On my way to my first Monday class, I stopped by my assigned graduate student cubicle in Hertz Hall, the main building for the university's electrical engineering program. Each of us in the graduate EE program had one where we could study, receive messages, and store stuff between classes. Maybe the university is preparing us for our cubicle destinies?
My thesis committee chairman had left a sticky note summoning me to his office after my last class of the day. It wasn't particularly unusual or alarming for me to receive such a request, so I assumed he and the other committee members had reviewed my thesis revisions and had some additional revisions they wanted. Jamie had warned me to expect just such a demand from them to further test both my patience and my commitment to my graduate research.
The meeting with my chairman lasted only about five minutes and when it ended, I left walking on air. Rather than imposing more unreasonable requirements on me, the chairman greeted me warmly, and he effusively complimented me on the quality of my under-the-gun responses. He said the committee was extremely impressed that I had been able to recognize the limits imposed by time constraints and that I had explained what I would have done if there had been sufficient time. He then urged me once again to strongly consider applying for the doctorate program and for associated grants to help fund my research into nanotechnology sensors. He correctly read the "waiting for the other shoe to drop" look on my face, and he assured me that he and the other members of my committee considered me to be one of the most promising double-E grad students they'd had in their careers at the university.
Jamie had said she would call as soon as she had a time for our Tuesday meeting with Lorraine and Amanda to discuss Lorraine's three days' experience with Jamie's improved prosthetic phallus. However, I didn't want to wait share my good news with her and thank her for her wise guidance in preparing my response to my thesis committee's unreasonable requests.
My call to her went to voicemail, not particularly unusual. A few minutes later, she called me back. Her voice was rather flat and without its usual upbeat brightness.
"Jamie, is something wrong?" I asked.
"Oh, it's just my annual summer's-almost-over cold. I've had them regular as clockwork ever since junior high," she responded. "I felt it coming on just after I got back to the lab after Lorraine's tests. I'll be miserable and contagious for the next three or four days, so I'm going to have to miss your debrief meeting with Lorraine tomorrow. Fortunately, she was able to provide Amanda and me with a lot of detail about her first impressions of the version 2 phallus. I'm assuming that's why you called -- to find out about tomorrow's meeting?"
I explained I had called to share the outcome of my thesis committee meeting, and then I proceeded to give her a very abbreviated account of the meeting.
Her voice perked up a bit, though it still had that congested "I habba cohd" sound to it.
"I'm glad I could encourage you, Tom, but it was your effort that they appreciated. Still, it was very thoughtful of you to call me. I wish we could get together tomorrow and celebrate, but..."
"Yeah, I know. We'll put it off until you feel better. Are you still planning on repeating the version 2 phallus test with Kim on Friday?"
"We'll see how I feel on Thursday. I'd rather put if off for a few days if necessary to avoid infecting her or Amanda."
"I understand, and I'm sure Kim will, too," I said.
"Actually Tom, after the meeting today Amanda was lukewarm about tomorrow's meeting with Lorraine, too. She feels like she got all the information Lorraine had for her. Lorraine was remarkably observant and was able to recount a great deal of information in amazing detail.
Lorraine asked Amanda and me a question that will require some further research, but I'm sure Amanda hasn't had time to do it yet. Neither have I. She may ask you, too.
So why don't you give Amanda a call? If she plans on skipping it tomorrow, you and Lorraine could probably work out a mutually convenient time and place to meet."
"Is there anything in particular that you want me to bring up since you're not going to be there?"
"No, I really wrung the information out of Lorraine after today's test. Between having two close-together orgasms while at the same time trying to remember the stuff she knew we would want to know about the phallus' performance, she was mentally and emotionally drained after the meeting. I just hope I didn't push her too hard. But I'm sure that if there's anything new, you'll let me know."
We talked for just a few more minutes, then I called Amanda. She concurred that it would not really be necessary for her to meet again with Lorraine unless Lorraine had thought of something else. My next call was to Lorraine.
"Hi, Lorraine. It's Tom Connors," I said when she answered her phone.
"Tom, hi. I talked with Jamie earlier. She's under the weather. Do you still want to meet with Amanda and me tomorrow?" She sounded noticeably weary, almost as if she was hoping I'd say "No."
"If you're up to it, sure, but I just talked with Amanda, and she didn't really feel as if she needs to be there either."
"Oh, okay. So would it just be you and me, then?" Her voice picked up, taking on what sounded to me like an almost hopeful tone.
"Looks like. But look, Lorraine, Jamie and Amanda both told me that yesterday had been really demanding for you. If you'd rather just relax, I probably shouldn't come over. I don't want you to feel any pressure."
"That's very kind of you, Tom, but actually I think spending some time with you would be helpful. Now that I've had a chance to reflect on my experience with the phallus yesterday, I'm seeing some interesting associations with your 'gift' as well."