LET ME CHIME IN ON THIS INTERVIEW THING

Ann has the support of her team leader, and from what I can gather, many of the other team leaders. And while the competition may be stiff, it's mostly young and unstable and upwardly mobile in a way that folks are age are not...sure, we want a better life too, but we have been indoctrinated in spades that the way you get there is by trudging along and doing your best and by some sort of magical connection, management will recognize your commitment and reward you accordingly. Now while this flies in the face of our zoom zoom 21st century lifestyle, Ann has something to offer that may or may not be a fading asset...dedication.
To put your all into whatever job you find yourself in...extra time, extra hours, extra thought to the ins and outs of the day to day stuff. Dedication.
Plus, she's got the smarts real good when it comes to computers...she was playing around with them when they took up a whole room and spit out those hole punchy cards that geeks like her would translate...that I am typing this and able to post it it testament to her vast experience in the field...you got a problem, she can solve it nine out of ten.
And that one out of ten, she'll call you in a week with the answer.
Relentless...yes, that's the word.
Now, let's talk about the shopping. The shopping for interview clothes. Ann asked me to go with to help her choose an outfit. I wear jeans and T shirts at work, both are frequently full of holes and stain ridden. Alright, there was a time in my life that I wore button downs and a tie and slacks and actually looked at myself in the mirror without gagging...I know something about putting together an outfit, but it's in my past and not something I'm particularly proud of...But that Elizabeth Taylor tie rocked, and it blended well with the dockers chinos and the denim button down.
Anyway, we started at Bealls, in the womens section, which is not the junior section, or (gasp) the petite section. Womens is fashion code for big. Tonight I learned that you , as women can either be a little bit big or jabba the hut...there is no middle ground. I also learned why Ann hates to shop for these kinds of clothes...business casual...what the hell is that? You're either business or casual in my mind. Ann assurred me it would be 30 minutes in and out. I didn't care how long it took but I was hoping for the projection. My hope was beaten down, as we spent 45 plus minutes at this store...with me sitting outside the changing room while the old ladies who worked there walked by pretending not to check me out, like I was stalking the fitting rooms at Bealls looking for some middle aged action...it was amusing.
We left Bealls with nary a purchase and headed for the Dickies store...SCORE. Black jeans and a really nice panelled black and grey button down...they flatter Ann and I think will serve her well in her interview...all work...all business, is what this ensamble projects, for the business she's in.
If they pass her over they're idiots.
Wish her luck...:)
And yes, the shopping killed me.
Cross your fingers for Annabelle.
:)