Go you, Aimee. I know it's really hard, but you are doing the right thing. I'm sorry you have to deal with this.

I'm about to head off to work. It's Hawaiian day, and I have a lei, a flower in my hair and a cute little tote bag with a hula dancer on it.

I don't wanna go.

First day or interview, Lyra Jane? Either way, I'd go a little formal till you can get a feel for the atmosphere yourself. What you describe + removable jacket sounds good - if the office is way casual you just hang the jacket over your arm or a chair or something.

Aimee, I think that is a great response.

vw, do you not want to go because of the heat?

I wish you didn't feel bad, Aimee, because you're being both responsible and kind.

What -t said Aimee. Seriously.

The bride for the wedding I just did invited me to go to an island with her and a bunch of our friends...not only finance, but Bartleby and well...working the wedding design...plus other responsibilities just made it a choice I was not willing to make. I love her and appreciated the invite but, frankly, I didn't feel bad at all. Not accepting the invitation was not a statement about her and I'd feel weird if she thought it did.

In the end, I was glad I didn't go. There were reports of plastic penises, bar hopping and general bitchery that make bach-elor, -ette events of little interest.

With the mask comes the responsibility, Trudy.

I was thinking more along "long lines of men" lines.

vw, do you not want to go because of the heat?

vw is preparing to leave, but says "It's not helping anything."

Skippety-skipping with a clothing question: If a hiring manager specifically says "We're a casual office, so no need to wear a suit or stockings," should I take that seriously?

Exactly what -t said. Err on the side of formal, particularly if it's an interview. I do a lot of interviewing for my very casual office, but I expect business dress when people come in for interviews.

Yeah, I was thinking I should at least bring the jacket for the interview. It's terribly artificial, because it's 92 freaking degrees outside and who wears a heavy black jacket in that heat (answer: People who desperately need a job), but it's better to wear it anyhow.

-t, I wish it was my first day!

And Aimee, you did the right thing. Hugs.

Oy. It's hot out. Poor kids/rest of the staff are doing "project day" today. This means they're all outside gardening and whatnot. Great. They're gonna be all stinky all afternoon. Hee!

Also, wearing this lei is hot. But, my bag is still cute.

Oh, and if I haven't mentioned it lately, I love my iPod.