I've been doing more speaking engagements and radio interviews. Today was one of each - I was interviewed for an hour about medical marketing for a podcasted radio show. Then I was asked to fill-in for a lunch seminar (I was asked yesterday afternoon).  

The radio interview was no biggie - since our company is going public, I am not allowed to speak 'on record' for the company. It was challenging for me to not talk about the company, the technology, but instead about myself. 

But the lunch seminar was a hoot. About 30 women. The group meets monthly. I told them that I could talk on Social Media, Email Marketing, Online Advertising, Internet Marketing, or I could answer questions... Decided to answer questions and start conversations from there.

Then, an hour in, MY BOSS SHOWS UP.
(Uninvited, Late, and without a twat)

I acknowledge him and he stands in the back. I'm answering a question about email marketing strategies and he interrupts me - and starts rambling about stuff that I have already talked about.

Every one just looks at him. I have fun poking jokes about how men have shorter attention spans, etc. 
I think he was pretty clueless to the fact that he was intruding...

I haul tail to my afternoon appointments. I was seeing my IVF doc (who referred me to his brother/client from hell). I deliberately haven't brought up his brother to him. The doc said to me in our meeting "I am sorry I referred my brother to you, I know he's a total asshole."

Thank goodness! (I was afraid he was going to hold his brother's ridiculous rantings against me.) My doc thinks his brother is unrealistic, doesn't listen and irrational. 

Had a great visit with him. And knowing that I don't have to handle his brother with kid gloves know is SUCH a relief!

I've been doing more speaking engagements and radio interviews. Today was one of each - I was interviewed for an hour about medical marketing for a podcasted radio show. Then I was asked to fill-in for a lunch seminar (I was asked yesterday afternoon).  

The radio interview was no biggie - since our company is going public, I am not allowed to speak 'on record' for the company. It was challenging for me to not talk about the company, the technology, but instead about myself. 

But the lunch seminar was a hoot. About 30 women. The group meets monthly. I told them that I could talk on Social Media, Email Marketing, Online Advertising, Internet Marketing, or I could answer questions... Decided to answer questions and start conversations from there.

Then, an hour in, MY BOSS SHOWS UP.
(Uninvited, Late, and without a twat)

I acknowledge him and he stands in the back. I'm answering a question about email marketing strategies and he interrupts me - and starts rambling about stuff that I have already talked about.

Every one just looks at him. I have fun poking jokes about how men have shorter attention spans, etc. 
I think he was pretty clueless to the fact that he was intruding...

I haul tail to my afternoon appointments. I was seeing my IVF doc (who referred me to his brother/client from hell). I deliberately haven't brought up his brother to him. The doc said to me in our meeting "I am sorry I referred my brother to you, I know he's a total asshole."

Thank goodness! (I was afraid he was going to hold his brother's ridiculous rantings against me.) My doc thinks his brother is unrealistic, doesn't listen and irrational. 

Had a great visit with him. And knowing that I don't have to handle his brother with kid gloves know is SUCH a relief!

Office slut has texted me three times today and called twice. The last text said "Are you pissed at me?"

My answer is no, I just have no desire to interact with you outside of the workplace or in any personal way.
Reality is that there is nothing you can do. We are coworkers. I will not put any energy or emotional currency into it. 

Dating lately has been rather... bleak.

I dated a Persian guy a few times. Coffee, dinner a few times. He brought flowers several times. He offered to trim the bushes on the side of my house one Saturday while I was working. If I had hired a blind drunk yard person that used dull scissors, it would have turned out better. I had to hire someone else to fix it. (Don't get me wrong - it was a sweet gesture - but how someone could do such a crappy job?) Particularly when you read on...

We're both Falcons fans, so we watched the game at his house about a month ago.

HUGE house. Gorgeous. Nicely decorated. But something was odd... The place looked like a model home. Nothing personal - no pictures, no clutter... His pantry had a box of pasta and a bottle of sauce. Fridge had some bottled water & condiments.

I asked him how long he had lived here. 

Four years.

The plan was to cook dinner & watch the game. He didn't even know how to turn on his oven. 

Four years.

While watching game, he got excited with at TD and spilled his red wine on his shirt. We went up to his laundry room (thru his bedroom closet). The closet was huge but there was maybe 6 pairs of pants, equal number of shirts, and three pairs of shoes. 

I dunno. It was just too odd for me. I can't put my finger on it, but my inner voice was saying "Danger Will Robinson! Danger!"

Dating lately has been rather... bleak.

I dated a Persian guy a few times. Coffee, dinner a few times. He brought flowers several times. He offered to trim the bushes on the side of my house one Saturday while I was working. If I had hired a blind drunk yard person that used dull scissors, it would have turned out better. I had to hire someone else to fix it. (Don't get me wrong - it was a sweet gesture - but how someone could do such a crappy job?) Particularly when you read on...

We're both Falcons fans, so we watched the game at his house about a month ago.

HUGE house. Gorgeous. Nicely decorated. But something was odd... The place looked like a model home. Nothing personal - no pictures, no clutter... His pantry had a box of pasta and a bottle of sauce. Fridge had some bottled water & condiments.

I asked him how long he had lived here. 

Four years.

The plan was to cook dinner & watch the game. He didn't even know how to turn on his oven. 

Four years.

While watching game, he got excited with at TD and spilled his red wine on his shirt. We went up to his laundry room (thru his bedroom closet). The closet was huge but there was maybe 6 pairs of pants, equal number of shirts, and three pairs of shoes. 

I dunno. It was just too odd for me. I can't put my finger on it, but my inner voice was saying "Danger Will Robinson! Danger!"

I was invited to the Halloween party of a client of mine. He owns more than 5 car dealerships here in Atlanta. Also does a lot of other stuff. Hot Stud & I went to his mountain home last fall. Genuinely super-nice guy. (Married, kids, etc).

I was looking forward to it. But I was in a quandry. I wanted to look hot/sexy but not slutty. Never been a fan of the slutty look - just not me. Hot Stud had told a mutual friend that he was going with several 'slave girls' (me rolling eyes). I just wanted to 'bring it'. 

Spent a lot of time looking for a costume. The party said it was a 'gothic' theme and must wear mask. Hmmm.

