March 23, 2007

357. Jeremy

Jeremy does not swim so much as lope through the pool. He moves in water like a Labrador running joyously and triumphantly across a field. So natural, so seemingly effortless. Perfectly gorgeous. He is an inspiration and an unwitting mentor.

March 24, 2007

358. Samir

Samir was not pleased when I joined his project team. He was less pleased when my organization skills put me in a leadership role. He quit the team because he couldn't stand to work for a woman. Classic male chauvanist.

March 27, 2007

361. Helen

Helen is a teenaged mystery to me now, but I remember bundling her into a baby backpack for her first floppy foray into the outdoors. She's grown up fast and far away – I'm very sorry I missed most of it.

March 28, 2007

362. The Dish

Taking reverse sexism by storm, each girl in my office clique claimed a dishy coworker. My Dish had a cleft chin, a sparkle in his eye and a haircut that made him look like he'd stepped out of a movie.

March 29, 2007

363. Jenn

Jenn seemed to have it easy; Mom & Dad never yelled at her for fighting with me even when she started it. We were (usually) best of friends as kids and though distance separates us now, I love her hugely.

March 30, 2007

364. Joe

Joe figured out early that if you couldn't be book smart, it paid to be funny. He was the class clown, always cracking jokes and doing silly things to deflect attention from his lack of homework preparation. Schoolgirl crush material.

March 31, 2007

365. Dad

The bookend of my world and 40x365. Dad spoke wisely, believed in joy, thought logically. He invented and created, kept his workplace tidy, preferred home to abroad. He knew and shared the tricks to get through life. I miss him.