Serendipitous Happenings

So… a few minor things have happened since my last post. For the most absurd reasons, I’ve been too distracted/busy/lazy/happy to share the latest developments…

A career game-changer. I got a really great, this-is-what-I’ve-been-hoping-&-looking-for job that didn’t exist until a few months ago. (What the what?!)  Student development, public relations, programming, loads of learning, a rock-my-world-staff… jackpot.

A change of address. You know, the usual – pack up all belongings, travel 1,000+ miles to an un-traipsed state, settle into an unseen apartment, plant yourself in a sea of unknown faces, & get to work. (Whatevs…)

Salt River, photo courtesy of Sky Island Riders.

Curly, Rosy, & Samy are happily hanging out, too… until I gave them too much water-love.

A new mode of transportation. The beloved Blazer (discussed here, here ,& here) (Obsessed much?) & I parted ways due to her lackluster A/C, knack for falling apart, & numerous reminders of hard times. My new lady, Chardonnay, & I have a brilliant future ahead of us (no doubt).

United on a rainy day, parted on a stormy day…

World, meet Chardonnay

A new church family. When striking out into new territory, this girls needs friends with a similar God-lens. I’m thankful to have quickly found a group that fits what I was seeking.

Someone tall, dark & handsome. Not the plan (repeat in underlined text). But… as I’ve been learning, this twist in the path is indisputably sweet, good & just right. This guy is special. I like who I am with him & apart from him. The whole darn thing is splendid. And that’s all that needs to be said. 

Hm. That’s plenty for one post.

Expect to see thought-provoking, mind-blowingly wise & deep jots in the near future…

An Unholy Desire

“Are you still interested in this position? It’s going to be challenging.”

“Yes, I am.”

“It’ll require a lot of work, energy and dedication. Are you ready for that?”

“Yes. That’s one of the many qualities that drew me to this position. I like challenges. I. like. working.”

“It’ll…” 

Lately I keep having interview conversations like the one above. Interviewers ask several variations of the same question. Honestly, after the third time around, it’s tempting to pull out those imaginary water balloons in my bag & start hitting targets.

The underlying conversation:

“Are you up for a challenge? This job won’t be easy & we want to know that you’ll stick around. Will you do the job well?”

“Well, duh. Why do you think I applied for this position? Why do you think I’m here?!” [balloons start soaring]

Those imaginary balloons always look pretty like this… No water, though. Weird.

Perhaps during these conversations I’m not actually looking interviewers in the eye & answering confidently like I think I am. Maybe I’m actually shaking my head, clutching the chair’s arms & giving wild-eyed looks of “Please don’t take me!” Maybe I’m jumping up & down in a temper tantrum that would make a five-year-old proud. Maybe I’m saying something akin to the comic below & black-out those conversations. 

Perhaps?

Are interviewers terrified that someone might actually want to do the job under discussion? The last person left, so why would this candidate stick around? Why would anyone genuinely be interested in the job, organization, & staff? It’s just a paycheck, after all, so finding candidates who really do light up about all of the above are rare?

Is it the “naive college graduate” card that must be stamped across my forehead that’s the problem? Too idealistic & eager. Too inexperienced in this & that. Too interested & active in too many things. Too dang happy & confident.

Do people just not like working? It’s not normal. You ought to be depressed about life & only live for the weekend?

Please. No.

If so, this sucks. Crazy – this girl really enjoys working.

That’s one of the many problems with being blessed with opportunities to do what you love with people & organizations you care about. It’s addictive. It’s stimulating. It’s satisfying. You seek similar “I love this!” opportunities. (What?!)

Work won’t always be easy & tickle-me-silly fun. That’s a given. But why not enjoy what you do & who you do it with?

It’s your life, for goodness’ sake!

There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. (Ecclesiastes 2:24)

Amen.

So, yes, I’m up for a challenge & I want to do this job with your team & your organization. I. Like. Working. And I’d like to do it with you. You down with that? 

P.S. Occasionally I have a desire to throw water balloons at frustrating people. I never act on it. Is that okay? 

Fallin’ for You Over & Over Again

Literally. In fact, I fell for a prospective employer earlier this year. I just couldn’t help myself.

On the Heels of Practicality

Way back in high school, I found a pair of killer black heels that were perfect for countless performing & FFA competitions. Pointy-toed, not overly tall – they were going to rock my professional dress.

Exactly the same pair… only mine were, oh, at least $300 cheaper & custom-inscribed with “Satan’s Heels” in invisible ink on the soles.

They did. They also rocked me right into the concrete more often than roller skates ever did. My shins would passionately kiss pavement & burn for days afterward.

Now, a practical person would probably find a quick solution to this problem, right?

If

A) Said shoes are attractive but basic & can be found elsewhere

and

B) Said shoes cause pain & ego bruising,

then

C) Get a new freakin’ pair of shoes & save yourself some grief.

Nearly a decade later, I’m still wearing those dratted shoes. Obviously, simple logic eludes me. I paid $25 for those shoes – they’re going to stay with me until they die! Good reasoning, honey.

Past Steps Lead to Regrets

Fast-forward to an interview-attired Cortney with a prospective employer (PE). They sit. They talk. They laugh. They brainstorm. The conversation flows. They stand up.

Cortney collapses.

Her motionless legs had fallen asleep & the ever-dependable shoes did what they do best – trip their wearer up. She casually tosses a hand & a laugh. What else do you do when you’re sprawled on the floor in front of someone who could influence your future? She stands up again, determined to regain her composure.

She collapses again.*

Really, this is too much. This time the PE is concerned & Cortney is helplessly giggling internally.

“Are you okay?” PE asks.

“Oh yes,” she replies. “My legs just fell asleep. I really don’t make a habit of falling for people like this!” 

Cortney then spends the next few minutes reassuring the PE that she really doesn’t have problems with basic movements like standing up and that she doesn’t often spontaneously throw herself at others’ feet.

*If I had a picture of this, I would totally include that. Fortunately, I don’t. 

Lessons Learned

• Throwing yourself at a PE’s feet isn’t the most ideal approach to demonstrating your passion for the position.
• When something goes drastically awry, roll with it. Or just get up. Again. And again.
• Toss those stupid shoes!