John and I had a lively conversation with a friend who has done well as an independent contractor. He explained his latest project which apparently John understood but I was mystified. Until he admitted that the job had taken nine months when the deadline was three. That I comprehend.

"Requirement creep." Was this a slur on the boss who hired him? 

Apparently it refers to when the specs become a moving target. Broader scope, larger expectations, more money. They ask for something within reason and once they have you the job swells like those expanding sponge toys you put in the bathtub to entertain your toddler, hoping he won't choke on it. 

If you ask a young woman in love what she is hoping for from her future husband the answer is usually simple.

"I just want us to be together," she sighs, meaning it with every fiber of her being. 

Ah, yes. If it were possible to get that in writing and bring it out a few years later when her requirements have had a chance to creep, her response might be mixed. I know mine have. Being together is peachy but hey what about the empty gas tank in the car I will drive tomorrow morning, and the cds I need him to burn? 

Last week I was with an elderly widow, one who has completed her share of projects and raised a gaggle of children. I had the feeling as we sat watching the birds that all she wanted was for them to be together.