Put me in coach, I'm ready to play, today...

If there ever was a defining moment in my life, a moment that begged me to take hold of my future and run with it, it was today.

I made me way to Harrisburg to the offices of the cmopany I want to work for for Interview 2. I made my way into the office and was met by my would-be supervisor. We shot the breeze for bit and he escorted me back to the Vice President's office, where we sat and talked for a bit before heading out to lunch. As we talked, the President walked by and looked in. He stopped, recognizing my face from various conferences and meetings I've had with him in the past. I remembered that this man was a firm-shaker, and was ready for him. The VP invited him to join us for lunch, but he declined.

Lunch was a bit unexpected. A group of us went, most of who I knew very well already, one of which I didn't. Now, you must realize that the group of people (all men) that comprised our lunch group are 1) all friends, 2) certifiable, 3) professional yet, fun. These are the men who sit at the bar after a long day and give you a hard time because, well, because they just do.

So today, being Friday, was a casual dress day for them. I was in a suit. I was stylin'. I was told I looked like an FBI agent. Anyway, the group spared no expense in the fact that I was the only one "dressed up" in the building. This is how a normal conversation went:

GF Staff: "We have to hurry and get Del's interview over with, Kmart closes at 9, and he has to return his suit. "

Del: (in all my witty glory, was ready for that too) "No gentlemen, it's okay. I rented this one from Wal-Mart and they're open 24/7."

That's pretty much how the entire day went. Back and forth. So after lunch, I filled out some paperwork, and rejoined the group in the conference room for the formal interview. We conference called a few more people in and began.

I answered their questions with tact and completeness. Each one, I carefully manipulated to promote myself. After all, isn't that what you're supposed to do? I asked my questions and got more clarification of the actual type of work I'd be doing, and where. Let's just say that I'm going to be busy beyond my comprehension. I greeted and thanked each of them as I left, telling them I look forward to hearing from them.

On the way home I got a call from my would-be supervisor, and he said that it went extremely well. In fact, the VP was more impressed after that than before, knowing me all this time.

You see, what my goal was today was to separate the former client (me) from the future employee (me, again). All of my dealings with Gannett in the past have put me on the "other side of the table", so to speak. It was always their responsibility to impress me. Because, let's face it. I (used to) sign their contracts. They have always pictured me as the happy, easy-going, guy that would "BS" with them and share in "the next round of drinks." My technical skills were never in question. My character and drive were.

Today I showed them that I am THEIR next American Idol. I showed them that I am ready for whatever they could throw at me. Whatever a client could conjure up, I could work my mojo and counter.

The ball is in their court. I'm just waiting to play.


PS- expect big news early next week.