Now that the school year is coming to an end, we've had a few visitors. My cousin, Serena, just finished her medical internship, and came down to visit in celebration. We had a nice few days together, laying on the beach, watching films, and just plain catching up. She graduates this week with her Doctorate in Pharmacy, and moves to Indianapolis to begin 2 hard years of residency. You go, girl.
We also have Craig, my sisters boyfriend, staying with us. I like him - he's passed an extensive series of tests to gain my positive affections. You go, boy.
Nordstrom is a great place to work, and I've loved (mostly) every moment of it. I like the personal connection with the customers, my coworkers, and my manager. Though it has been lovely living in Miami, I've had this growing urge inside of me to travel again. I was very upset to find out that teaching in South America was not a feasible option, as the pay is extremely low, on site interviews are required before you are hired (rhymes!), and jobs are less available because of the economy. Bummer.
Anyway, a few weeks ago I helped a woman at work. Somehow her kids came up in the discussion we were having, and I mentioned that I had a degree in education, and student taught for about 6 months. She told me that she was looking for someone to tutor and watch her kids this summer, and inquired more into my training and experience. I ended up giving her my number, not thinking she would call back. You know how people are.
Think again! Yesterday, I got a call from her husband offering me a job. His family will be going on vacation to South America and Europe, and need a tag-along to tutor and care for their 2 boys. Food, accommodation, and airfare is all included - plus a bigger salary than I would make at Nordstrom... and tax free.
After hearing what he had to say, I agreed to meet with him the following day, which was today. I arrived on time at a swanky condominium complex, yachts somewhat obscuring the ocean front view. After checking in via two different locations and confirmed as a valid visitor, I took the aquarium-lined elevator to the 25th floor, where I stepped onto the private doorstep of my prospective employer. In a white-and-black room that looked like it had come from the pages of a designer magazine, I chatted with 9 year old Victor, quite the gentleman, and his father, who had clearly been Victor's model of a gentleman. I learned that this was much more than a stint in Argentina, and was consequently floored by what was being offered.
To cut to the chase, I said YES. I'll be leaving in 3 weeks (literally the morning after I get back from my cousin's wedding) for Brazil. After 2 weeks or so there, we'll hop on his private plane to spend a week in Uruguay. Buenos Aires is next on the list for about 4 days, then south to snowy Bariloche, Argentina for 3 weeks. By this time, it will be the beginning of August, and we'll hop of a plane to France for a week, and then to the Greek Isles for another 10 days before returning home.
Let's just stop and breathe here for a second. This is something out of a movie. But it's happening to me. In 3 weeks. Someone pinch me, hard!
I am so blessed, grateful, and excited! It's going to be a whirlwind this summer, that's for sure!
And that's not the end of it! I just got an email from a Japanese corporation, and I have an interview (after an extensive application process) for a program in Tokyo! If I get the job (fingers crossed) I'll be leaving... a few days after I get back from Europe for 4 months in Asia. Phew!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but THAT I felt was worthy of an update.
