(aka Bike) Part 998 by Angharad Copyright © 2010 Angharad
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“I don’t want you to retire, Daddy,” I told him, although I suppose after I’d ignored his wishes I could hardly expect him to consider mine.
“I may no’ hae a choice, they ken it wis me wha telt the paper.”
“Tell them I changed my mind.”
“I wish you would, Cathy,” Gareth complained.
“Sorry, I’ve made my mind up–the kids come first.”
“I thought you were a career woman,” opined Stella wiping the pizza crumbs from her face with her napkin.
“I am.”
“Well you’re missing out on the biggest single step in it, aren’t you?” she challenged, and Gareth nodded.
“Well that’s my loss, isn’t it?”
“And that of women in general.”
“How do you work that out?” I replied to Stella’s unexpected feminist attack.
“How many women lead international teams of scientists?”
“I have no idea, and to be honest, I don’t exactly care.”
“Ooh, Cathy, how can you be so unsympathetic?”
“Oh shut up, Stella–you’re a convenient convert to the cause, aren’t you?”
“Ooh, listen to Mother Theresa.” Stella switched to sarcasm.
“Look, I’ve made my decision, why can’t you all accept and respect it?”
“Because we think you could have done better.” Stella was not going to let things rest, which coming from her, irritated more than sitting in a nettle patch. Don’t ask me how I know.
“I don’t keep asking you why you don’t go back to nursing, because I respect your right to choose.”
She gave me a filthy look and flounced out of the room, one down two to go. Trish came and stood by me.
“I’m glad my mummy isn’t going to be going away all the time.”
“So am I,” said the two boys and the other two girls.
“I respect your right to choose,” said Julie, trying to keep everyone on board, including Gareth, at who she was making eyes, and who was totally ignoring her.
“Right you lot, time for bed.” It was a bit early, but I felt knackered and couldn’t go myself until they were in bed.
The phone rang, Julie answered it, “It’s Daddy.”
I took the cordless handset and walked into the lounge for a little privacy. “You been trying to get me, Babes?”
“Yes, where have you been?”
“One of my team was leaving, so we all went out for dinner.”
“You’re back early?”
“Well, I want to be down for Livvie’s party, and I’ve got a few things to do first thing.”
“Have you? Oh well, see you at the hotel then.”
“What did you ring for?”
“Oh, I’ve made a decision now.”
“On what?”
“A job offer, why?”
“Who with?”
“The UN.”
“As in United Nations?”
“No, as in unlisted numbskulls–what else?”
“What do they want you for?”
“They’re starting an investigation into the ecology of the planet, I was asked to lead the European team.”
“Congratulations.”
“What for?”
“The new job.”
“I turned it down.”
“Playing them for a pay rise, are you–clever girl.”
“No, I said I didn’t want it.”
“Why ever not–wouldn’t it look rather good on your CV.”
“Underneath child neglect and poor mothering skills?”
“What are you on about, Babes?”
“We have five children.”
“I can count to five, I’m a banker.”
“They need someone to look after them until they either grow up or leave home or both.”
“Yeah, I’ve also been a child, I know about these things.”
“Children need parents–the reason we have them all here is that they need us.”
“Well you’d only be working, it’s hardly a lifetime’s commitment is it?”
“My commitment to them is unconditional.”
“Why do I feel like you’re trying to make me feel guilty?”
“I’m not but you’re only here at weekends most of the time.”
“Yeah, don’t you think I know that–I miss you all more than I can say, but someone has to do my job, and at my salary, we all enjoy the benefits.”
“Yes, I know darling, I’m not criticising, I’m saying one of us needs to be here, and as you have a commitment to your job and to the family business, it has to be me–and I’m not too displeased with that–I like being with our kids.”
“So it’s goodbye to job prospects then?”
“No, I have plenty to do–and I’m beginning to think there are more important things than a career. Being happy in what I do is one of them.”
“If you say so, Babes, but I thought saving the world was another.”
“There are loads of people who can help to save the world, it doesn’t especially need me–that was just an egoistic delusion.”
