Life According to lights

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Location: Middle of Nowhere, Northern Ontario, Canada

Thursday, March 30

Anyone want to help me write a letter of resignation?

I GOT THE JOB!!!! *grins from ear to ear* They called this afternoon just before 2pm. I have to go sign some papers tomorrow and I start on April 17th! I'll be making more than I've ever made before and I get full benefits AND a pension plan! Life is good.

I will get one week of vacation this summer and two next year. That's going to be the hardest part but I'll live with it.

*does a happy dance*

Tuesday, March 28

Patience is a virtue

First of all, I want to say a big thank you for all of you who've been sending good luck thoughts my way. I still don't know if I got the job so if you wouldn't mind keeping those fingers cross a little longer, I'd really appreciate it.

I woke up this morning with a very calm, meant-to-be kind of feeling about today's interview. At noon I left work and went to my sister's to get changed into my new power suit, hoping that it would bring me lots of luck. I didn't have enough time to have lunch but I probably wouldn't have felt like eating then anyways so I changed and headed to my appointment. I was a little early so I drove in circles to waste time. As I was getting out of the car my friend (the manager) was walking to the entrance so I said hello and asked how she was. She said she'd been better because she has a couple of pinched vertabraes and she'd just been told she has to spend two weeks FLAT on her back. We talked about it a bit and she wished me luck and I wished her a speedy recovery and she went on her way.

The HR assistant saw me first and told me that she wasn't going to hide it, that they were VERY interested in persuing an employment relationship with me. She took down all the info required for the background check and said that they'd like to finish this up by the end of the week. I was getting the feeling that I had the job as long as my references and background check were good. Through all of this I was playing it cool and trying not to get too excited because I wasn't sure if I was reading what she had to say correctly. My gut instinct was that the job was mine as long as everything checked out okay, which I am confident it will. She also said that they hoped to finalize this by the end of the week.

Next I went to see the lady that would be the boss. She wanted me to meet the Maintenance Foreman who I'd work closely with if I got the job. We met and he started saying things like, "You'll be doing this and you'll be doing that." The boss lady interupted him and added, "If I was the successful candidate" and then went on with the questions. We chatted and everything went quite well. I was paying much more attention to her this time because I wanted to try and decide if I'd be happy with this woman as my boss. I was pleased with what she had to say.

After the Maintenance guy left we discussed a few more things and then she asked if I had any questions. I asked about benefits and a few other things. Then I asked what the next step was. She said that they had talked about having a panel type interview next week when the HR manager returned but weren't sure if they'd do that. I then asked how many people were still in the running for this position. She hesitated a minute and then said that I was definitely in the top three. My gut thought was that she might be trying to be cautious but it's difficult to read someone that you don't know all that well.

So by Friday I'm guessing that I'll hear one of three things. Either a yes or a no or a come back for a panel interview. I can't imagine why they'd want to have another round of interviews at this point. I've already spoken to her twice and to four other people once. What ever happened to a one-person interview and a decision?

I found out that the potential boss lady had recently been promoted to the Purchasing Manager's position and before that she held the position that I'm vying for. My sister said that this could be the first time she's had to hire someone and could just be doing the cautious thing because of that. Who knows?

All I know is that I really want this job but I won't give up if this doesn't work out. If nothing else, I've received a big boost in my self confidence and I've realized that I am very ready to move on. Last summer when I came in second for a different job I don't think I was ready. I wanted the job and I would have accepted it if offered but I wasn't totally ready. Now I am. And at the very least, I got a great new suit out of the deal and if I do say so myself, I looked great!

As a side note, after the interview I had to go to an auto wreckers to pick up a part for Jamie's car. Jamie had called them and asked me to take the old part in so they could match it. There was some confusion about where I was going and I ended up at the wrong place the first time. When I left there and called him to say that they didn't have the part I found out I was at the wrong place. While talking to Jamie on my cell I saw the truck go by for the correct place so I tried to find a place to turn around and follow him. I couldn't so I ended up finding the place on my own. Have you ever been to a wrecking yard? When you show up in a business suit they look at you like you're from outer space. I stood there waiting for them to try to find the part aware of all the stares and trying not to rub up against anything. I was quite happy to get out of there even though I didn't come home with the part.

