Conference

Very trying last few days. Am not breaking injunctionagainst writing on weekends because am very much at school. Conference planned months ago and then forgotten has finally and inconveniently arrived. Thursday spent making new program after the Vice-Boss says that she Forgot to give me the names of 3 additional participants, one a very famous artist who will be Upset if he isn't included. Vice-Boss adds, she would have told me before the other program was made but that it wasn't actually confirmed. Vice-boss clearly definately lying but as there is nothing to do, rearrange program and talk to the duplicating center about making brand new copies. Duplicating center very helpful and sas that it Won't Be a Problem. This a rather optimistic assesment--it turns out that it is a problem--a strange purple line appears on all the programs. The Duplicating Center says that he can't think how it could have happened. Maybe nobody will notice. Point out that I have already noticed. The Duplicating Center says that he will Try to get the programs done. His co-worker laughs hysterically, but do not think that it is about the program. Tell self to check zipper of pants, face for marks, and state of hair immediately on leaving. Trip to bathroom does not reveal anything amiss, which is personally calming but professionally worrisome. Later in afternoon am called and told that The Job is Done. Have vivid and exiciting fantsy that have ordered Mob hit and am receiving news about it, but then recall the dull truth. Send new work study student (name of Billy, who dresses like he has just come from an Appalachian holler but who, in fact, comes from Marin County) to Duplicating Center. Vice-Boss not nearly as excited as I am that the programs got made. She says languidly, Thanks, It would be nice if a few could be put downstairs tonight--there is the big Psychology conference going on. Psychology Conference about Guilt. Offer to take down the flyers myself--am very interested in topic of guilt--am slightly though unjustifiably hurt that wasn't asked to give paper or at least short Talk. Table set up in front of auditorium. For form's sake ask if could put programs on table. Young woman says she will have to ask. She does ask. The woman who seems to be in charge (very prominent forehead, ill fitting suit) turns to me and says I am very sorry (it is clear that she isn't) but No. Your event tomorrow is going to Compete with Ours. Later, compose very well reasoned speech about how those interested in Guilt might also be interested in our own conference about Art and Emotion, and we all work together in this institution, that none of us are in this for the money, that we--as a school--have a long proud history of progressive thought and action and that it is in the spirit of those that came before us that we ought to Cooperate with each other. Also compose sharper speech which includes the colloquial phrase, It's No Skin off Your Back, Lady. Naturally, deliver neither speech and instead say (very unfortunately blinking back inconvenient tears,) What is your name? She says, Ruth. Voice maddeningly quivering ask, And your last name? Grimes, she says, pulling out from coat name tag attached to lanyard around her neck. Once in posession of name, have no idea of what to do with it. Leave. Go back upstairs. Tell the Contessa what has happened. She is very sympathetic, shaking her head and exclaiming, I Can't Believe Her, when required, finally declaring Ruth Grimes a Ho (though very very unlikely that the Contessa knows Ms. Grimes's sexual history.) Go home feeling weak from the experience. Am taken care of by Dave (who draws me a bath and orders Middle Eastern) and Jenny (who licks.)

More on conference to come.