The Conference Call

Working for myself, I tend to wear many hats. Typically, when I don’t have a day of meetings, it’s my trusty NY Giants slouch cap. Another one is the welcome responsibility of taking care of my baby daughter Aubrey for a couple of days a week, as I run my writing business . . . at the same time. It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Although a very demanding boss, Aubs is easy to be around (and love) and can be bribed for up to a half hour at the time, simply by popping in her favorite DVD. This gives me opportunities to sneak a few steps away into my office for things such as conference calls with my clients. As a matter of fact, let’s join one now, in progress:


Client (Male): So, you understand what we need you to do on this?
Me: Perfectly – not a problem.
Client: I’ll put you in touch with Mr. Jackson for further reference, before you start writing the ads.
Aubs (From The Room Next Door): Baaaaaaaarney!!!!!!!
Client: That’s Mr. Jackson – not Mr. Barney . . .
Me: Yes, right.
Client: Are you okay?
Me: Yes, of course.
Client: You sure you can meet the deadline?
Aubs (Now In My Office And In Hysterics): Baaaaaaaaaaarney!!!!!!
Client: You sound upset.
Me: No, actually I’m just here with . . .
Aubs: DVD!!! DVD!!!
Client: You understand we’re writing prints ads, not a video – right?
Me: Yes, wait, hang on . . .
Aubs (SCREAMING): Broken, Daddy!!!!!!
Client: Wait, what’s broken? And did you just call me "daddy"???

Me (LAUGHING): Actually, I’m here with my baby daughter, Aubrey. Something seems to be going on with her Barney DVD. Do you have kids?
Client: No.
(LONG AWKWARD PAUSE, THEN AUBS LAUGHS HYSTERICALLY).
Me: Look, Jim, I think I have everything I need to get started. Sorry for the hysteria, but it’s all under control. I really appreciate the opportunity and will meet the deadline.
Client (Sternly – No Sense Of Humor): Well, I hope so.

Me: Thanks - and bye, Jim.
Aubs: Byyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
(PAUSE)
Me (To Aubs): You know, sweetie, I hope you always keep your sense of humor. Life is just too short to deal with sour pusses.
Client: Um, Jeff, I’m still on the line.
(EXTREMELY AWKWARD SILENCE)

Being in business for myself has brought my priorities into sharp focus. And Aubrey, Jackie and Murphy are always at the top of my list. Although I completely love my job, sometimes it's important to realize that we're all working to live, not living to work. And I'm reminded of that important fact every time Aubs smiles and calls me Daddy.

Talk to you next week. Until then, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race.

- Jeff