To Be Continued... Continued

Yesterday, before my interview, I was offered more hours and an extension to my current job assignment! The additional hours qualify me for sick, and vacation pay... and extend my guarantee of employment through September.


My interview went incredibly well. I was informed that they selected 50 potential candidate resumes for the current position holder to review. Out of those 50, she selected 5 to interview. "I'm looking not just for someone who is competent, but also someone who's personality works well with Nancy's." Apparently I met that criteria, as she checked the "hot candidate" box, and escorted me back to meet my potential new boss.


I got a call back for a "formal" interview today!


Tomorrow, at 4:30, after working at my current job, I'll be interviewing for the position. Even though I don't have the necessary details, like a solid offer on the table, I'm already feeling torn. My hopes are that if they do in fact make an offer of employment, that I at least have the weekend to weigh my options. I sense they are very eager to fill this position and I don't want to leave my current employer "hanging."


I had begun to give up hope that I'd EVER find a job... any job... and now that I have, I may face another offer. My current assignment is temporary... so the other position would be a better choice for longevity, but the economy, well, you know how that is... so there is no true certainty when it comes to employment. If they offer me a comparable wage to what my current employer is paying, this decision isn't going to be an easy one. And now, yet again, I have to decide what to wear...

Witness Protection Program

Help! I'm not sure that I'm ready for that big, bad world that so quickly forgot about me for the past ten months. A former "people person," I now find mingling amongst masses of homosapiens almost uncomfortable! I feel exposed; vulnerable; like a person in the Witness Protection Program that just got spotted in the produce aisle in Arkansas.


It is in fact a small world after all... but the world inside my house is even smaller. And definitely more predictable... more comfortable... less demanding. However, I failed to find a miraculous way to support my lone existence without leaving the safety of my humble home... and my brain tricked me into believing that if I didn't find a job soon, I would somehow feel unfulfilled...

So here I am... working. Voyaging through the world of the "normal" people, wondering who knows I've lived the life of a sloth for months on end... wondering if unemployment has visibly damaged me; nipped away my sense of value and competence. My "oh my God I have a job!" feelings are becoming lost in this sea of doubt... fear of failure... insecurity.

My world is shrinking all around me! I keep running into people I haven't seen in years, having to rehash my circumstances with each encounter. That I have a job, but it's temporary part-time, that I graduated, but I'm going back to school... I just don't know when... I have to constantly relive the frustrating uncertainty and instability of life in today's economy each time I explain "what's going on." I ran into my high school friend's father this morning, a friend of a guy I dated (but shouldn't have) in my 20's in the hallway at work ... the tenant of an apartment I remodelled is asking me out (I think), my ex that will never be "serious material" is back in town... Nothing truly complicated, but I'm used to just having an occassional conversation with my cat, not trying to explain my 10 months in hell without sounding pessimistic. Shit. Did I just admit that?

Anyway... I love my job. I like the people, I really like the pay... it's a seven minute drive from my house... and it has a purpose. But, it's temporary part-time until the end of April... at which time they may or may not offer me a permanent position, and if they do, it will likely be part-time. If it's the same amount of hours I have now, I can live off of that... and hope for more hours in the future; while still taking my ceramics classes, and returning to school.

NOW... I just got a call for a call-back interview at a new business that is opening in the late summer. There are 1,500 positions available... and already over 20,000 have applied. So this is a BIG DEAL. My interview is tomorrow at 3:30, after a day of work. Not ideal for me, but, at least I don't have enough time to overthink it and start freaking out. I'm already jumping the gun and trying to decide which job is the best fit for me. Rather silly, since I don't have a solid offer of permanent employment from either place. This is what the economy, unemployment, and living on a literal prayer does to your mind... I'm a friggin' mess! I AM already freaking out.

I suppose the good news is that I sprung for some new shoes and a few "businessy" wardrobe items... so at least I won't LOOK like a dishelved, neurotic desperado. And, I suppose that the worst that could happen is that I have a choice in which job to accept. The source of my paranoia, perhaps, is a fear of losing the person I most recently found; sacrificing the joy of truly being who I am, for the much -needed security of a reliable and sustainable income.

To be continued...

Nervous Nelly!

Nervous Nelly. This is my new identity. My new affliction. After 302 days without a job, 302 days of struggling to maintain a sense of hope... I find myself very nervous, and in complete disbelief that tomorrow, yes, tomorrow, morning is my first day at my new job.

At least I think so.