“Can you put that in writing so when you’ve changed your mind next week, I can show it to you?”
“Simon, aren’t you supposed to be supporting me?”
“Yeah, to the tune of a couple o’ thousand a month, why?”
“I meant, morally and emotionally backing my decision, that sort of thing.”
“Oh I do, Babes, but when someone else is doing it, I don’t want you grumbling what a mess they’re making, and you would have done it better.”
“I don’t do that, do I?”
“Not all the time no: look, I need to go I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay, darling, I love you.”
“Yeah, okay, see ya.”
I wondered if he had someone else, he doesn’t seem to be half as affectionate as he usually is. I know I keep on about this, and my being less than perfect and then he denies it and reassures me I’m perfect for him. But I do worry, I’d be lost without him.
“Mummy, we’re ready for our story now,” Trish was in her pyjamas and poking me on the hip.
“Have you cleaned your teeth?”
She bared them at me and I could see bits of toothpaste on the edges of her lips.
“Come on then, sweetheart, do you know what you want me to read?”
“Can we do Twice Upon A Time?”
“Of course we can.”
As we went upstairs I saw Gareth and Stella were in deep conversation, so maybe my hints had done some good. Trish pulled at my hand and I settled down to begin reading the children’s story set in the Second World War.
Comments
Nice one by Cathy. I find
Nice one by Cathy. I find that kind of feminism annoying, that she has to take the job to promote women's rights or something! The whole point of equal rights is that we have the choice of what we do, rather than being straitjacketed into being housewives or one of a tiny subset of jobs deemed 'suitable' for women. It's not like Cathy's 'letting the side down', anyway. She's already accomplished a lot academically and professionally, and will no doubt continue to do so. She's just not willing to sacrifice her family to get one more notch on her belt.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now and just say nice chapter Angharad! :)
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
>> She's already accomplished a lot academically
Actually, not. She's not a professor and not tenured, just a glorified grad student, more or less, who's done some interesting work which might be rewarded down the line if she keeps it up, but the rules for academia are "What have you done recently?" and "How often have you been cited?" The only way one receives those rewards is if one runs a little farm of researchers and furthers the work and prestige of the university.
Cheers,
Puddin'
-
Cheers,
Puddin'
A tender heart is an asset to an editor: it helps us be ruthless in a tactful way.
--- The Chicago Manual of Style
>>> She's already accomplished a lot academically
Puddin is right.
I think even academically Cathy did the right thing. She has no PhD, which is the usual thing you'll need to be taken serious in an academic environment (sometimes sadly enough, I have seen it quite often that people listen to an absolut dummy only because he has a PhD, while ignoring the MSc who actually knows what he is talking about). It would be better for her to concentrate her small spare time on the environmental program, doing some research and publich stuff, whoch at the end can lead to a PhD. Maybe aiming for a cumulative PhD, which for someone like might be more feasable. That would give her an academic foundation to build on.
I think she would have needed a lot (actually A LOT) energy just to fight for respect and not to be treated like a mere good looking spokeswomen, if she would have gone to the UN.
Can't wait for my bike-fix tomorrow morning (CEST)...
Really!
I don't think this 'mothering' thing is going to hold out. I wonder if Simon might be more perspicacious than he's brassica looking.
Ah well all we can do is wait and see. I reckon a large lady will persuade her otherwise, bit like Mrs Doubtfire but more use to handling hot stuff.
Ouch! Am I first again. Oh, - no.
I must be impatient though..
You keep writin' it lady, I'll keep reading it, - an' lovin' it.
Love and hugs.
OXOXOX
Beverly.
I must be tired. It's late and I'm ramblin a bit.
Reactions of others
Well, the list of those who agree and disagree with Cathy's decision makes interesting reading:
Disagree: Stella, Gareth, Tom
Ambivalent: Simon, Julie
Agree: Henry and the rest of the kids
I suspect that Stella and Gareth aren't about to leave this alone either.
I'm surprised that Simon doesn't organise things so that he can work from home at least one or two days each week. After all, he managed to telecommute when he was injured.
