Vancouver, Jobs, Etc.

I'm back from Vancouver and things went great. I won't know for a few weeks whether I've got the job or not, but at this point, I'm thrilled either way. If nothing else, I got a few great weekends in Vancouver, and I can say that I was one of only 13 to make it to the final interview stage out of 230 people.

I suppose you are wondering what ever became of my current job. I told my boss that I had a personal commitment and was unable to attend the training session in Toronto. Unsatisfied with this excuse, she probed until I finally gave in and told her that I had another interview. Initially she was quite upset and explained that the company required more dependable, permanent employees. I was told that I'd have to resign. The next day, she called me back, saying that until they'd found a replacement for me, I could continue working. It's been 2 weeks now and I haven't heard anything else. I'm going to continue going to the office until told to do otherwise.

Saturday morning I woke up bright and early (5 am to be exact... yuck!) to head to the airport. Ryan was sweet enough to drag himself out of bed and drive me to Calgary. He walked me to the security entrance, we kissed goodbye, and I told him how much I'd miss him as I headed for the metal detectors and he headed for his car. I boarded my plane, giddy as usual. I love flying! When I'd safely landed, I sent him a text message to let him know I'd arrived. As I was waiting for my luggage beside the baggage carousels, Ryan sent me a text message saying "Welcome Home, Tim Horton's". The fact that I was standing in front of a sign that said just that struck me as odd, but I shrugged it off as coincidence. I had told him about that sign the last time that I was in Vancouver. Even more strange was his next text message... "Here come the bags!". The carousel had just started. I started to get suspicious when I saw my bag and checked my phone to see "There it is!". Okay, did he have somebody spying on me?! I subtly looked around the airport, grabbed my bag, and headed for the taxi lineup. Just as I was about the head out the door, I was approached by a ridiculously dressed man that I soon recognized as my boyfriend, in cognito. I was stunned, and extremely confused. How did he get here?! Turns out that after he dropped me off, he rushed to his car, moved it to Park and Jet, shaved his face, and put on a disguise outfit. He then ran back inside, hurried through security, and nearly missed the plane. He'd been on the same flight all along, sitting in row 1 while I was in row 22, completely oblivious. He has the entire thing on video. It was a great surprise, I couldn't have been more happy. We spent the weekend together, and it was great to have him for support as I prepared for the big interview.

2 more (sappy) life goals checked off:

1. Kiss somebody in an airport.

2. Watch the sunset over the ocean with my boyfriend.

How romantic.

Ryan took this photo of us, because he rocks. <3

Today in the Life of Krysta...

1. Job interview T-6 days.

2. Unemployed as of today. Stressful situation.

3. Still happy.

4. I must admit, we are a cute couple.

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

I'm 10 days away from flying to Vancouver, and 12 days away from my Emirates reassessment. I'm really crossing my fingers and even my toes at this point, because the journey hasn't come without sacrifice. Attending these interviews have meant flying to Vancouver and back 3 times at my own expense. Along with the costs of flights come accommodations, meals, transportation to and from the airport, professional photos and purchasing appropriate interview attire. Chasing dreams isn't always cheap. I've sacrificed a well paying, professional job because the training schedule conflicted with the interview date. I'm currently job hunting with the knowledge that I won't likely be able to match my salary.

If everything goes well and my determination pays off, I'll likely move to Dubai before the end of the year. Originally I wondered how I could leave Ryan, but as I get closer to the interview he has began researching international employment himself. He has the experience and education to find a great job anywhere in the world. I think that leaving would be easier if he was working abroad as well. I'm glad that my chance at a dream has inspired him to look at his career options and I hope that he'll pursue something that he loves doing. We've discussed long distance relationships and agreed that it's worth a try. I know that it would kill me some days, but I envision airport reunions and I know that if we can survive the long distance battle, it will be more than worth it. If I don't get the job, I'll admit that I'll be a bit upset. Not to say that I can't try again, but it's been nearly 10 months of high hopes. At the same time, not getting the job means staying here, with my boyfriend. I swore that I'd never be the girl to let a guy interfere with my dreams. Nothing could stand between me and the goals that I set for myself. I suppose that is still the case, seeing as how I plan to move to Dubai if given the opportunity. However, I would do so with slight hesitation. I didn't plan on falling this hard for somebody when I first decided that I would like to work for an international airline.

Life is good. All in all, I'm happy and content with everything. I'm nervous yet excited for the interview, and hopeful despite the heartbreak that will come with moving away. Not only do I have an incredible boyfriend here, but I've got amazing friends and family that I've already had to say goodbye to once. We have grown up together and it seems like more of them are getting married or having babies with each passing month. I'm well aware of the fact that life will be very different when and if I return to my home town. I'd miss out on many important events, and maybe grow apart from people who I care a lot about. Sadly, that's life. This is the path that I've chosen and I'm so lucky to have such amazing people in my life who support my dreams even if those dreams involve leaving them behind.