My life

[butterflyjack (imported)]

As always, Danya..beautifully written...I sense that there is room for you in this company...I'd have to think that someone, in authority there, other than your boss, must know your worth..Those two projects you worked on must have impacted someone.. But,disregarding your present firm, you've been offered some opportunities, elsewhere: No? I love your veracity. Gotta go split and bring in some wood for the stove; we're expecting some cool weather for the next wee while....Smooches dragonfly

[Danya (imported)]

As always, Danya..beautifully written...I sense that there is room for you in this company...I'd have to think that someone, in authority there, other than your boss, must know your worth..Those two projects you worked on must have impacted someone.. But,disregarding your present firm, you've been offered some opportunities, elsewhere: No? I love your veracity. Gotta go split and bring in some wood for the stove; we're expecting some cool weather for the next wee while....Smooches dragonfly

Hi Dragonfly,

Thanks for the compliment.

I do not yet have any offers of employment. This takes time and I've only seriously been looking for a week or two.

I just applied for a permanent position where I am currently working. It's a very good match for my skills set. Fortunately, I can access the corporate internal job site from home. It helps to be applying internally.

In addition, I applied for 8 other openings today. All are in the Chicago area. Some are contract, others are 'permanent' ( - there really is no such thing, of course!). One of the permanent jobs is a scientist position. I'm going for everything that may be a good fit.

In the next hour or so, I'll also reconnect with a number of recruiters I worked with when I first moved here. After that, I will be done for the evening. My roommate and I will watch a movie together, here at home.

Yesterday evening, I drove to "X's" place. We had gotten snow yesterday and additional, lake effect, snow had been predicted for areas near Lake Michigan. By the time I left to visit 'X', the snow had stopped in my suburb and there were a few breaks in the clouds. As I drove past O'Hare, I saw a dark, threatening cloud mass ahead and I thought "cool, a lake effect!" Sure enough, a few miles further down the expressway I was engulfed in heavy snow. I was thrilled as this was my first experience with having part of Lake Michigan dumped on me.

[butterflyjack (imported)]

Nicely done Danya..And I bet it won't be the last time Lake Michigan comes down on your head....Over in NY it's Lake Erie that dumps on us...

smooches dragonfly

[mrt (imported)]

Hi - long time no talk.

Re:Injections versus pills here is a good cheat sheet that i've used for years.

www.forge-forward.org/handouts/injection.pdf

Good luck on the job hunt its murder out there!

[JessicaH (imported)]

It's good to see you around here MrT. I always thought you were one of the nicest and level headed people on the board. I hope you are doing well!

[Danya (imported)]

MrT is a very nice gentleman. He has offered me lots of encouragement over the last several years.

MrT, when I was doing chemotherapy for Hepatitis C in the late 1990s I had to inject myself with interferon several times a week. This was merely a part of the treatment. I hated injecting myself. Unlike some other people I know, I was never able to jab myself with the needle. I was too chicken! Instead, I slowly and very gently pushed the needle into my thigh. In other words, I used the more painful technique. If I go with injections for estradiol, I'll need to do better.

Things on the job front are looking very promising. The recruiter I visited last week called today to tell me their client company is very interested. They want to wait for more resumes, though, before proceeding with interviews. He said that I should let him know as soon as I have an interview scheduled with a hiring manager. Any hiring manager will do at any company! He will then tell his client that I am in demand and that they better take action or risk losing me.

The company is in one of the north shore suburbs. Further north than self-proclaimed nuclear-free Evanston and even closer to Wisconsin than Highland Park. *

I meet with yet another recruiter early tomorrow morning. Over lunch, I have a tentative meeting set with another. She called today to say that several positions had just become available. She's been wanting to network with me for weeks. Or so she says.

Just when I thought I could slow down a bit for the holidays.

* 'X' tells this joke:

"Why are there no mosquitos in Highland Park? They can't afford the rent!" It was funny when he told it. Really! Anyway, I'm not a mosquito and I cannot afford the rent there.

