The Wait.... Part II

** Sorry all my faithful for being so behind! I will work this weekend to get to real time, where I have all sorts of free time on my hands! Oh! And it is going to be abridged, plus I am listening to techno so it might be jumpy as well. :) Call/email me if you have any questions!

The waiting gave me a chance to think: What if? What if I got the job? What if I didn't get the job?

Of course we got home late on Saturday and we both had to work on Sunday morning. I had to work at our annual flea market, which I usually enjoy. It is a busy day though, lots of running around and fetching things for members. It was a long day, but I was glad to be busy.

Monday: Back to a 'regular' work day. And although I was anxious I had to keep it all hidden. No news.

Tuesday: Really been busy at work and lots of stuff to do at home at night. Had to work late tonight. Long day.

Wednesday: I could pretty much tell I was NOT going to get the job. Dan and I discussed it and although he told me to keep my hopes up, I knew things were not looking so well. He had told me that I would hear by today and it was noon and I haven't heard a thing. Keep fingers crossed.

Late that afternoon, I received an email from him apologizing for the delay, but they had not gotten a chance to sit down and talk. They should be making a decision by Friday.

Wait some more. This could be a good thing, at least I am still 'in the running', according to Dan.

The following day, I was working the desk, which means I am crazy busy all day long (right Kat?!) trying to get my work done and take care of members...

Later in the afternoon my college roommate called me. I usually don't pick up my cell at the desk, but decided to this day. Alicia tells me that he called her. As soon as she said that I knew I was going to be offered the job. I just knew it (or hoped?). Alicia did a great job for me! Thank you Alicia - you're the best friend anyone could have!

I noticed after I spoke with Alicia that another of my references called so I took a break and went to call him. He said the same thing, he had been called. He thought I would be getting a call anytime.

Well, shortly after that I did, but I couldn't answer because I was at the desk and I was really busy. He ended up emailing me and asking me to call him, which I did after 5:00 p.m. Before I called him back, I called Dan and I said, are you ready? He said he had been ready since the first trip up there and wished me luck.

So, I called him back and was offered the position. Which I, gladly, accepted. He asked me to come and work with them and then told me how much my skills and personality would be a welcome addition to their company. It was so nice to hear! The big question was: when would I start? We decided on April 19, which would allow me to give the City Club a 3 week notice.

Wow!

The Wait

After the interview, Dan and I drive up to Glen Arbor. It is beautiful, even though the day is overcast. We eat at a place called Boone Docks that looks like it has the potential to be quite fun. The food was great also.

Then we walk around town finally ending up at Cherry Republic. It is beautiful. Three buildings nestled together, beautiful and rustic. I see the stone walkway that I read was from the UP. Inside the store is great. All the great smells - and tastse (free samples everywhere). I end up picking up some gifts for family and friends. Try the chocolate cherry coffee if you are ever there - it is amazing.

We took the scenic route home - literally. M-22 is one of America's 10 most scenic highways for a reason. Rolling hills, sweeping views of "ake .ichigan and quaint towns along its path.

In all, putting the interview behind me, we had a great weekend and returned home late Saturday night. Once again, we both had to work on Sunday. I had tpo work at the City Club's annual flea market.

It was a busy week at work so I tried taking me mind off the wait by engrossing in all that needed to be done.

New Voyage Part IV (What color crayon are you?)

Once again after work, Dan and I head up to Bear Lake. We get to his parents late, well after midnight. The drive up was rainy and foggy, a repeat of last week. We tried to get settled in, but didn't sleep a wink. My interview was at 11:00 a.m. and I was much more nervous this time 'round. We got up early, got "interview ready", had a quick breakfast and were on our way to Traverse City.

I got to the interview and greeted Todd, along with two of his managers. I instantly liked both of them. They were a pretty tough interview. I was hanging in there *I hoped*. Todd asked me to fill them in on what we had talked about during the first interview, an overview. So, I told them about my career, how I started in hospitality by way of funeral service to eventually end up in club management. I explained why Cherry Republic and the opportunity to challenge myself and grow professional. Upon the conclusion of my dialogue, the one manager says "Wow." I was feeling very good at that moment.