Ended up with a gorgeous black/red floral corset, a short black crinoline, a gorgeous black velvet cape with red velvet interior, black thigh-highs with bows pulled down to just above my knees. Found a beautiful back mask with red beading. I must say, I loved the corset.

My mutual friend was going to go with me, but he was sick as a dog. So I went solo. It was kinda like "Pretty in Pink's" prom scene. I had to go, and I wasn't going to let Hot Stud dictate things. I knew if I looked hot, I'd be more confident.

House was UNBELIEVABLE. HUGE. Valet parking. I knew this guy was wealthy, but this was a completely different level of wealth. Spent a couple of hours there. It was mostly married couples, so I felt a little out of place. There had to be more than 300 people there. Amazing costumers. Four different women complimented the corset. 

Hot Stud texted me that he was on the way. I figured we'd run into each other - but the place was so crowded - I never saw him. I went home after midnight.

The corset was getting uncomfortable after 4 hours, when the valet delivered my car, the first thing I did was take it off. I could breathe! The cape covered "things" driving home - but I was praying that I didn't hit a DUI check or get a flat tire! There was NO way I'd be able to get back in that corset discreetly!

After I was almost home - Hot Stud texted me again - asked where I was. I deleted it. Didn't respond. It really didn't matter.

Yes, I am alive. Work has had me slammed and I've been dealing with a relentless sinus infection for six weeks now. I am scheduled (finally) for surgery on my broken nose right before Xmas. I haven't been able to breathe out of my left nostril for almost 2 years now. Caused wicked headaches and is contributing to the sinus infection. 

Last week I spoke at a national small business convention. I did a 90 min. seminar on marketing. It went well - they asked me to do a 2nd one in the afternoon due to demand. Uber-flattering. Had fun and would LOVE to do more. (And get paid for it!) I will probably end up with 4 or 5 new clients as a result. Doing another radio interview in 2 weeks as well. I am trying to keep a low profile with this stuff at work.

Nothing else very exciting to report. All work, no play. I have a new client that is a former NFL player. He's married so no chance. But he is sooo dreamy and nice. I am getting some traction with professional relationships that is taking me to a higher circle of people.

Have had 2 client issues that have been sucking the life force out of me. I have been asking my boss repeatedly for assistance. He's always busy. I was finishing up some work Friday evening - office is empty except him. He comes over and asks if there is anything he can help with. I start going into the details with these two clients. This leads to a 2 1/2 hour 'intensive' conversation. Instead of offering ideas of what to do to handle the situations - he starts getting into philosophy of what I should have done. If I had a magic wand (other than my vibrator which is called 'Magic Wand'), I would have never signed these two up. I need guidance in what to do NOW. A girl calls him on his cell phone - I can hear what she's saying. (He asks her what she's doing tonight. He walks away from my desk. He keeps pushing her to watch a movie together. She apparently tells him she doesn't want to.) Then another person calls and he asks them if they want to do something.. (I was relieved he didn't suggest we do something!) I haven't had 5 minutes with him since February. This was MORE than I needed at any one time.

However, 1 of the problem clients is coming in Tuesday to do a campaign review. (If he wasn't the brother of one of my bigger clients that refers business to me... I wouldn't have taken him.) The client is being borderline abusive to me. I'm keeping my cool with client, but it's really driving me bonkers. My boss said he was looking forward to customer coming in. (I just want to sit back and let them duel it out.)

After the boss left (finally!) at 8:30pm - I texted coworker (the office slut) that I had been subjected to 2 1/2 hours with him. She called me. She thought it was one of those sessions where he makes coworkers cry. Nope. Told her it was just too much of him. Then she asked me what happened to 'us'. She said "we used to be such good friends". Her version of "good friends" is calling me with her problems and crying. Me listening and trying to be supportive. Her calling me at all hours because of drama. I invited her to my birthday lunch clusterfuck. She said she'd be there. Talked & texted about it. I told her that I was heading to the restaurant. She never showed. Never said another word about it. (Her bday was a few months before - I gave her a very nice gift and card - which was never acknowledged.)

The no-show for the bday lunch was the straw that put a fork in our 'friendship'. I've been cordial to her, but I am not going to invest any more energy. She's a taker. I told her about the birthday stand up. (This was August.) She said she never knew anything about my birthday. (Bullshit). She said my 'friendship' meant the world to her. (Apparently.) I am patient with people, but there comes a point where the equation of relationship ain't worth it. 

She said it was really awesome that I was 'recognized' by the company to receive stock options - there were about 50 people that got them, so it wasn't that big of a deal. I said it means little - there is no IPO date. I'd gotten options before at other jobs. She said I was 'ungrateful' for it. Um, fuck you.

Reality is, my office is really clique-ish. The main group drinks a lot, spends money like it's going out of style. The rent apartments that were more than double my mortgage, they drive leased Mercedes and Land Rovers. There are a few other coworkers that don't run with this main group - they are the married w/ kids folks. I am just not interested in hanging with any of them. (Only 1 I had done anything with socially was the office slut - and that was a visit to IKEA) I love my job - what I do - but I absolutely HATE being in the office. Fortunately, most of my time is spent out of the office.  It's funny - I am SO different in the office than when I am out and about.

Update: she texted me at 9am "Good morning Sunshine". Barf. 

Last week at the beach was quiet... Too quiet but good. The folks at the condo complex this week are much more interesting.

Yesterday, in my lounge chair on the beach, was in perfect position to admire some truly tasty looking male specimens. (Nice scenery to glance up from book to see a gorgeous tanned back and washboard abs nearby.) Yummy.

Did I mention I got a text from the former bipolar artist from 8 years ago that relo'd to Lauderdale, became a tattoo artist and has got quite a following of 18-22 year old girls wanting to trade sex for tramp stamps?  He came up Saturday to hang at the beach. I made it abundantly clear that he was welcome to visit, but he was sleeping in the other bed and there was NOTHING going on between us.

He thought I was kidding.
Nope.

So he left yesterday - too much sun and not any sex. I sunned until 4ish. Packed up my stuff, walking back to condo and apparently got in the way of a pass. Beach football. He was running backwards. Right. Into. Me. Sand. Towels. Flip flops went everywhere. I think I ingested some sand but he was so cute, I was distracted completely.

