New Adventure

So... one day in Early September, Dennis, Theresa, Rus and I went to the zoo.

Dennis feeding the giraffe 

Dennis and Theresa

Me feeding the Lorikeets! 

Dennis and Theresa were looking at an exhibit somewhere to my left. Rus was taking pictures somewhere to my right. I was standing in front of, but not under, an empty easy-up (providing my cheap Irish skin with some shade!). There was a table and sign overhead I didn't pay attention to. Several people stopped and asked me questions pertaining to the zoo: "Where was...?" "What time was....?" Did I know how to get to...?" I answered these queries as best I could, referring to the map I had in my pocket as I gave the much needed answers. Then, out of nowhere, a young fellow wearing a blue polo shirt with the zoo insignia on it and asked me if I worked for the zoo... "Hmmm, no," I laughingly replied, "but don't you think I should after I just gave those folks such fabulous directions!" Why yes I do, he said enthusiastically.... and so it began. I had a brief conversation with him ending with me giving him my email address on zoo letterhead. He said someone would be in contact with me within the week... Well, sure! Some background may assist here. I have wanted to work for the zoo for the last 8 years. I often look at the job postings and apply... to no avail. I have applied for everything from zookeeper assistant, aka, "pooper-scooper" to Director of Education. Always the same response... Thank you for applying, but... blah-blah-blah! So I expected more of the same. I thought for sure someone would send an email selling time shares. Then a few days later, an email from the Zoo asking me to provide my phone number for a phone interview. Sure, here it is. Then the confirmation email with a day, date and a block of 2 hours in which I could expect a call... Sure. Comes the day... My little charge is freaking out because he can't find his shoes to go outside. We are having a rousing discussion about where they could possibly be after yesterday...him being dragged into the house kicking and screaming....hmmm, shoes were the last thing I was thinking about at the time. I am performing a soliloquies about the lost shoe, in grand style I might add, when my phone rings. My phone never rings while I am at work unless someone needs me. I immediately pick up and am greeted by this unfamiliar cheery voice asking for me.  Yes? This is the HR division at the zoo. I would like to interview you for the position you applied for. Wait... I applied for a position? Okay, just go with the flow. Meanwhile the background sounds are getting louder and more intense as the said-shoe is still missing. I answer as many questions as I can as an adult, muttering about shoes and such to my little one. Then I find the missing shoe under the shelving in the garage. Must have been kicked there in one of the leg maneuvers he pulled as I picked him up and carried all 42 lbs. into the house. It was quite a scene, believe me! She is asking me questions, I am attempting to answer. Then mid-sentence... it happens. little arms flail out, hit the phone out of my hand, and.... There goes my phone -  flying across the garage in three chunks... the keyboard, the backing, and the battery. sigh... all is lost. I am sure my last chance to get a job at the zoo is gone...forever. We continue along in our day - grocery store with Mom, playing in the yard, off to an adventure on the path, pitching rocks into the stream, saying hello to the neighbors, eating lunch, watching a movie...and he falls asleep. He hasn't slept in months! Woo hoo! Not knowing how long this miracle will continue, I pick up my phone and attempt to call HR back. After several attempts, I finally connect with the gal I was talking to this morning and... she remembers every single fact I said about my previous employment. And says that she would like to speak to me for a face-to-face interview asap. How about Saturday morning? Sure. Long story short, I went to the 90 min. interview, passed muster and was hired! After Orientation last Thursday night, I am more confident that I have found something that I can do after Brayden goes to kindergarten. I can make my own hours, work as much or as little as I want, but can only work 10 months a year. I will be working in the Admissions/Guest Relations area, greeting people, securing seasons passes giving help to those who ask questions, taking tickets at the front gate, and in the new area, Africa! Who knows where this could lead! I am now hoping that it is as nice a job as I think it will be! I am very excited about the prospects!