They asked me lots of standard interview questions, how I would change things, what my management style is, computer skills, and so on. What did I do in my free time, well if you know me, the first words out of my mouth was about college football. I found out that the COO is a SPARTAN! Oh NO! We would have some good fun with rivalry I joked. Good laugh, back to interviewing, customer service, financial background experience.

Then the shocker: If you were a crayon, what color would you be and why? Huh, well, I am a pretty good on my feet, so I didn't let it rattle me. I am a yellow crayon. (As if you didn't know that!) It is cheery, happy, pale yet bright. Fair is fair so I asked each of them as well. (Todd is GREEN.)

More interview questions, then: If you are getting ready to board a flight, you pass the magazine kiosk, what three magazines do you pick up? This question did jolt me. I am really afraid of flying and don't care so much to read (too trashed really). And it had to be somewhat real, right? (Remember Sarah Palin, oooh I read all the magazines. You know, all of them. How would you answer? Well, I am Readers Digest, National Geographic and Cosmo.

During this part of the interview, one of them asked me to further explain how I would improve the office. They said I had mentioned this example, this and one more thing (why bore you with the boring details). But tell us specifically how you would improve the office. We are meeting with other qualified candidates, all heads nod up and down, up and down, and they have been able to tell us very specifically how they will improve the office. I say the same answer with a slight new twist. What am I not saying that they have heard? What are the other (QUALIFIED) candidates saying? What am I missing? Pass. (If only.)

Then came time for me to ask questions. Two questions in and Todd stops me and says is there anything, really, ANYTING I HAVE to know about the position? Ummm, yep, that is why I took notes and have about 4 more questions here. But, okay. Times up! Nope, we are all set, how perfectly each of you have filled me in on everything I need to know. Abruptly, we are done. Todd did tell me that he would be letting me know by Wednesday.

So, through (most of it) I thought we were clicking, but the ending was like a timer. I came out and told Dan that it went well, it was long (Hour and fifteen minutes) but it did not look good. I went away very confused. I told Dan the closer it gets to Wednesday, the less likely I would get the position.

Off to Glen Arbor to see what may or may not be my new work place.

New Voyage Part III

As Dan was unpacking the car Sunday morning before I headed to the bridal show and he went off to work, he noticed a bag he didn't recognize. Turns out that it was my mom's pills. ALL of them! Argh. Someone must have put them with our stuff and we were a little sleep deprived (okay a lot deprived!) and just put everything in the car. I called my dad and he said mom had enough to get her through until Tuesday afternoon. Worry about that later, off to Plymouth. It was boring but kind of fun with Mark and Cara. And Kat did an excellent job with organizing our stuff.

On Monday, I sent off my references as Todd requested and he immediately sent back a request to meet with me again on Friday morning. We set up a time of 11:00 a.m. at the store on Front Street in TC again. I am getting pretty excited at this point. What an honor to be called back for a second interview when there are so many qualified candidates right now!

After work on Monday, I come home and pack up some stuff and head off to Port Huron. Thank goodness for my sister Dorothy who gets me there awake, talking to me the whole time. Actually, I slip on my ear buds and she has been with me a lot of this journey zig- zagging across the state. I head directly to PH Hospital, hoping they will let me into ICU at 10:30 p.m. I do visit Jimmy. He looks good, but really tired. He is in bed watching the Red Wings game. I have a great visit with him then he kicks me out so he can get some rest.

