Dancing In the Streets

Monday morning I was up bright and early talking to myself in my hotel room as I was getting ready for my job interview.

--Yes, talking to myself. You know that practicing we all do in front of the mirror before a speech or presentation or interview - and don't tell me you don't do it. I won't believe you. Anyway... --

I realized in the middle of all this dressing and talking that I hadn't gotten nervous yet. Not one ounce of the jitters. Nothing. I thought ,"Uh-oh. Where did I put the jitters? Did I even remember to pack them? Great! Now, I'm going to have a nervous fit in the middle of this interview and just die."

Well, I'm happy to say the interview went fine. I would daresay great even. I didn't die, there were no last minute jitters or sweating or nausea. I just went in there and talked to a lot of people. I got there at 9:30am and I didn't leave until 2:30pm. I spoke with 6 people and felt pretty good about it all. The recruiter was the first and last person I spoke with and he informed me at the end that he could extend a preliminary offer to me as everybody's interview notes were in my favor. WOOT!

At that, it was time for me to go and after the hand-shaking and thank you formalities, I made my way to the car. Do you want to know what happened next? I got in the car and DIED! Apparently, the jitters had just woken up, hungover and angry, and hit me hard for about 2 minutes. I'm pleased they waited until after the interview but I could have done without them altogether.

That evening, I found my way to Sarah's house for a few hours where she proved to be the greatest friend ever and had a cold beer waiting for me. And that, my internet friends, is why Sarah and I have been friends for so darn long. We know when the other just needs a beer. Oh, and good chinese take-out. (Thanks Sarah!)

The next day proved to be taxing to say the least. I finally made it home after 3 hours of flight delays, 1 missed connection flight and 1 last-minute-run-to-the-gate flight rescheduling. Matt's parents picked me up at the airport and I could not have been happier to see two people. I was even surprised to see that, somehow, my luggage acutally made it home with me as well. I thought for sure it was still in Charlotte or DC.

The call came about 5:00 yesterday evening from the recruiter. I have an official offer on the table which includes a pretty good salary, great bonus, relocation package and benefits. I accepted the offer as Matt and I had already discussed this possibility. Though we are still ironing out the details, we will be moving to Northern Virginia in the very near future.

I'm nervous and excited and a little sad and excited and nervous some more. The funny thing is, I don't think it's really hit me yet.

As a side note, call this Karma or Providence or just dumb luck, but Matt was told yesterday afternoon that his job would not be re-contracting and his last day will be June 30th. Someone or something had this all planned out. This is our sign that it is time to move on up and out.