Well I have some new updates for you all!
So the second "interview" in California went really well! They asked me to come stand in on an autopsy, essentially to make sure I won't puke all over the place. I was informed I wouldn't be touching anything, just observing. I met with the forensic assistant supervisor before we got started, and filled her in on my background and experience. Then we went in for the morning briefing to see what cases were on the agenda for the day. She gave me a short tour, then introduced me to the autopsy tech I'd be shadowing that day. She advised him I was allowed to do whatever I wanted. So, he threw me right in. I used the bone saw to help remove the skull cap. I used garden shears to clip the ribs to remove the rib cage. Obviously, if you know anything at all about me, you know that no puking was involved, and I jumped at the chance to do anything. They kept me around longer than originally planned because they had more they wanted to show me. They all seemed to be quite impressed with me (shocker, I know)
I was advised by the supervisor that going into this portion of the interview, I was tied with two others for top applicant. They have three positions open. She told me that she hopes I'll join their family, and they look forward to working with me. It doesn't get much more promising than that!
Now for the not so fun parts: I've done some research and number crunching. I know what the pay scale is for this job, and I know what kind of expenses I'm going to be expecting. Basically, they'll need to pay me at the top end of the pay scale for me to be able to have any sort of life. Also, they're looking at putting me on the graveyard shift: 8 hour overnight shift, five days a week. I could be on that shift for a few years before moving to a shift where I actually assist with the autopsies. Graves just does the body intake (putting the body in the system when it arrives and moving it to the cooler). So needless to say, I'm still unsure as to whether this would be the best move.
At least I have three months to think about it, since my background check will take that long to be completed... I also have to make one more trip out there to meet with a background investigator. And provide a lot of obscure paperwork along with a 16 page personal statement form.
In the meantime, I still plan on going to EMT school this summer, so I'll be getting the ball rolling on that application process as well. I also interviewed to be a barista at Starbucks to make a little extra dough. I should hear back from them tomorrow.
The past few days in particular have been quite exhausting and stressful. I'm simply tired of being in this situation. Funds are starting to dwindle, along with my patience and my enthusiasm. I just get worn out thinking about the idea of having to start my life completely over somewhere new: trying to make new friends and find a new community, especially when I could be stuck on night shift. I'm ready to be settled.
I'll finish with lyrics from a song by Ingrid Michaelson (Be OK):
I just want to know today, know today, know today
I just want to know something today
I just want to know today, know today, know today
Know that maybe I will be okay.
Okay I think that's enough. As always,
Let the adventure continue
Monday, April 08, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
The Update You've Been Waiting For...
Hello all!
I have some updates on the job situation!
So, I got an e-mail from Seattle. They moved the top four applicants on to the next round of interviews (phone interview). According to my score from the first interview, I ranked fifth. When I found that out, I just smiled. They said they were very impressed with me and wished me the best in my job search. That's all I can ask for. This door has been very clearly closed, and I'm definitely okay with that.
As for California, they asked me to come back next week for the next round: an autopsy viewing. Obviously this is not going to be an issue, since I was sewing up the bodies when I left my last job. After that it's background checks and then the selection. I am in fact attending the next step in the process. I feel that God is asking me to step out in faith and trust His plan.
However, a major consideration going into this is salary. I performed a cost of living analysis comparing Denver and Santa Ana. The compensation in Santa Ana to make up for the cost of living difference is 9.3%. So for the exact same job (which is not the case) I would get paid 9.3% more in Cali than I did in Denver to make up for the difference in the cost of living. However, the cost of living in the OC is 30% more than it is in Denver...
In dollar amounts? I would get paid $4,000 more a year, but in order to maintain my standard of living, I would need to make $14,000 more a year, roughly. What's even worse, is that the pay range for the job I'm applying for is significantly less than the job I had here, so I'm in danger of actually making less money there, potentially $12,000 less a year. Obviously pay is negotiable, but the high end of the pay range for this new job is still $10,000 less than what I would need to make to maintain my standard of living...
So there's that...
Well, obviously I'll let you know how things go. Still working on a few other options. And of course...
Let the adventure continue!
I have some updates on the job situation!
So, I got an e-mail from Seattle. They moved the top four applicants on to the next round of interviews (phone interview). According to my score from the first interview, I ranked fifth. When I found that out, I just smiled. They said they were very impressed with me and wished me the best in my job search. That's all I can ask for. This door has been very clearly closed, and I'm definitely okay with that.
