On my way to Ft. Thomas, Kentucky
Back roads south to Cincinnati, avoiding the highway -- the corridor that gets gruesome coverage on most news updates: drunk drivers, people falling asleep at the wheel, construction mishaps.

For now, I'm living in Dayton. I was thinking about getting involved.

I could take evening classes from Sinclair Community College. The downtown campus is impressive; they have a ton of classes. I could take creative writing, or something that hones up a business skill, like ... statistics. EEK! For residents, tuition's cheap cheap cheap. Something like $25 per credit. If it's business related, BIPC will pick up part of the tab. Maybe I should milk that cow while I still can...!

I thought about DATV -- Dayton Public Access TV. This public broadcast station lets anyone get on air, if they've taken the classes on how to run the equipment. After you take the class, you sign up for a show. I might get a time slot at 4 a.m. on the last Wednesday of every month. Maybe big fun! I could unleash my peculiar brand of fire-breathing liberalism on the locals! (All one of them at 4 a.m.)

And I thought about the AIDS Volunteer stuff again. My closeted work friend Hushpuppy Darnitall gave me some inside scoop on the local group. They've been in transition, and could use some help. Plus, stats for AIDS are on the rise again; if anything, there's more of a need now that everyone thinks it's gone away. Maybe I can overcome my burnout from the late 80s and early 90s.

On the way back from Ft. Thomas, Kentucky
I was invited to a dinner at a swanky country club -- panelled walls, golf courses, and a view of Cincinnati's skyline in the distance. The dinner was a mixer for the folks associated with the film festival I helped with a few weeks back.

Although I've worked with a few fests, this one seems to have the most cash-flow -- wow, a paid dinner, flowing wine and prizes (A bottle of Venezuelan rum for me). A bit different from my days on the International Experimental Film Festival and the Lavendar Film Fest.

And if this was a mixer for the folks who had helped, I hadn't seen most of them when I was there. It was easy to mingle with the dozen or so folks there, and I met almost everyone. I don't know what the connection to film was, because almost no one seemed to have an interest in it. The conversation was more about their real-life careers, which was just as interesting. A few had non-profit jobs in housing redevelopment. (Have I mentioned that I have a degree in Historic Preservation?)

Driving back, I felt as if there was a haze just in front of my eyes. (No, it wasn't from the rum!) We're all to exchange e-mails. Two former employees (and attorneys who now work for themselves) of a large, multi-national personal care products corporation headquartered in Cincy invited me to an art opening. And, I'm supposed to chitty chat with the urban redevelopment folks.

In my own little way, I guess that was networking. Oh how I hate that word!

Back in Dayton, after 1 a.m., and my roomie has just come in. Hmm.... I'm on a role, let's try networking on him -- after all, I went to law school with his wife.

Me: So, roomie, I don't think I'm Outgoing enough to work in sales, but I've often wondered if there's something else I could contribute to that organization. What do you think?
Him: Well... {launches into longwinded account of sales structure and ending with} ...and then there's the training force.
Me: Training, why... yes. That does sound fascinating. (lie) Who would I talk to about that?
Him: So-and-so, do you know her?
Me: I've heard the name... (lie)
Him: Give her a call and mention my name. When [wifey] is in town we can talk more.
Me: That would be great -- thanks!

*sigh* I guess that wasn't so bad, was it?

The guillotine was busy today -- two more managers were eliminated. I understand the next round of layoffs is March 1st. KL, my long-time work friend, tells me Brenda's on that list. I am spared, so sayeth Boss. In the meantime, the two projects I was given last week are "on hold" pending "a clarification of locational responsibility". (Read: Until layoffs are complete.)