Again, if you can keep those good thoughts heading my way for a couple more days, I'd really appreciate it. I realize now how much I need to make a move and I really want this to be the move I make. Thanks for all the good thoughts. You all are the bestest!

Friday, March 24

Kibbles and Bits

Is it wrong that I've been having lusty thoughts about Slater from Saved by the Bell as I've watched with Matt and Sara while having breakfast this week? Man, he looked hot in his wrestling attire.

I miss my bed. And my Lazy-boy chair. And my satellite provider. And being able to sit down in my comfy chair and have a smoke. I get to go home tomorrow.

I'm going to miss Sarabelle and Matt. I just love those two kids to pieces and I can't even begin to hide it.

Tomorrow I have to go shopping for something to wear should, strike that, when I get called for the second round of interviews. I can't wear the same pants to both. I'm thinking of buying a suit.

Last night I got to watch Sara at her step-dancing class. It looked like a lot of fun. I asked her if she'd mind if I joined her class and she didn't like that idea. No fun at all that kid. *grin*

Wednesday, March 22

Checking in...

Things have been pretty hectic this week. We're in the middle of our week of babysitting duties and so far, so good. The kids have been really good. Sara's missing her Mommy but other than that it's been cool. Busy but cool.

Being responsible for two kidlets is quite a shock to the system after years of empty nesting. Matt got his report card today and parent teacher interviews are tomorrow but I'm just going to call the school and let them know that my sister will contact them when she returns.

Mean Jean stuck again Tuesday. She had me in tears after another confrontation. Ten minutes after that I got a call from a former co-worker who asked me if I was still looking for a job. I answered yes before she even got the entire sentence out. She recommended me for a job after getting my permission and I got a call at 6:15am this morning asking me to come for an interview at 9:30. At least I didn't have much time to fret. I did manage to pace quite a bit in the three hours though.

The interview went well and I really want this job. It seems to be a perfect fit for me. Right after the interview I had an optomitrist appointment and my head was still spinning from the interview. That just made those questions about which one was better even more difficult. *grin*

One of my childhood friends is the controller at the company I interviewed with and when she heard I was in the building she asked the HR guy to bring me to her office after he was done with me. We chatted for a few minutes and she joked that if I got the job that I wasn't allowed to tell any stories from our childhood. I assured her that what happened there stayed there.

Other than that, it's just been a crazy few days. My sister has called from Florida and it seems like the weather there has been great. They're having a lot of fun with Mom and Dad. I can't wait for them to call again tonight so I can share my interview news.

It's been difficult for me to get any computer time. I'm really busy at work and at night the kidlets seem to hog the computer. I'm so not used to having to share. *giggle* We'll be heading home on Saturday night so hopefully I can get caught up then if not at work tomorrow or Friday. I feel like I'm so out of touch, not only with my RL friends but with all of you too. See you soon. *smoooches*

Tuesday, March 14

The Convenience Store Incident

I've mentioned a couple of times that I became a lifelong Swami fan after reading her 2002 entry in the Story Competition over at the other place. I laughed so hard the day I read this and it stuck with me for weeks and I'd find myself giggling just thinking about it.

With Swami's permission, here is her story...