As for California, they asked me to come back next week for the next round: an autopsy viewing. Obviously this is not going to be an issue, since I was sewing up the bodies when I left my last job. After that it's background checks and then the selection. I am in fact attending the next step in the process. I feel that God is asking me to step out in faith and trust His plan.
However, a major consideration going into this is salary. I performed a cost of living analysis comparing Denver and Santa Ana. The compensation in Santa Ana to make up for the cost of living difference is 9.3%. So for the exact same job (which is not the case) I would get paid 9.3% more in Cali than I did in Denver to make up for the difference in the cost of living. However, the cost of living in the OC is 30% more than it is in Denver...
In dollar amounts? I would get paid $4,000 more a year, but in order to maintain my standard of living, I would need to make $14,000 more a year, roughly. What's even worse, is that the pay range for the job I'm applying for is significantly less than the job I had here, so I'm in danger of actually making less money there, potentially $12,000 less a year. Obviously pay is negotiable, but the high end of the pay range for this new job is still $10,000 less than what I would need to make to maintain my standard of living...
So there's that...
Well, obviously I'll let you know how things go. Still working on a few other options. And of course...
Let the adventure continue!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
The Honest Truth
"The Lord has promised good to me
His Word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures"
You want the honest truth?
I know the above to be true. I'm having a hard time truly believing it.
Yes I'm bored not having a job. Yes I'm broke not having a job. But mostly, I miss my job. I miss feeling like I'm fulfilling my purpose. I miss being out in the field, using my brain, and helping families. I miss being amazed by the human body. I miss being challenged by new cases. I miss learning.
I know the Lord has an amazing plan for my life, and that it's perfect. It's for my good and for His glory. But it's hard to believe that it could include a job OTHER than my dream job, and at the same time it's hard to believe (the way it looks right now) that it COULD include my dream job. Standing where I'm standing, I don't see how this could work out. For a while I could see how I could have my dream job in my dream city, but doors keep closing.
I just don't see it. I don't. And that frustrates me. I just don't understand how I could be given such a strong passion and not be given the chance to fulfill it.
But even when I don't see it, I have to believe that God knows and wants what is best for me. Why? Because that's all I have right now. And that is enough. It has to be.
And that is the honest truth.
Let the adventure continue.
His Word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures"
You want the honest truth?
I know the above to be true. I'm having a hard time truly believing it.
Yes I'm bored not having a job. Yes I'm broke not having a job. But mostly, I miss my job. I miss feeling like I'm fulfilling my purpose. I miss being out in the field, using my brain, and helping families. I miss being amazed by the human body. I miss being challenged by new cases. I miss learning.
I know the Lord has an amazing plan for my life, and that it's perfect. It's for my good and for His glory. But it's hard to believe that it could include a job OTHER than my dream job, and at the same time it's hard to believe (the way it looks right now) that it COULD include my dream job. Standing where I'm standing, I don't see how this could work out. For a while I could see how I could have my dream job in my dream city, but doors keep closing.
I just don't see it. I don't. And that frustrates me. I just don't understand how I could be given such a strong passion and not be given the chance to fulfill it.
But even when I don't see it, I have to believe that God knows and wants what is best for me. Why? Because that's all I have right now. And that is enough. It has to be.
And that is the honest truth.
Let the adventure continue.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
West Coast Interview Tour, Part Dos
Whew!
So I finally made it to Santa Ana about 5 hours later than expected. I walk over to baggage claim, with a sad, rather defeated look on my face, and see Mom walking towards me. I perk up a little, give her a hug, and when I look up my sister is standing there! I perk up significantly more because this is quite a surprise. We don't get to see each other much, and it's hard to plan reunions. So we grab all my stuff and head over to an awesome little bar restaurant in Santa Ana called Lola Gaspar. It has the same type of vibe at Lola (my favorite restaurant here in Denver) but a little more laid back. Delicious Mexican inspired cuisine. Then we go back to the hotel to catch up and get to bed early.
