The dirt

It wasn't actually planned. Not really. I had been yearning for a new challenge lately but wasn't chasing it quite yet. A small ad in the business section of the paper catches my eye. On my way out the door to hockey I e-mail a brief cover letter and attach my resume. I really didn't give it another thought. Two days later an e-mail appears. They received my resume and would like to schedule an interview ASAP. Wow, ok. Must be a semi blind auto reply. You know; mass assembly line interviews. I bite the hook, schedule an interview and go out to buy tights for my dusty suit. The night before the interview I settle on the couch with some green tea and research the company online. I admit; I'm impressed...and suddenly very nervous. The largest accounting firm in Ottawa, 90 years in business, 18 largest in Canada. It's midnight and I'm staring at my dusty suit and briefcase that is currently filled with Dora the Explorer coloring pages and I'm thinking. Do I want to do this? Am I ready for this kind of extreme change? Absofuckinglutly! When was the last time my heart raced in anticipation of a challenge? I forgot how good it feels.

The office is right in the heart of downtown which I love. Starbucks to the left, martini bar to the right. I laughed when I arrived at the office for my 8:30 am interview. I was thinking how much this office resembled the Salon in a game of Clue. Professor Mustard is interviewing me, with the knife, in the salon. The cherrywood tables, loom rugs, rich color palates on the walls, leather sofas. God, I hope I don't have dog shit on my shoes.

The interview was fantastic. Everything flowed. My resume was well received, I asked all the right questions, impressed them with my research, showcased reasonable intelligence, stellar manners and didn't forget to cross my legs. My 1000 watt smile dimmed when they asked me to please stay an extra 30 minutes to complete a 'small but very revealing exam' It was explained how in the past, potential candidates have proclaimed extensive experience only to fail miserably. No pressure or anything . The exam is full of trick questions. I'm sweating in this room by myself which seems to be getting smaller and smaller by the second, my suit feels itchy, my head is aching and I think I'm going to vomit all over my shoes. I finished the exam, attempted to look confident when I shook the VP's hand and escaped out into the street gasping for breath. That evening, we drank a bottle of wine and I laughed it off, convinced I failed the test and that my score wouldn't even merit a polite rejection letter. You can imagine my shock when a letter in my e-mail inbox reads...employment offer. I should have been calm. I should have waited until at LEAST noon before replying and accepting the offer but I was like a 14 year old boy at his first bump and grind highschool dance. I blew my load and I immediately accepted the offer promising to send my formal, written acceptance by registered mail that day. At least they know I'm motivated and excited to be there right?

I gave two weeks notice at work that day. That was a shock to everyone. The mood here has changed . Its sterile and chilly. I know its to be expected when you surprise everyone with a resignation but it's just very awkward. I can't be too upset about that. I had shopping to do.
Lots and lots of shopping! I've been in casual attire for many years now and forgot what heels and skirts felt like. I've had to catwalk around my house for a week now so I don't stumble down the stairs in pumps on my first day. While in Kingston this past weekend I spent a small fortune at the Jones of New York outlet store but wow, I have some nice business attire. Wool skirts, suits, sweaters , a gorgeous wool coat, blouses. Actually, the prices were fantastic and I even treated myself to Channel sunglasses and a purse . Thursday and Friday morning I'm going in to meet everyone, settle in and get comfortable. My official start day is Feb 19th.

I'm exhilerated and fucking scared to death. Its great.