Tap Me Up, Scotty

October 3, 2014October 2, 2014 / roughwighting / 27 Comments

Paramount/Everett/Rex Features

I’m not an easy flyer, and I know many of you aren’t either.

So imagine this.

I’m on an airplane leaving the city of love to return to the city of champions, and incidentally, the city where 9/11 began.

I keep my head buried in my book, burying as well memories and misgivings, expectations and excitement on my upcoming re-location. But the fellow sitting next to me (I’m in the aisle, he’s in the window seat, with no one in between), in his early 40s, well-dressed with the requisite 2-day-old beard and unscuffed suede loafers, continually looks at his watch.

Over and over again. Continue reading →

My Autumn Equinox

September 26, 2014September 26, 2014 / roughwighting / 35 Comments

“No party,” I plead to my co-workers, who ask if they can throw me a “you’re leaving us” bash.

They listen intently and nod an okay to my protestations. But on my last day of work, I’m informed that the Board is celebrating the Autumn Equinox at 5 p.m. in our gold-trimmed China Cabin, which sits proudly on the S.F. Bay. Continue reading →

Thinking of Nothing

September 19, 2014September 19, 2014 / roughwighting / 39 Comments

“Close your eyes and think of nothing,” the psychology teacher instructs.

“Nothing?” several of the high school students ask. An air of festivity surrounds the classroom. This is supposed to be a difficult course. The teacher is known for being very serious about his subject, giving tough tests and even tougher reading assignments. Yet here he is, telling them to close their eyes and think of nothing.

Easy, right? Continue reading →

What I Might Have Become

September 12, 2014September 4, 2014 / roughwighting / 35 Comments

Have you ever imagined what your life would be like if you had the occupation you’d wanted as a child?

I have never regretted this life, I say to myself, as a mantra, over and over again. My knees send me a sharp pain directly to my head, as if punishing me for lying.

Well, maybe I’ve regretted it occasionally, but I know I’ve chosen well. I’ve chosen the only thing I can do with my life. Continue reading →

Never Ever Say Never

September 5, 2014September 4, 2014 / roughwighting / 53 Comments

When my man and I left New England four years ago, I swallowed a huge lump in my throat – a lump of fear and relief, joy and dread, wonder and excitement. After ten years of incredible autumns, rejuvenating springs, god-awful winters and soul-satisfying summers, we were moving back to the land that I love – San Francisco Bay area.