I gave her my life in little pieces, of working long and sleeping little, of wife and lovers come and gone, humble living and late-night typing. For this she gave her simple life at home to work unfettered. A mid-aged woman who loved just once, many years ago, no kids to tend. "I do what I must to stay afloat," I said. My life has come to getting by. Where love and music once filled my nights, I have a room and eat from cans." "I mix avocation and vocation," she replied. "Only employment is hard; work is not. At home with computer alone, I've chosen to blend my work and play." "This is a pleasant life you've found," I mused. "Free from creditors and ex's, free from ghosts of lovers past, free to play with lonely time."