Profuse apologies. Offers of beer to make it up. Turns out there were 5 guys down here for the long weekend. In the condo above me. Invited me to grill with them since I'm here alone. There was drinking. And a game where you toss little bags of sand into holes on a board for points. It was entertaining with alcohol involved. I was afraid they were going to pull out Twister next...

Evening ended around 2:30 am. There was some people swimming buck nekkid in the pool. (I was not one of them.) I was most amused.

They said we are going to be 'boogie boarding' today. Um, I'm not sure if that's when you ride in on the waves or when you glide across the shore - both of them don't sound conducive to my sunning attire.

Yesterday afternoon, I was in my office working on two new campaigns... The boss comes by and starts talking to a coworker. I can't help but overhear. He is really being an ass to her. Talking to her like she's 4. They get on speakerphone with our company's account support team - he's being an ass to them too - the support person has enough of him and puts on a supervisor who is fed up with him too - hearing her tone with the boss was a hoot. I wish I could have seen her expression.

The call ends.

Then the boss just lays into her. Talking down to her. She's getting really frustrated. He continues going on and on. She tells him they need to stop now. But he continues.

I don't really interact with this co-worker much, but I really wanted to slap him for being such a bully to her. Demeaning her.

I try to diffuse the situation to let him know I won't be in his morning meeting - I have a referral appointment that is a good hike away at 9am. He said "reschedule it for 10am". I explained that I already have an 11:30, a 2, and a 3:15. It's a contractor that can only meet at 9. I say "It's the end of the month. Wouldn't you like the revenue?" (Sitting in his exhausting meeting will not lead to business.) He just gave me a look of disdain. (Feeling's mutual!)

Then he tells her to go to his office. She knows what is about to happen. We make eye contact. (I would have needed a bottle of Patron and a ball-gag to go in for one of those 'one on ones'.

She's in there for well over an hour. I get up to go to the printer, etc - see her sitting there - body language said it wasn't good.

When she gets back to her office, I ask if she's ok. She said "he made me cry again." The he asked her why she was crying.

(I would have said "Because I am a human being and humans have emotion.")

She said "Because I am a girl."
(Rolling eyes. PLEASE!)

Still - a 'manager' that makes multiple employees cry is NOT an effective manager.

Thursday was a sucky day. I closed a large deal last Friday that needed to be fast-tracked as it's promoting an event 14 days away. Discussions with implementation team in the days leading up to the deal being closed to make sure it was do-able. I was told to call Monday at 10am to give them the heads up. I did that. Was told it was fast-tracked and it should be up by Wednesday.

"Up by Wednesday usually means going live around 6pm". So Wednesday night, I am checking, it's not.  Thursday am at 10, I call and I'm told it wasn't fast-tracked and I would have needed my manager's approval.

This sort of stuff irritates me to no end. I walk into my boss' office and ask his assistance. He starts telling me I shoulda done this, I shoulda done that. (He has no clue what had transpired in the previous week.) Then he starts getting into things with me....

I tell him I have to leave in 15 minutes to make my 11am appt. He rolls his eyes at me. (seriously). He says I'm 'always rushing'.  (I run the most appointments in the office consistently and I have, numerically, a large number of clients that require attention, so I'm at the office before 7am and often working until 10pm and weekends... Does he think I'm lolly-gagging around?)

Then he tells me that he is "always" dealing with "complaints" with "most of my clients". I ask him who and what the beef is. He says it 'isn't important'. I say it certainly is. (I've been recognized as having some of the highest client retention in the country so I find this... bullshit.) Then he tells me that he crosses paths with people that have "met" me or "interacted" with me in networking functions and says that "consistently and unsolicited" they "always" say that I have "no integrity".

Seriously?

I don't claim to be perfect by any means, but I walk away from deals because I don't think the client can benefit. I help people all the time - regardless of getting revenue from them. I'm invited several times a month to speak because I seem to offer something of value.

I tell him that I'm open to constructive feedback but these generalities are not helpful. If he can come up with some concrete examples, then I'm more than willing to take them to heart.

He said that we needed to talk 'philosophy'. I told him again, I prefer the facts, no innuendo, black and white. Otherwise he's wasting my time and NOT being very effective at managing me.

It was 10:55 - he got mad that I said I had to go. He actually TOLD me I could stand up. (I was already standing.)

After my meeting, I texted him saying that I was open to feedback but again, I needed concrete examples.

I'm told to make 200 calls and book at least 7 appts every Monday. I book 9-10. I jump through every hoop that is asked of me. I endure his completely ridiculous sales meetings 3x a week lasting for 90+ minutes where he recounts how he was top rep at x company, where he cured malaria, invented sunshine, and how he's never had alcohol or caffeine (or sex). I 'take notes' when I'm really using the time to coordinate my day and things I need to do. I don't socialize with most of my coworkers because they spin gossip about other people. I don't want to be around them. Others party too much.

So in the painful Friday am meeting - he tells the office (not naming me) about his recantation of what went on with my deal not being fast-tracked. But his 'version' held NO resemblance to what actually went down. It was his way of trying to rub my face in it publicly.

I called him later. I got in his face. He was starting with this "you should have done this..." I reminded him that he was COMPLETELY unaccessible the previous week and that he didn't even know the FACTS.  That in the past, he tells me to call the implementation team, to not rely on email - I spoke to the head person in implementation numerous times leading up to the deal getting done. She told me what to do. I did it. He started to say that I should have followed up more. I told him that on MONDAY I was told it would be two days so I didn't feel it was necessary to get in their ass about it.

Since I've been back from leave in April - the ONLY interaction I have had with him is texting him to say "I have another deal I need you to sign" and his reply to "leave on his chair". Over 4 months. Our office has doubled in size since he's been here. Yet our numbers continue to decline. (Wonder if there may be a connection?) My numbers have increased steadily. I don't require babysitting by a manager - but I am NOT going to tolerate being personally attacked. I have ZERO respect for him. He's arrogant and rude and completely clueless about how to interact with others.

I think after the experience Thursday, I have negative respect for him. And two more of my customers that are "always complaining about" me - renewed for a year each and INCREASED what they were spending. (Sounds dissatisfied don't they?)

Just had an epiphany.
Well, maybe not that earth-shaking.
Watching "Officer and a Gentleman".
Dreamy Richard Gere before he turned into a nut job.
The character Zack Mayo totally reminds me of Hot Stud.
Tormented by some inner demons. Always keeping people at arms length. Not wanting to get close. Going out of his way for others.

