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I remember my astronomy professor teaching the definition of work:

In physics, a force is said to do work if, when acting on a body, there is a displacement of the point of application in the direction of the force. Thanks Wikipedia!

I remember him saying "so I know when you stay up all night writing a paper it feels like work but it really isn't. I mean it is work. But not really." This is based on writing not yielding much in the way of W=Fs. I was a theatre major. Who knows? So feel free to wiki to your hearts content about the formula or the definition. Moving on. 

At present I have people in my life that don't consider being a comedian "real work" either. So what makes an activity work? Does it have a certain dollar amount attached to it? Is writing a novel a hobby but pumping gas work? Is it more noble to be a parent of one or a CEO who employs thousands? What is work? 

I'm grumpy about this topic because my friends always ask me if I am going to look for a job. One friend (well maybe ex-friend after this little gem of a moment) came to see my new apartment and handed the housewarming greeting card to my girlfriend saying "I'll let you open this since you are the one that works." In my own fucking home! Unbelievable. I wanted to punch him in the throat. Or at least put my thumb in his pizza that I paid for! I did neither.

But getting back to the original question of what is work? In this instance a friend and supporter, a person who has been to countless gigs, doesn't think I am entitled to open a fucking card. I could see if it had a Home Depot card in it that he assumed I would try to trade for food stamps or something. Or had a pouch of diamonds that I would surely hock to by the Richard Pryor collection and a side of heroine. But no. This was just your run of the mill, Dollar Store greeting card. Who doesn't deserve to open a card? Apparently this artist?

Because who you are reading about here is the new and improved Michelle. The Buddhists Michelle. The kinder and gentler... well at least guilt ridden enough to to try to be kinder and gentler Michelle. In this moments of disrespect and misunderstanding I am reminded of a teaching from the leader of my Buddhist study circle. Although he is well into his golden years, my instructor told us of how his son suggested that since he is still able-bodied that he go out and find a job." "I have a job", he replied. "It is to teach Buddhism to whomever will listen." 

I listened. I really did. But for the record. I HAVE A JOB! IT IS TO BE A MOTHER-LOVING COMEDIAN - to whomever will listen.