schmoozing

i hope that everyone reading this has seen the movie 9 to 5, starring dolly parton (at her most countrified brilliant), lily tomlin, and jane fonda. if not, go see it. today. call in sick from your job, or go home, and rent this movie.

just now i was approached by the four top men in our study--two from the NIH and two from the umbrella organization that runs our study--because they wanted a tour of our facility. i was instantly reminded of the scene from 9 to 5 in which lily tomlin's character walks around Consolidated, the company for which she works, confidently talking to the its c.e.o.'s. "actually, our flexible hours program has worked out quite well. maria delgato, for instance, splits her shift with another coworker. right this way, we'll visit the day care center."

i put on my best violet newstead smile, adjusted my imaginary power-skirt, and pushed the down elevator button.