The next morning is my interview. This one is for a pathology tech (assist with the autopsies) with the Orange County Coroner. The interview was really easy, and the questions were more about communication and bringing a positive attitude to the office (sound familiar?) But this interview lasted 25 minutes, max. Mom and Taylor went thrift shopping while I was there, and got a bunch of cute stuff. After the interview, we headed for L.A. Lunch was at a vegan restaurant called Mohawk Bend. I know, but it was really good! And they had non-vegan options, too We went to Hollywood and walked around for a bit, checked out the Walk of Stars and went to the Chinese Theatre. The touristy vibe got on our nerves pretty quick, so we got a picture of the Hollywood sign and decided to go to Santa Monica (obviously a great idea). We walked around the Third Street Promenade and went to dinner at Monsoon Cafe (a favorite from vacations past...) They were having a comedy show, so we watched that. 8 performers, and only three were really awful. We had a great time but got back to the hotel room late.
Friday morning we woke up not so early and went to Disneyland! We met up with an old friend from Louisiana who lives in California now and had lunch with her. We started off in California Adventure which was really fun! The Radiator Springs Carsland ride was awesome, as was the California Screamin and of course, Soarin Over California is a favorite. In Disneyland, I loved the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the Indiana Jones ride, and the Haunted Mansion is a classic. We wore ourselves out (and our feet, of course) but had a blast! It's always good to be a kid again.
The flight back was uneventful, thank goodness.
As far as the interviews go, I should know something by the end of next week. Obviously I'll keep you guys updated.
I was talking to Mom and Taylor at one point on the trip, and told them that if I could simply combine the close downtown feel of Seattle where everyone walks or rides their bike everywhere and is super friendly, and the beautiful weather and laid back vibe of Santa Ana, that would be the perfect place for me to live. Mom laughed and told me that sounded familiar.
Denver really is the perfect place for me...
Let the Adventure Continue!
So I finally made it to Santa Ana about 5 hours later than expected. I walk over to baggage claim, with a sad, rather defeated look on my face, and see Mom walking towards me. I perk up a little, give her a hug, and when I look up my sister is standing there! I perk up significantly more because this is quite a surprise. We don't get to see each other much, and it's hard to plan reunions. So we grab all my stuff and head over to an awesome little bar restaurant in Santa Ana called Lola Gaspar. It has the same type of vibe at Lola (my favorite restaurant here in Denver) but a little more laid back. Delicious Mexican inspired cuisine. Then we go back to the hotel to catch up and get to bed early.
The next morning is my interview. This one is for a pathology tech (assist with the autopsies) with the Orange County Coroner. The interview was really easy, and the questions were more about communication and bringing a positive attitude to the office (sound familiar?) But this interview lasted 25 minutes, max. Mom and Taylor went thrift shopping while I was there, and got a bunch of cute stuff. After the interview, we headed for L.A. Lunch was at a vegan restaurant called Mohawk Bend. I know, but it was really good! And they had non-vegan options, too We went to Hollywood and walked around for a bit, checked out the Walk of Stars and went to the Chinese Theatre. The touristy vibe got on our nerves pretty quick, so we got a picture of the Hollywood sign and decided to go to Santa Monica (obviously a great idea). We walked around the Third Street Promenade and went to dinner at Monsoon Cafe (a favorite from vacations past...) They were having a comedy show, so we watched that. 8 performers, and only three were really awful. We had a great time but got back to the hotel room late.
Friday morning we woke up not so early and went to Disneyland! We met up with an old friend from Louisiana who lives in California now and had lunch with her. We started off in California Adventure which was really fun! The Radiator Springs Carsland ride was awesome, as was the California Screamin and of course, Soarin Over California is a favorite. In Disneyland, I loved the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the Indiana Jones ride, and the Haunted Mansion is a classic. We wore ourselves out (and our feet, of course) but had a blast! It's always good to be a kid again.
The flight back was uneventful, thank goodness.
As far as the interviews go, I should know something by the end of next week. Obviously I'll keep you guys updated.
I was talking to Mom and Taylor at one point on the trip, and told them that if I could simply combine the close downtown feel of Seattle where everyone walks or rides their bike everywhere and is super friendly, and the beautiful weather and laid back vibe of Santa Ana, that would be the perfect place for me to live. Mom laughed and told me that sounded familiar.
Denver really is the perfect place for me...
Let the Adventure Continue!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
West Coast Interview Tour! (Pt. 1)
So Seattle and I have a love-hate relationship.
