For complicated reasons (either in actually or as constructed in my head), I had a couple of light beers with lunch. I don’t drink in the afternoon. I remember why now. I want to nap.

Instead, I will meet in 10 minutes with a woman who drives me crazy. She’s a particular kind of scientist, very linear. She makes assertions about reality and how money works or goods are purchased or things happen with grant support. They are invariably wrong, but clearly based on her own linear progression from her own belief system.

I respond by refuting her belief system. I describe the actual administrative linear path. She stares at me with a blank stare of disbelief and attempted patience. She is nonplussed by my thickness, my density, my inability to grasp her linear progression. She explains herself again, more slowly, a bit defensively.

I stand my ground.

She repeats.

And so the dance begins.

I must win, because, you see, I am ultimately responsible for cash flow. But the dance always tires me.