This whole experience has been down right bizarre! I "found" the job by simply placing a profile on a volunteer web site; my intention being to volunteer. Within a week I was being advised to turn in a resume for an upcoming part-time, temporary position. Last week I met with the Human Resources director who told me that the women I had met with for a volunteer orientation had told her to hire me, and that they were very impressed with me. As I sat there, I realized how much my ability to "sell myself" is lacking. Thankfully they had had the opportunity to interact with me and form their own opinions, because if it were up to me to tell them how extraordinarily qualified and fabulous I am... I'm afraid I would have failed. During our meeting, they assured me that they will work around my ceramics class, are understanding of the fact that I really need a full-time permanent job and "will be happy" for me if I do get one, but did want me to know that I could very well wind up working for them permanently. The pay will be three dollars more an hour than the job I lost in April. WHAT? Where is the catch? What is this? Are they really planning on abducting me and conducting illegal scientific research on my body parts in an undisclosed underground labratory in Mexico?

I feel terrible that I simply don't believe this is true! Is being unemployed in this faltering economy really that powerful? I suppose it must be! The old cliche, "if it's too good to be true..." keeps haunting me, so perhaps my refusal to celebrate, or even believe that I have a job is a defense mechanism to avoid serious disappointment. But IF this is real, and if I can make this job turn into something permanent, I'll be able to continue my ceramics, attend my paralegal schooling full-time, and the big score: PAY MY BILLS!

I report to duty at 9 a.m. I haven't even bothered myself with the "what do I wear" dilemma yet. I'll probably save that for 3 in the morning when I'm tossing and turning and unable to sleep because I'm full of anxiety. At least I know what to expect from myself. And maybe after the paperwork is filled out, maybe then I'll actually be able to say outloud, "I have a JOB!!"

Got My Mind On My Money And My Money On My Mind

I've got my mind on my money, and my money on my mind! Trying to find any and all ways to make sure I can keep my house and my shorts! Thankfully, I'm one of those weird people who almost welcomes pressure... as I seem to work best in "Oh Shit!" mode; so I have somewhat welcomed the challenge.

My Ebay sales are going pretty well. I managed to finally unload my over-priced and under-used scientific calculator I was forced into buying for a statistics class in college! A big score at $25.00 in sales. Another item landed a mere 99 cents... but that pays better than dust, so I'll take it!

My ceramics production is at an all time high, and at this pace, I may very well have twenty pieces completed by the end of the workshop. I've been working with a new design that has gotten many "oohs" and "ahs" from the other artists in the workshop... so I am gambling on the fact that someone would buy them! There is a gift shop upstairs, and a few community art events coming up in Spring... so there is hope to at least recoup the cost of my class, and perhaps even generate a little profit.

There is hope on the horizon for employment! I have a job interview tomorrow afternoon. It is for a business that is in the building phase, so official employment wouldn't likely begin until May or later. Not ideal for someone who desperately needs a steady income, but, the job, if I got it, would be dependable, and recession-proof. I'm a little nervous about it, do to the fact that I know at least 12,000 people have applied for the jobs at this place. That means I really, really, really have to impress! I would kill to have enough money to buy a new suit for the interview, but that's just not going to happen. So I picked through my closet, and tried on every pair of dress pants I own to find the ones that fit the best. I'm still not sold on the top I selected. I'd prefer to wear a button down one, but those weren't looking great to me, so I believe I may go for a classic fit purple sweater. I can already see myself flinging clothes all about the room in a panic... tripping on hangers, sweat beading on my forehead... and probably uttering a swear word or two, moments before I have to leave.

In the morning, I'm going to my friend's grandmother's funeral. Not on the top of the fun-things-to-do list, but, something I feel I should do. He has been a great friend, and very supportive through my own hard times... being there for him during his own difficult time is just the right, and "grown up" thing to do. We have been friends for two years now, but have never been overly serious. We usually spend time speaking absolute jibberish while we flip through books, sipping coffee at Barnes and Noble. Laughing at our own intentional stupidity is our usual M.O. Sharing such an emotional time with him will add a new dynamic to our friendship. I am not sure that he will cry, but I have never seen him do so. I'm a kind of emotional girl, so if he cries... odds are I will to. And that's okay. I'll just have to be sure and regroup before I head off to my interview in the afternoon.

And with that... I'm off to bed. I've got an early, and long day ahead of me...

OMG

Oh...
My...
God!

