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282 [MISSING PAGE 1] [pg 2] have been trying to plan for the distant future without sacrificing too much to it. Without being willing to insist that it is the only satisfactory way. I have returned again and again to the thought that professional training (beyond college level) is an important prerequisite to almost any jobs of the sort that I could really be enthusiastic about. This does not mean an academic career; I am no longer considering teaching, either in college or at any other level; social work; or activities related to either. I am thinking, however, of Public Administration, International Law, possibly other fields of law, and the like. The reason why it is important now to consider further training is that, under the extremely liberal provisions of the “G.I. Bill of Rights,” I can get a year's tuition and fees, money for books, etc. (up to $500) wherever I choose to study, plus $75 a month toward living expenses - and no restriction on part-time work if I can carry a full course besides. It's an opportunity not to be tossed aside [pg 3] lightly; on the other hand, it isn't worth a moment's consideration if it doesn't guarantee me a job, and a good one, on completion of any given course. In this matter I am being advised by Don van Koughnet, a brilliant, successful and altogether likeable lawyer who once taught country school in Northern Minnesota and had to ride horseback several miles through the winter snows to do so. Now a member of a private law firm, Don has spent the better part of his career in government service and can tell me a good deal about the latter in general. I have Slicer working for me, too. His mother is secretary to Congressman Cooley of North Carolina and has had him send me information on the civil service, with a promised letter (about certain specific fields) yet to come. These are not new developments; I just mention them so that you'll know I've been thinking and taking some sort of action for the future. You may be sure, darling, that [pg 4] if (through the US Employment Service or other source) I learn of suitable employment with favorable chances of advancement but without any pre-requisite training. I shall dismiss thought of the latter, for it has obvious disadvantages. If the schooling seems advisable but may be gained at night over a period of not more than a couple of years. I may consider that, since it would not mean a reduced income. In many ways I look somewhat gladly toward this time of [?] and expanding horizons: among my terms, or at least ranking as major considerations, will be where we are to live. It will not be New York under any but exceptional circumstances, nor San Francisco (if it means living with city itself); and who knows? You may get to see some more of America. I think you would enjoy Indianapolis, or any one of many that size in the Middle West. Or perhaps it will be Washington, and we shall live ten miles out of town and have a car. [pg 5] I will let you know from time to time what I am deciding or finding out, but not so often as to keep you in a stir. Some people like to conjure up all the possibilities and, anticipating them, relish them all without having to do to the trouble of following them up, for you, now, I think it is best to accept what comes without speculating too much as to what might be. I'll let you in on any major decision. #328, 9 - The icebox episode, involving Dickie et al. was funny. Yes, he deserved the spanking. I do hope I'll be in on the first wearing of the new snowsuit. By the way, I hope you won't scold me for what I've done with your nice cotton material. I wanted Shiba and Shibata to make a second kimono out of it (one of the baby blue material is ordered) and they didn't want to - the pattern, they said, was more appropriate [pg 6] to a middle-aged woman. They offered, without acquisitiveness, to swap an equal amount of other material for it - that shiny-surfaced, one-side-printed stuff - and I let them have their way, forgetting till later that it makes no difference to us that the pattern is inappropriate from Japanese standards. There will be enough material of one kind or another to make 2 dolls of, or to swap for appropriate material with which to have them made. Shiba and Shibata accepted your gifts with thanks but, according to custom, did not open them on the spot. They and tohers in the shop crowded around to see several of the snapshots of Wendy in the kimono which they had made - “Ah-h-h…Kawai, des na…” Friday night at the end of class I received another set of beads, this time made by the wife of one of my adult students, and one of those painted scarves with inscriptions that are both amusing and a little touching. [pg 7] I'll send you the bead, I think - will make it the last set, unless you tell me you can find recipients for an indefinite number (how about a set to Mother, one to Muz and one to Jean?) - even though two are already packed in the box that is waiting for a “Postmaster: May Be Opened…” seal before it can be mailed. Those latter, incidentally - or have I mentioned it? - had a little mold on them. Let me know if it has spread to the point where they must be thrown away. I shall look for the July 2nd issue of Life; I've received the one prior to it and should get it soon. No, I never received the piece of birthday cake, though I suppose I shall in good time. Hearing of Wendy is my chief delight. I think I have known since before she was born that she would be as she is, an eminently satisfactory baby - I love her spirit as you describe it - and as you are developing it, darling. Time for bed. I love you Warren