[Danya (imported)]

In only ten days, my four-month countdown to GRS will begin. I'm not counting the days, at all! For the next several months, I will continue weekly electrolysis treatments on the surgery area. These are exquisitely painful. At times, I have to bite my lip to keep from crying out. Or telling my electrologist to stop.

Today, three recruiters called me. One tried to interest me in a job in another state. I immediately turned that down. If that state had been California, Oregon, Washington, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Hawaii (:)), Maine, New York and some others I might have been tempted.

Another opportunity was for a 3-month

contract-to-hire position in a nearby suburb. The

description was a close match for my skills set. The recruiter seemed really interested in me, too. She was supposed to email me details today. So far, I haven't gotten those. She did tell me my verbal acceptance was enough for her to submit my resume to the hiring company. Maybe she has done that. I will call her tomorrow to check.

Whether or not anything comes from this, I am confident of finding another job. It may not happen quite as soon as I would like; I'll do what I need to for survival. Including move to another city if I must. Or hold several part-time jobs at the same time.

Tomorrow, I will meet with a recruiter whose agency is in the Willis (nee Sears) Tower. This is a quick walk from my office.

Everything at the office is going very well. Since the other contractor in my group left last week, more tasks are coming my way. My boss is showing signs that she now realizes the high quality of my work.

Yesterday, I received terrific feedback from a supervisor in another department. Today, I led another meeting. A permanent employee who participated, from another group, later stopped by my desk. She thanked me for speaking out at the meeting on an issue no one else seemed to want to face.

I'm determined that when this contract ends, I will leave behind a lot of favorable impressions. This may come in handy later.

It was more than a few months ago that I sent an email to my undergraduate college. I was letting them know that I had transitioned genders. I was not sure that they would print my announcement. Three years ago, a school official stated the college had never had a trans student. [Later that year, I was invited to speak with a group of trans students at the college.] And besides, the official added, what would other church schools think if they allowed a name change for a trans student?

Roughly two years ago, I learned of a dean who would likely help get my name and gender changed on my transcript. I worked closely with him, sending several letters justifying my case. The registrar's office agreed with me. I was issued a new transcript and diploma with my then new name. The dean later told me that other former students, who happened to be transgender, had tried to accomplish the same thing and failed. So perhaps others will be helped by my actions.

The official name and gender change was never an issue with my two grad schools.

Today, the semi-annual class newsletter arrived in the mail. I was pleased to see my transition news was included. In my note, I did something I seldom will now. I included my former, male name. I had no choice if I wanted former classmates to know who I am. In addition, I provided my personal email address in case anyone should wish to write.

[butterflyjack (imported)]

Hi Danya...Wow you're really leaping out there...The Geebuz school didn't have any TG graduates, eh? Hehe.. Lots of possibilities in the job market, it seems...Their loss if they don't hire you...you magnificent specimen..

smooches dragonfly

[Danya (imported)]

Yesterday, I called my HRT doctor to get blood work results from my check-up/yearly physical. I have eliminated several medications since I lost my job in mid-2009. It turns out I don't need them at all. My doctor suggests, and I agree, that all this is a result of reduced life stress. Losing my job last year first seemed like a catastrophe. I was under tremendous stress with that job, though, typically putting in 60 - 70 hours per week. What has had the most influence on reducing my overall stress level, and satisfaction with life, has been transitioning. Dr. 'M' states, without hesitation, that this is the reason I have been able to eliminate prescriptions for:

1. esophageal reflux

2. high triglycerides

3. nearly all of my asthma prevention medications

4. migraine prevention

All of my blood work was very good. My HDL/LDL is excellent. Not surprisingly, my Prostate Specific Antigen result is very low. It was always low. With estrogen, it is even lower.

The one minor disappointment was that my estrogen level is far too low. I will see the doctor after work Monday to start injectable estrogen.

The administrators here ask that regular writers let people know when they are leaving the site. This is so the many fine people here do not worry. For several weeks, I have been thinking it is time for me to leave. This is unlike previous times when I thought I wanted to stop posting. I've thought about this decision a lot longer this time before mentioning it.

