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Breathe Deep, The Gathering Gloom

Okay, after I drew black pictures with broad strokes, it turns out reality is not quite so grim. I still don’t have an offer for a job (more on that later) but I want to update you on my other issues.

I tried the Virginia Employment Commission website on Sunday and it let me enter my information (whew!), so I didn’t have to make an angry call to them.

Next, I called my mortgage company and explained about the double payment. “I’m sorry, we can’t –“ is all I heard. “Let me talk to your supervisor” I demanded. I got this very nice woman on the phone and explained my situation (again) and she took my information. She put me on hold for about 2 minutes. She came back to get my banking information. Another 2 minute hold. She came back and said they could put the request in but it wouldn’t take effect until tomorrow because of the time I called – banking rules will only update today’s information up to a certain time. No problem, tomorrow is fine.

I was as tight as a drum as I left for my follow-up interview. I knew where the place was so it only took me 10 minutes to get there. The reception area is small and quiet. I told the receptionist why I was there and she said the woman I needed to see (the CEO) was out at the moment but that she’d be back in about 10 minutes. These people really know how to draw out the drama.

So I patiently waited on the couch, reading the many magazines on the table. Next thing I know the receptionist says “she’s walking in now”. We said our ‘hellos’ and she led me to the small conference room where we were going to talk. My resume was there, located at the head of the table.

We sat, we talked, we laughed a little, I gave her my life’s story and she told me about the under-pinning’s of the job (insurance, benefits, etc.) She seemed to be happy with me, as far as I could tell. She asked me “Are there any other questions you have for me?”, so I whipped out a classic:

“When can I start?”

Nice. She needed to discuss the end result with the guy who would be my boss (her son, by the way) and would get back with me late Monday or some time on Tuesday.

[Ed. Note: Since I'm writing this late Monday, I'm assuming I'll hear something tomorrow]

For whatever reason, the pressure seemed off. I felt like I could breathe again, I felt like I could eat again. Even though I predicted tears for today there were none shed.

And that’s a good thing.

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