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Commitment
By
Ralph Wiggum's Astrologer
I’m nothing if not committed. Really. I’m driven. Driven to succeed. Driven to be the best. It keeps me awake at night - my drive. All day and all night, it’s all that I think about. Some people might be bothered by it; by this lack of sleep, by these dreams, by these ideas, by these thoughts and urges and….
…
I’m sorry.
I must have blanked out. Voices in the hallway stirred me back up. I know you’re counting on me here, counting on me to finish writing this story. It’s tough though; tough to stay focused. The time it takes to write these thoughts is time wasted, I think. It’s time that I could, and should, be using to pursue my goals and dreams instead.
That’s ok. I’m nothing if not patient. I’ve got a lot of time. Maybe I’m older than I was when I realized what life had in store for me, but I’m still young, and strong, my mind still sharp, my eyes still focused….
…
Sorry. Becky was at the door. “Just checking up on you,” she said. It’s sweet, the excuses she makes to flirt with me. And she is very pretty. Poor thing. Doesn’t she know she doesn’t have a chance? When all my plans come together, it’s sad to say, she will be forgotten.
She does have her uses though. She just brought me some lunch. Very thoughtful really. The food is a little bland; cafeteria-quality I suppose. A sandwich, an apple, some milk. I guess it’s the thought behind it that counts. I’ll have to pay her back in some way, some day. I’m nothing if not generous. Maybe I could surprise her with a vacation. Somewhere exotic. Somewhere beautiful. Tropical, a beach, with white sand, and seashells, and rolling waves….
…
A new day. What lies in store? Lots to do, that’s for sure. Breakfast was rather dull. Cereal and juice. A couple of eggs. Some bacon. I should really learn how to cook for myself. I’ve never had the need before, I guess. I do know I would make a great chef though. No cookbooks for me either. Too much clutter. I would need the space for fresh fruits and vegetables. Ingredients that I would use for sumptuous dishes. Putting together feasts and banquets would be simple for a man like me. I’m nothing if not talented.
Time to get dressed. I have a very important meeting this afternoon. Ronald Mason is the gentleman’s name. Not Ron, and definitely not Ronny, but Ronald. A very interesting fellow. Well-schooled. A little too inquisitive perhaps. Loves to ask questions. Sometimes when we get together, it seems that all I do is answer his questions; “How are you doing?” “How are your plans coming along?” “Do you think you are making any progress?”
…
Yesterday’s meeting went well. Ronald showed me some of his designs. Definitely some interesting patterns in his portfolio. He showed me each and every one of them and asked me what I thought. By the end of our meeting, it was almost like a game. “What do you think of this one? And this one? And this one?” Ronald really enjoyed my responses. He told me so. His praise doesn’t surprise me much. I’m nothing if not creative.
I joined some friends for dinner tonight. I’ve only known them for a couple of years, but it is surprising how much we have in common. We get together fairly regularly. Tonight we dined on pasta. Very good. It came with a side salad and some garlic bread. I passed on the white sauce. Too many empty calories I think. Instead I had mine with the meat sauce. Not too much though. I like to watch what I eat. Physical fitness is very important to me. The body is a temple; I believe that very much. Exercising takes up a lot of my days, and I’m nothing if not driven.
The building I live in has a common room. My friends and I met there after dinner. Some of the girls from down the hall met us there as well. Becky wasn’t there, unfortunately, but it was still a very enjoyable evening. Drinks were served. I stuck with the apple juice. No alcohol for me. Nor caffeine. I can’t touch those poisons. I prefer to keep my mind clear, my body strong, my instincts honed, my emotions in check…
…
Becky stopped by early this afternoon. She’s so sweet. She brought me lunch again: Grilled cheese, an orange, and a slice of pie. She really does make good pie. Maybe we do have a future together. A pretty girl who loves to cook for me. I’m not sure how she would fit into my present plans, but perhaps I can make some changes. I’m nothing if not flexible.
Later this afternoon I went for a walk. A beautiful day. The birds were singing and the air was fresh. I really don’t get out enough. Not enough time I guess. I’m much too busy. It’s nice to get out and feel the warm sun, to see the leaves move in the breeze, to hear the birds, and watch the squirrels, and chat with the passers-by…
…
Breakfast was good today. Pancakes and syrup. Fresh fruit. Very enjoyable. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And today is a very important day. I’m meeting with Ronald again this afternoon. He’s spent the last couple of days looking through my notes and ideas, and today he’s going to fill me in on the progress I’m making. If our last meeting is any indication, I’m sure everything will be a big success. I’m nothing if not confident.
…
Today’s meeting did not go as well as I had hoped. Ronald doesn’t feel that he is capable of helping me any further. He feels, after studying my thoughts and ideas, that I would be better off talking with someone with a little more special expertise. He’s recommending me to Dr. Watkins. I’ve heard, through my dinner mates, of Dr. Watkins. He’s very tough, no nonsense. I don’t believe that will be a problem. After all, my ideas are sound, my goals are attainable, my points are valid, my plans are reasonable… I am nothing if not sensible.
…
A new girl named Samantha brought me my lunch today. She is very appealing, with wavy chestnut colored hair and big brown eyes. A slim figure, although her outfit doesn’t do much for her. I think she likes me too. After all, I’m nothing if not desirable. She brought me some tomato soup, and a grilled cheese sandwich. A slice of pie for dessert. Her pie tastes a lot like Becky’s. I’ll have to ask her about that.
When she comes to, that is. I guess they forgot to tell her that my restraints should never be loosened, especially after the Becky-thing… I am nothing if not quick when I have to.
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