I wrote recently that I have now revealed just about everything important about my life. Of course, I've also shared many not so important and interesting things, too. There is little more for me to reveal. I have other reasons for leaving. None of these has anything to do with this fine site or its members.

My upcoming GRS, in mid-April, is the 'icing on the cake' for me of transitioning. I've finished the important work I needed to do to make that happen. Meaning, what matters most is living my life as who I was meant to be. Being seen and recognized as the woman I am. Interacting with others as a woman and being entirely accepted as a woman. All of these non-surgical factors are far more critical than ever having surgery.

By early January, I expect I will seldom, if ever, log in here again. Those who want to reach me are welcome to send an email. I do not expect to log in to answer PMs.

If I can find the time, I will write a summary post of what I consider important things for my life, lessons I have learned and so on.

[butterflyjack (imported)]

Hi Danya...Good news on the medication front...Whatever you decide, I hope it's in your best interests...You can always come back here, if you wish...

I, and I'm sure, many others, will miss you if you leave...But also wish you only the best...smooches dragonfly

[graylayer02 (imported)]

Yesterday, I called my HRT doctor to get blood work results from my check-up/yearly physical. I have eliminated several medications since I lost my job in mid-2009. It turns out I don't need them at all. My doctor suggests, and I agree, that all this is a result of reduced life stress. Losing my job last year first seemed like a catastrophe. I was under tremendous stress with that job, though, typically putting in 60 - 70 hours per week. What has had the most influence on reducing my overall stress level, and satisfaction with life, has been transitioning. Dr. 'M' states, without hesitation, that this is the reason I have been able to eliminate prescriptions for:

1. esophageal reflux

2. high triglycerides

3. nearly all of my asthma prevention medications

4. migraine prevention

All of my blood work was very good. My HDL/LDL is excellent. Not surprisingly, my Prostate Specific Antigen result is very low. It was always low. With estrogen, it is even lower.

The one minor disappointment was that my estrogen level is far too low. I will see the doctor after work Monday to start injectable estrogen.

The administrators here ask that regular writers let people know when they are leaving the site. This is so the many fine people here do not worry. For several weeks, I have been thinking it is time for me to leave. This is unlike previous times when I thought I wanted to stop posting. I've thought about this decision a lot longer this time before mentioning it.

I wrote recently that I have now revealed just about everything important about my life. Of course, I've also shared many not so important and interesting things, too. There is little more for me to reveal. I have other reasons for leaving. None of these has anything to do with this fine site or its members.

My upcoming GRS, in mid-April, is the 'icing on the cake' for me of transitioning. I've finished the important work I needed to do to make that happen. Meaning, what matters most is living my life as who I was meant to be. Being seen and recognized as the woman I am. Interacting with others as a woman and being entirely accepted as a woman. All of these non-surgical factors are far more critical than ever having surgery.

By early January, I expect I will seldom, if ever, log in here again. Those who want to reach me are welcome to send an email. I do not expect to log in to answer PMs.

If I can find the time, I will write a summary post of what I consider important things for my life, lessons I have learned and so on.

This is all very cool. But you'll be back. (evil grin)

[Mac (imported)]

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

My upcoming GRS, in mid-April, is the 'icing on the cake' for me of transitioning. I've finished the important work I needed to do to make that happen. Meaning, what matters most is living my life as who I was meant to be. Being seen and recognized as the woman I am. Interacting with others as a woman and being entirely accepted as a woman. All of these non-surgical factors are far more critical than ever having surgery.

By early January, I expect I will seldom, if ever, log in here again. Those who want to reach me are welcome to send an email. I do not expect to log in to answer PMs.

If I can find the time, I will write a summary post of what I consider important things for my life, lessons I have learned and so on.

Please stay and share with us the results of your transition. I look forward to hearing the positive final outcome and am sure that others do also. What is your email if that is how you desire to be contacted?

[Dave (imported)]

I'll miss you. I'll miss your posts.

