Did I Overreact?

Although I try to keep it in check, I tend to overact on a fairly regular basis.  Usually it is harmless because it's just my husband and son who heard the rants but sometimes there are casualties

We recently attended an event and were seated with a new couple.  Always adhering to social etiquettes, I engage my table mate in light conversation.  I'm not going to even go into his first pompous, pretentious remarks however they should have been a signal for me to move on.  I proceeded to ask about a trip he recently returned from which lead to the almighty what-do-you-do-for-a-living question.  "Oh its complicated" he condescends.  Try me a$$hole.  First overreaction.

Fifteen seconds later I know his job.  Amazing the non-working mom got it on the first try.  Call the press.

"Dude, you're an angel in a bio-tech firm.  It's not that complicated. Get over yourself."  Overreacting? Was the use of "dude" too ironic for him? For the next 15 minutes he heard a bout my career, my masters programs and my opinions on biological robotics.  I then smiled and ignored him for the rest of the evening.

I really got the feeling that he felt I was a dumb blonde who couldn't possibly comprehend his intellect.  Granted my dress was a little trendy, my heels were as always high and I may have been sporting the bed-head but somebody needs to let this guy know that judging a book by its cover (especially when the cover is a 40 something year old - dare I say nice looking women) is so passe.

Jihad Jane

Great, now that we 40 something year old women are virtually ignored in the job market, there is a new career calling:  terrorist.  Can you see the want ad:  Middle aged women wanted to entice militant community using the internet.  Must be willing to travel undetected (preferably wearing soccer mom jeans), sympathize with terrorists (carry juice boxes in purse), and die for the cause.  Experience with cartoonist tracking, overseas fund raising, and Islam preferred.  Blondes considered first.


This sick, demented woman, Colleen LaRose, has single handedly revived interest in our segment.  It stings when you realize you are not part of the marketing demographic. But I don't think I want this kind of attention. This could change our travel plans... will I now be profiled at the airport?  Middle aged blondes -  mandatory strip search, potential no fly list.  Will people look at me with that fearful and accusing glance,  refusing to board plane because I may be one of "them"

Or maybe our stock will go up.  You know terrorists groups fighting with top companies for  the much desired middle aged woman.  All of a sudden CEO's realize the organizational skills and rain making abilities of the not quite beautiful and youthful applicants.  How about telling the GE executive interviewing you that you would like that c-level position but you are in negotiations with Al Queda, can he match the benefits package?  Maybe your husband gains a new respect for your options.

There is no profile for terrorists that works.  They come in every size and color and age and gender. They are part of our lives and we have to learn how to combat and win.  Scary stuff.