Patchy Support
Bike Archive
Bike Resources
How is this gonna work out?
You know Cathy is going to do it. The only question is how....and we never did hear who she had in mind to be a Nanny for the kids.
JessicaLK
JessicaLK
Hmmmm
I understand it's an honor and all that. I understand that Cathy made up her mind.
Cathy has a BIG pile of things on her plate. SOME had to give. She COULD have dumped something she's already committed to do. She could do a worse job at all of them. Or she could turn down the new one.
Okay, her supporters are the young children. They prefer to have their mommy readily available. No surprise there. They don't really understand the kind of honor the job offer actually is. And, they don't really care. Normal children.
Seems most of the adults in her life ONLY see the honor of the new position. Those that are a little concerned for Cathy looked to find ways to "mitigate" the impact on the other things (nanny, assistants, etc.). But, most just don't seem to see her priorities, despite her regular statements to that point. I find this a tad disturbing, to be honest. They act as if they know what's good for her, and that her statement is just her way of putting herself down, rather than saying what she wants.
For Simon and Garth, it's more understandable. After all, it IS the "traditional" male approach. For Stella? I suspect it's projecting her wants onto Cathy, to some extent.
The one that's interesting is Tom. He sees the honor to his "daughter", and assumed she'd love the honor (I suspect she actually does appreciate being asked - to some extent.). I think it never occurred to him that she'd turn it down. And, by leaking the story, he was "basking" in some "reflected glory". No, I don't believe he intentionally went out to embarrass either himself OR Cathy. But, he did "Assume" and we all know what that does.
Thanks,
Ann
P.S. The opinions expressed above are just that opinions. They are also MY opinions and do not reflect the opinions of either of the authors, or any other reader (unless they say so).
Other jobs
Perhaps someone needs to drill into the other adults' heads exactly what Cathy is already committed to:
a) Looking after six children (Julie, being a teenager, may be more independent, but she still needs plenty of parental attention!)
b) Helping to maintain the house
c) Wildlife survey project
d) Bank environmental advisor
Not to mention:
e) Harvest mouse film
f) Checking up on the dormice
g) Checking up on the two Bristol houses
h) Other occasional jobs, e.g. the Sussex speaking engagement
i) Unintentionally being the "Healing Angel"
Cathy is already devoting about 99.9% of her time to the service of others, so any additional responsibilities can only come at the expense of existing responsibilities (particularly the first three). And she's already agreed to be the public face of the UN project, so if they need someone to stand in front of TV cameras and explain what they're doing, she'll do it. She's just saying she doesn't need the additional responsibility of doing all the legwork behind the scenes, with others are more than capable of doing.
Besides which, it's not as though they need the additional income - what with Simon's salary and the hefty retainer she's getting from the bank - Tom's probably earning a not insignificant amount and his pension's likely to be quite generous as well.
Maybe if Gareth does hook up with Stella and spends a lot of time around the house, he'll eventually come to realise how busy Cathy's life already is. After all, she's the de facto head of a household containing 3½ adults, 7 children and a dog. Plus regular visits by another adult (temporarily in Southampton General) and child (who's supposed to be working, so has to almost be physically separated from one member of the family in order to get any jobs done!)
As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!
I know you'll all say "typical man" but
I think Cathy should do this job. There is something there that needs her touch. I don't know where or when but IMHO the effort will end up like most UN taskforces, lots of time to accomplish nothing, if Cathy isn't involved.
expecting a dream.
Typical man
Consider it said!
Good for Cathy as she is now
Good for Cathy as she is now sticking to her guns. She is quite right, why does feminist views have anything to do with her decision. She has proven many times, that she is first and foremost a MOTHER and that is her highest priority, as it should be. She is truly living up to what her own Mother told her, when she visited Cathy after she had passed away.
Wow, Angharad, only two more chapters to 1000! Your poor fingers, and Bonzi's paws, must be bleeding by now with all the typing you two have done for so long. Thank you both from a very spoiled fan of 'Bike'. May your story reign supreme for a very long time. Hugs, Jan
I seem to recall
that, when Cathy used her light to try and cure everyone's ills, she had a breakdown and almost died. There is only so much that one person can do. Even Stella pointed out that a £30 million lottery win would yield only enough money to give each person in the UK a few pence.
