I Left Aaron Sorkin Speechless!

With the buzz swirling around Steve Jobs, the movie based on Walter Issacson’s biography of the brilliant yet narcissistic founder of Apple, it was a priviledge to attend a screening organized by my union. The successful screenwriter Aaron Sorkin and I both belong to the Writer’s Guild of America, and frankly, that may be where the similarity ends.   Once upon a time I penned words for Diane Sawyer and Sam Donaldson on PrimeTime Live, but that was another lifetime ago. 

Aaron Sorkin

Sorkin was going to engage in a Q&A after we screened his latest film, so this was my second chance to ask him a question. I blew it last time when Sorkin did a Q&A after screening  the Social Network, another brilliant, rapid-fire tome that makes writer’s like me throw up our IPads and search for a dog walking job. I was intimidated by the master wordsmith’s presence and unsure of what to say, but I was younger then.  This time I was not going to throw away my shot.

Sitting in the front, I shot up my hand and was the first person called.  I said, “I loved this film but I don’t have a question about it. I’ve waited a long time to say this.  I want to thank you for the West Wing.  I have multiple sclerosis and for years in our support groups, we complained about the need for a poster child, ala Michael J. Fox with Parkinson’s disease.  Someone with an unpredictable affliction, but who still gets up, takes the nasty drugs and gets on with it. Then you gave President Jed Bartlett MS.  Fiction or not, I don’t think we could have asked for a better role model.”

There is no question that this disease can be a nightmare, and a cure cannot come soon enough, but you probably know someone who has it and, like President Bartlett, has not disclosed that he or she has MS.  The ramifications can dramatically affect employment, relationships, and friends.  So, many of us keep the secret, quietly dealing with the “invisible” yet often debilitating symptoms.  You cannot see fatigue, incontinence and cognitive issues, but working through them is often not an option.

Readers of almostfreeny know I consider myself lucky.  I had a generous disability policy, a supportive family, and as a lifetime member of the WGA, I get to see a lot of free movie screenings, but I will never forget the one at which one of my heroes, Aaron Sorkin thanked me, wished me good health and said, ”You’ve left me speechless…and that doesn’t happen too often!”

 Thank you, Aaron Sorkin. 

Free Waxing

Back to saving money!  As a hairy Italian, I have become a devoted customer of European Wax Center, which has establishments all over the place.  It is pricey, but on a recent visit a waxer let me in on a little secret. Before the licensed technitians get hired, European Wax Center puts them through a thorough vetting. To do this,like hairdressers, they need models to practice on to show their stuff!

At the entrance to the place I frequent, there was a small clip board for "Expert Wax Models" to sign up.  If selected, you get 3 free wax treatments of your choice.  Considering the price of this excellent waxing, this is a great deal!  If you want to avoid the model route, they do give you the first wax free.  Tell them you learned about it from me!

 If you enjoyed this blog, please forward it to a friend.  Sign up to receive it by email or to comment. I love to hear your thoughts and I will respond.  Have a peaceful week.

Stay calm & carry on...Lori