If only I was Debra Winger.

;)

I was introduced to a man (professionally) two months ago - via email - that someone thought might be able to refer business to me. We've spoken on the phone numerous times. He's made some introductions for me and I've done some for him.

We were supposed to get together for lunch about a month ago, but he had to cancel b/c of a client emergency. He's been getting really friendly. Texting me at 9pm. Calling me on weekends.

He keeps saying he finds me fascinating. An enigma.

(Whatever)

He mentioned that he couldn't find a single picture of me online.
(I know. That's intentional.)
He's made comments of how much older he is (mathematically from my LinkedIn college grad dates). I think he's 8 years older.
Sort of freaking me out. But it's somewhat flattering as well.

He calls me on speakerphone with his business partner. Very chatty. Felt like he was putting me on show for him.
He called/texted me several times last week to see how I was doing.

I guess if I didn't feel some sort of flirtation between us, then it would bother me more.

 

Had my post-op appt. He said things are looking really good - that staying off it the past week really helped. I'm to start Physical Therapy in a week. See him in a follow up appt in a month.

 Stopped off at the grocery store afterwards to pick up some fruit. Enjoyed the motorized cart. It cornered really well but was slow.

Don't feel like I overdid it but I'm hurtin' now. Camped back on the couch.

Holding off on pain meds though. Hot Stud called to say he's coming by. He wants to 'fix stuff' and work on my yard. I told him I'd rather him just come by and visit.

Him showing up... I give it a 30% likelihood. If I take the time to change into something remotely cute or fix my hair, he won't show. If I don't, he will. That's how it works.

Disclaimer...
Drugged out of my ever-loving mind at the moment.

Stopped pain meds yesterday. Caught up on emails, client calls, etc. Had a roundtable lunch - one client picked me up and another dropped me back home since I can't drive.  That was my first 'excursion' since the surgery. I'm supposed to be staying off my hip - I just used my crutches...

Got home and the pain started creeping in.
Took care of some additional work but was scaling back since I was feeling, for lack of a better word, residual druggedness.

Ice wasn't working, so I broke out the pain meds.
Doctor called again - he has the perfect talent of calling when I am not by my phone. I see him on Thursday... I have only gotten a recap from the nurse.

Then my coworker that has had the drinking problem, etc texted me. She's breaking up with the guy she's been dating for a couple of months. I haven't met him - but he seemed nice and a good guy for her from all I've heard. I think she's just so used to chaos/drama/guys treating her like crap - that she finds a stable relationship 'boring'.

She said she decided to end it b/c she found 'porn' on his computer. I asked if it was gay/underage/animals or something odd. She said no. She just thinks it's 'creepy'.

Okay, I don't know ANY straight sexually-stable man that hasn't peeked at porn from time to time. I'd be more concerned if he didn't have any - make me think he's hiding it. Or has something to hide.

Anyhoo, told her I was drugged but she went on and on about it. Told her exactly what I thought - that she had been involved with some crappy guys and stuck with them a lot longer despite 'bigger shit'.

I told her that she might want to take a relationship vacation for a bit - since she's literally gone from one to another for at least 8 months. Next guy that comes along and BAM! she's in love again. She said she would take a break - i replied "more than three days?" She told me to shut up.

I bet she'll be in the sack with someone else within a week.

I survived the surgery. Camped out on the sofa with an ice pack. Dr. told my friend that brought me home that the cartilage in my hip was 'shredded' and was a lot worse than he had expected but he fixed it. Was in minimal pain last night. Only took advil. Woke up in no pain - the iv spot was more sore than anything else. Got up to make some b'fast. Was careful to do very little but the pain kicked in.

Ow.

Took the pain meds - Didudal or something like that. Not helping. Pretty day outside. So I put on the bikini, greased up with spf and hung out in the sun for a few hours. (Staying off leg in sun rather than on sofa)

Smelled really antisceptic/mediciney... Took shower. Felt so much better.

Took more pain meds. They don't make me feel really drugged. Bored. People calling to check in. Coming to visit requires me to get up to go to the door and back to the door to lock it. So unless they have a key (hot stud + my guy friend that takes care of my kitties), not interested in being disturbed.

 
That's it. Have a nice day.

Morning meeting Wednesday. The team was telling the boss what we needed from him. Since he's come on board, our sales have continued to slide. (Granted we are in a recession...) He's created a less than fun environment. He's not available. I make an appt to talk to him after the meeting yesterday - I have not had a sit-down with him since I came back from leave on April 1. So after the meeting, he is heading out to go on an appt with another team member.

I said "I thought we had an appt?"
He said "We'll meet afterwards."
I told him I had three appts back to back and then my pre-op appt with my doctor.
He said to "Come back afterwards"
I told him it was a late afternoon appt - deliberately scheduled that way b/c it would take a long time.
I knew I wasn't going to drive back after the dr's appt which lasted until 6pm.

10:15, me leaving office to go to my first appt of the day.
On the phone with another prospective client, discussing the proposal we have out.
The boss calls.
Me still on phone.
Boss calls again.
And again.
And texts me saying "You always get my texts, get back with me immediately."
Two more calls from him.
(SERIOUSLY?)

I get off the phone with the rather large deal with a home builder I'm closing. I'm at my 10:30 appt.
I call him.
He says he needs to know where my appt is because he's going to come and 'close it' for me.
I explained I had already 'closed it' - I was picking up the paperwork.
He said he was on the side of the road waiting to come to my appt.
He said where he was (it would take 25 minutes to get there). I told him that I was walking into the appt now.
I got the signed paperwork as I knew I would.

Call him later about a question. He wants to go into details while I'm driving - I told him that it was better to talk face to face because I'm focusing on driving/gps. 

I get that he wants to help - but I've given up on him. Even when I'm 'in his office', he takes calls and lets other people interrupt us. Ditto when we are on a sales call. Can you imagine? Answering your phone when you're making a presentation? Not cool. Ever. I do not ask a lot of him - I do what I'm asked to do regarding metrics of performance, etc. He is new to town, refuses to get a gps and expects us to give him directions from wherever he is. I suck at directions. I've told him - Don't ask me for directions - anywhere. I've printed out directions to the appts he has appeared on - he still refuses to use them. REFUSES. Calls and asks if he needs to turn east or west somewhere. (I have NO clue.)