As has been said, just because she is eminently qualified for the job, it doesn't mean that she has to take it. "If it doesn't make you happy, don't do it."
She'd rather spend what she considers to be important time with her children and that choice should be respected and supported.
All jobs, including high profile ones, should be filled on the basis of qualification, not gender or age, but everyone should ultimately have the right to choose.
Nice one as usual Ang.
Susie
£30 million lottery win
Well, fifty p
Cheers,
Puddin'
-
Cheers,
Puddin'
A tender heart is an asset to an editor: it helps us be ruthless in a tactful way.
--- The Chicago Manual of Style
Bike pt 998
Glad that Simon SEEMS to be backing Cathy. But could her stance get Stella and Gareth hitched? And why do men pine for Cathy? She MUST have some sort of sex appeal that Venus dumped on her. Maybe Cathy visited Ovid and forgot.
May Your Light Forever Shine
May Your Light Forever Shine
Cathy Has Her Priorities In The Right Place
Cathy has her priorities in the right place. There are some people who think that being a mother somehow makes it seem like they are somehow lowering themselves. Cathy realizes that the kids need a sense of stability in their lives right now. Simon can't be there all the time because he is providing for them financially. There are studies where women who stay home and take care of the family are being assigned a monetary value based on all they do for the family. I think it broke down that they would be paid for at least five different jobs if the husband had to hire someone to do what they do if they died. I think they use this information to determine the amount of Life Insurance to purchase for the stay-at-home moms/wives. I think it breaks down something like this: Babysitter, Cook, Maid, Taxi service, Accountant, Teacher and Laundry Service. Simon is getting a bargain for his 2000 a month. There is a saying that goes: The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world" I also loved her description of the U.N. Unlisted Numbskulls is a pretty good description of some of them LOL!
Hmmmm
I always thought of them as Unmitigated Nincompoops'
Kim
It Is Very Hard To Adequately Say Thankyou
I cannot conceive how you have found the energy to provide such a large daily volume of unique, literate and attention getting writting. All the characters in the central family are warm, written in depth and interesting to know. Daily, I look forward to my opportuity to be a fly on the wall of kathy's life. It is hard to believe that we are all rushing toward the one thousanth episode. When you started this adventure you were uncertain as to how long the experiment would endure or be of interest. Some experiment! Total success! A millenium of humble but heartfelt thanks
Another Brian
Wow, almost a thousand chapters!
Wow, almost a thousand chapters!
This is the tale that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friend.
Some people started reading it, not knowing what it was,
and they'll continue reading it forever just because...
This is the tale that never ends, yes it goes on and on…
Just teasing, love the story look forward to it every time!
It's like a favorite soap opera!
Well here goes!
My two pence worth.
I had to do it as we are now approaching the 1000 mark. I read it every day and love its soap like qualities. The only thing missing is Cathy coming out of the shower to find that it’s all a dream.
I do wonder how many keyboards Ang has gone through to get to this stage.
Anyway back to the story. Just a few observations.
Firstly, Cathy has had to put on the back burner her desire to become the best she can in her chosen field and make the world a better place.
I do not particularly like the ‘I have to give it all up for the kids argument’ as if this is an either or situation. We live in the world of instant access, video conferencing and remote access. Cathy’s children are at school except I think Meems who would probably go to play school or whatever to interact with other kids.
This leaves Cathy to do other things. What she’s concerned with is quality time with her family. I don’t think that housekeeping, cooking and things like that constitute quality time. Hubby is stinking rich and the rest of the family are hardly paupers. Get help in to do the tasks that don’t involve said quality time. Run the UN thing and delegate like mad. Work around the home life she wants to have and then she might, just might have the best of both worlds.
Anyway, I await with my breath suitably bated for the next instalment of The Waltons – sorry Camerons.
Hugs
Good Night, John Boy...