I mean that with all sincerity. You gave me insight into another life that I did not and could not have...

[Danya (imported)]

This evening, while I waited in my HRT doctor's office to receive injectable estradiol valerate for the first time, I called someone here whose opinion I value. There are a handful people I trust as thoroughly. I asked why I should continue posting here. My point was more like Greta Garbo's "I want to be left alone." She did not mean she wanted to be alone and neither do I.

I did not explain to my friend that there may be certain things I do not want to share. Occasionally, I feel I am revealing too much. Surely some people are thinking "TMI" - Too Much Information! In my non-virtual life, I am a private person. I have to trust someone before I will let them in.

I told him that life continues to be difficult, while remaining rather good. At times, even during this stressful period, life is still astonishingly wonderful. My life somehow continues to get better. I've already written about these things, though. This is not new information, but as I continue writing I will likely discuss this again.

Besides, I told him, much of what I write is mundane details of job hunting. I did not add that, while some here say they want to know how my TG life story turns out, much of what I write has nothing at all to do with being a male-to-female transsexual.

The conversation with this friend was fairly short. He provided what I agreed were compelling reasons to continue writing here. Before our talk, I was very determined not to return after early January.

I may post much less frequently. I am taking steps, finally, to find a place to practice the piano and pipe organ. I want more time to continue studying music theory.

Music is one of those totally non-TG topics I like to write about. Some others are science, the near total failure of scientists.....well, never mind on that one for now, photography, nature and some others that I never discuss here.

Recently, I have been studying how certain harmonic progressions play a very strong melodic function. On the drive home this evening, I was intently listening to Brahms and Tschaikovsky for examples. Uh oh, this could wind up being one of my more meandering posts. Too late! Counterpoint is perhaps the ultimate example of the difficult art of merging the functions of harmony and melody. Enough of that for tonight. It is too late. It's also not, I think, what most people here want to read. We all have our own interests.

The thing is, I am a much better musician than I am a writer. I have to reestablish my musical performance skills. That takes hours of 'work' every week. Music is more than an interest or hobby for me. It is part of me. I am my most essential self when I am Danya performing music. People at times have told me how they never thought that a particular instrument could produce so many gorgeous sounds. Or that the prelude sent shivers through them. What I call the 'sacred orgasm,' and why not? Orgasm can be an all-engrossing wave, or waves, of pleasure washing over one's body. This is truly a gift from God. Others have said they can tell I am praying when I play. I never think of it quite that way. I will agree I am in another space then and have a (fleeting) connection with something mysterious beyond myself.

Clearly, I enjoy knowing people can connect with the music I am playing. At times on a deep level. I know my skills, and very hard work, have allowed this to happen. I'm also something of a ham. I enjoy the applause of an appreciative audience.

Which brings me to another reason I considered not posting any longer. Generous people here, now and then, say I am amazing, courageous (this I have at least been told off-line) and similar things. Do I like to hear this? Yes. That can be a problem for me.

There is an important difference between hearing my music has done good things for people and hearing I am amazing or courageous for simply living my life. For I am doing nothing more than what I must. To be who I have to be and to survive. It's not always easy. Most people do exactly this every day. They may be less noticeable because: a) they don't write about it and b) they do not have to do something as public as transitioning.

Someone here used to think I had a lot of courage. I am thankful this is no longer the case. I am then freed from expectations that I will continue to be courageous.

Anyway, courage is merely doing what one must under what can be extraordinarily difficult circumstances. I doubt many sane people set out to be courageous. I'm not talking about daredevils here. Displaying courage can mean deliberately placing yourself in dangerous situations, whether on a physical or emotional level, when you might well prefer to be someplace safe and secure, or at least familiar. There may be a high risk of harm or of things not working out as one had fervently hoped. These people just happen to find themselves in situations where they have to make very hard choices. They choose what most view as the 'courageous' option. To be true to themselves, though, they had little real choice.

I should have been in bed at least 30 minutes ago, so I will doing little proof-reading.

