Strongbow Revisited

A nearby grocery store stocks a number of import beers. Each time I go through that aisle I pause to contemplate a six pack of Strongbow. Its a dry English cider that I sampled years ago as an a early teen.

While living in England as an army brat, my dad took me into a small pub in Richmond, North Yorkshire.
We each had a pint. As I recall, that was an amazing day, ending with my old man and I bonding over a cold one. That was thirty years ago...and the one and only time I had Strongbow. I always remembered the taste fondly. Smooth, tart, dry, with a hint of apple sweetness.

I'm not much of a drinker these days and rarely buy alcohol, but a few nights ago the pull down memory lane was to great to resist. As I found myself passing the imports, I barely slowed down as I plucked a six pack from the shelf. At the self checkout I was almost giddy with anticipation. As soon as I got home I grabbed a bottle opener and pried the cap off the first bottle. I made myself comfortable and with a brief pause to reflect on the moment I raised the bottle to my lips and allowed the cool liquid to splash along my tongue and down my throat....as that first swig hit bottom I pursed my lips almost involuntarily and shivered from the inside out.

My mind searched briefly for a descriptor appropriate enough for the experience but surprisingly, all it could come up with was "This tastes like shit."

All those years had passed and I remembered that stuff as one if the best drinks I had ever tasted. In reality it probably rates a close second to stale urine mixed with sour apple juice. YUK!

Maybe next time I'm offered the opportunity to have a taste of the past I'll be wise enough to stick with the memory.

Moving Forward

On the road toward the new job, things are still progressing. Slower than I would like, but progressing none the less. Tuesday I had my cardio stress test and the results we excellent. Meeting with the shrink on the 27th will be the final part of the preemployment exams. All that will remain is the background investigation. Hopefully my less than attractive credit history won't be the deal breaker.

Assuming that all goes well, I will be able to report that I have changed employers by the end March.

This has been a long process. Patience is not one of my virtues, so it has been nerve wracking as well. As always, I am looking ahead with a great deal of anticipation and excitement as this opportunity will be a huge turning point for my family and I.

More to come....

Short timers attitude

Not much has changed since my last post. I'm still trudging through my pre employment appointments and waiting anxiously for some definitive news.

Each day at my current job is getting increasingly harder to bare. Just knowing that something better is within my grasp makes putting up with the daily bull shit here almost painful.

I'm trying to keep my short timers attitude in check, but some days that is easier said than done. I Keep telling myself to maintain my professionalism, and that it will be over soon. Keeping my eye on the prize, as it were.

I also have to remind myself that the new job is not a sure thing until all the prerequisits have been met. Of course, I want to remain positive. But realistic at the same time.

More later on this subject.

Good news. No. Great news!

It may be premature, but I've between chomping at the bit to share this latest news.
I was called not long ago in reference to the federal law enforcement position I applied for. I was conditionally offered the job! It is conditional pending the outcome of my background investigation but the ball is rolling. Much of my physical exam is complete and appointments have been scheduled for the remaining portions.
So overall, it looks good. With any luck I will be able to give my present employer my official notice by the end of the month.
This new job will make a huge difference in my family's quality of life. It will allow us to recover some from a few very painful financial years as well give us the chance to indulge ourselves a little. It has been a long time since we have had a chance to unwind and this job will make it possible.
I would like to think that this news is only the first of many good things to come in 2012.

Hopeful

I make no secret of the fact that I am not happy at my current job. To be candid, it sucks. Each morning when I get to work, I ask my supervisor ("Am I fired yet?"). Hearing that my services are still required there is depressing to say the very least.

This morning I had a interview for what I am hoping will not just be my next job, but my last career. I think it went well, although the interviewer had an amazing poker face. At the conclusion, I was told that if selected the remaining process would be lengthy and slow.  Sigh.

Mean while, many other applicants will be interviewed and I get to wait and contemplate how I measure up. There are seventy-one applicants all together. Sigh.

Until I hear something, I remain employed at a job I hate.

Keeping my fingers crossed.