I think it's what Mom would have wanted. Not that I ever lived my life based on what she wanted from me. And I'm sure that sounds hard assed too, though I think she would have agreed completely that the life of any child is their own and theirs to make of what they will.

Anyway, the people around my office have been great in being very sympathetic. To the point where somehow I often feel as if I should be outwardly more depressed. Definitely makes me understand the Jewish tradition of having a set period of time for mourning. You lose, you mourn, you get on with your life.

For me it's just more evidence that the only constant in life is change. Before was life with Mom, now there is life with no Mom. Life with no Mom will be better not because life with her was bad, but because I strive for continuous self improvement. And that's exactly what she would have wanted. For me to have the opportunity, and to exploit that opportunity, to make more of my life than she did hers. And she set the bar pretty damn high. 

Speaking of self improvement. Good cooking this weekend. I made the Margerhita Pizza recipe from Cooks Illustrated on Saturday and it turned out great. Nice thin crust, good toppings, easy recipe. Lori made an absolutely killer salad and picked up some great wine. For dessert I made the Lava cakes and they turned out great even though I was three sheets to the wind because of the wine.

On Sunday I made homemade pasta with a vodka sauce, with crusty garlic bread. Megan liked the pasta but not the sauce. So I'll just get a bottle of Newman's next time for her. The vodka sauce was a little light in flavor, so I need to boost that up.