The first day in Seattle was great! Everyone I met was extremely friendly, and my hotel was amazing. I mean, a complementary wine hour for hotel guests? Right up my alley! I checked in, freshened up, then went to Pike's Place market. So cool! I got lunch at an Indian food stand (delicious) then watched them throw fish at the fish market. Obviously I went to the original Starbucks and got a drink (kept it simple this time) and picked up a few other goodies. That night I went back to the hotel to attend the wine hour and met this guy named Chad Marteney (pronounced Martini). He's from Charlotte, NC and loves Jesus. I very much enjoyed talking to him.
Tuesday wasn't quite as awesome. Went to the Space Needle to have lunch. Lunch was delicious, but I could not handle the rotating floor, so I had to take it to go. The observation deck was beautiful, however! Went back to the hotel after lunch to get ready for the interview. I got a tour of the facility once I arrived at the ME's office, and i think the interview went really well! I feel like I was able to touch on specific topics that only someone in my field would be aware of (dealing with families, particular unique situations, etc.) The entire experience lasted about two hours. And then I got caught in the rain. Got back to the hotel just in time to make it to wine hour and talk with Chad again.
This morning I got to the airport in plenty of time to grab breakfast before boarding my plane out of Seattle. Already worried about a mere 30 minute layover in San Fran before heading to Santa Ana, I got even more nervous when our plane out was delayed an hour. I got to the gate for my last flight just in time to see them take off. Customer service was a disaster, but I finally got my flight rescheduled (which is now delayed another hour, allowing me to type this out). But, of course, I used my time wisely and got lunch and a pedicure :)
So now for the good stuff: Like I said, I really think my interview went well! I was able to talk about my experiences, what I've learned during my time off, and why this is my chosen profession. I did get stuck on a question about "policies I followed but didn't agree with", but only because we didn't actually have any established policies the entire time I worked in Colorado. My first answer wasn't exactly what they were looking for, but my second one seemed to satisfy them. As well as the interview went, though, I never got a sense that this office is where I'm supposed to be. I never got overly excited or nervous. It just didn't seem right. And that's okay.
The second night I spoke to Chad, he shared some quite insightful thoughts. He told me that I should follow my heart, because if Jesus really does live in me, He's guiding it anyway. He also said that if I truly knew who walks beside me, I would never fear. That one really hit home. He also challenged me to write down everything that I really want out of life, and at the very bottom of my list to write "It is written." He advised that God will give me the true desires of my heart, because He's the one that gave me those desires. I just have to trust in His timing. Finally, Chad told me that we are all put on this earth to do good to other people, in whatever capacity that may be, and that if we have done that, we have accomplished our purpose.
Well that's all for part one. Hopefully I'll make it to Santa Ana at some point in the near future, and part two will commence.
As always,
Let the adventure continue!
The first day in Seattle was great! Everyone I met was extremely friendly, and my hotel was amazing. I mean, a complementary wine hour for hotel guests? Right up my alley! I checked in, freshened up, then went to Pike's Place market. So cool! I got lunch at an Indian food stand (delicious) then watched them throw fish at the fish market. Obviously I went to the original Starbucks and got a drink (kept it simple this time) and picked up a few other goodies. That night I went back to the hotel to attend the wine hour and met this guy named Chad Marteney (pronounced Martini). He's from Charlotte, NC and loves Jesus. I very much enjoyed talking to him.
Tuesday wasn't quite as awesome. Went to the Space Needle to have lunch. Lunch was delicious, but I could not handle the rotating floor, so I had to take it to go. The observation deck was beautiful, however! Went back to the hotel after lunch to get ready for the interview. I got a tour of the facility once I arrived at the ME's office, and i think the interview went really well! I feel like I was able to touch on specific topics that only someone in my field would be aware of (dealing with families, particular unique situations, etc.) The entire experience lasted about two hours. And then I got caught in the rain. Got back to the hotel just in time to make it to wine hour and talk with Chad again.
This morning I got to the airport in plenty of time to grab breakfast before boarding my plane out of Seattle. Already worried about a mere 30 minute layover in San Fran before heading to Santa Ana, I got even more nervous when our plane out was delayed an hour. I got to the gate for my last flight just in time to see them take off. Customer service was a disaster, but I finally got my flight rescheduled (which is now delayed another hour, allowing me to type this out). But, of course, I used my time wisely and got lunch and a pedicure :)
So now for the good stuff: Like I said, I really think my interview went well! I was able to talk about my experiences, what I've learned during my time off, and why this is my chosen profession. I did get stuck on a question about "policies I followed but didn't agree with", but only because we didn't actually have any established policies the entire time I worked in Colorado. My first answer wasn't exactly what they were looking for, but my second one seemed to satisfy them. As well as the interview went, though, I never got a sense that this office is where I'm supposed to be. I never got overly excited or nervous. It just didn't seem right. And that's okay.
