I must admit that I am a bit nervous today. I have my important interview that, if it goes ahead well, will be worth quite a bit of money for not only a client of mine, but for me as well. I am sure of my case, sure of my abilities to negotiate any terms, I am just still nervous for how important todays interview is. What can I do to help myself relax? Thankfully, this is an interview over a webcam, so I don't have to do anything but talk and sit down in front of my computer.
Still, I have to think about what I might do to make myself feel better, make myself smile more and be more comfortable. I am at home after all, I should feel relaxed. I suppose, my only concern should be that the cleaner is coming in today. I have left a little note for her that I would prefer she didn't use the vacuum cleaner straight away, just so I can hear a bit better, so I am sure she will not create a problem.
What can I do to take that little bit of stress off? It takes me a moment to figure out what might help. The person on the other camera won't see me from the chest down. I have heard the running joke that news reporters don't wear any pants because nobody can see them from the shoulders down. While I won't just strip down to underwear, how about I try just wearing board shorts? It only takes a minute to switch from my suit pants to the bright blue shorts. I chuckle. Feeling better already.
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You come to my house for the regular cleaning job that you know I really appreciate your efforts with. You go to open my front door but see there is a piece of paper with something written in big block letters on it. I have left a note for you saying, "Please Leave Vacuuming Until Last, Important Meeting". You understand, it is not going to be much of a problem. I have meetings like this occasionally and you certainly don't want to disrupt me.
You walk in and begin unpacking your gear as per the normal routine. I keep my house more or less clean anyway, but I leave it up to the professionals to put in some extra effort. You have been working for me for years and certainly have a great deal of respect for my abilities. You do hope I do well in whatever meeting I have today.
You start with the usual, simple cleaning of surfaces. Doesn't take long. You go to the kitchen get all the little nooks and crannies, followed by the lounge and the laundry. You go quietly towards my office, partly to see if my meeting is over yet so you can start the vacuuming. You are a little surprised by the fact that I am wearing blue board shorts instead of suit pants.
You notice that I am looking a bit stressed about this meeting. I am certainly smiling still and look presentable, but you really hope that stress doesn't get the best of me. You do want this meeting to go well for me. If only there was some way you might be able to help. A brief thought crosses your mind, followed by a snicker as you consider that maybe you could help me that way.