Today a friend surprise-invited me as a guest to their members-only club where fancy people conduct business meetings over hard liquor and cigars. There's a billiards room, a putting green, an ascot and pocket square lending library. You can cellar your own wine there. One of the rooms has a Devialet Phantom. (I know!) I learned the purpose of a smoking jacket (to keep tobacco smoke from staining and smelling up a person's regular clothing.)
I'm such a sucker for that old-world money style. You know, railroad barons, opulent hotels on Nob Hill, mannered staff and rugged yet plush textiles. To me it represents quality that lasts beyond short-term trends. There is substance, perhaps. It might all be merely romantic notions in my head, well-marketed fantasies indulged by a deftly curated user experience. I don't care. For an afternoon, I'm Lauren Bacall and Ingrid Bergman and Marlene Dietrich. I watch a lot of movies...
And we did do business! I researched being my own boss. Using a "back office" company to do my admin work while I focus on building relationships and doing what I'm good at - arranging things. I'm in a good position in my life where I can give it a try for a little bit and see if it works for me. The friend might have a little freelance work to get me started, so I'm having fun at the thought of trying something I never thought I'd have the resources and courage to do. One gets bold in one's old age ;)
I wrote the Best Cover Letter Ever. Or, I wrote the most overwrought "Dear Company, I've got a crush on you." letter ever. Either way. I did it. I sent it for preview to my encouraging friend who works there, with the idea that I'll submit it through the proper company application process tomorrow afternoon after adjusting for any feedback I might get.
Had a lovely evening with another friend visiting SF, this one from LA. We had Burmese, his first! and enjoyed a charming passegiatta to and through the newly renovated Dolores Park.
Tomorrow I get a haircut and an eye exam, and an exciting rain storm is supposed to arrive. So much to look forward to.