Sometimes these places have no rum but endless vodka and ill-thought out plans
Our reputations carry us places – hopefully places we want to go, which is not always the case. And you build a reputation just like you build anything else in your life.
When I was single, had a reputation of never saying no to an invite and that’s served me well; met my wife this way and lots of other interesting people.
Back then, found myself randomly at the Rainbow Room meeting Tina Fey or running repeatedly into a French waitress at Hiro or just ending up on a rooftop somewhere.
After I got married, stopped having that reputation – mainly because it’s tiring and little beats being at home seeing what’s on Netflix with your favourite person.
But I still get the random call from time-to-time. Monday it was from my old buddy, Mas.
Him: There’s a black tie banquet at Cirpriani’s downtown tonight, you’re on the guest list.
Me: Do I have to wear a tie?
Him: It’s supposed to be tuxedo, so please wear tie
Me: Fine, fine – but if I see someone without a tie there, it’s coming off!
Him: Deal
An hour later, I’m having a Double-Cross vodka martini – hold everything but the vodka – and trying to chat with Maya Lin.
It’s vodka, BTW, because of their lack of any aged rums; told the bartender they should consider adding some.
After my buddy and his friends show up, it’s a blur of vodka (now giving up all pretensions and just having it on the rocks), appetizers, speeches, and handshakes.
In the middle of it, get a call from a client.
Her: …12 projects. All due this quarter.
Me (what I wanted to say): All due this quarter?! That’s crazy. There’s only three weeks left and I’ve got eight projects already due by year’s end, which is really December 21st because of Xmas falling on a Tuesday this month. I’m flattered you thought of me, but I can’t possibly.
Me: (what I actually said): Sure.
Finished up the night by thanking my friends for the invite and headed home to the aforementioned favourite person.
Her: How was it?
Me: No good rum but otherwise, really nice. Let me tell you who I met…
Woke up the next day with 250MB of pdf files in my email. My email crashed because of the volume of scans.
Slept 3 hours last night. Off to start project nine of the month.
Goodbye sleep, I’ll see you in January.
Location: off to another meeting
Mood: whoa
Music: down on Delancey, Hey remember that time
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