I have TWO interviews next week! Tuesday and Wednesday! One job I actually think they are going to offer me right then and there! It is a temporary part-time job, but, it's a JOB, and it's with a non-profit organization! The people I have been working with (volunteering) there are all about me finding work. Very supportive and kind.

Why does this have me excited enough to use teenage text lingo? Because the money is running out in just a couple weeks! My tax return will hold me over, but not for long. Most of you know that supporting yourself and a household tends to cost a little more (a lot more) than $900 a month... and being held captive in your own financial prison sucks!

REJECTED!

It has been less than four hours since my telephone interview transpired, and I just received my "Dear John" email to inform me that I was not selected as one of the finalists in the continuing interview process.

Normally, I would say this really sucks, however, I have to say it's kind of nice to know your fate so quickly. Hell, it took them five weeks to get to the telephone interview stage. At least I don't have to wait another five weeks to find out that I didn't get the job.

How will the bills get paid? How will Santa come? Lemonade stand? Nope. Too cold, and hot cocoa is too expensive. Car wash? Again, too cold. Can't donate my eggs. It takes too long and mine are about to expire anyway. I wonder how long it takes to start a catfish farm? Seems like the start up cost wouldn't be too bad, but since it's winter, I suppose I'd have to clear out some furniture to make room for the indoor pond. I could get knocked up, but I'm not sure the state-funded support is going to be there, and I'm not much for children as meal-tickets. Besides, I'd like someone else to share the dirty diaper duty with me.

Hmm...

Well; there ya have it. Not sure what lies ahead, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared shitless!

The Telephone Interview

I just finished my telephone interview with the community college... and I honestly have no clue how it went! I had a terrible time sleeping last night and was repeatedly awakened by noise, cats, and good ol' fashioned anxiety!

The people on the phone were nice. It was a conference call on speaker phone. How intimidating to have a group of people you have never met listening to you fumble your words! I HATE speaker phone! Always have!

Looking back, I probably should have taken a little more time to collect my thoughts after the questions. The woman I was on the phone with was talking quite rapidly! I had a pen and paper to make notations on, but I couldn't keep up!

The position is part-time and offers a standard work week of about 20 hours, with extended hours during the peak of enrollment. Of course, I forgot to ask what the wage was! As if money means nothing to me these days! WHAT?

I usually interview very well, here's hoping that I didn't bomb this one! Surely, I would prefer a full-time position, however, in light of the economy and the length of time I've been out of work... I'll take what I can get! Gotta start somewhere!

I wonder how long it takes crossed fingers to go numb!

Hope on the Horizon!

What a great day! Hope is on the horizon...

As previously mentioned, I scored an upcoming interview this morning. After noon, I headed out to help a friend sand kitchen cabinets, and negotiated that into a remodelling gig!!!!! That's exactly what I intended to start a business in... before my job got yanked out from under my feet! This means: 1) I have another client for references, 2) more pictures for my portfolio to show future clients, 3) possible referrals, 4) potential future business in her other rental units! Of course, this most importantly means I have something productive to do, that I'm also very passionate about!

And if I may put the proverbial cart before the horse, the part-time job I'm interviewing for will just cover my living expenses, while leaving me plenty of free time to pursue, and provide services to, future clients in my own business ventures.

Works for me!

Hallelujah!

I JUST got a call for a telephone interview with the local college. The position is only part-time, but I'd be more than thrilled to have a job! Another bonus: it's a five-minute drive from home. My interview isn't until December 3rd, but it's the first offer for an interview that I've received since September!

Unfortunately, it's been so long since I applied that I do not recall what the pay rate is. I sent in my resume, cover letter and application on October 18th. Jobs are so few and far between that employers literally receive hundreds of applications, and therefore take 30 or more days to sort through them. This is why I feel such an urgency to find work. According to my estimations it will take:

A minimum of four weeks to review applications
A minimum of one week to interview candidates
Two weeks to receive my first paycheck

This equals 7 weeks. 7 weeks from now, I will be at the end of my unemployment extension! Not a place I want to be. Not a place I CAN be.

I've only lived in my house a little over one year. I'd like to hang onto it for awhile. Have the time to truly settle in and enjoy the fruits of my labor. I'm not asking for much out of this life. My "American Dream" consists of a $36,000 mortgage, and a ten year old car. Surely, at 37 years old, this is not "too much." I've never required extravagance. I'm simply trying to provide a roof over my head, and a sense of security. Food on the table, and love in my heart.