I decide not to go directly to my parents, but stop at Wal-Mart for a few things so I don't get to mom and dads until really late: 2:00 a.m. I visit with mom who stayed up for me, we have a snack and then off to bed. I set my alarm for 8:00 a.m. so I can go visit Jimmy and make it back to work by 1:00 p.m. Well, considering I have literally had 15 hours of sleep in four days, that doesn't happen. I finally get up at 10:00 a.m. and visit with mom and dad. I have a choice, if I go directly back to Ann Arbor, I can make our 2:00 p.m. meeting but I won't be able to see Jimmy, and I don't know when I can come see him again since I have to go up to TC the coming weekend.

I head for the hospital. When I get there Kelly and Nicole are there visiting. We have a great visit, he is still really, really tired and in pain. They need to take out the chest tubes, so they kick us out after about an hour or so. Kel and I go get something to eat and drive down to the Thomas Edison Parkway. If you haven't done that, you need to. You are sitting under the Blue Water Bridge at the juncture of the St. Clair River and the mouth of Lake Huron. The sun is shining and the ice is flowing pretty heavy down the lake into the river. I have a video if you want to see it. :)

I drop off Kelly back at the hospital and run into my dad. He invites me to go get a hamburger and go sit by the water. Umm, just did that and I am really late for work now. Feeling really guilty about that.

They let me in to see Jimmy again for a little while. It breaks my heart to see him in there like that. It breaks my heart to leave.

But I do. I drive back to Ann Arbor and head directly for work. There is a meeting there that night and I work until 9:30 p.m. Then head for home and try and crash. But Dan and Kodi Bear missed me and I had to fill them in on my quick trip.

Wednesday flew by and Thursday after work we were once again headed up north for the second interview.

The New Voyage - Part II

Dan and I got home around 5:30 p.m. that night and thankfully both of us had the following day (Friday) off. We were supposed to go to my parents for the weekend but as it turns out we would be heading to the other coast in the LP. I am impressed that it only took me 2 hours to get out of the house. Grabbed two of my 'interview' suits and we were on the road. We got to Bear Lake (Dan's parents cabin) pretty late. It was one of those really foggy, rainy nights that go on forever! There were times that I couldn't see the road in front of the car and I would slam on the brakes and tell Dan "I can't see!” Needless to say, it was a rough trip.

My interview with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) was to be at 2:00 p.m. the following day in Traverse City. This is about a 45 (or so) minute drive from Bear Lake. After only a few hours of sleep, I was up at 5:00 a.m. texting Kat and trying to go back to sleep. Pat (Dan's mom) made me an awesome breakfast of fresh made olive loaf toast (to die for-really), watermelon, blueberries, melon and strawberries, smoky links served with a huge glass of orange juice. Oh, and coffee, lots of coffee!

We ended up getting on the road a tiny bit later than I would have liked. Dan's parents were so supportive, giving hints, enjoying the excitement. And it was taking me a bit to get ready, much to Dan's chagrin. On the way up to the interview, we made plans to meet at a little cafe right around the corner. I already had my Blackberry in my planner - with the ringer OFF. Dan's phone rang and he told me it was Kelly. Dan asked if I wanted to take it. I was pretty nervous already and told him no. But then thought better of it, yeah, Kel wants to wish me well; I could use her calming voice. Then Dan said NO. He didn't think I needed any more distractions so on we went.

I got to the CR store on Front Street and went in to see what destiny had to offer. The COO Todd was waiting for me when I arrived. He was wearing jeans and a (slightly) wrinkled button down. And he was so friendly, the kind of person that makes you feel instantly at ease. We talked for about an hour and a half. It was a really good interview, tough questions, yet not ones to play tricks or mind games with you. The more he told me about the job, the more excited I got. It was going to be a job that was being created. The company has grown so fast that it appears there are a few things missing from the puzzle. I openly talked about my weaknesses. Things that I would need to - and would be willing to learn. I talked about my customer service philosophy, which if you know me is pretty strong and opinionated. Wow. What a great company, everything I learned really had me anxious to nab this position.

The COO told me that he would probably call me back for a second interview. He told me that out of hundreds of resumes he has only really liked 8-10 well enough to call them in for an interview. Of those, he has only liked 3-4 and I was one of them. Do you ever have the feeling you nailed it? It just clicked and it felt right. I was on cloud nine. My big change - finally!

