Status Check!

I just returned from the bar at the Four Seasons, where I inhaled $20 martinis and curried cashews and was reminded of my status on society's ever judgmental totem pole. The city's hoi-poloi sauntered around in their well pressed tuxedos and sparkling evening gowns, laughing the carefree laughs of those for whom money brings problems of a different sort than it does to the average person - not of obtaining it, but spending it. Through the soft haze of grey goose and champagne came the realization that no matter how much money I make, nor how much power I obtain, there will always be a multitude of people richer and more powerful. Suddenly my new "expensive" suit felt sloppy and worn, and the label of my department-store bought cashmere jacket, before one of my prized pieces of clothing, burned a hole of embarrassment in my back. Trophy wives and those in waiting pranced around giddily, bound in expensive furs, and handcuffed by diamond-studded bracelets, like some surreal pantomime.

But as my eyes glazed over the inexplicably overpriced mini foie-gras beef burgers, I felt a fire spark inside, an anger, a determination and drive to do what it takes to stand on the other side of the fence. To never live in the shadow of someone else's success, nor envy it. Just a resolve to take advantage of all the opportunities given to me and succeed beyond any of my wildest dreams. Oh, and to drink all the champagne-tinged martinis I can along the way.