I don't know about the cleaning - getting someone/a service sounds about right to me. (If I can only convince my wife that we need someone to do that!). Now, the cooking... Or some of it. Sounds like Cathy derives some pleasure from that... Much of the time. So, how about a part time "cook"?
But, I tend to agree that "quality time" is the key. I can see how the number of kids she's suddenly gotten might be overwhelming right now... But, she's struggling, like most "super moms" I know, to do it ALL. And, she feels like she's not managing to make it. (Not necessarily true, but that's what she seems to feel.)
As I've said before, thanks again for yet another episode of "Days of our Lives", no, "As the World Turns", no, it's not that either. M*A*S*H? Okay, there are times where it does resemble that night time soap.
Thanks, anyway.
Ann
>> struggling
True, but it's surprising how quickly the time goes by, and then one is left with the consequences of rash decisions — however well-intentioned — to ponder at leisure.
Cheers,
Puddin'
-
Cheers,
Puddin'
A tender heart is an asset to an editor: it helps us be ruthless in a tactful way.
--- The Chicago Manual of Style
Now, you're talking about...
more than Cathy here. That could apply to so many people. I find myself regularly "struggling"... More than once, I've "pondered" my decision to NOT transition back in '87... Even NOT making a decision actually IS making a decision, generally.
No question time will go by. Assuming Cathy doesn't get twisted around and end up taking the position, she's sure to "wonder" off and on if maybe she should have or if things would have been better had she done so, or some such. Hindsight, as they say, is generally clearer than foresight.
I think the points made earlier (yours included) about Cathy's credentials is important. She has NOT finished her doctorate. In the arena she'd be asked to work with this position, that would likely cause issues. So, no matter how smart, photogenic, connected, etc. she is, she's not likely to command the respect needed to actually run such a group - well not easily anyway. Yes, I've known people that didn't have the "degree" that deserved the respect, and got it (at least in their field) but they are few and far between. Too many people look at the degree, and assume it includes smarts/etc....
Ann
The opposite applies as well
If one has the public eye, universities love to grant honorary degrees to suck up a little of a celebrity's fame, and the home institutions have been known to speed along the process of granting higher degrees for the same reason, because they are, however dignified, still interested in attracting money, and Cathy seems to be a money magnet. Many credentialing committees would find her incredibly alluring, and the fact that her father-in-law owns a major bank wouldn't exactly hurt.
Cheers,
Puddin'
-
Cheers,
Puddin'
A tender heart is an asset to an editor: it helps us be ruthless in a tactful way.
--- The Chicago Manual of Style
It is a little
worrying to see Stella and Gareth in deep conversation, Given Stella's attitude earlier in the chapter,Whatever they are up to you can be pretty sure that Cathy and a certain job will feature somewhere in their talks, All you can say to that is ....Stay strong Cathy remember what really matters too you.
Kirri
Stella
I hope Stella finds someone she can be happy with. When the story was new she came across as a very strong person, as it progressed she became very vulnerable. She needs the support Cathy enjoys, even if it isn't perfect.
I don't think the jury is entirely in on the UN job, I'll see.
A New Job??
Why do I suspect this will not be resolved until episode 1000? or even 1024? Many good points have been both pro and con - and the pro and con can be considered from points of view! Accept it, or turn it down?
There is more this than is being presented at the present.
I will just wait and see. And regardless of how it turns out, I can say, "I told you so!"
999 votes for a wonderful story, Bonzi and Angharad!
By the way, according to what is at the bottom of my screen right now (April 10, 2012) there have been
21,479,672 as of 16 June, 2005, so lots who are reading are not commenting.
Keep us in suspense, Bonzi! Oh, and that personal patch of catnip is at the southwest corner of the patio.
Scrubbies, Bonzi!!!!
Don't let someone else talk you out of your dreams. How can we have dreams come true, if we have no dreams?
Katrina Gayle "Stormy" Storm
Simon was supporting Cathy which ever way she chose.
What would Helen Reddy say ?
I must be a feminist, I was all for it, with of course, the proper nanny.
Cefin