I don't want to stay up any later,

but I feel like going to sleep will amount to admitting defeat. I wanted more out of today than work. Mreh. Oh, and Neuromancer isn't getting any better. It's too self-involved.

I'm sleepy. Maybe I can make up for today tomorrow.

from Sordidout

If there is someone anywhere on LiveJournal whose ass you'd like to beat with their own shoe, post this sentence in your journal.

I've patched a hole.

I had no Raytheon reference. Things didn't go so great there. I underemphasized that experience to get this NEMC job (I told them I got canned, and I told them why, but quickly returned to discussing laboratory work). It's never good to have a hole in your references. Makes people doubt you.

I looked up and phoned my supervisor from Raytheon. She's still on maternity leave, because she decided to make another baby while she was out. My ass got canned while she was out with the first kid, and I figured she'd feel at least a little responsible for never training me on anything that could have saved my skin without a clearance. I put aside the grudge I bear, I addressed her cheerfully, I asked her about her kid... She refused to give me a reference, because "we hardly got to work together." Um, that's because you didn't spend any time with me, remember? That's why I lost my job, remember? I didn't say anything. I said thanks and goodbye.

Options:

1) Get really pissed off at the unfairness of the Universe. Whip up the hatred. Lose lots of time and energy.
2) Call someone else.

I called her boss. This is the man who shook my hand when I finished packing up my cubicle to go home.

I acted like nothing had happened. Happy voice, polite conversation. Alluded to my previous supervisor and her kids. Made sure the guy was smiling when I asked for a reference. Hey, I know I wasn't the best engineer you ever had -- I never really got a chance, with the whole clearance thing--

He interrupted me. "Hey, listen, I understand. I'd be happy to do that."

I paused for a sec. He was sincere, right?

He continued, "I'm in and out of town for the next few weeks. When will they call? Have them try my email..."

Neat. :)

woohaa!

I have the first positive noises from a chemical manufacturer that they can give us a good price and meet our deadlines. This doesn't guarantee anything, but it's encouraging. Details coming tomorrow, when I get the finished quote.

Now, we dance.