Hi Danya...Good news on the medication front...Whatever you decide, I hope it's in your best interests...You can always come back here, if you wish...

I, and I'm sure, many others, will miss you if you leave...But also wish you only the best...smooches dra

gonfly

[quote="Danya (imported)" time=1286500

020]
Thanks for the good wishes, dragonfly. :
[/quote]
)

This

is all very cool. But you'll be back. (evil grin)

You little devil When I first read this, I was more determined not to post here again. Ah well, I'm a fickle female.

Please stay and share with us the res

ults of your transi

tion. I look forward to hearing the positive final outcome and am sure that others do also. What is your email if that is how you desire to be

contacted?

For now, I will continue to post but perhaps much less frequently.

I'll miss you. I'll miss your posts.

I mean that with all sincerity. You gave me insight into another life that I did not and could not have...

It is good to hear from you Dave. I do not think you have posted on one of my threads before. I appreciate you kind words. Thank you.

I will get to bed soon!

Back to the doctor's office earlier this evening. I was ticked off because of some recurring issues with 'X.' I even swore a little. Dr 'M' was surprised, to say the least. On other visits, he has told me how carefully I choose my words and that he could not imagine hearing me use the kind of language I used just tonight. On my last visit, when I answered a question with "If I said that, I was incorrect," he told me he could not imagine anyone else answering that way. I can't explain it. I have always spoken like this. I'm sure I'm not the only one with this affliction.

As we were discussing the proper way to inject oneself with cross gender hormones, I mentioned one of the paintings on the wall. It was clearly a Japanese woman. I said she seemed to be holding a penis. Dr. 'M' was nearly as surprised to hear this comment from me as he had been by my 'tough shit' comment.

I noted the shape of the 'penis.' He said 'it's not a penis, it's a scroll.' I responded, 'look at the curved shape of the slightly indented end. He pointed out that the woman was holding a pen. Finally, I had to admit she was doing calligraphy. He said I was horny!

It was probably injecting myself with 5 CC of estradiol that got me thinking of sex. I was thrilled to know my estrogen level would soon be rising.

I set things right with 'X' later. Without swearing, although I was very assertive. He shared his side of things with me, too. That's all well and good, although...... we'll see. This all started Friday evening. This is off track. Anyway, I have some (but not unlimited) empathy for him. I know why he sometimes acts in not so pleasant ways.

We then went to a diner. Perhaps it was my earlier irritation with him, and the fact the I thought for a time I never wanted to see him again, that had me looking at other men! Gasp! I know I was surprised! Normally, my attention is solely with 'X'.

Tonight, though, a young dark-haired man was really catching my attention. He was quite handsome. Then there was the sensual way he sat, legs slightly spread with his strong hand casually draped across his thigh. His right arm was streched quite fetchingly across the back of the long seat where he sat with friends. At one point, he let his glance linger a few seconds on me. That's as far as I'll go with this!

It was a fun image while it lasted. A woman can enjoy the beauty of men without being unfaithful. Nonetheless, this is not something I typically spend much time doing. I'm not sure what was going on. Well, I sort of know. I'm thinking more about upcoming GRS.

[jjayman3 (imported)]

Danya,

Please do not go. I understand I am more of a reader in these types of boards and do not write a lot. However, your posts are very inspirational. No matter the issues in your, you actually say something positive. Your love of music, arts ETC is inspirational. At least for me. Your writing and sharing your life shows the little, often forgotten details that bring out the beauty in the world. No matter the world throws at you.

I enjoy your posts and find you incredibly human with a great outlook on the world. Thank you. Your post have allowed me to look at life from a different angle and to laugh at what we do.

Hopefully, this does not seem too creepy. But you are a leader. Thank you.

[butterflyjack (imported)]

Jjayman...I couldn't have said it better.. If I caught Danya glancing in my direction, I'd have to act on it...I'm all atwitter just thinking about that..

smooches dragonfly

[JessicaH (imported)]

I think one of the most endearing qualities of your posts are what you think of as mundane. Like in a good novel that builds a charachter to a point that you really feel connected to them, your writing has a way of making you "real" and not just someone blogging about this or that.

