Looking Glass

http://www.422.toastmastersclubs.org I hope the link takes you to our club website. You may get an idea why it means so much to so many. PS. There's a link to our newsletters near the top of the page. Feel free to read or check us out.

 The mental typewriter is at it again. I discovered some documents saved in a PC file that I created on 12/19/2012. The document was a twelve page employment, certification & training course for Human Resource Management. I have been looking into this career choice for some time. I have FAFSA and local college material discussing the topic. (Our friend kden is familiar with this. ha!) I know some of my favorite duties were office management, customer relations and working with the caregivers; assigning them work, handling their emergencies, being a sounding board, training staff, completing performance evals, etc...but don't think for a minute it was always fun. I've had to reprimand caregivers, be part of the firing process and fire employees, handle their emergencies (yes, it is twofold because despite helping, it creates more work for me, initially.) maintain redundant paperwork and work within too many processes.  Without clamoring to brag of myself,  I am a lead...

 It is times like these that I wish I had a mental typewriter tapping out my thoughts as soon as they become thoughts...when I simply think them. Sometimes my brain rattles with thoughts and ideas so fast, I don't think a stenographer could keep up with them, if ever possible. It is one of those "moody" days where I am likely wearing my heart on my sleeve. Luckily, I am alone at the house.  I have Toastmaster's tonight, and my enthusiasm for that wears thin. I love my club and the meetings. But tonight, I'd rather be home. I'd rather take a night off from responsibility and wallow in disappointment. I did not get the receptionist job. Can you believe it? This answer comes, even after my friend went to bat for me. The other candidate wasn't hired either. Can you believe it? Derek called me yesterday afternoon with the news. He didn't have a lot of feedback as he was getting ready to run an errand. The directer did not have much to say that Derek shared...

 I had my second interview with the Economic Development Council on Thursday, for the receptionist position. I was interviewed by the deputy director and his administrative assistant. I feel the interview went well, and it was 40 minutes of normal questions and a portion was a, "getting to know me" segment. I was comfortable and the nervousness subsided rather quickly.  Derek text-ed me shortly thereafter and wondered how it went. I wrote back that I felt it went well. At 4:45 PM on Friday afternoon, after not hearing any word of the interview or job, I text-ed Derek and wrote,"Torturing your candidates through the weekend? LOL." I heard no response, so I am on pins and needles wondering what of the situation. If I can't get a job as a receptionist with an organization my friend has a partial decision in making, I am a goner. I dutifully know that he will still be my friend, regardless. But waiting to hear any word of the situation is creating anxiety. I feel d...

 March and April were scattered with fun outings and events, along with the normal job searching duties, resume rewrites and attending a class on interviewing. I remain jobless, despite some solid leads and application or interview completions. (Sigh here.) I had another job interview last week. This job lead came from a friend you are familiar with; Derek.  He is the Business Manger at a local Economic Development Council organization. He called me when the business wanted to hire a new; Front Desk Receptionist. He called me one evening with the news, and during his conversation, he said, "Claire, I told you I'd let you know if I hear of anything-so, I wanted to let you know." Then in a softer, friendlier tone he stated, "Claire, this is so beneath you. It's just a receptionist position and not as much money as you used to make, but it does have benefits." I smiled at his hidden compliment and said, "I haven't found anything better. I appreciate ...

 As I shared my lavish view with you in a brief and limited way, I thought of how this time spent in this grand, modern household evokes feelings of appreciation. It allows me to see this world from a dear friend's eyes and taste a bite from a different piece of pie. Her elaborate reality is my dream and the world is her oyster yet, she is gracious and generous with her surroundings.  She views her estate as a blessing, reinforced by the plaques and notes decorating her walls and spaces; "Beach: If you are lucky enough to live on the water, you are lucky enough!" A plaque that greets guests at the entry; "Live-Laugh-Love". A note posted to her computer screen; "If the joy is in the journey, then you are having instant success." This charming lady has earned it all; from every tree branch to every patch of grass, from the brick pathways to each cement patio, from every inch of waterfront to all the waves on the water, she's earned this breathtakin...

 I deleted my last post as I thought it was the best thing to do. I appreciate kden and bill's reading and commenting of it. I had explained my four day stay at my friend's house in order to care for her two dogs. That is where I have been since Thursday and these last two days have been a time of peace and healing. More to come, but in the meantime, I thought I'd share my view with you.  There are actually three inlets that converge on this bay and the view embraces the tips of a few small islands that are located near here and in the adjacent county.