I had an unexpected lunch with Coleman today. I had planned to eat my lunch in the cafeteria and read my book, and here he comes. I was happy for the company and he blew me away with the range of topics that he expounded on. First off, he says that I am still in contention for the position. They are interviewing candidates for another position, and will be making a decision about this one soon. He says that the committee's concern is not whether I can do the job but if it is at all connected with where I want to be. That is a little re-assuring. He says that I would need to convince them that this job is going to move me in the right direction...not sure how I am supposed to do that when the interview is over. They should be letting me know something by the end of the week.
I don't know how we got here, but he told me how women need to empower ourselves, starting by not taking our husband's names when we marry, not settling for men who can't contribute equally or more financially, and not being in dramatic and unfulfilled relationships. He had an interesting point about looking at the dominant groups in culture if you want to improve your station. Whatever the rich, heterosexual, white, males in our population are doing, going to college, travelling, playing golf, we should all get on board. He did concede that his opinions may be part of the reason that he is single. He told me that he always says what is on his mind, and he doesn't have tolerance for excuses, especially for the men that he dates. As a Black man, he can't stand the recurring lament that they have more challenges than anyone else, he is out here pumping and jumping to make a living and they should be too. I asked him if he would date a starving artist, he said no, he better be an art professor or selling his work for high prices. All I could say was wow! He is quite a character. I really should make a more concentrated effort to hang out outside of work.
I spent the evening watching Dancing with the Stars, downloading music and reviewing my notes from the copyright lecture that I attended a few weeks ago. I skyped with my good friend Joseph tonight and he gave me the standard kick in the bum (figuratively) that I didn't ask for. I was explaining my job situation and some of my frustrations, and he basically told me to stop lamenting and think rationally about what I want. He did admit the Johnson Publishing Company vs. University of Chicago issue was tough, but I need to have my mind made up for any possible scenario. I blame Joseph's pragmatism and poise on his degree in hotel and restaurant management. He always knows what to say and the etiquette for these professional situations, I'm jealous and he is smug, but we manage to get along. He has an incredible amount of faith in me and whenever we get off the phone, I feel empowered to keep on looking for that ideal position.
