WTH Happened Last Night?

Last night I was jerked awake because I heard an incredibly loud bang--in my fuzzy state it sounded like a bomb had gone off nearby. The window was open and it was raining but a peaceful rain; it didn't sound like there was thunder. Thinking of 9/11, I stumbled downstairs and turned on the TV going back and forth between NY1 (hey Duncan! Now you get to watch NY1! Motto: "New York Really IS the Center of the Universe") and CNN. Gradually, as no "Breaking News Alert" appeared on either station, my adrenalized state faded, and I went back to sleep. It must've been thunder--holy crap, though, it was LOUD.

Annoying

Every Friday I cover for the assistant of one of the lawyers in Compliance. It's a nice assignment--lots of phone calls but peaceful other than that. The lawyer herself is very nice and low-key, and they buy our lunch up to $8. (They used to do this throughout the company--everyone in Banking, including assistants, got lunch up to $8. I called it "the days of milk and honey"; some call it "the Clinton years." They ended this perk shortly after 9/11.)

The other assistant in this section is very nice and friendly but a little too eager to hear about my acting/directing career. I like being able to talk to someone who is interested (I told her right away last week about the agent wanting to work with me)--what I don't like is walking in and hearing her say "Any new projects? What have you heard? What's going on?" Let me tell you. Because there might be nothing happening at the moment. And then I'll get the whole "That's okay." Or the rueful shake of the head: "It's a tough business." I find it condescending. I know what I'm doing. I'm very happy about what I'm doing. I don't need commiseration or sympathy, unless it's clear I'm asking for it.

I've found that most people think they can advise me on my industry. It's annoying. I got that on the ship all the time, and there's a guy from my church at home (St. Mary's in Arlington) who does that to me all the time.

Anyway. She really is very nice. This is the one thing that irks me about her.

For Doug and Mike

Bud Selig sees the light.