Each appt he's appeared on, the client has said to not bring him back in the office. I got the deals later - despite him. He's just a much different personality/energy that comes off indifferent.

Funny thing is, I sent him an email with the time-off request for surgery Friday/Monday three weeks ago. He has yet to mention it. No clue if he's even seen it.

so after all the drama over the weekend from the radio guys... The offender/kiltboy and I spoke briefly on Sunday. He was a lot chiller. Said he was "done" with that station. (He seems to think it's a vast conspiracy that they won't hire him. Not that he may be a f'ing nutcase.)

After his behavior on Saturday and the absolutely insane voice mails he left - I was done with him. I was merely trying to get him to keep his mouth shut about the other guy potentially leaving the station.

Late yesterday, I got a text from him asking if there was any word from former non-roomie.

Silly me thought he might have been concerned about the status of my friendship with him - that whole guilt/conscience thing.
I hadn't talked to the former non-roomie about it - but even if I had, I sure as hell wasn't going to be disclosing it to him! I replied that former non-roomie & I aren't really talking. (He's still on the air, that's all I know but kiltboy isn't up by 10am to hear former non-roomie on-air.)

I get yet ANOTHER ranting voice mail from kiltboy. He's still focusing on why the station won't hire him and is convinced the non-roomie is instrumental in it.

I put a fork in things. Emailed him that I knew nothing about the situation and if I did, I wouldn't tell him since he's already a stellar bastion of keeping confidence. That I wanted NOTHING to do with the drama. And I asked him to never contact me again.

Ever.

Diva has several friends in the radio biz.
"B" is the former ex-roomie. He was rather successful in Dallas and since coming back to Atlanta, is back on a morning show.

"C" is 'kiltboy' who has had a less than stellar record in radio. Fired from 1 station after another in Atlanta. It's a wonder anyone will hire him. In the past six months, he's been fired twice - once for hitting a coworker. Then another for getting very confrontational to the point someone felt they were about to be hit. Additionally, he's gotten in numerous fights in bars, etc. "C" is smart but he's got serious anger issues. He could deal with stuff with his mind/verbally, but he's gotta resort to fists. I feel sorry for "C" - he's done a lot of this to himself.

"C" has been doing various little gigs to keep himself afloat. I knew that "B" wasn't intending on staying onair in Atlanta for long - he has higher ambitions and has been expecting another offer in the near future.

"C" could have gotten "B's" gig if he had gotten off his ass and gotten his hat into the ring before "B" got to town (if they would have hired him).

So when I mentioned recently to "C" that "B" was working at the station. He flipped out. I told him to chill. I had a feeling there'd be an opening sooner rather than later there and I'd give him the headsup. I told him in confidence what "B's" situation was - and to be patient.

Instead, "C" calls "B's" boss saying that he head "B" is leaving and he wants the job.

"B" texts me this morning, telling me that it was supposed to be a secret. I was the only one other than his family taht knew.

Me Livid. I call "C" at 10:30 am and wake his hungover ass up. Asked him if he betrayed my confidence. He said yes and then started trying to wiggle his way out of it. NO excuse would work. Hung up on him.

He then starts blaming "B" - saying that "B" is badmouthing him and is the reason why no one in Atlanta will hire him. ("C" has never met "B" who would NEVER say anything bad about anyone.) Then "C" starts saying stuff about me.

I wouldn't take his calls so I got all this via text. I told him that he needed to keep his mouth shut about the confidential info.

Needless to say, the situation sucks. "B" is in a predicament at work. Fortunately b/c of "C's" track record, people don't give him the time of day. I am interacting with "C" only for the purpose of getting him to chill and encourage him to drop the fight. I told him to chill out. I would talk to him tomorrow afternoon - hopefully he'll have some time to cool down and rethink things. Really really disappointed in him and how this has impacted my integrity.

"C" is 5'5. "B" is 6'5 and calm as a cuke.

I was referred to a guy that could potentially refer me more business. We've talked several times. He lives nearby - which is odd that we haven't gotten together for lunch. He's friendly.

But I think he's been getting a little TOO friendly. This all became sort of blaringly obvious yesterday.

He said to me "Do you realize you have NO photos of you on the web, at all?"
(Yes, yes I do. That's very deliberate.)
I thought it was rather odd that he would say that.

Then we were talking a little more and he makes a reference to how old I am.
(What does this matter with a business relationship?)
I asked how he made that assumption - he said from my LinkedIn profile. (College grad year...)
I said that wasn't completely accurate as I double-majored (to which he immediately responded with the college I graduated from.)

I'm kinda freaked out by that. I know that I'm outgoing and I think that sometimes the friendliness can be misconstrued... However, he's not contacting me after business hours - so at least we're keeping it somewhat under the context of professionalism. But he did want to meet me for drinks...

I was at Walmart yesterday picking up some meds. Noticed they had voluminous amounts of ballet flats for $7/pr. Since I am burning them when I can be back in heels, I didn't want to spend a bunch on them.

Found out that I will be on very restricted walking (like with a walker) for a week.
A week?
A walker?

Seriously?

I am going to totally have to bling it out. Wonder if I can get spinners for my wheels?

I did send my boss the official time off notice on Monday. He hasn't even acknowledged it.
Am I surprised?
Nope.

Back from the beach. Had a nice long weekend. Nothing but reading, sunning and listening to music. Played in the waves although my top wasn't rated for big waves. Opps!

Saw a daschund surfing. Seriously. I guess b/c their center of gravity is so low, it's a good fit. Only problem is that dog wasn't a good swimmer. I think swimming is somewhat important when it comes to surfing.

Drive home sucked tremendously. Usually takes 5 hours. I left at 3:30 - gps said I should be home by 8:45. Hit three major traffic incidents - one I was going no more than 7mph for 80 minutes. I got home after 10:30. And our state navigator system said there were NO incidents.  Bullpucky!

Then the boss went on an hour long rambling rant (short of a tirade that made Palin's speech concise). I really wanted to throw up. A client texted me about meeting - so I sent a quick note  back to him that I'd be back with him a few. So that led to him going on another rant about how we text during meetings to each other. And he knows we do it. (If he had a meeting that was informative and remotely engaging, maybe we wouldn't be tempted to text or do something else.)

