phers for centuries. Needing diaper changes of epic propor- tions. I won't go into the depres- sing details of our financial situation during this period. Suffice it to say that we were in no position to hire a baby- sitter so that I could do my freelance work. Which left me in the Catch-22 situation of not being able to afford childcare in order to work, and not being able to truly work for lack of childcare. So I became a Yelling Mother. Fortunately, my reign as Y. M. was brief as I was able to immediately recognize what I had turned into. Hearing myself utter phrases I swore would never pass my lips, such as "Just wait until your father comes home, you little monsters!" I quickly came to a decision. In short, I gave up my work in order to save my sanity and return to my origi- nal status as Laid-Back Mom. So I became a laid-back F.T.M. period. No freelancing, at least, for a while. I turned down writing assignments and started spending more time in sandboxes. Things, were certainly more placid. I would like to say that my return to the world of work was a carefully orchestrated move, following months of job and soul searching. The truth, however, is that after taking a temporary summer position I answered a Help Wanted ad on a whim, demanded an out- rageous (for me) salary and was shocked to be called back two days after my interview with a job offer at the salary I requested. I accepted the position, of course. So here I am, able to meet my deadlines without chil- dren crawling around my feet, earning a respectable salary which helps to pay the bills my husband has shouldered for the past two years that I was self-employed. Here I am, dressed in skirts and blazers, planning publicity campaigns instead of play dates. I would be lying if I said that the transition was an easy one. For the first three days I sat at my ,desk and had to choke back tears as I stared at the pictures of my children which grace the top of my desk. For those first three interminable days I went through the soul- searching most people go through prior to making dra- matic life changes. And by the fourth day, I felt at peace with my decision. Having found an exception- al young woman to care for my children while I am away from home is not a small part of my peace-of-mind. Having a seven-minute, traffic-tree commute is another impor- tant factor. The company of my employ is small and all- female which is a plus, so far. Three-quarters of us are mothers and when a child- related emergency comes up we don't have to start cover- ing up. True, the pressure starts cooking each day at about three and deadlines are not always easy to meet. Clients can be obstreperous and fax machines break. But I'm not kidding myself. I chose the easy way out. Invites You To Our CHAMPAGNE & WINE OPEN HOUSE! December lst, 2nd and 3rd Come in and tour our facility in style! FEATURING * Free Champagne & Wine * 1/2 Off Initiation Fee * Free CMI Gym Bag with Regular Membership ($50 Value) * Free Limousine Service Certificates with any Membership (Limited Supply) * Music • Aerobic Demonstrations * Posing Demonstrations * Kickboxing & KaerobicsTM Demonstrations * Door Prizes SPECIAL GUEST HOST Na'amat Raises Chanukah Funds "No child in Israel without a Chanukah gift" is the slogan of the Greater Detroit Council of Na'amat USA's an- nual Chanukah campaign, Dollars for David. Na'amat USA raises funds for Chanukah gifts to send to the children in the 500 day care centers and nurseries maintained by Na'amat in Israel. The Dollars for David Cam- paign will culminate in a lun- cheon to be held at noon Dec. 5 in the Sutton Place club house. Musical enertainment will be provided by Dino Valle and Christina Lybecky, lead singers of the Verdi Opera Company. There is a charge. For infor- mation, call Na'amat USA, 967-4750. ELI ZARET Famous Sportscaster & CMI Member Appearing SPECIAL GUEST Friday, 7-9 p.m. Saturday, 2-5 p.m. ALSO APPEARING Parkwood ORT Chanukah Party Parkwood Chapter, Wo- men's American ORT, will have a Chanukah latke party noon, Dec. 6 at the Knob Woods club house. An after- noon of nostalgic musical memories will be presented by Paul Becker, pianist- vocalist. There is a charge. For reservations, call Lillian Goodman, 357-5254; or Cele Jacobs, 546-0294. Women's ORT Fund Raiser Michigan Region Women's American ORT will host a jewelry designer showcase 7-10 p.m. Dec. 2 at 'rapper's Fine Jewelry & Gifts. Na- tional jewelry designers will be in the store to display their creations. One percent of all proceeds will benefit the ORT school operations in the United States. Primrose To Meet Primrose Benevolent Club will meet 11:30 a.m. Dec. 4 at Lincoln Towers club house. A petite lunch will be served. LEDA MURRAY Professional Body Builder 1989 North American Body Building Champion Posing Demonstrations & Autographs Friday. 5 p.m. & 7 p.m. Saturday & Sunday. 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. KEN LEVY a) a) 30333 ■ Southfield CMI Fitness Director Martial Arts Champion Kick Boxing Demonstrations Saturday & Sunday, 1 p.m. Also Special Kaerobics' Demonstrations Saturday & Sunday, 5 p.m. WATCH FOR OUR LASER SEARCH LIGHT & 3-STORY BALLOON *Mention The Jewish News and receive a free guest pass to the club (first time visitors only) CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION 30333 SOUTHFIELD • SOUTHFIELD, MI • 646-8990 CLUB HOURS: Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sat. - Sun., 8 a.m. 8 p.m. HEALTHY OPTIONS, INC. • Weight Control • Individual Counseling • Eating Disorder Specialty 647-5540 DEA FARRAH m SW, ACSW BINGHAM CENTER, BIRMINGHAM David B iber CRISSMAN CADILLAC FINEST PERSONAL SERVICE AFTER AS WELL AS BEFORE THE SALE. Specializing in Employee and Executive Car Sales and Leasing' LEASE RATES AS LOW AS 2.75% FINANCING 644.1930 THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 73