Playing for the MBA
New York, NY
While the rest of the city was enjoying a mid-70 degree evening; playing in the fields of Central Park, dining under the moon at a sidewalk cafe, I was stuck in a conference room overlooking the lights of midtown. And I should have worn a suit.
For the uninitiated, I'm exploring the possibility of getting my MBA. Last night, while every other New Yorker in the entire city took to the streets to enjoy the incredible night, I was sequestered in a (beautiful) conference room learning about a certain business school. On any other night, I would have been more than happy to learn about the ins and outs of the school, but on this particular night, it took everything I had not to jump out the conference room windows.
It started poorly. The meeting itself took place in a company's conference room in midtown. We had to check in at the lobby and make our way to the bank of elevators. I noticed that every single person was in a suit. Except, that is, for me. Taking advantage of the weather, I decided to forgo the suit and tie and keep it strictly business casual. An elevator opened and I got in, though I quickly noticed that it only went to the 7th floor. So I got out and, as is usual in most buildings in New York City, figured the bank of elevators across the hall went higher up.
So I got out and waited. Then she came. Her hair was pulled tight into a pony tail, her makeup was modest. Her outfit was more conservative than a nun's. I could tell I wouldn't like this girl.
"Are you going to the biz school conference?" Just the fact that she had to abbreviate "business" told me she was a type-A+ personality. Not enough time for that extra syllable. I told her yes and she asked why I was waiting for the elevator when those across the hall were wide open. I told her of the strange duality of this elevator bank and explained how I figured those on the other side must all have a maximum floor height of 7. She looked me up and down, judged the shit out of my Vineyard Vines shit, and said, "So, do you work in the city?" At least that's what she said. What she meant was, "You aren't nearly sophisticated for the city. You shouldn't be here. And I think you're a fool." She then suggested we try the other elevators just to be sure.
And yes, I was wrong. I must have found the odd elevator that only went to 7. All the others went much higher. Making small talk (as there were now a few people in the elevator) I assured her that the elevator I'd found only went to the 7th floor.
"That's why we keep you men around. You keep us on our toes. Balance us out."
I'm almost entirely sure I mouthed "bitch" while she was looking at me. I managed to laugh off her snide comment and pulled out my Blackberry to impress upon her that I had the cognitive reasoning to hold down a job. While we were walking to the conference, I made two guesses about her.
- She would sit up front.
- She would ask the first question.
The school itself was amazing, and I'd be honored to attend. The presentation said everything I wanted to hear. But that girl made me doubt everything. I certainly didn't want to spend the rest of my life, thinking that the world was a giant marble for me to walk over.
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Sorry to switch gears, but I just finished watching yet another live car chase on my computer. I've noticed several things, and if anyone has answers and/or reasons as to why they occur, I'd love to know.
- Car chases almost always happen in Southern California.
- 95% of the time, the stolen car is white.
- 75% of the time, that stolen car is an SUV.
- They never end in a twisted heap of burning metal. Always, the driver is caught, pulled out of the car, and arrested. You'd think these people would know enough not to run.
- The audio (if there is audio on the live feed) should give place names, and highway numbers. I like to know if my chase is happening on the 405 or the 101.
- Do the drivers understand what a potential danger they're putting on their fellow citizens, let alone the police?
- What happens in the end? We need follow up. I want to know if the arrested parties go to jail, get out on bond, and what their motivation was.