Still haven't shopped for flat shoes. Sigh.

Okay, I get that Michael Jackson's death was unexpected. He had three kids - so of course that is horrible for them. Yes, he was an amazing musician that significantly influenced a generation and impacted the industry.

But he also was a child molester. He shouldn't be heralded as some sort of innocent artist. If you can seriously believe that serving 'Jesus Juice' to young boys, sleeping in bed with them, luring them in was all a Peter Pan-like syndrome, you are an idiot.

And this 24hr constant news coverage - MTV - I get. But CNN? Fox? STILL? There's a lot more important things going on that can potentially impact ALL of us a lot more. North Korea + mad man + nukes. Trade Caps. Socialized health care.

Barf.

Sitting on sofa. Laptop on lap. Velvet is all over me purring wanting to love while I try to type. She makes me feel guilty. A) I am alive.

B) I am working ridiculous hours. I am fortunate that there are more people wanting to meet with me than times I can schedule. It's a great place to be.

C) I need to close as much biz as possible right now because... going back under the knife.

Yep. Seen three specialists. I have a 'labral tear' in my hip. I thought the doc said I had a 'labial tear'. I looked at him dumbfounded for a second - thinking I only WISH I had had some action 'down there' that would lead to needing repair work! Bottom line is, I have to have arthroscopic surgery. He says it's not a big deal. But I will not be able to drive for TWO weeks and I will have 'months of rehab'. This doc is 'the hip doc' (body part-wise, but he is UBER cute!) I went home and read up on things - all that I'm reading make the recovery process very prolonged and painful. I'm in daily pain already. Part of me wants to get it done asap so I can get healthy.

The other part has concerns about work - telling my boss I'll need to work from home for two weeks... He's going to LOVE that.

And I have a feeling heels are going to be... out of the picture for a while. Oh my.

I've been asked to speak tomorrow at a medical seminar about Internet marketing. I'm honored. Excited about it. And then I'm indulging myself with some sand.

I hate the word anniversary. Especially when it comes to the rape. It was four yeas ago. If it wasn't for a couple of unrelated events, I wouldn't have even connected it.

That's what sucks about events like that.

You think everything is okay. You've done countless hours of counseling, self-reflection. You think you are getting past it when something incredibly completely innocuous occurs.

And it puts you in a tailspin. Something like someone coming up behind you and touching you on the shoulder. The 'floaty' feeling of nitrous oxide at the dentist reconnects you with the drugged feeling during the rape and you freak out.  Or wondering about men - I think that's why I still cling (in varying degrees) to Hot Stud. He's proven himself - he's 'safe'.

I no longer feel like I have to disclose on a first date that I was raped. That was an evolution. It's something that I would certainly disclose to any man I am intimate with - because something simple as a hand on my throat can still send me into a full-fledged panic attack.

But we all have traumatic events in our lives. Some believe we are never given more than what we can handle. I don't subscribe to that. However, we have a choice. We can let an event beyond our control our future. Those events will influence us.

I hate the fact that what Todd (the rapist) did to me - so significantly changed WHO I am. He 'got away' with it. The police chose not to pursue it. In the deposition last fall, he lied and contradicted himself so ridiculously that I was dumbfounded that his attorneys could keep a straight face.

We were moving forward to a trial date.

And he files bankruptcy - listing me as a creditor.
Now mind you, there's been no judgment, no settlement, nothing.
But with one stroke of a pen, a Judge that has never even read the case or knows about what HE did to me, erases it all.

So he gets away with it yet again.

Still, I believe in karma. I wish that fate will yield me the opportunity to have a front row seat when it comes around for him.

It no longer hangs over my head as a word I would use to define myself - but the event still defined me more significantly than anything else in my life. I hope one day that I will have a positive defining event by another man that will help refine that definition.

Until then, I am still me. They say that a bone broken grows back stronger - and I feel like I was very broken, even destroyed - in some ways I am still me. I feel stronger in some ways but also still feel incredibly fragile.

Yet there are moments when I smile and laugh - it is genuine - those moments mean so much more nowadays.

And that is a good thing.

My coworker - the one that was urgently looking for an inpatient rehab program in February, was having drunk sex with strangers in bar bathrooms, then 'fell in love' with a female friend's former bf that lived many states away. He was a dork - two weeks ago, he dumped her via text saying he 'met the woman he was going to marry' that weekend.

Lovely. She was devastated. They'd spent two weekends together. She confided that he was a pothead - loser - had no job...

I suggested that she might want to take a break from romance - focus on her. She's got some issues. She agreed.

So she meets another guy here locally - had a date with him three days after being dumped. She's already smitten with him. Drinking involved.

She insists that she's going to 'take it slow' with him. (Yeah, right.) She's already obsessing if she doesn't hear from him texting/calling every few hours. She's not going to get naked with him - she swears.

Which explains why she had an emergency lunchtime Brazilian wax yesterday before their date last night. She has to call me and tell me she's in love and going to have sex with him.

She texted/called this morning to tell me how fabulous it was.

I'm really not interested in hearing it because I know it isn't going to end well.  I give it until the end of the month to crash and burn. One cannot have a solid relationship when someone is so shaky and unstable - she's looking for someone (or something) to fill voids she can't do herself.

And until she does, she's doomed for more disaster.

.

Mad crazy week where I didn't stop. Since I set 18 appts the week before, I had to go on them. A few I pushed off because of time. I was at meetings or networking events from 7am - 8pm and then doing work/emails on campaigns in the evening. I have so much work to do this weekend too.

 But it was uber-productive. I closed five deals. Two were first time visits.

I also made my presentation on Friday afternoon to the board for a really large ad agency. It went really well. I should expect them to start off small with me, but we will be expanding into other markets. It was fun.

Hot Stud and I were going to go to an Arabian farm's party, but it's rainy and he's having more family drama. Tomorrow I'm supposed to see Radio Boy but I'm not feeling it. I'm grateful the weather is icky this weekend - I can lay low and chill while catching up on work.

I would have loved to hang with Hot Stud (friendship-wise) but it wasn't in the cards.