And I'm going to hang on to the belief that this dream is actually coming true. Slowly, but true.

Stats Of The Week

After completing my 12th job application this week, my eyes are now twirling around my drooping eyelids and I'm slowly transforming from a vertical to horizontal state. I'm beat!

Here are my latest job hunting stats:

Number of jobs applied for in the last two weeks- 20
Number of calls for interviews- 0
Number of rejection letters- 2
Number of jobs reported to be cut on today's news- 300
Number of times I've wanted to pull my hair out- 417.5

The Epic Interview

Had my interview at the roof company today at 11:00 a.m. I had transposed the travel time and the miles, so instead of arriving 10-15 minutes early, I was only 4 minutes early. I about shit once I realized what I did, and hit the gas pedal! My mind was racing! What if I'm late? What if the construction is bad? What if I get pulled over? DAMN'T!!!



Thank God I made it!



The office is in a large warehouse they converted into a showroom. Nice place. Clean and well organized. Filled out the application. Can I tell you how much I HATE filling out applications?! I absolutely, positively, vehemently hate filling out applications. I've filled out over 20 of them in the last eight weeks. I mean, I like myself, but I don't care to write my own name and address 20 times. Nor, my prior work history. It's on my resume kids! So inefficient! What a waste of time, paper and ink!

Anyway... Jim came out and introduced himself. I had been warned that he was a talker, and OH MY GOD can this guy talk! Thankfully, he was rather interesting and personable, so I was oblivious to that fact that my interview took three hours and fifty minutes! That had better count for something! If I get hired, I might add that to my time sheet! Jim and I got along very well and I was quite impressed with a few things:

1. The company is a leader in the industry.

2. The company is rapidly growing.

3. Jim says he's looking for someone smarter than him that isn't afraid to tell him something isn't working.

4. Jim thinks woman are geniuses.

5. My hours and pay would be negotiable.

6. They reward weekly bonuses.

7. Holidays off.

8. "This is an opportunity for someone like yourself to make their own path."

9. "We like to have fun here."

10. The materials are "green," which means sales will increase as "green" building becomes the norm.

Jim had another person show up for an interview. He made a point to tell me that it is for a different position. I'm assuming that was a good sign. I was itching to ask if there was an employee discount offered, since I am definitely in need of a new roof. I thought better of it though! Jim has asked me to call on Monday with any questions I might have and to allow him to get a feel for how my telepone demeanor is. I have to say that I was very surprised with the position and had initially considered not even going to the interview. Now, I have a very open mind about it. Just goes to show that you never know until you give something a chance.

Roof Over My Head?

Gooooooooood Morning, boys and girls!! Did everyone finish their homework? Today we are going to learn about the election! We are going to talk about elephants, donkeys, pigs and lipstick...

Whoooops! Woke up on the wacky side of the bed this morning. Can't help myself! Had a nice end to my evening... fell asleep before midnight and woke up at 7:30 a.m. without assistance of an obnoxious alarm clock. On a rainy day, nonetheless!

I'm getting ready to head out for my job interview. I don't even recall applying for this job, but that's what happens when you send out a gazillion resumes, sometimes at 3 in the morning. It's for a management position at a metal roofing company. That's hilarious to me. Almost as hilarious as my job selling shoes as a teenager, back in the days of Al Bundy fame. The girl who called me on the phone was very nice, professional, and even a bit funny... which happens to be my favorite thing that people can be. According to her it is a small place, her and two other girls working there, as well as another manager. They are looking to have someone fill the afternoon and early evening hours. She speculated it would be 2-8 p.m. They are open on Saturdays... YUCK! I'm not crazy about evenings and weekends... I've worked those hours my entire life. Is it too much to ask for a "grown up" job? I call any job that has a schedule of Monday through Friday, 8-5, no weekends or holidays, a grown-up job. And, damn't, I want one!

But...I do need a new roof....

Got My Mind on My Money and My Money on My Mind

Just returned from delivering information and filling out an application for the position I interviewed over the telephone for on Friday. Patty had asked me to provide a reference from my last position when I came in. I went above and beyond her request and provided her a copy of my cover letter and resume (originally faxed to her), two references from each previous employer, and two personal references... as well as a thank you letter. All printed on the fancy paper and placed in the fancy envelope.

We spoke briefly. She's a very tall woman who seems more reserved in nature. I was speaking to her through the medical office standard glass sliding window, so I didn't get to shake her hand. Upon completing the application I gave my paperwork to a staff member who seemed rather friendly and offered a genuine smile. One of those smiles that makes you feel you are welcome to join the team.