*************

**Just a note before I begin my story. After following Spoilers & Bashers thru most of S3, I finally scrolled down to the bottom of the lobby, past Mole & Love Cruise topics (which shows I didn't watch), and found two more message boards I'd been missing! Gol-darn!! I feel really stupid, but at least I finally found them.
***Okay, one more note before I start. This story has a high gross-out factor. I would give it 5 out of 5 yucky faces. If vomit & diarrhea disgust you, read no further. If you choose to read on, you will laugh, you will gag, you will reach for that back button--but it is all true, I swear!
The Convenience Store Incident
Some years ago, my husband Tom and I took a quick driving vacation up to Lake Superior. We got a room just yards from the crashing waves of that greatest of the Great Lakes, and had a wonderful, romantic week-end. On our last morning there, before starting the long drive home, we went into a little restaurant in town and had the big Lumberjack Breakfast Special. As you know, calories don't count on vacation and besides after eating that much we wouldn't have to stop for lunch anytime soon.
Man it was a great breakfast--pancakes, hash browns, toast, eggs over easy, OJ, coffee--and sausage. The sausage was my undoing. I love sausage, but have zero tolerance for bad meat. I ate one and a half darn sausages before I finally realized that they were (just barely) past prime.
Anyway, I was feeling a little iffy as we jumped into our car and cruised off into the Wisconsin woods. We like to drive back roads instead of freeways (how else to see America?) and soon we were driving through mile after mile of apparently vacant woods. I felt more & more nauseous, and suddenly my gut started twisting and protesting.
"We've gotta stop somewhere," I told my husband. "I think I'm gonna be sick."
"The sausage?"
"The sausage," I replied, swallowing bile. "I need a restroom too."
"Oh God," my husband answered, "We're miles from anywhere!"
Then, like a miracle, we rounded the next curve and there it was--a genuine convenience store, nestled into the woods in the middle of nowhere. My husband pulled up to the gas pump, and I headed inside.
By this time I was totally nauseous, swallowing non-stop, and walking that kind of duck walk you do when your anal sphincters are locked in a despiration, strangulation, death-before-dishonor super-clench.
I somehow made it into the Ladies room. I entered, turned, shut the door, and then vomited explosively on the door. I was stunned by the ferocity of ejection, and stared at the door like an idiot. Then suddenly my anal sphincters gave their last gasp. My gut writhed uncontrolably. I twirled and ran for the can, vomiting a swathe across the wall as I spun around. I barely made it to the toilet.
What to do? I had terrible diarhhea, but I still had to vomit! I managed by sitting sideways on the toilet and rocking up to lean over the sink, which was beside it--but not close enough. It was awkward. I fell into a rhythm of rock-vomit, and sit-s.hit. It almost worked. Okay, I missed the sink now & then. But all things considered, it could have been worse. I never missed the toilet! Yay!
Finally, after who knows how long, I was finished. Wrung out. Drained dry. I sat there--shaky, faint & sweaty--and looked at the mess I had made. It was a collossal mess. An unbelievable, stinking mess. How could one person vomit so much? And onto every surface in the room? Oh God, what to do?
I looked around & spotted a large paper towel dispenser. Saved! I could clean the disgusting mess myself and no one would ever know. So I stood up, flushed, and reached for the paper towels.
One towel came out, then nothing. The dispenser was empty. I looked for toilet paper--nope, all used up, mostly by me. There was no way to clean up the room. Damn, I was going to have to tell the store clerk what I'd done. So I wiped my face with the one towel, threw it on the vomitous floor (what difference did one towel make in that mess?) and left the restroom.
(Before I continue this story, I need to remind my readers that there are in this world people of a certain counter-culture, a tribe, a breed--whatever you care to call them. These strange people live in remote valleys and deep woods all over the country. I call them the Back Woods People. Remember the movie 'Deliverance'? The baddies in that movie were Back Woods People. The BWP are scarey, mean, inbred, wierd as hell, and not to be taken lightly. Okay, now on with the story.)
I left the restroom, trying to appear courteous, kind, concerned, helpful. Ready to do my duty, confess and then clean up my mess. But one look at the store clerk stopped me in my tracks.
This twenty-something guy was not a regular person. He had a wierd amateur tattoo scrawled down one arm. His face was set in a twisty sneer because of a rough edged scar beginning at the corner of his mouth and continuing into his cheek. Like he'd had his mouth ripped open in fight and then never saw a doctor to get stitches. He was dirty. He had a big hunting knife straped on his belt. He was one of the Back Woods People, Wisconsin branch! Awww s.hit.
I stood with my mouth open. He swivelled his ratty little eyes in my direction & laid them on me. My anal sphincter gave way. If I'd had anything left inside me to release, I would have disgraced myself right then and there. Instead I ran. Outside, to where my husband--done gassing up long ago--waited for me, leaning on the hood of the car.
"We gotta get out of here - quick!" I exclaimed as the convenience door swung shut behind me.
Bless his heart, my husband didn't hesitate or ask any dumb questions. He just jumped and moved it. By the time I had my car door open the engine was running. He was pulling away even before I had both feet in the car. I looked over my shoulder and saw the freak clerk come running out of the store, both hands fisted.
Tom saw him too.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yeah."
"Is it something I should know about?"
"Well, I kind of made a mess. In the bathroom. You know. All over the bathroom. That guy might be mad."
"Okay," Tom answered, and speeded up even more.
End of story. We made it home without any further events. But I have always wondered, what is there in my husbands past, that he was so quick and unhesitating as we made out getaway? I even asked him once, but he just laughed & changed the topic. I still wonder about him sometimes... And I don't eat sausage on road trips anymore.
The End.