I have a coworker that we'll call Bess.
She ALWAYS wears pants.
She's fairly trim but she is pear-shaped.
(Guys, that means she has a largish butt and thighs)

No one is perfect.
(Myself included)

but she wears these pants that are tight-ish and you can clearly see the cellulite in her ass/thighs.
I'm not close to her, otherwise I might share with her the wonders of Spanx.
She played the boss' pet this week, writing on the white board.
I couldn't concentrate on what the discussion was about.
I felt like the hosts from "What Not to Wear" reviewing the secret footage.

I know this is catty, but I had to get this off my chest.

Crazy week. Busy with work stuff. No real time for 'life'.

I had lunch yesterday with a man I met at a networking event a few weeks ago. I think there was some chemistry when we first met. Then our lunch yesterday was more 'business-focused' but there was still some 'zing' there.

He's divorced. Has kids that he said he sees far too little. He loves his dogs too.

He said I was getting his business. I'm sorta hoping for something more. ;)

I was approached about doing some writing professionally as a guest editor. Not sure. I would love to get some articles published in print magazines... Still, the offer was flattering.

I think I spoke to the "former roomie" for a total of 3 minutes this week - he said he'd call me back (and of course never did). I'm not chasing. I'm not even reaching out. He feigns he's 'withdrawn' but he's going out with his guy friends. I totally hate the crap when I have to be a stick in the mud when someone isn't behaving well.

Nothing else super-exciting to discuss.

Okay, here's the short version of my rant about the most unstable nutcase client I've ever encountered...

I attend a lot of networking events. From county chamber breakfasts, lunches, evening events and a variety of groups large and small. I've done this for years. I meet people, tell them what I do, learn what they do so that perhaps we can refer business. If you are in Atlanta and need a professional in any field, I can connect you.

I also get a lot of referrals. I have a nickname related to the type of services I offer but I won't say it here to keep my anonymity. I hate the nickname but I've learned to embrace it because when someone mentions it - there is an immediate connection.

I've crossed paths with a woman that I don't like for years. Her version of 'networking' is to approach you and say something like "I can help you lose 25 lbs." First thing out of her mouth. My thoughts are "F*ck you." She does this to EVERYONE. All she does is push her stuff, never asking what you do or if she can refer business to you. It's all about her.

I try to be cordial to those types but I've avoided her at all costs. She's sort of 'known' for being like that. Completely what networking is NOT about.

Several months ago, I am at a lunch where we all stand up and give a 60 second summary of what we do and who a good referral for us is. Immediately after the lunch, she corners me and says she HAS to speak to me. (We have monthly minimums and I was pretty sure she wouldn't be spending that much on her own or be willing to spend it herself.)

I set up an appt at her 'office'. It's a home. I am quite knowledgeable about what I do, and it is fascinating - in contrast to most of my team mates, I'm not a 'sales person' - I educate people. And this lady was requiring a remedial-level lesson.

So she's a hypnotist. And there's a couch for her clients to lay down on for a session. Right next to the head of the couch is a litterbox. And the place REEKS of cat.

She wants to focus on stress release, weight loss, stopping smoking, yada yada yada. I tell her that there is a monthly minimum and even with that minimum she couldn't go after ALL those areas. So she wanted to focus on stress relief.

I explained to her that she will need to let me handle it. (She's an uber-control freak.) I didn't want her as a client but, she was desperate to come on board. (And her website was atrocious) I told her that she'd need to make some minor adjustments - her site was like a painted-whore - too painted up and was confusing to visitors. (I didn't say that but I told her we'd need to clarify the message, have a clear call to action, etc.)

She wanted me to review this with her husband, who was a 'marketing professional'. (In reality,  he's a multi-level marketing cretin that doesn't know his butt from a hole in the wall.) He wanted to know how much I would pay him for his referrals. I told him I don't work that way. (And all of his clients have the same template horrible websites.) Totally arrogant and completely wrong in a multitude of different data that he professed to know. Trying to tell me that me, certified industry professional with over 12 years of experience managing more than 20x monthly budgets than him - he was just so darn arrogant. Total A-type power-tripper. (And "A" stands for A-hole)

So we're taking over her campaign. She's calling me ALL the time. 6:30 am. Weekends. I tell her she has to relax a bit - let me do my job. Reassured her. Sent her detailed email about what to expect. I kept reassuring her, acknowledging and empathizing. But the woman would not let up. Her tone in VM's was completely unacceptable. I let my ass't listen to them - she was dumbfounded. Customer had been running for a week and was apparently expecting the phone to be ringing off the hook instaneously.

She called on a Monday morning 5x during our weekly meeting. I had tried to encourage her to email or text me so that I could research/handle things without playing phone tag. She said she didn't communicate well with email or texting - that she needed the personal attention of voice communication. The urgency of her calls? She had gotten a phone call on a Sunday - and she doesn't work on Sundays. Um, okay. 

Wanting to personally review her campaign. Telling her to chill. (I've spent more time with her than I have my other 30+ clients collectively in the first 3 weeks.) I'll leave the hypnotism to her, and she needs to let me do what she's hired us to do.

She calls into the office and gets my ass't. Talks really rudely to her too (and my ass't has the patience of a Saint.) My ass't forwards to my boss. (I've already spoken to him about her - telling him I don't know how else to please this woman. She is SO high-maintenance. He tells me I haven't sold her enough. I've spent HOURS and HOURS going over this with her.)

She is supposedly helping people relieve stress and seek peace and serenity in their lives. Yet she is screaming at me, my ass't, and I don't know what she said to my boss. The woman is supremely the most unhappy discontent person I've encountered (except her husband). I feel sorry for the woman. I have been acknowledged for having the highest client retention in the office - but I wanted to strangle the woman.

In the end, while I was on medical leave, she called into our corporate office. They got so fed up with her incessant insanity that they fired her. We told her we would not do business with her further. Refunded her money. Seriously. I chuckled.

The Turkish Photog had expressed interest in going to see the Terracotta Army on Sunday. He texted me saying he was driving back from Charlotte (assuming he was seeing the girl he 'broke up with' and claimed he was only seeing because she would boink him).

He used some other phrase-ology, but you can figure it out. It rhymes with 'cluck'.

The he suggests I 'cum' over to see him and 'talk about things'.
Um, no.

I told him, that in no uncertain terms, I would never be available to him for a hook-up. That should I ever want to hook-up, that I have someone else that would always be my first choice.

And that we should save ourselves the trouble and quit interacting. That I was deleting his number/email. Asked him to do the same and quit contacting me.