My appointment with Gail for job training/education is at 3:00. I'm hoping that she can help me create a master plan to avert financial disaster and find a career with longevity!

Never in my life did I envision finding a job so damned difficult! I will say, that in an odd way, I'm grateful for the experience. I've learned how to survive with little income, and that I can survive with little income. I've learned how to better hone my budgeting skills, and to never take employment for granted. I will never take food and shelter for granted either. Considering the entire country is enduring uncertain economic times... I will be taking a new approach to my finances.

My new approach will be to pay off any balances remaining on my accounts, and then SAVE SAVE SAVE!!!! I will not spend a cent on home repairs until I have at least 6 months of living expenses saved. I don't ever want to be caught off guard financially again.

Now... if I can just get that job!!!!

Reconnected, and it feels so gooood!

True confession. I'm going to risk grossing all of you out... but the main theme of this blog is raw honesty... so hear it goes:



I don't think I showered since Wednesday. Now, there are two reasons for this. One, the practical... I'm broke and can't afford to waste water, shampoo, conditioner, and soap for the sake of smelling like fresh picked flowers from a spring garden when I'm just going to alternate between laying on the couch and sitting up in bed. Two, I'm broke, can't afford to do much, and I live alone so I cannot commit a criminal act by olfactorally violating another. Who cares if I smell? (I really don't get that stinky! I promise!) And wait... shouldn't that be like 5 or 6 reasons...



Anyway... I read the paper I pilfered from my mother around 3 p.m. and I see the listing, once again, for the FREE "Spoken Word" Poetry event at an art institute in the neighboring city. I had forgotten that I had wanted to go. It was at 6 p.m. Deciding I had better do my best to prevent permanent fermentation of my being, I thought it wise to attempt to go.



Not sure if I really had any "weirdo arty" friends... I went through my contacts list on the cell phone... Adam! Yes! He's weird! He's a used-to-be-still-should-be musician friend of mine I hang out with about once or twice a month. I call him and leave a message with the details of the weirdo art event.



Shit! I should take a shower in case he calls back and says he wants to go. I raise my arm straight into the air and take a quick sniff... event or no event, I NEED to take a shower!



No sooner do I emerge from the shower and begin to place my terry turban on my head... the phone rings... second ring... I'm feeling urgency... third ring... I'm running naked to the bedroom to get my robe... fourth ring... I'm half-naked with my lime green robe draped on one arm... curtains open and desperately answering a call from a number I don't know.



"Hello?"



"Hi, is this Mona?"



"Yes."



"Hi. This is Patty. I'm calling about your resume for the Medical Office Receptionist/Medical Assistant position. Do you have a moment for a few questions?"



Hoping she doesn't wonder why I'm gasping for breath as I adjust my toppling terry turban, lime green robe and thoughts... "Sure, that would be great!"



Patty had emailed me this morning about my resume. Apparently, she only received my cover letter and had wanted to see my resume. This is GREAT! That means I must have written a damn good cover letter for her to take the time to contact me and seek out my resume. I'm feeling good!



She asked me some of the typical things, like "What interests you about this position," "What did you like most/least about your last job?"



I tell her that one of the things I liked about my job was that I didn't have any description or official duties and I just did whatever needed to be done, whether it be manage the books, call clients or clean the bathrooms.



"I was very impressed with your cover letter. Let me tell you a few things about the job and see if you are still interested."



Adam's calling on the other line... I'm struggling to listen to Patty as her words were chopped up by the beeps.



She was thrilled that I mentioned cleaning the bathrooms and explained that it was a small practice and everyone takes turns with those types of things. Fine! That's how it should be!



To shorten it up... things went very well over the phone! She asked if I would stop in and fill out an application, provide a copy of my driver's license and a reference from my last job. I can do that! And I will first thing Monday morning!



Adam and I left for the spoken word event. I was excited because I secretly want to participate in one! I was expecting something somewhat stuffy because it was being held at an institute of arts. What a trip! The event, although creative, was very disorganized, and frankly a little bizarre! The first poet began reading, the last minute booked band playing too loudly to really hear his voice... but I did hear "bowel movement" after a few stanzas! What? Some words and phrases taken out of context from the poets that followed: "whips out his cock," "sucking on the sugar tit," "from the ovary of a one-year-old," "the fish, wedged in my ribs, and licking my kidney..." These spoken word poems were supposedly about the author's response to local artworks about nature in the area. Did someone slip me some acid or is this shit really trippy? Adam and I exchanged a few "wtf" glances throughout the event. A couple of the poets actually managed to make some sense without talking about death, maggots, and genitalia... and were actually rather moving.

