Sun: Anything else on my calendar today, Luna?
Moon: No appointments, Sol, but a reminder that we have to get that email out about the interviews. You've been avoiding it and you told John he could start them when Mercury gets back.
Sun: Shit. I do still have to do that, don't I?
Moon: [nods]
Sun: When does his retrograde end?
Moon: Next Monday. And you can't put it off again.
Sun: [sigh] I guess not. Are you ready?
Moon: Yes. [produces notebook and pen] Would you like to dictate it to me?
Sun: OK. Here we go. "Dear esteemed colleagues, with the rise in interest in studying us among the millenial generation, coupled with the use and accessibility of portable technology, we stand at the precipice of an astrological renaissance."
Moon: [writing] Got it, Sol. Continue.
Sun: "In spite of the rapid rise in interest in astrology, there are still many who do not understand the basic nature of who we are, our roles in astrology, and the major themes or disciplines we represent in the lives of millions."
Moon: [writing] That's very nice. Go on!
Sun: "To ensure that this incredible passion for astrology continues into future generations, we must take bold steps to go where no planets have gone before."
Moon: No, Sol. You can't grab something from Star Trek.
Sun: It's not an exact quote, Luna.
Moon: And it doesn't make any sense at all! We're already up here and we've been here for quite a while already. We're not going anywhere. So that's a big fat no.
Sun: But I really like it!
Moon: It just feels wrong. Fix it. And you know what Mercury would say..."You're addicted to your own prose!"
Sun: FINE. [thinks] "To ensure that this incredible passion for astrology continues into future generations, we must take bold steps to win the hearts and minds of all people regardless of age."
Moon: Have you been reading the military history books again? "Hearts and minds"? This isn't a WAR.
Sun: [frowns] "I have a dream that we can ensure... astrological knowledge and research for generations to come."
Moon: Now you want to plagiarize Dr. Martin Luther King? Did you not think about this at all?
Sun: [glowers] This is harder than it looks!
Moon: [sets down pen and paper] You need to just speak from your heart. You can't be anyone else!
Sun: I'm not sure what you mean.
Moon: Use your own words! Copying others is so trite! If you keep going down this road no one is going to pay attention. What are you going to do next...start out with "Ask not what your astrological planets can do for you..."? Or even "Vive l'astrologie libre!" That's all too contrived!
Sun: Writing sounds easy, Luna. But it's not my forte at all.
Moon: [pause] Then why didn't you ask me for help?
Sun: I don't have a reasoned answer to that question.
Moon: Well, let me answer it for you. It's your ego, Sol. You need to learn to delegate more effectively and give these tasks to someone on your team.
Sun: Like who?
Moon: [glowers at the Sun]
Moon: [picks up pen and notebook again] You just did, Sol. Thank you for your trust and confidence in me! Give me just a moment. [spends about a minute scribbling notes] OK. Want to hear what I've come up with?
Sun: Ummm, sure.
Moon: "Dear esteemed colleagues, with the rise in interest in studying us among the millenial generation, coupled with the use and accessibility of portable technology, we stand at the precipice of an astrological renaissance. In spite of the rapid rise in interest in astrology, there are still many who do not understand the basic nature of who we are, our roles in astrology, and the major themes or disciplines we represent in the lives of millions. As such, our favorite blogger John has asked us to provide unique insights into our job functions and the various themes we represent. He will interview each of us in turn to support our public relations efforts, as many have expressed an interest in understanding us more deeply. You will make yourselves available to him at your earliest convenience, and participation is mandatory. Thank you in advance for your help and cooperation in this extremely important endeavor! Regards, [signature]."
Sun: Wow. That's amazing. Straight from the heart.
Moon: That's why you keep me around, Sol.
Sun: Why did you say it was mandatory?
Moon: Because, dear leader, you know half of them are going to try to get out of it. Especially Jupiter.
Sun: That's true, Luna.
Moon: Any other feedback?
Sun: No. That's excellent work, Luna.
Moon: I thought you might say that, boss. Maybe in the future you could see your way clear to delegating more effectively? You'll feel better.
Sun: Yes, ma'am. I will be guided by you in this.
Moon: [beams] Excellent. Now it's time for you to head home. I'll make sure this email goes out before I leave today.
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