He replied something about a 3-some with his girlfriend.
I didn't really read it. I wished him luck with that and deleted his contact info.
This should be the end of it.
I hope so.
I'm REALLY REALLY over it.

If only that guy, Max, from Dancing with the Stars would get eliminated so I wouldn't have to see him on tv.
(Turk Photog is a dead ringer for him)
 

Knocked out my domestic duties this morning, vacuuming, trash, laundry since I am up at 5:17 am.

Those of you that have been reading my postings for a while will have to join me on a walk down memory lane...
I (briefly) dated a guy named "Ned".
I was really starting to fall for him.
But I was dumped.
Via email.

Moved on.
He did too.
He quickly got in another relationship.
He's now married + child with her.
Fine. Happy for him.

But she was reading/commenting on my blog.
I found that quite...creepy.
I have never met her - but I emailed him and said I would appreciate it if she would leave my blog alone.

Fast forward.
My boss sends me invites for LinkedIn every other week.
I don't want him to know who I know.
So I just ignore the requests.
I thought I might as well check to make sure he isn't following me on Twitter.
(1/3 of my Tweeps are venting about him)
I am dumbfounded to see that "Ned" is following my Twittering.

Huh?
I haven't spoken to him in 4 years.
We exchanged an email via LinkedIn a year or so when I saw an announcement of his child's birth.
Told him I was happy for him.

Regardless,I blocked him from following me on Twitter.
Just too creepy.
And then I went on my 'other' blog and wrote about it.
I wrote how it was just creepy that he'd (for whatever reason) would follow me.

Hop on the other blog to update and see that I have a comment on the last posting about the Twittering. And it's from him! He writes a lengthy response about how he AND his wife are following me - how I'm a really interesting writing and they enjoy following my life.

Seriously?

Please... Someone tell me. Is this NOT creepy?

Copy the link and paste it if it doesn't work directly. You'll laugh.

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Yesterday, via text, the roomie (because i don't know what else to call him) suggested we catch a movie today.
He still won't explain WTF happened last week - other than saying that it had 'nothing' to do with me and that 'sometime' he'd 'tell me about it'.

I figured we would get into it with the movie.
And I also really didn't expect him to follow through.

But this am, during a torturously long sales meeting about 'character', he texts me inquiring what movie I wanted to see.
We agreed on one.
I told him that, for beginnings of penance, he'd have to buy whatever I wanted from the concession stand.
And then I reminded him that one needed to arrive on time to see the movie.

He actually texted me to let me know he would be at my house in 10 mins. (And believe it or not, he was almost on time)
I was a little overdressed for a movie - tight pencil skirt and 4 inch heels
That made it really hard to actually hoist myself into his Excursion gracefully.
We made it to the movie on time. (Shocking!)
Watched the movie.

He kept complimenting  me on how hot I looked.
I told him it's a shame he didn't catch the outfit I had on for him last Friday.
He apparently really liked the shoes.
And apparently, my legs looked really good too (according to him).

So during the movie, he started running his hand along my legs. (Good thing I shaved this am!)
I didn't want to get into a discussion in the movie, but I texted him that he was still up shit creek with me.
He texted back that he was really sorry and wanted to make it up to me.
(Not a smooch at the movie!)

I let him hold my hand on the walk back to his truck as I re-hoisted myself into the vehicle.
He dropped me off after the movie.
I asked again what went down last week - he didn't want to get into it.
Long hug - we both had to get back to work.

And he has some explaining to do before this confuses me further.

Back to work on Wednesday. I had "only" 961 emails. Fortunately, I had warned my customers that I wasn't going to check email, so that kept the volume down.

My boss hasn't said three words to me other than "What can I do to help you?" as I'm on my cell phone running out the door for an appt.

My boss' boss came over to my desk, sat down and had an actual conversation with me.

Feel overwhelmed and pressured. Not going to get stressed out though.

Saw the infectious disease doc for a follow-up yesterday. He said the MRSA (Staph infection) is still in the tissue of my body on my leg/bone. It would always be there. If I bumped my leg there, it could release it into my blood stream and get to my brain or lungs. This could happen 4 weeks from now or 20 years from now.

Great. Thanks doc.

I was really zonked yesterday - came home and was asleep by 6:00pm. Woke up feeling pretty good at 4:30am. It's 6am, already had breakfast, made my lunch, painted my toes/fingers, did some journaling and reading online.

Last day of my medical leave. I'm torn about going back to work - I loathe my boss and the micro-management and time-wasting hoops we have to hop through.

I've heard through the grapevine that they are cutting a lot of the senior sales people that have higher salaries if they don't step things up pronto. (Guess that includes me.) I haven't checked email in a month - I usually get about 80 emails a day. (Do the math.)

I would have liked to have taken a vacay - but the whole roomie thing up in the air kept me in limbo. Either I'll have to close some major deals to get some beach time or if I get canned. (How sad is that?) I already have 2 weeks prepaid of beach condo time that I have to take b4 November.

I feel so so but allergies are kicking my butt right now. I can barely keep my eyes open from the pollen. I've kept my windows closed and haven't stepped outdoors in three days. I'm taking Patanol, Benedryl, Clariton, Flonase. It ain't cutting it.

While he was scooting back into those leather pants, I took a few shots of his house.

I thought you'd enjoy.
His bedroom was exactly how I pictured it...

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Ok, I didn't have wild monkey sex with him. Not even sex. Met him ages ago and he oozes sex. I thought you'd appreciate the peek...

Last night, RadioBoy and I decided to come up with a drinking game to keep the "Presidential News Conference" tolerable. Every time Obama said "Uh", we were to take a shot. Now I had Jack Daniels around, and I wasn't going to do shooters. So I was mixing it with lime juice and Diet Sprite. I had already had 2.5 'shots' but the count was over 14. I lost track and I said I quit. That was 8 minutes in.

Today, I discovered the ultimate greatest cat combination ever. Organic extra strength catnip and A LASER POINTER!!! I have laughed so hard, I've cried. Seriously. Tux is the total catnip stoner cat. Velvet gets a little buzz and gets racey. Every once in a while Tux goes to chase the laser, but he runs straight into the wall. O.M.G. I called RadioBoy to tell him about it. I was laughing so hard, he asked if I was smoking anything. (seriously) I do feel a little buzzed from the 'nip.