The Conclusion (finally)

I guess I better provide an update to the last blog I posted just for the sake of finishing what I started.

Despite my (and everyone else's) prior positive expectations the interview was a DISASTER!!  I've been to a number of interviews of late and always been told that I interview extremely well; not sure if this was my fault or not but here's how it went.

I showed up for my interview a little ahead of schedule, fully prepared and organized.  The initial person I met directed me to the room where my interview was. I'm met at the door by a gentleman (and I use that term loosely) who doesn't introduce himself or even say hello; instead what he says is "Who are you?  I didn't know who I was meeting with and I haven't read your resume" Hunh.  That was when the first red flag went up.  After sitting down he heads straight to "How many kids do you have and where will they go to school?"  Now, I've thought about this last question extensively.  I give him my answer "Stan will stay home with them and do the legwork to get them registered in school" Apparently this isn't okay.  The interviewer informs me that he thinks it will be too expensive---no one told me to bring my bank statements to the interview. Then without looking at my resume except to note that my degree is fairly recent, he says "Oh, so basically you've just been a stay-at-home mom."  Had I not been so caught off guard by this statement I would've told him to Fuck Off, but I try to explain that during this time I started my own Music Education program, attended University full-time and volunteered almost daily in the local school and playschool.  But, he didn't want to hear it.  He never read through my resume, my assessments or my letters of recommendation.    Not surprisingly I didn't get the job.  One of the reasons, though, he gave me for not offering me the contract was "I'm sure your husband is very good at his job but I think he'd find there aren't many job openings in his field."   Hmmmm.....Foreman Electrician in the Oil and Gas Industry....maybe he's right, I'm sure there's no need for those in the Middle East. Retard.  Even if there isn't I didn't realize this interview was about him.

So, thats the story.  I found out from another applicant that one of the interviewers told her that they really seem to frown upon teachers who are happy, fun and enthusiastic and those are the ones they never really consider.  Hunh. (again)  guess I should be miserable, melancholy and lazy.

Oh well, I had a wonderful visit with my family.  Instantly I felt at home in my sister's new place and even with my Dad & Anne I felt at home.  I got to visit with some of my step-siblings who I realize I've missed too; particularly since one was my best friend as a child and we lost touch. Upon getting home the bug had bitten us to go somewhere warm and we've decided that since we won't be moving somewhere warm any time soon we better plan our winter vacation soon! 

Back in Ontario.

First day down. Of course this is the easy, fun day, but its been a little overshadowed by a seriously nervous stomach. Also can't help but feel like the universe is reminding me that it hates me - finally its 30 degrees and sunny in Edmonton but sure enough I'm 5 minutes from the beach now and it poured rain almost all day!!

The flight in was uneventful really. I don't much care for those late day flights, I'm always so tired the next day. It was kind of interesting that the guy sitting beside me was from India and had spent a fair bit of time in the UAE. He assured me that I'd love it (as if there was any doubt) and I had to laugh because I knew what his name would be before he even said it.....you'll never guess.....Muhammed. LOL! It could turn out to be confusing teaching out there, I suspect almost everyone has the same name!! :)

The drive from the airport was a little more exciting. Somehow ended up making a wrong turn and touring western Toronto for about an hour at 1 a.m. oh, and then we ran over a very startled looking possum. Yuck. But we made it and I slept half the day away. Then Erica and I did what we do best together, went shopping.

Now its time to get some sleep. Tomorrow morning will come fast and I suspect I could be a little restless tonight just "rehearsing" my standard interview answers in my head...but in 15 hours this will all be done. Fortunately the interview is just across from the Eaton Centre which is great proximity for either consolation or celebration shopping!! :)

Just once in my life I'd like to be bored.

Two weeks ago my husband walks in the house after work and informs me he wants to work in Dubai.  "Okay" I respond smiling while I continue cooking supper.  He tells me he's serious and again I respond, "Okay" and keep cooking.  Finally, he's getting adamant, "seriously, I do, I want to work there".  Fine.  I put down my spoon and walk to the computer and do what I always do when he says he wants to move somewhere exotic; I google it, find a web page explaining why its a bad idea and he drops the subject for a month or so until he thinks of a new place to move to.

Well, wouldn't you know it.  I can't find a damn thing saying its a bad idea.  In fact, within seconds I find several fine teaching opportunities that one would be a fool to pass up.  But, like anything that good the chances of it panning out are virtually nil.  Stan begs me to apply to them anyway and to humor him I do - fully expecting to waste hours and hours filling out their stupid on-line forms, only to be met with no emails or no phone calls in return.  HAHA. Jokes on me.  Within hours I'm receiving phone calls from London, emails from Dubai and recruiters calling me on behalf of the Abu Dhabi Education Council.  

Turns out a couple of the contacts wouldn't pan out.  Had to be single for one, already living in the UAE for another.  But the last one resulted in a phone interview.  By this point my stomach is doing things it hasn't done since I left home for the very first time and I'm scared shitless about what this could all mean and how we even make a decision like this.  And then the big moment came, I was successful with the phone interview; now they want me in Toronto to meet with the Abu Dhabi Education Council where they say I'll have at least a 75% chance of getting the job and if I do I have to be in the UAE by the middle-end of August!! Talk about stress!!  

So....tomorrow I fly to Toronto.  The interview's not till friday a.m. but I'm already nervous. However,  if the job doesn't work out at least its a great opportunity to see my family for a bit!!