My phone interview. 2 of 2

Wow. I have never had things get so crazy on me so quickly before.

Today I had that phone interview from the University of Arizona. I was supposed to get the call at 10:00 Arizona time. So, I drove to a good location on the island and waited for the call at 9:00 our time. Oops. After waiting about ten minutes I realized my mistake and went back to work.

When 11:00 rolled around I finally got to the interview. There are three states I might get to work in: Arizona, Alabama, and South Carolina. Chris asked if I wanted to stay in Alabama. I told him I would like to see Arizona. However, I might have squashed my chances of getting out there.

He told me what sites I would be working on if I were to stay in Alabama: Grand Bay and Weeks Bay. Well we have projects going on there, and I said that. Of course, considering that I already know the area and I am already here, surely he would put me here. To top it off, I already know the guy I would be working with out here. So, I can't imagine he would even consider sending me out to Arizona. Maybe that is a good thing, but I have wanted to go out there for a long time.

Chris said I would be living in a bunkhouse doing marsh bird surveys from mid March through late June at the earliest. We would be up before the sun and out for about four hours, then back home for the afternoon. Then we would conduct night surveys. I would have two sites, so each week I would flip flop between the two.

If I go out to Arizona I will be working in Az and California on planned burn sites. They are trying to reintroduce indigenous plant species and draw endangered species back to the areas. I would work on a team of five if I went out there. I prefer to work on teams.

So, after the interview I returned to the lab and sat with Just to talk about the discussion and my options. While we were talking Chris called for a reference. Just said he gave him a wonderful description of me- he is so generous- and Chris was very pleased. Just said we are going to plan as though I have already received the job. So, we made plans for the future. After I am done there- wherever there is- I will return here to work until the end of 2009. This is assuming they do not offer me another position that I might want to take.

So, this weekend I am going home and I am going to bring as much with me as I can. I will find out next week if I got the job. Then, if I did, the craziness begins as I scramble to get all of my stuff packed and moved out.

Maybe I have another job? 1 of 2

Well, it has been a while since I last produced a really good post for this blog. No, don't get too excited. I'm not promising anything.

Monday I applied for a new internship with the University of Arizona. I had been told about this internship some time ago. I had just never seen the listing actually make the headlines. Then an email was forwarded to me with the listing in it. Seems I had missed it being posted and now they were still looking for folks. I had wanted this internship because it is a survey of marsh birds. That is my style! I thought I had two options: Southeast or Northeast. But now I am being told that I can either go to South Carolina, Alabama, or Arizona.

Well, I have always wanted to see Texas and Arizona. I don't know why. That is just something that has been of interest to me. So, you know that I would love to take the position in Arizona. That will take me far away from my family and friends, but as I said it is an internship and will not be long- just about 3 or 4 months.
Hopefully, right after that I will return to Dauphin Island in time for the HOT season (pronounced: sunscreen, beach, and bikinis). I don't know what is in store for me when I get back, or even if there will be a position open for me to return to.
All in all, I am a little nervous about this. I had planned my spring and summer down here at the Island, but given this new turn of events, things might change- and quickly!

This position should be starting in March. March is next week! That barely gives me enough time to eat all of my perishable food! I think the term lasts until June. Not bad.

I have several concerns. First of all, I have been trying to get some of my friends down here for spring break. Now, if I took this position I will be leaving before they come, I think. I do know this much- I have told them I am not going anywhere before March 9th!

My stream of consciousness tends this way: I am going home this weekend. If I am going to Arizona soon, I had better pack a good deal of my things so I can leave them at home- you know, the stuff you don't use, but have piled up? I don't think I will be able to move out in one car load anymore! I have been bringing things down ever time I take a trip home! I need to plan for that.

Secondly, I need to make sure I have a job to come back to- and not leave them high and dry when I leave. I am their only full time intern right now! Who will get the work done?! I also want to make sure that I am not left in the cold. I don't want to wait tables if I run out of time over there and don't have anything in line.

Thirdly, I have to notify everyone that I have been making plans with. I hope that doesn't screw up their worlds.

Fourthly, there are folks here that I will be leaving. Andrea and Michelle, my heart breaks that I would lose you guys as roommates. You have spoiled me. Alvin, I was hoping to get to bike around the island this summer and see you too! It is so much better standing around and chatting when it is warm outside, right? Ryan, just when we got to live close together again, one of us is moving. But you said you will be around at least until September, so I think this may just be a little hiccup in our time together. Bruce, I am glad you are leaving first. It would be a no deal if it weren't that way. I think this is what makes this decision easiest on me. I am perfectly comfortable spending a few months on adventure. It will make the time you are gone pass by faster.

And lastly, Aunt Marsha, I really wanted one of those puppies! I have to get all of my information and find out if it will work out for me to take one with me. You know how much I want to!

I heard back from the man who is hiring. I have an interview tomorrow at 9:00! I really believe I will be offered the position. Here is why: The position was open for some time. However, as per his email, some of the positions fell through. This means that he needs people- and judging by the time line and how quickly he emailed me back, he needs them now. I will post the results of the interview tomorrow.

This being said, I spoke to Josh (my lab manager) about this and he said that he and Just (my boss) needed to talk to me. I joked that I was getting fired and Josh said, "Yes, fired, and rehired." This may mean that they were going to offer me a full time position. Oi, does it get any more sticky? Why do all of these opportunities occur at once? It always happens this way too!

So, now it is a waiting game. I have to ask the right questions tomorrow. I have to inform my lab about what is happening. I need to know if I can return here after this job. There is so much to get right, I hope I don't drop the ball and mess up someone else's plans!

"Whenever you are having a rough day,

feeling lonely,

sad,

blue,

or you think that people do not understand you,

always remember, that were I by your side,

I would be wrapping my strong arms around you,

holding you close against me,

and truly caring for you as best I can,

but since I am not,

Imagine that I am, because,

most likely, at that very moment,

regardless of whenever it might be,

chances are,

I am Imagining the same thing,

and wishing I was."

...................