Embarcation

Athena arrived yesterday, safe and sound. She was appropriately impressed by Whidbey Island and admitted, after some pressing, that, yes, she understands the attraction of living in such a place. Of course, unlike some of us, Athena didn't have the experience of growing up on an island in the Mediterranean. The inside of my ex-husband's skull must have the same fond associations for her as gently rolling waves do for me....

She insists on driving. To Alaska?!? I told her it's simply not done, I offered to buy her a plane ticket, I offered to hire a private plane, but she pointed out in that infuriating way of hers that the commercial airlines don't get us close enough and a private plane would attract the kind of attention we don't want. Thank goodness it's summer and I have my IDs in order. We won't be taking MY car, I rented something that can handle the terrain, will keep us comfortable, and has a decent built-in entertainment system. After about three hours of listening to Athena get all the questions right on NPR quiz shows I would be ready to drive off an iceberg.

I don't like leaving Susan for so long, either, but Argus will keep an eye on her.

Met with my new client before Athena's arrival. A mid-level executive in a well-known company in an industry that will not be named. He looks like an Italian mobster and dresses like one too. I can see why one of my puppies referred him to me. He's got a lot of potential - very forceful personality - but he needs guidance. Refinement. I gave him some homework while we're away: facial, eyebrows, hairstylist, interior decorator, personal trainer, and krav maga to cultivate that aggressive killer instinct. And most importantly, come up with a list of all his internal and external peers. The people he will be competing with for resources and promotions.

This should be fun. I haven't taken on a new client in a couple years. The first part is always the most exciting.