I walked out of the store on to the famous Front Street and started to turn on my phone to call Dan. Find out where he was in the coffee shop. As it turns out he was parked in the car around the corner. I get in the car- gushing, all excited until I see his face. He tells me, you have two minutes to talk to me and then I have to tell you something.

Deep breath. Okay, it went great. I loved everything I learned about the job. They want to call me back for another interview, probably next Friday. Okay, what's up?

He tells me that my dear, dear brother Jimmy had a heart attack and will be undergoing open heart surgery the following morning at 6:00 a.m. - I am crushed. From so high to so low in such a short amount of time. I cannot even react. It is really confusing and I am glad that Dan is driving. He starts heading back to his parents so we can make the journey across the state to Port Huron where Jimmy is in ICU. I guess I am glad I didn't pick up the phone before the interview, otherwise no 'New Voyage'.

Pat and Moby had been Kodi-sitting but would not be there when we got back. The one thing I did do is make Dan stop at a store so I could buy a thank you note and stamp. I called CR for the COO's address and sent that out so it would be on his desk on Monday morning. Then off to pack up our stuff and head to Yale.

We got in after 12:00 midnight and helped mom with her night pills, said hi and was in bed by 1:00 a.m. At 4:30 a.m. the clock went off and we got ready and took off to Port Huron Hospital to see Coach (Jimmy). We made it there and were able to spend a full hour with him before he went into surgery. Scary. I was pretty over tired, but doing a good job of keeping it all together.

I went and had a huge breakfast with Dan and Carol. Food nourishes stress and I was stressed. Then we waited until Jimmy came out of surgery - around 5:00 p.m. we were able to speak to the Dr. and eventually see Jimmy. And by we I mean: Dad (Mom could not attend but Mandy, Jeremy and Cade stayed with her most of the day), Carol, Dave, Terri, Kelly, Denise, Derek, Melissa, Matt, Patty, Dan and Tiffany. Quite the crew. They kicked us out shortly after that so he could get his rest.

Dan and I headed back to mom and dad’s house. We had a quick supper with them and then we got back on the road to head back to Ann Arbor since I had to work a bridal show in Plymouth and Dan had to work the next day. Oh, and daylight savings time STOLE an hour from us.

The New Voyage - Part I

So, a new voyage is in the works. A relocation from my beloved Ann Arbor to the un-chartered waters of Northern Michigan. How did we get here? Let's look at the past four weeks:

There are times when it seems an ominous black cloud is following you around. The last week of February was one of those times. It started on a Friday. February 26 to be exact, when Dan and I found out that we would have to move. The time line was never firm, but we knew it would be within the next few months. Ah, the joy and pain of renting. We love our condo and was pretty heartbroken by the news.

As the weekend went on we decided to look at other options available. One of those options to fulfill a dream of living 'Up North'. I told Dan that I might check out the classifieds and see what is available right now. On Sunday night I came across an ad on Craigslist for an Office Manager at Cherry Republic. (Have you had or heard of CR? You need to add that to your vocabulary! Dan's mom has turned us into faithful customers of their yummy products.)

I applied for the position after a few days of updating my resume and cover letter. Then I wait. I keep looking in the local paper, the Record Eagle. Not much else is even remotely appealing. Then on Sunday I see it! The same ad that was on Craigslist is now in their classifieds! A few days go by and on Thursday morning I decide to be aggressive. I composed an email explaining that I had already applied to the ad on Craigslist but wanted to make sure it came across the readers (HR) desk. I wrote that I know how hard the process is - finding the right person, that perfect fit- when you have received hundreds of resumes.

A couple of hours after I sent that email, I received a response: would I by any chance be in the area the following day? I think that can be arranged. Dan and I ended up driving to his parents (Bear Lake) that evening and heading up to the Traverse City the following day for the interview.