I appreciate the way you have shared what you have with us here and it really does help someone like me to see the day to day struggles, challenges and triumphs of someone who has transitioned. I would love to follow your story through SRS (although I know that is very personal) into your post transition life.

It is wonderfull to hear you "think out loud" and I have followed your posts from when you first looked at chemical castration and then your realization that you needed to transition. I understand it takes a lot of time for you to post here due to the fact that you are a really good writer and you are not one to make a "half assed" (excuse the french, please) post.

I for one, would much rather see less and or shorter posts than to see you leave. If you ahve ever noticed, there are over 8,000 views to your thread and your previous thread is probably one of the top ten threads on the EA. Just because people don't post to your thread, does not mean that they aren't reading it and getting something out of it.

Hugs, Stacy Hightower

[Danya (imported)]

I am overwhelmed by people's responses on my thread and the thought that I might leave EA. The friend I consulted about why I should stay here said, among other things, that there are a number of people here who care about me. This is still a bit of a difficult concept for me, because I will never meet most of you. I am blessed by the posts and the responses of everyone here.

Danya,

Please do not go. I understand I am more of a reader in these types of boards and do not write a lot. However, your posts are very inspirational. No matter the issues in your, you actually say something positive. Your love of music, arts ETC is inspirational. At least for me. Your writing and sharing your life shows the little, often forgotten details that bring out the beauty in the world. No matter the world throws at you.

I enjoy your posts and find you incredibly human with a great outlook on the world. Thank you. Your post have allowed me to look at life from a different angle and to laugh at what we do.

Hopefully, this does not seem too creepy. But you are a leader. Thank you.

Hi Jjayman3,

Thank you for you sharing you very generous reactions to what I write. Helping people has always been important to me, and posts like yours help me stay motivated to write here. This does not mean I'm asking for feedback, but I very much appreciate it. Without occasional notes from one person or another, I can feel like I am 'talking' to myself.

Someone else here, whom I will not identify , wrote not too long ago something about my 'basic humanity' or something else similar to your comment. If I have time down the road, I will explain why knowing people view me this way has a special, deep meaning for me.

I am surprised some of my posts help you to laugh at the things we do. I believe you and I do have a sense of humor. Sometimes, though, it is obscure.

Another surprise for me has been several people at the office saying I should be in a leadership position. I do not want that in corporate life. In other things, I would enjoy more of a leadership role.

I do not view anything you wrote as 'creepy.' Rather, I think you have a very sensitive

spirit. Thank you very much for writing.

Hugs,

Danya

Jjayman...I couldn't have said it better.. If I caught Danya glancing in my direction, I'd have to act on it...I'm all

atwitter just thinking about that..

smooches dragonfly

Hi Dragonfly,

You are quite the flirt! I always appreciate your comments.

Hugs,

Danya

I think one of the most endearing qualities of your posts are what you think of as mundane. Like in a good novel that builds a charachter to a point that you really feel connected to them, your writing has a way of making you "real" and not just someone blogging about this or that.

I appreciate the way you have shared what you have with us here and it really does help someone like me to see the day to day struggles, challenges and triumphs of someone who has transitioned. I

would love to follow your story through SRS (although I know that is very personal) into your post transition life.

Hi Stacey,

Thanks for your very kind comments. I'm temporarily at a loss for words on how to respond, partly because what I will write in my nex

t post. For now, I'll leave it that I am very glad what I write helps.

I won't have a problem sharing details of SRS.

It is wonderfull to hear you "think out loud" and I have followed your posts from when you first looked at chemical castration and then your realization that you needed to transition. I understand it takes a lot of time for you to post here due to the

fact that you are a really good writer and you are not one to make a "half assed" (excuse the french, please) post.

Someone else, who seldom posts here but is an email 'pal' noted the same thing about my 'thinking out loud.' Now that two of you agree on this, I will accept your assessment.