In steps my "arrogance," if you will. I can do this! In fact, I could do it better... and I think someday soon, I might.

We followed the event up with a trip to a hip sushi joint. And in the spirit of newness... I ordered a "Fried Spider" appetizer (fried soft shell crab)! Our meals and conversation were inspirational. I feel like I finally made a much-needed reconnection to who I am and what I am searching so desperately for.

On The Fence

The interview. It's been awhile since I have interviewed for a job, but I think it went very well! The gentleman, Chris, that interviewed me was very personable and positive. He graduated from the same university as I just have and that seemed oddly exciting to him! The woman that I will be replacing (she's moving to Florida) made a point to tell Chris that when I came in I "just lit up the room!" Either she's itching to get to Florida before winter arrives, or I gave her a good vibe.

Chris took me on a tour of the building. It was well kept and every staff member we encountered seemed genuinely happy to be there. I'm not a fan of working in negative environments, so I look for people who are reaching for razorblades to slit their wrists. None.

During the initial phone call, Chris had mentioned that if the interview went well, he would introduce me to the president. I was introduced to the president! SHE was a very lovely, professional, but approachable, woman. However, it was not just an introduction! She asked the typically tough and twisty interview questions.

"What would frustrate you at work?"

"Something that would disappoint me, more than frustrate me, would be negativity." (Good answer??)

"Negativity is something that would bother me as well, Mona. I'm not a Polly Anna, but I do tend to look at the brighter side of things." Now THAT was a good answer.

So, Chris and I went to the same university, and Gloria (the president) and I have the same feelings toward negativity. I was impressed with the people, what the company stands for, and the overall environment. I think they were impressed with me as well. Gloria had urged Chris to get me to fill out the criminal background paperwork "with the holidays coming up," so there isn't a delay. I'm no Human Resources expert, but I think that shows an intent to hire. My previous experience is that background checks cost the company money, and they would not perform one if they weren't seriously interested in hiring you.

Here's my situation... the job is with an educational establishment. I was previously pursuing education and will always love education. Plus. I love change for the better, inspirational stories. This establishment helps a lot of "non traditional" students attain an education that leads them to better paying jobs and a better future. Plus. The pay is $10,000 more that my unemployment, but $10,000 less than my previous income from my last job. A plus and a negative... which if I remember this correctly, equals zero mathematically. My previous job offered ZERO benefits. This job would offer health, dental, and vision insurance, 401k, and tuition reimbursement. Plus. My previous job was a 15 minute commute (one way). This job would be a 40 minute commute (one way). I don't mind the drive really... but we all know how expensive gas can get! At $4 a gallon... it would cost me $2000 annually to drive to work, and I would be putting 19,000 miles on my car each year as well. OUCH!

Basically, it's the money that has me on the fence. But, I am a person who values a positive environment and rewarding job over a fat paycheck. Some friends, whose opinions I value, have mentioned that it is easier to find a job when you already have one. I spoke to Chris and Gloria about possible promotions to other positions in the future, which was a gamble, but they both seemed to embrace the idea. I could recoup some money by taking advantage of the tuition and 401k, and my insurance costs would be reduced by $60 monthly...

I sent both Chris and Gloria a handwritten thank you card. I hope to get their decision by next week. I'm going to trust fate on this one.

Pre-interview Madness!

Like a bratty little kid on Christmas Eve... I won't go to bed! I'm excited that my life might change for the better tomorrow with my pending interview and that is what is ultimately keeping me up. Luckily, it isn't until 3:30 p.m. so I won't have to walk in there with bags under my eyes!!!!

My mind is reeling with all sorts of questions. I'm getting worked up about stuff that doesn't really matter at this time. One of my bad habits! I'm worried about whether or not I'll get tired of the commute (hello... you don't have the job yet!). Will the hours conflict with my dating life? (Hello!!!! Again, you don't have the job yet... and you sure as hell don't have a boyfriend!) Do they offer insurance? 401K? A decent salary? Will I like the people I work with? Do I have a sufficient wardrobe to last a bit, or do I need to spend my first check on work clothes... Do I remember how to work??!!!