My recent trip to the Con was something of a whirlwind, I packed in only a small carry-on suitcase, so, of course, I was short on cubic inches when it came time to pack for the return trip.
But I had a cunning plan, ha-ha. See, I’d learned we were going to the KOA Wrap Party in August (part of the payback for the Con trip), so anything I left behind we could simply pick up next month. Extra clothes? No problem. Couple of read books? No sweat. My kit? Hey, no travel plans between now and then, so what’s the harm?
You know where this is going …
This morning I had just dropped off Katherine at Summer School when my cell phone rang.
“Hey, Dave, it’s the Big Kahuna.” Actually, he gave his name. It was the CIO.
“Hi, BK.” [Insert pleasantries here.]
“Dave, I was wondering if you could do me a favor.”
Never! I mean, why would I do a favor for you, the CIO of the corporation, my boss’s boss, the guy who holds my career in your hands? “Sure, BK, what’s up?”
“Can you be in Detroit next Thursday?”
No! Never! Detroit?! Are you mad? I’m sure I have something on TV Thursday night! Besides, why would I respond to a personal request from the CIO? What, do you think I’m some sort of corporate lackey to be ordered hither and thither as some sort of favor to a Senior Vice President? “Sure. I don’t think that will be a problem.
The BK explained that there was some sort of big multi-hundred-million-dollar job going on up there for a Major Automobile Manufacturer, and they (them? us?) needed someone to analyze some software systems to see if they would work for the task. (Gulp.) No guarantees or certification necessary, just some educated eyes to review things.
“Sure, no problem.”
“Fine. [List of other major managers], one of them will contact you about this. Ever been in Detroit?”
Is that a deal-breaker? “Nope, never have.”
“It’s my home town. Not the greatest of cities, but Michigan is nice. Fine. Well, keep me apprised of what you’re doing.”
Interesting. Major thang if there’s personal interest in it. High profile, high risk, high opportunity. Eep! “Cool. I’ll be in touch.”
“Thanks, Dave.”
So. Off to Detroit sometime next week. No clue for what, or how long, or why, or what’s involved.
And looks like it’s time to put together a new kit. Of course.
Well isn’t this just opportunity banging on the door as though rabid wolves were snapping at its heels?
If you’re going to be around for more than a few hours then drop me an email with the details and let’s see what we can do about hooking up for a coffee someplace or something. You’ll be the first authentic blogger I’ve ever met who wasn’t someone I got hooked on blogging in the first place. 🙂
That’s funny, I was thinking “Gee maybe ***Dave could meet Les”
The thought had, in fact, occured to me, but I wasn’t going to pursue it further until I heard more about the particulars.
Just to throw in a “me too”, if I’m free, Detroit is only a little over an hour and I’d love to join you guys. You don’t know me, Dave, but I read you every day on my PDA.
Wouldn’t it be funny if Dave met 2 people named Les from Detroit? 😉
Alas, it looks like the trip has moved from Michigan to Tennessee (and the thriving metropolis of Tullahoma).
Next time, perhaps.