Eileen Creeger, mother of two grown sons and grandmother to four adorable grandchildren, jokingly says that after working part-time for many years in various administrative jobs she had a mid-life crisis.

Through career counseling she discovered that she loved working with words.

What made you decide to enter the writing contest?

A couple people mentioned it to me. Years ago, I won a writing contest sponsored by WBAL-Radio and I’m in the women’s blog sponsored by the Myerberg. So, I decided to enter. It took a while to find a “hook.”

If you could go back in time, what career would you have chosen for yourself?

I probably should have been a librarian.

How are you keeping busy/sane during the pandemic?

Exercising through online classes offered at the Myerberg. Afternoon naps are on the agenda, too, some days! I don’t like to spend all day on a screen, so I try to limit screen time to a couple of hours a day. Fortunately, a neighbor has a vast collection of books, and before the library reopened, she was very generous about lending books. I stream Netflix and Amazon Prime in the evenings if there’s nothing on “regular” tv.  I also volunteer for Suburban Orthodox Congregation on Friday mornings when I can.  When the weather is nice, I putter outside in the garden, but I don’t have much of a green thumb. Winter will be a challenge, as I like being outside.

Ever experience Zoom fatigue?

Yes. It’s ok but no substitute for seeing people in person. Then again, I’m saving money on makeup and clothes!

Name a new technology that you have learned since the outbreak of COVID?

Zoom – and learning how to take a screen shot.

What are your daily habits that help you keep a strong mindset?

Exercising through Zoom classes with the Myerberg and keeping to a schedule of sorts which includes grocery shopping, cooking or activities with Northwest Neighbors Connecting. Dark chocolate helps, too — a couple of squares a day.

Favorite book or podcast?

Two favorite authors are Anne Tyler and Isabel Allende. Don’t know if I have a favorite book though I do read books I like more than once!

Name an interesting virtual event that you attended.

Rabbi Dovid Katz’s lecture series this summer on Jews and Lithuania. Very intense.

In your essay, you mentioned Barbara Streisand’s hit song “People”…what was a favorite song from your youth? Today?

Hmmm… Big Beatles fan — I grew up with them. Can sing all of their songs, naturally.

One of my favorite songs, though, is “Suite Judy Blue Eyes ” by Crosby Stills & Nash (maybe Young, too). I like the Eagles, too. I listen to new, upbeat music when walking on our treadmill or outside, but I don’t know any of the “new” artists except maybe Maroon 5 and Katy Perry.

I don’t “get” rap at all!

You can read Creeger’s winning essay here.