Thursday I had a job interview that lasted three hours because the first part included an Excel and cognitive ability test. I’m willing to bet some people would find that process annoying, but thinking about it from the perspective of the other employees already working there, wouldn’t you want each potential new colleague to prove their abilities? I know I would. How many times does someone claim they know Excel only to get a job and then only know the bare minimum? It’s not fair to the rest of the team. When asked what I thought of the test I explained I thought it was a good idea.
The people I met with were very nice, and a person who worked for me during a short-term project last year at my old organization works there now, but I’m not sure I’d accept the job if offered it. The company seems great, the job is Billing which is my area of expertise, and the pay is pretty decent, plus the responsibilities are less which would be a welcome change, but the office is 22 miles away and the hours would put me in heavy traffic going both ways. I really don’t want to spend 45+ minutes commuting each way when it was 20 minutes before. Plus the cost for gas with the lesser pay is a cause for concern. And finally, I’m not so sure I’m ready to go back to working this quickly. It’s only been two weeks and I’m still having panic attacks at night (well, only once, which was last night for some reason). I didn’t send a thank you after the interviews because I didn’t want to lead them to believe I wanted the job because I’m not sure I do. It would be nice to do something other than Billing at my next job, although if I had to, and this company was closer to home, I think I would like it there, but my gut is telling me to keep looking. If only I could see into the future it would make decisions so much easier…
In other news, I just signed up to foster a kitten! I’m not sure if the organization will end up approving me, but I’m going to try. I’ve wanted to do it for a long time but couldn’t due to work so this is the best time possible. I wouldn’t mind fostering an adult cat but my allergies, as well as my sister-in-law’s, would act up too much whereas kittens don’t seem to affect us. I hope I get approved! I’m very excited about the prospect of taking care of a little bundle of fur.
Yesterday I made a JELLO cake. Not sure what that is? Check out this recipe. I used raspberry JELLO and cream cheese frosting for my cake, though. It came out pretty good! I also made this oatmeal bake again but changed a lot of it. I didn’t use strawberries, walnuts, or orange zest at all, I used only half a teaspoon of the Chinese five spice, and I doubled the bananas and chocolate. It was a million times better than the first time I made it. I’m sticking with my new recipe and can see making it frequently as it’s perfect for breakfast.
Today we went to the mall to snag some free lotion from Bath & Body Works. My SIL also bought some lotions and these huge candles that were 75% off. We have one burning right now and it smells really good. It was funny that the cashier asked my SIL for her phone number and email address when she checked out but didn’t ask me since all I got was the free lotion. You know in her head she was thinking what a cheap-ass I am, and she’s right! But I don’t care because I got some lotion and didn’t spend a cent. We got to choose between three new scents and we both went with “Daisy Dreamgirl” because the other two smelled too strong and fake.
After walking around the mall for awhile we had lunch at Red Robin so I could cash in my free birthday burger. I also had a gift card so it didn’t cost anything out of pocket. I figured out how to work it so they don’t sing that ridiculously embarrassing birthday song – you don’t say a word about the free burger until they bring the check and then you just say “there’s a free burger on my Royalty card”. Shazam! Free food and no embarrassment. You’re welcome.