Boomer Tales
Boomer Tales from the 21st Century -
It Could Be Quantum
Episode One
On the Death of A Best Friend
©March 25, 2009 All Rights Reserved
The only thing about California is – they know how to make a good Mexican Coffee. It’s a mix of fresh hot coffee (preferably strong), tequila and kahlua. Topped with whipped cream. And a deceptively slow kick just short of a ballistic missile. But some days (and nights) call for that.
In California, when you order a Mexican Coffee – no one looks at you as if you’re losing it (a what?!); or maybe, you already lost it and are a few days into cold turkey heroin withdrawal and hallucinating.
It’s good to feel a little California again. Used to live there, for while. And given my current financial circumstances – this is the closest I’ll get to California this year. Within a couple of weeks – the famous north Texas ‘spring’ will set in with all the subtlety of a blowtorch. No more restaurant patio dining.
But for now – it’s perfect weather to actually sit outside and enjoy an outdoor brunch in the local Mexican food emporia. The sound track playing was obviously chosen to appeal to Boomers.
Gentle winds, the pleasant conversations of surrounding families and friends. [Cheerleader try-outs, next week’s Vegas trip, family matters, birthday celebrations, tense tableaus of unraveling marriages.] A haven of outdoor living – available only for a couple of months a year here. With extreme luck and favorable winds – perhaps we can look forward to an El Nino weather pattern this summer and at least some rain before autumn; to drop temps a little, sizzle on the sidewalks and make the humidity absolutely unbearable.
The Occasion?
Took myself out to brunch after receiving word of the death of a close friend in India. When I first heard, was more happy than anything else. He was finally out of pain! A long life isn’t everything, especially with extreme pain.
Against the backdrop of laughter over everyday concerns and rugged and angry determined silence of the couple next to me with the 4 year old boy. The boy trying to amuse himself and occasionally catch the attention of his pre-occupied parents; no luck, poor little guy. But he also soldiered on.
Flashback:
The Abbot of Menri in 1997 saying: “Yes – phowa! Very good, very good. You should be ready to go at any time! Just like a rocket!” And he began laughing in uncontrollably in good nature.
The Point
And really – that’s the Point that all Boomers are looking at now. (Whether the Point likes it or not; it could be Quantum). We are nearing the end of our life spans.
And What Has It All Been About – Anyway?
Ex-yuppies (perhaps now in foreclosure) will say: “It’s all been about THE MONEY! If I can get mine by ripping you off – EVEN BETTER! You moron! You deserve what you get!” Guess it worked for Madoff.
But now – so many previous Masters of the Universe are unemployed. Former six figure hedge fund managers MBA’s broke and unemployed. Or at least unemployed.
No more Bimmers! (that’s BMW to you). Junior League wives going back into the workforce (crowding out more experienced, but less ‘desirable’ folks already in the workforce). The horror of it all! Who could have seen it coming?!
Bonfire of the Vanities 
I could have. I did see it. The greed, the selfishness, the willingness (eagerness?) to run over people instead of offer a helping hand. And curse them as you drive off. I saw it in its beginnings in the 1980’s. I shuddered and kept on truckin in my ethical – but financially unrewarded and quiet – way.
But who am I? A throw-away person, that’s me. A middle aged female with stellar work experience and expertise but without recent job experience; divorced and forgotten. Now working at an entry level job with 20-somethings. And lucky to have it.
In the Yuppie hierarchy – I weigh in a little too light for something as dramatic as even being noticed and somewhere just about Deep Sh**.
All the sh** rolls downhill. And in conventional terms- that’s where I am right now. Hopefully it makes good fertilizer for something:) Down – but not quite out. Chronically under-employed and without a prestigious degree (worse, without any degree).
Some cultures value the Wisdom of elders. Not ours. We value the firm wrinkle-free skin of 20-somethings.
In the eyes of society – I am totally without redeeming qualities. Female (even worse!), over 50 and even menopause is becoming a memory (how’d it happen?) With nothing our society recognizes as redeemable or laudable. To some, my value is less than that of a cow dropping, which can at least be burned for warmth.
That’s me! Female, 55 and a totally useless Boomer.
Or am I?
Life is sometimes short (or longer) and can be brutal on personal ideals. In California – where I cannot even contemplate living due to the cost of living there – the weather is good almost year round. And they know how to make a good Mexican coffee.
And sometimes – a good Mexican coffee can make all the difference.
