Hi Barbara
Here's something I think you'll appreciate. I met you at a workshop last year. I was a tech writer with a secret desire to be a tribal belly dancer.
Today I'm on medical leave and laid off.
I have a couple of conditions including osteoarthritis in both hands. I'm under 35 and on loads of medications which don't take away the pain. On 9/8 or so, I decided to schedule a temper-tantrum as you have recommended in your book, and I sent my friends the following e-mail:
Subject: Hissy-Fit Potluck
I have a doctor's appointment at 4:15 pm on Tuesday to get the final diagnosis of this Fever of Unknown Origin that I've had for the past year. That evening, I plan to throw a hissy fit. I also plan to throw a potluck.
I'll have scotch, red wine, tea, and water. Oh, and a bowl of almonds. Please bring something else. If enough of the right food doesn't show up, we'll order pizza. People who wish to show up early to help set up are welcome and appreciated.
This is somewhat last minute, so I'll understand if you can't make it. You are a close friend, a sympathetic person, or someone who cracks me up. Perhaps all three. I'll need all three.
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Of course, three people cancelled because of the tragic events of 9/11. But about 20 others showed up and left my condo in 5 times better condition than when they found it. I had such leftovers! Scheduling my hissy fit helped me deal with a major life transformation, and the timing of it helped some friends deal with tragedy on the east coast by helping me out here.