*************

Here's the link...

http://http://community.realitytvworld.com/boards/cgi-bin/dcboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=30&forum=DCForumID31&archive=yes

Thursday, March 9

All about ME!!!

I got this in an email this morning. Anyone wanna take a stab at some answers?

Real Name? (just first one will do)
Where did we meet?:
Take a stab at my middle name:
Do I believe in God?:
How long have you known me?:
Do I smoke?:
What was your first impression of me upon meeting?:
Color of my eyes?:
Do I have any siblings?:
What's one of my favorite things to do?:
Do you remember one of the first things I said to you?:
What's my favorite type of music?:
What's the best feature about me?:
What's my favorite alcohol drink?:
What's my favorite non-alcohol drink?:
Am I shy or outgoing?:
Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?:
What's your favorite memory of me?:
Any special talents?:
Would you consider me a friend?:
If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be?:
If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what one thing would I bring?

Add a question that you are sure you know the answer to.

Wednesday, March 8

Niagara Falls!!!

Woo and Hoo! I am so looking forward to this! Who's going from blogland?

I'm hoping to be in the same hotel as the majority of you. It's always more fun to be in the same place. I don't really care about a view of the Falls from my room. I don't plan on sitting there looking out the window anyways. *grin* As long as the rooms are clean, I'm not terribly fussy. I prefer chains like Days Inn, Comfort Inn, Travelodge, etc. but I will likely go with the flow as long as my bank account can manage it.

I've stayed in many hotels in the Lundy's Lane area during my ball tournement days and it's not that far to walk to get to Clifton Hill (where there are bars and stores) and then on down to the falls.

We stayed at the Marco Polo Hotel for years but near the end it was starting to go downhill and the hookers were becoming more and more prominent in the area. It was always good for a laugh to see some of the outfits they wore but we didn't have kids with us.

Unless something really bad happens *knocks on wood* Dave and I will be there. We will likely drive down on Friday afternoon so that we're there at a half decent time. I'm thinking of taking Monday off so that I have a day to rest up because I have a feeling I'm going to be a little short on sleep that weekend.

Monday, March 6

Cottage Weekends

This past weekend I got to spend a time with some of my best friends at the cottage. It was just what I needed to give me a much needed mid-winter lift in my spirits. The cottage is a very soothing place for me and whenever I feel the need to escape everyday life, that's where I want to go. They kept thanking me for inviting them and I told them that even though the cottage is a favorite place for me to spend time, that nothing makes me happier than having it filled with great friends, and that I thanked them for being there. That's when it is most special for me. We had the living room floor covered in makeshift beds for the kids and the place was kind of crowded but we all had a great time.

Howie and Nicky and Bob and Kim and three of the kids came up. We barbacued steaks and had salads and stuff to go with it. I baked a lemon meringue pie once I got there and it turned out perfectly. The boys did a little snowmobiling, we watched the hockey game and "Walk The Line", we played cards and some wild games of UNO with the kids, and made a huge breakfast of bacon, eggs, homefires, leftover steak and booze-filled coffee.

For me this is one of life's simple pleasures. Tell me about yours.