By A. Stephenie Crowley
I don’t want to think that being editor of MAAM makes me sick, but ... here it is deadline again, and here I am sick again. Phoenix, once the haven of those with lung problems, now ranks Number One Allergy Capitol of the Nation. All you immigrants (I can say that because I grew up in New Mexico; now there’s logic for you!) brought your plants - and their pollens - with you, and we now have the highest year-round pollen count in the States.
But all of us bring our baggage with us when we move somewhere new, whether it’s a physical move or a more intangible move into a new job, new situation, or new emotional area. And that baggage isn’t always welcomed by the folks around us!
We’ve got some interesting opinion articles this month from members. Some of you don’t find Mensa gatherings intellectually challenging. I’ll admit that what I remember bringing home from meetings is good new jokes, not food for thought. Some of you still are annoyed by the RG, etc. I think (and as Editor-Goddess, I’m allowed to editorialize) that part of this comes from our baggage. We walk into a meeting hauling a suitcase full of expectations, prejudices, assumptions, rejections, and all the other stuff we’ve learned and suffered from for so many years. Some of it is deserved; some of it has come because we’re all so bright and have been whomped for it in one way or another. But remember, it’s baggage. That means you can leave it at the door.
I suggested one solution to a writer (see "Letters") for intellectual stimulation which I hope he takes me up on. I’ll attend, and the only baggage I’ll bring will be some sort of killer chocolate!
And a parting thought ... stop planting olives!! I’m allergic!!!!!