"Mrs. Provance?"
"Yes."
"We have narrowed our choice down to you and one other person. We would like for you to come in for a second interview. It will be the five of us plus two additional committee members."
"Sure, I would love to."
Well, they asked me to come back and do it all over again. That's right me versus seven hungry staring people. It was at this point that I realized that it might be a good idea to start breathing again so I wouldn't pass out. The panic mode kicked in as usual and I had numerous conversations with the doubter in me. Why did they have to tell me it was down to me and one other person. The pressure was on now. Time for D-day!
The actual interview was on the day after the huge ice storm that hit Kentucky. Luckily our area was spared. The kids were out of school because not only did we get ice the day before, but we got snow the next day. The interview was not until 1p.m. so I had plenty of time to get ready. Joey came home from work early to drive me to the interview. The roads were too iffy for me to drive and he is kind of protective like that. We all piles into the 4-wheel drive truck and were off. I arrived at the interview a half hour early and had to wait for the other candidate to finish. All was well until I heard laughter in the hallway. That's when the voices in my head pounced. They told me all kinds of things I did not need to hear. "It must be going really well for them to be laughing so loud, they said." "You don't stand a chance. You're under-qualified and you don't have the experience." Nag...nag...nag! Finally it's my turn.
I entered the room and they were all smiling. Someone made a comment and they all laughed. I said, "You all had so much fun making the pale, sweaty girl squirm last time that you just had to do it all again huh?" Bingo! They all laughed hard at that one. The questions began, and even though I stuttered my way through some of them I felt like I had done fairly well. I was able to maintain my composure and I even made some more jokes. I wasn't going overboard with the jokes. I just threw out some witty comment every no and then. It was helping me relax. At the end of their questioning, they asked me if I had any questions. I said, "What no role-playing today? I had so much fun the first time." Once again they laughed hard at my joke. My job would involve being a secretary for three counselors (all three were in the interview with me). I asked each counselor what they expected from their employee. It was the only real question I could think of. The interview was finally over. They gave me a quick tour of the building. Once that was over, I hopped into the truck, where Joey and the kids had been waiting patiently for over an hour, and we started driving home. A few minutes after I left the interview I was on the phone with my brother-in-law, when it beeped to let me know I had another call. I switched over and it was one of my interviewers calling to let me know I had the job.
I was so stunned (and in a bad cell phone spot) that I wasn't sure I had heard him correctly. I believe I said something like "oh wow...really?" That was just the professional answer I was looking for (notice that comment is heavy with sarcasm). I was caught off guard so I asked him if I could let him know my answer in the morning. (I had recently had an interview at another company that went well and I wasn't sure if I would be offered both jobs. I just needed to weigh my options). He said that would be fine but to let him know first thing in the morning. I hung up the phone with the interviewer and then with my brother-in-law. Joey and I talked about it for a minutes and he basically told me I was crazy if I didn't take this job. The other job wouldn't have benefits and it would start out as full-time then move to part-time in May. It was at a small CPA office and I was very much into the idea of a job in the field I had actually studied in school. We both decided that the job with the state was the best opportunity and that I couldn't pass it up. I immediately called them back and accepted the position.
Talk about "shooting the big one!"
So, as of February 16 I will be gainfully employed in the real world. I celebrated by leaving town for a week to visit my sister-in-law in Arizona.
I left the cold and snow to fly to much warmer temperatures. It was so beautiful. It was 75 degrees and sunny every day I was there. I had a tremendous time as always. Renee and her family are always a blast to be around. You can't help but have a good time when you're with them. They are always so happy and laughing. It could be because of the four crazy dogs they have. It is a know fact that I am not a dog person. The misconception is that I hate dogs. I don't hate dogs...I just prefer cats. Large dogs make me nervous (except Dana's rottie Thorn). Renee has two full sized dobermans and two miniature dobermans. They are a blast. One of the big ones knows how to open doors so you have to make sure you lock them especially if you are in the bathroom. They all follow her everywhere. We couldn't go outside with out Zena opening the door to let the whole crew out. Shelby (one of the min pins) is my favorite. She is old and grumpy but loves to cuddle. She doesn't lick either which is a big bonus for me! One night Renee, Niki and I were sitting outside talking and Shelby was in my lap. All was well until the two big dobermans started to play. Any time they came near Shelby and me, Shelby would freak out and start growling and barking. Renee said that was her way of protecting me. I wasn't in any danger of course but Shelby was protecting her spot on my lap.
I also got to hang out with one of Renee's friends who I absolutely adore. She is a lot of fun to be around! Thanks Tilty!! We have such a great time when we all get together. Renee and I had such a good time window shopping and riding around. She was going to teach me how to ride a dirt bike but we ran out of time. Oh well, there's always next time!
