W: Hi! I'm sorry I'm late. The traffic on 35E was impossible.

M: Really? But it's not even rush hour.

W: I know, but it's summertime and there's a lot of construction.

M: Well anyway. I suppose we shouldn't waste any more time. We've got a lot of work today before the big presentation tomorrow.

W: Oh, I cannot wait until it is all over and done with. I have such a fear of public speaking.

M: What's there to be afraid of? You know the material better than anyone in the class. 

W: It's all mental; it has nothing to do with the material. But whenever I stand up in front of other people I start trembling. My mouth goes dry, I start stuttering, and I also fidget with my hands.

M: Now you're making me nervous. We better practice a lot. Certainly the content is more important than delivery, but people need to understand what you are saying!

W: Ok, let's finish putting together the last of the pages for the powerpoint presentation, and then we'll rehearse until it's perfect. If I say the presentation enough times, I think the words will flow easier tomorrow.

M: Ok, let's get cracking. 

M: Joan, have you seen the Knight file? It was on my desk this morning, and now it is nowhere to be found.

W: I think Meredith said she wanted to look it over before the meeting with the administrators tonight.

M: Well, where is Meredith? I haven't seen her for a while now.

W: I think she's out for a few hours. She said something about meetings at the other office. I'm not sure, to tell you the truth. 

M: I'll have to call her on her cell, then. I really need that file. I need to have it memorized by the meeting tonight, and I haven't even glanced at it yet.

W: Ok, call her. But be warned, she always turns her phone off when she is in meetings.

M: Oh, no. Well, I suppose it's my own fault for saving it until the very last moment. She probably assumed that I had already looked at it, considering it's been in my possession for the last three days.

W: So what are you going to do if you don't get a chance to read it?

M: Wing it, I guess. And let Meredith do most of the talking. 
 

W: How did the interview go? Do you feel confident?

M: I honestly have no idea what to think about the interview.

W: What do you mean?

M: I was extremely nervous. My palms were sweaty and I stuttered on almost every question.

W: You don't strike me as the type of person who gets flustered. 

M: I usually don't! But this man was so intimidating. He had such an arrogant presence to him. After the question, he leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, as if he had just dared me to answer a question and expected me to fail.

W: I'm sure that was just his strategy. He probably wanted to observe how you handled pressure.

M: It really threw me off guard. I really wish I could have come off as more confident.

W: Well don't forget that the decision is not entirely dependent on the interview. You have an outstanding academic record and you did an impeccable job on your application, and I have no doubt that your references will sing your praises to them as well. 

M: Here it is. Carousel A. And it says right here on the monitor that this has the luggage for flight 532 arriving from New York.

W: It sure is crowded here. We're going to have to really push and shove to get to our luggage.

M: Well, we don't have to be at the convention center for another three hours and both the hotel and the center are only minutes away from the airport. What do you say we go and get some coffee over at that coffee stand in the corner? 

W: That's a good idea. We can let the crowd die out a little bit and then come claim our luggage. Plus, I'm falling asleep! I could really use a caffeine kick!

M: Let's go then. My treat.

W: You don't have to do that. Let me get it.

M: No. I insist. Consider it a small thank you for letting me ride with you to the airport this morning.

W: Ok, but I'll get the coffee on the way back.

M: Deal. 

W: Excuse me. Is this Dr. John Evans' office?

M: It sure is. Do you have an appointment?

W: No actually. His name was given to me by a colleague. I've been suffering from insomnia for the last few months. I've gone to M.D.'s and taken herbs and nothing seems to work. I thought a psychologist might help me work through the stress that is causing the insomnia.

M: That sounds like a reasonable solution to me. Now, Dr. Evans is booked every day, so I'm afraid you can't see him without an appointment. 

W: I figured that much. I just came to the actual office instead of calling because I was in the area. Can I make an appointment with you, then?

M: Definitely. We'll schedule you first for a half hour consultation. After that consultation, Dr. Evans will suggest how often you should come and we'll schedule accordingly.

W: That sounds good. When can I get an appointment?

M: Usually he's booked for weeks straight. But fortunately for you he just had a cancellation for this Friday at 2. Can you make it?

W: I'll be there. 

M: Are you just getting back from work now? It's late.

W: I know. I had the greatest day though.

M: You are the only person I know who comes back from 14 hours of work and calls it a great day.

W: Well, this new job is very exciting for me. It's the first time I'm doing something I actually love and I am talented at.

M: So, why was it such a great day?

W: My boss let me sit in on a meeting with the Calvin Klein designer, which I take as a sign that she is preparing me to have more responsibilities in the future. 

M: I think that is a safe assumption.

W: Also, I told her I liked a certain design and she ordered a ton of it.

M: It sounds like you are really earning the respect of your boss; and quickly too! You have accomplished a lot in just 2 months on the job. 

W: Are you leaving for home already, Ed? It's only 3:30.

M: I know. But I've been here since 7.

W: Why the sudden change of schedule? I've never known you to be an early bird.

M: I'm definitely not and I am somewhat sleep deprived. But my son is in the state soccer tournament and I can't miss any of his games.

W: You are such a dedicated father. And an employee at that! I'm not nearly as efficient as you are in the office. But the first thing I do when I come home is take a nap. I don't know how you have the energy to work fulltime and have a family. 

M: Well, I wasn't up to it at your age, that's for sure. This is only your first year on the job. It takes a while to get a rhythm. Once you're settled here, you'll find you'll have more energy for other aspects of your life. I promise! Ok, I better go. I can't miss kick-off!

W: Have fun and good luck to your son! 
 

W: Adam, hi! What are you doing here?

M: Since you weren't answering any of your calls, I thought I'd make a home visit.

W: I know, I'm sorry. I know you are looking for this week's column, and I know I'm past dead-line.... it's just that I had some family things come up this week and I'm a little behind schedule.

M: Jenny, you are always past deadline. And although, as your editor, that used to stress me out a lot, I've grown accustomed to it the last few years. 

W: Well, then what is this about? Is something wrong?

M: Well, a publishing company contacted me a week ago with an interest in turning your columns into a book. I promised to set up a meeting between you and them by the end of the week, but then again, I didn't expect you to be avoiding my calls for seven days straight.

W: Are you serious?!

M: Yes, I'm serious, but they are starting to think that YOU are not serious. I've set up a meeting for today at four. Can you make it?

W: Of course! 

M: As I said over the phone, I've been an accountant for the last ten years and have recently quit my job. I want to find a career that I am passionate about.

W: And what provoked your interest in advertising?

M: Well, there's still a lot for me to learn about the field, but it seems to grant me the opportunity to exercise both my creativity and my intelligence.

W: That is certainly true. And there is actually an opening at the agency. 

M: Honestly? What position is it?

W: It's an unpaid internship. It will allow you to dabble in the various aspects of the advertising world, so you can find a specific area that suits you best. Also it will allow you to develop a strong portfolio.

M: But did you say unpaid?

W: Well, yes. Remember. You are starting a new career so you're going to have to start at the bottom and work your way up. It will be years until you make what you were making at your old job. 
 

M: Do you think James will get the promotion?

W: He definitely has a good chance and certainly deserves it. But remember, Paul is the boss's nephew and he is also up for the job.

M: But Cindy's a fair boss. She would never promote someone who was less qualified just because they were family.

W: I don't think she would do it consciously, but it may play some role in her decision-making. I mean, it's not like Paul is completely unqualified for the position. If Paul and James are neck and neck for the position, Paul certainly has the edge. 

M: Well, James will just be wrecked if he doesn't get it. He's been working so hard.

W: Let's just hope for the best.