You are probably one of the few people who remembers my mu

ch earlier posts on chemical castration. Those much have been from late 2007 or so. I have come a long way since then.

I for one, would much rather see less and or shorter posts than to see you leave. If you ahve ever noticed, there are over 8,000 views to your thread and your previous thread is probably one of the top ten threads on the EA. Just because people don't p

ost to your thread, does not mean that they aren't reading it and getting something out of it.

Hugs, Stacy Hightower

Thank you for your very kind, thoughtful post.

Hugs,

Danya

[Danya (imported)]

I had arranged to take the afternoon off to go for an interview with a company in the northwestern suburbs. This morning, while still at the office, a new recruiter called about an opening in a western suburb. I told him I would meet with him after my already scheduled interview.

As I waited outside the secure building for interview #1, another new recruiter called about yet one more 'opportunity.'

My early afternoon interview went very well. The hiring manager will make a decision by Monday, at the latest.

Meanwhile, the 'morning' recruiter called again. He wanted me to speak with another contractor at the hiring company. I thought this was to give me a better idea of what the job required. I connected with the contractor at 4 PM, the time he would be available. It just happened that I was driving down I-290 during most of the conversation. Thank God for Bluetooth! I was on my way to meet with the recruiter.

The recruiter and I had a great conversation. Towards the end, he told me that the conversation with the contractor was actually the interview. Fortunately, I treat every business conversation as a potential interview!

I asked if I could expect an in person interview at the company site. He told me they didn't need one. If the contractor gave him good feedback on me, the agency would offer me the job by morning.

I had very good feelings about all the connections I've been making in my job search. So tonight, I did something I seldom do on my limited budget. I went out to dinner. As I was enjoying the appetizer, the recruiter called. The contractor gave me 'two thumbs up,' he told me. He offered me the job over the phone.

There is a complication I need to resolve before accepting. The new company wants me to start Monday. My current contract states that I will give my supervisor two weeks' notice if I want to leave before the contract ends. The end date is Dec 31. The new place knows this and is willing to work with me on a later start date. Still, for them sooner is much better than later.

I will speak to my supervisor tomorrow. The work load is now very light. I will tell her I do not want to leave her in a difficult situation and reiterate what I have already before. Namely, I'll be in a difficult financial situation if I go without a new job for long in the new year. I am hopeful she will agree to my leaving before Dec 31.

I am thrilled about this job offer. Although it is a contract job, the recruiter told me this one very well could become permanent. Even if it does not, it will give me my first experience in a relatively new, and growing, area in my line of work.

It is possible I will have another offer by the end of the week. I'm relieved and very happy.

[Danya (imported)]

I had arranged to take the afternoon off to go for an interview with a company in the northwestern suburbs. This morning, while still at the office, a new recruiter called about an opening in a western suburb. I told him I would meet with him after my already scheduled interview.

As I waited outside the secure building for interview #1, another new recruiter called about yet one more 'opportunity.'

My early afternoon interview went very well. The hiring manager will make a decision by Monday, at the latest.

Meanwhile, the 'morning' recruiter called again. He wanted me to speak with another contractor at the hiring company. I thought this was to give me a better idea of what the job required. I connected with the contractor at 4 PM, the time he would be available. It just happened that I was driving down I-290 during most of the conversation. Thank God for Bluetooth! I was on my way to meet with the recruiter.

The recruiter and I had a great conversation. Towards the end, he told me that the conversation with the contractor was actually the interview. Fortunately, I treat every business conversation as a potential interview!

I asked if I could expect an in person interview at the company site. He told me they didn't need one. If the contractor gave him good feedback on me, the agency would offer me the job by morning.

I had very good feelings about all the connections I've been making in my job search. So tonight, I did something I seldom do on my limited budget. I went out to dinner. As I was enjoying the appetizer, the recruiter called. The contractor gave me 'two thumbs up,' he told me. He offered me the job over the phone.

