Dreamboat Annie

Those of you who know me please don't take that title the wrong way! The song reflects how I feel today. Amazingly calm despite a hectic and in some ways stormy day.

It's amazing how a potentially very humiliating and disturbing experience can rebound in your favor.

I made a presentation to all the big shots where I work including the biggest shot. I was very nervous about it, and I'm usually relaxed. It went very well, with the Big Guy liking what I said.Then he had to leave early, and the second he did, another less big cheese jumped down my throat. Looked me right in the eye with a furious look on his face, said he couldn't believe that we'd dared go as far as we did in my study, did I seriously believe that XX would use the info, and that it was totally unuseable by him (and he needed it to be).

I answered really calmly, although my face was red. Said that XX already had the report and had for a month, and some other facts that I can't remember now. My boss M jumped in and backed me up, then HIS boss did the same. Everyone else around the table was shocked and/or sympathetic--it was great to notice it. The PIA (pain in ---) kept attacking, we (I) kept answering calmly, factually. He looked like an idiot.

And the best part, afterwards the #2 person in the room apologized on behalf of the Big Guy for PIA's behaviour. That is a HUGE thing in my organization. So now PIA is in trouble with the Big Guy. I'm thrilled.

Actually he was setting the stage for trying to hide work that we need to get done, by casting doubt or trying to on me. Luckily my standing's pretty strong, and the way he behaved made him look like an idiot. So basically I won all around, although it wasn't comfy for a while.

Then I had a meeting with someone who wants my/our advice on something. This is a great type of person to deal with--eager to learn, bright and analytical. And HE WANTS TO MAKE THINGS BETTER. That always makes someone OK in my book. Not that I was in the mood for the meeting, but I sure got into it fast. Sent him alllll kinds of goodies information wise at 6:00 tonight.

Then got another work call...Don't remember when I left but it sure was close to 7:00 if not later.

It was great of M to come in for that meeting today. He is sick, poor baby. It's flu (fever, sore throat, etc.). I told him before the meeting that I like his style (OK OK in a work way, I made that clear!). Also ---another great part---after the meeting, I was about to leave his office and said that I was wrong about him a long time ago (originally I was told he was a jerk and I bought into it for years until we started working together, and discovered how great he is). I had taken that nice statement back during an argument we had, and wanted him to know that I was angry at that time, and yes I was wrong in the first place.

He got this 'shiny eyes' look on his face. I know it now, I'm not sure what emotion's behind it. He just looks delighted, gets this incredible grin on his face that encompasses his eyes too (his eyes shine and grin. It's weird but great) when he knows that he's got me. I love that look. Wish I knew what it meant but hell I'll take it whatever it is. Just writing these words makes me warm about it. Probably have no reason at all to do that but hey that's how I'm built, to quote him.

Asked Jer to cut down on the discussions we have about LC. I hope they get together, I just don't need an hourly update (and I have nothing to offer right now anyway). He thinks he bugs me. He doesn't (well not exactly it's the TMI that does it) . He wrote me a song! It's lovely.

Now those of you thinking that something romantic is brewing there go wash your brains out with soap. Not happening. We're together in life, as buds. After 33 years you do get into a pattern. But BOY are we buds.

Didn't get to see Pauly, he was at home again today. Missed him but then the day was so hectic I didn't have much chance to yack. And he called to wish me good luck in the morning. THAT is a true pal. And how is THIS for spoiled: Jer called to wake me up ce matin.

OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH man I have the best friends in the entire planet and universe. IN case I never mentioned it to you guys: Peggy, Zel, Marc, Jery, Pauly, Ray DiBlasi and Mikey--I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Went to lunch at a Vietnamese place with another pal who needed to vent. Has it ever occurred to any of you what spring rolls feel like? And if you get what I mean, isn't it hard to get yourself to bite one? (I bet all the guys are squirming now). WEll I can't help it if they design spring rolls to odd dimensions! And the texture too....ohhhh never mind!

I swear, February-March is NO time to be in this town. Everyone seems to be suffering the most right about now. Am having lunch on Friday with another pal who is having the same issue.

BTW what are the odds of a microwave AND phone (new one) dying on the same morning? The morning of a big presentation. Yah, I thought so too. Replaced both on the way home but was not thrilled about it. Those new micros are heavy suckers. I got tired waiting for someone to bring it to the car so I did it. Got it home and found out that in order to open the micro's door I needed to put a platform under it, because the micro fits into a built-in cabinet in my 1986 vintage townhouse. S0000 had to head right back to Home Depot. Isn't that STUPID? Well, I thought so but hey it was fast, cheap ($17) and it works. And doesn't look at all bad.

Now I need to trap a victim into taking the old micro into the basement, where mounds of junk are accumulating and who knows, multiplying in anticipation of the arrival of the junk man.

OK I"m getting silly, time to sleep. Amazing how nice people were to me after PIA's nonsense (he had not read the report). Thanks man!
Thanks for the song and wake up call, Jer!
Thanks for the phone call, Pauly!!
Thanks for the coffee and 2 hour conversation, Zel!Thanks for being you, M.
Love you all more than I'll ever be able to express.

Most gratefully yours, Bridg