You are right, Patty, there was a time when I made an extraordinary amount of money. I have done world tours on topics as diverse as anything therapeutic to wild parrots to AIDS. I wrote the government's first official book on AIDS, the first of my two books, and had dinner at the White House for it. I ran a private practice for 25 years, specializing in couple's counseling and "censored" therapy. One of my greatest accomplishments is raising a son who can think, and sending him to a great school. That son is today a congressman, at the age of 28. My other three are equally accomplished.
So you got me, Patty, I made the mega bucks. Ten years ago, at the age of 40, I was diagnosed with a form of Parkinson's Disease. On a bad day, I can no longer write, use a fork or button my shoes, and I walk with assistance. On a good day, at least I can read my writing (I am lucky, touch typing is an autonomic reflex, though I typo a lot.) Sometimes I can even jog again. Stress antagonizes Parkinson's, and I am not reliable. Professional work requires reliability, and shopping is a lark. The mystery shop companies, many of them, understand this, and are willing to trade a little rope for the snappy prose style inspired by those four degrees you mention.
I have no need for pity; I believe we are all here to be tested, and this is my trial. When I pass over the Horizon, I plan to have earned it. I live on a beautiful lake; some days I sit by it, some I jog around it. I have a thousand things I am interested in, many of them can lend comfort to another.
I bother to address you, Patty, because ultimately I always have to face the alpha female syndrome. If you don't understand the reference, email me, and I will explain it to you. Email me, like you should have done when you had a private issue with someone. For you have neither cowed or embarrassed me; you are just another soul who attempted to boost herself by bringing down another. Your Karma is your own. I am being more gentle with you now, than you were with me.
For the rest of you, I only stay if I am wanted. If by mind or heart I can help you, please ask. If I find I am not wanted, there are other playgrounds with greener grass. The greatest insult I could give to all of you is to "dumb down" my writing; this is who I am, how I speak, how I live.
I hope we have many fine times ahead.