There is a complication I need to resolve before accepting. The new company wants me to start Monday. My current contract states that I will give my supervisor two weeks' notice if I want to leave before the contract ends. The end date is Dec 31. The new place knows this and is willing to work with me on a later start date. Still, for them sooner is much better than later.

I will speak to my supervisor tomorrow. The work load is now very light. I will tell her I do not want to leave her in a difficult situation and reiterate what I have already before. Namely, I'll be in a difficult financial situation if I go without a new job for long in the new year. I am hopeful she will agree to my leaving before Dec 31.

I am thrilled about this job offer. Although it is a contract job, the recruiter told me this one very well could become permanent. Even if it does not, it will give me my first experience in a relatively new, and growing, area in my line of work.

It is possible I will have another offer by the end of the week. I'm relieved and very happy.

[EricaAnn (imported)]

Congratulations Dayna! This is truly good news and I'm so very happy for you. Now maybe you can take life a bit easier especially with the Holidays approaching.

If you recall from our conversation over lunch this past Saturday, I told you things would work out and they did. BTW, what is the length of the new contract and will it carry you through April 19th?

All the best of luck to you in the new position. You go Girl!

[butterflyjack (imported)]

Geez Danya..I get it, I get it! Hehe..This all sounds very promising...But I have to tell you , I really think this is just the tip of the iceberg...You are really some super prospect for these people...After speaking to you, I'm sure they are very impressed...You are an impressive woman....In so many ways...

smooches dragonfly

[Danya (imported)]

Congratulations Dayna! This is truly good news and I'm so very happy for you. Now maybe you can take life a bit easier especially with the Holidays approaching.

If you recall from our conversation over lunch this past Saturday, I told you things would work out and they did. BTW, what is the length of the new contract and will it carry you through April 19th?

All the best of luck to you in the new position. You go Girl!

Hi Erica Ann,

Thanks for the congratulations. I am ecstatic. This job will be a great experience. It's with a relatively new company that is doing extremely well. I'm certain I will be one of the oldest employees. That will be fine.

I am also glad that I can take things easier for the holidays, just as you say. And, sweetie, I always recall our conversations. I had a great time over lunch with you Saturday.

There is one thing I'm not too thrilled about, although it is so minor it's hardly worth mentioning. The company has an extremely casual dress code. I'm talking blue jeans and tee shirts, every day of the week. I like to dress better, so I'll simply have to adapt. Today, I wore a two-piece dress and jacket ensemble and received several nice compliments. Although I wore boots to the office, I took heels with me and changed on arriving. Starting Tuesday, when I being the new job, I won't be doing that again. It's important that I fit into the company culture.

Come to think of it, there is a second more significant thing I'm not to thrilled about. I can deal with it, though. I won't be covered under the agency's benefits plan for 60 days. I can continue my COBRA coverage for one more month in January. I'll get by without health insurance for most of February until the new plan kicks in.

The contract will easily carry me through April 19. I hope to really wow them before then so they ask me back after 'the even

t.' The job could become permanent, too.

Hugs,

Danya

Geez Danya..I get it, I get it! Hehe..This all sounds very promising...But I have to tell you , I really think this is just the tip of the iceberg...You are really some super prospect for these people...After speaking to you, I'm sure they are very impressed...You are an imp

ressive woman....In so many ways...

smooches dragonfly

Hi Dragonfly,

You are always very sweet. I don't know that I'm a super prospect. I do have certain skills that, fortunately for me, are in demand. I've also honed my interviewing technique so that I rarely slip up. When I do, I realize it immediately and take steps to correct things.

Hugs,

Danya

[Mac (imported)]

Great going girl. So much is happening for you now. Is the offer a firm one now?

[Danya (imported)]

Great going girl. So much is happening for you now. Is the offer a firm one now?

Hi Mac,

The whole thing happened so quickly (recruiter call, phone interview, recruiter interview, job offer) all within a single day, that I'm still surprised. Yes, it is a firm offer, pending the customary background check and illegal drug screen results. I haven't robbed any banks or gotten hooked on drugs since I passed these for my soon to end job. Everything will be fine.

Hugs,

Danya