I say yes, you say no, OR People are Strange

Factoid: Lions may be the king of beasts but most of their hunting attempts are unsuccessful. In fact, both cheetahs and leopards have a higher kill rate.

That is how I am explaining to myself ("that's my story and I'm sticking to it") the fact that I did NOT get the job.

I feel like such a failure.

To my comfort, it was down to two of us after the job competition of the century, and the candidate who got it had characteristics/experiences that I cxould never have replicated. In other words, had they chosen me, the other candidate could not have competed either. It would be like deciding between blue and green. Sometimes, these things are impossible. So I am homebound, licking wounds and feeling ashamed at not snagging that buffalo. Shame is my first and middle name, and so this news is extremely hard to break on this thread. You are my friends, but I fear reprobation and criticism for "not being perfect" (as if there was any thought that I was, but never mind....)

Oh, I was effusively praised, and offers were made to serve as recommendations. I will still have to wait before buying those Philip Lim boots I loved, or giving my mother a great brithday present.

--Athena, sitting on a rock pouting, and hating to be the bearer of bad tidings.

Athena...I've been sitting here for 15 mins trying to decide what to say.  Okay then I'll admit it.....I'm lost for words more often than not, but that just sucks.  Anyway I'm going to pout with you.  I've asked Maxine to join us:

Jackie

Athena-I'm so sorry. It sounds like it was a valiant effort on your part. 

No shame in pouting.

Mary

Oh Athena, I'm sorry. Pout and lick your wounds as long as it takes to feel better, and then march out and get your dream job. In the mid-90s, I applied for a job that was a PERFECT fit with my experience, education and background. It was a job that I could have NAILED, and made their organization a lot better. They hired someone else. In the meantime, another job for which I had applied came through -- one that was pretty good, but not perfect like the other one. They offered, I accepted, and it turned out to be the best job I ever had -- my most favorite job EVER in a 35-year federal career and 40 years of working. I LOVED that job, did some of my best and most lasting work there, and still miss it to this day (the agency is gone, eaten up and destroyed by DHS). So ... there are other, better, more satisfying jobs out there. And your best job ever just may surprise you soon.

And p.s. - it was where I met the love of my life, DH.





(((((Athena)))))



L

Athena, I have to agree with everybody else, you will find something better, and more importantly, a job that truly appreciates YOU!

Time for a smile, love Bill Maher http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/09/bill-maher-asks-why-everything-political_n_2844259.html

Athena - I'm joining the Something Better will Show UP team.  And cheering you on, whatever you do.

Apparently, this is his calling post Presidency.  Deep.

Obituary in the Jacksonville Times Union.

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-03-09/story/obituary-nurse-jacksonville-ties-was-angel-bataan

The New York Times may be printing a story as well.

Beyond any personal considerations - what amazing stories that generation had - and are disappearing.

If you have one of those people still alive in your life get them to tell you their stories. Tape will do, or if you are lucky, they will hand write as their time allows.

When my Dad broke his hip some years ago, I gave him some paper and a clipboard and asked him to write his war story. He did! I typed it up and a couple of years later when he got a computer, my kids retyped it so that he could edit it.  He wrote some stories for his regiment's history online as well.  His stories will go on. Several of his grandchildren and one great grandson have copies of "Grampa's book" that they treasure. We are fortunate to still have Dad and will celebrate his 98th birthday next month.

Alexandria's mother in law's story will go on and on as well because the people around her have made it so. I think that's the best we can give. My thoughts are with you.

Thank you everyone!

HL - Wow - I hope I get the job that you did with all of the perks. Life has incredible turns.

Belinda, I LOVE that "Plan A" poster.