The second night I spoke to Chad, he shared some quite insightful thoughts. He told me that I should follow my heart, because if Jesus really does live in me, He's guiding it anyway. He also said that if I truly knew who walks beside me, I would never fear. That one really hit home. He also challenged me to write down everything that I really want out of life, and at the very bottom of my list to write "It is written." He advised that God will give me the true desires of my heart, because He's the one that gave me those desires. I just have to trust in His timing. Finally, Chad told me that we are all put on this earth to do good to other people, in whatever capacity that may be, and that if we have done that, we have accomplished our purpose.
Well that's all for part one. Hopefully I'll make it to Santa Ana at some point in the near future, and part two will commence.
As always,
Let the adventure continue!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
More Updates! (West Coast Job Interview Tour)
I received a call today from Greg with the King County Medical Examiner's Office (KCMEO).
He was calling, concerned, that I hadn't responded to his email to reserve an interview time for the Investigator I position.
We eventually figured out that he had my email address wrong, and he quickly corrected that. He stayed on the phone to make sure I received the email with the remaining interview times. While we waited, he advised the following:
"A little bit about the process so far: we had 210 applicants for this job. We had an outside panel review the applications, and they narrowed it down to 56. We then had a panel of employees review and rank the applications, and they narrowed it down to 16. You are in the top 16. Also, I just want you to know, that we were very impressed with your application, and you were actually ranked 6th of all the applicants. We would love for you to come to Seattle to interview with us if you're still interested..."
Well when you put it like that...
So, I will be flying from Denver to Seattle on March 11, then straight to Santa Ana on the 13th, then back to Denver on the 16th.
I'm working on a couple of other things on the Denver front, but nothing to concrete yet. Of course, I'll keep you guys updated.
Let the adventure continue!
He was calling, concerned, that I hadn't responded to his email to reserve an interview time for the Investigator I position.
We eventually figured out that he had my email address wrong, and he quickly corrected that. He stayed on the phone to make sure I received the email with the remaining interview times. While we waited, he advised the following:
"A little bit about the process so far: we had 210 applicants for this job. We had an outside panel review the applications, and they narrowed it down to 56. We then had a panel of employees review and rank the applications, and they narrowed it down to 16. You are in the top 16. Also, I just want you to know, that we were very impressed with your application, and you were actually ranked 6th of all the applicants. We would love for you to come to Seattle to interview with us if you're still interested..."
Well when you put it like that...
So, I will be flying from Denver to Seattle on March 11, then straight to Santa Ana on the 13th, then back to Denver on the 16th.
I'm working on a couple of other things on the Denver front, but nothing to concrete yet. Of course, I'll keep you guys updated.
Let the adventure continue!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
The Godliest Man I Know
I am incredibly blessed to have been raised by the godliest man I know.
He loves his children more than anything, and would do anything in the world for them.
He never lets me settle for less than what I deserve.
No matter how many times I disappoint him, he'll never love me any less.
But when I do disappoint him, he disciplines me. Not out of anger, but out of love.
He always provides for his family and works hard to be able to do so.
He is generous. So much so that he sacrificially gave to my church here in Denver, because he knows how much it means to me, and believes in its mission to bring Christ's love to the city of Denver.
He cares for those less fortunate than himself and provides for them when he can.
He is a faithful, strong leader.
He has always supported me and allowed me to make my own choices.
He embodies the characteristics I hope to one day find in a husband.
And finally, he never gives up on me.
I will never be able to thank him enough for all he has done for me.
I love you Dad.
He loves his children more than anything, and would do anything in the world for them.
He never lets me settle for less than what I deserve.
No matter how many times I disappoint him, he'll never love me any less.
But when I do disappoint him, he disciplines me. Not out of anger, but out of love.
He always provides for his family and works hard to be able to do so.
He is generous. So much so that he sacrificially gave to my church here in Denver, because he knows how much it means to me, and believes in its mission to bring Christ's love to the city of Denver.
He cares for those less fortunate than himself and provides for them when he can.
He is a faithful, strong leader.
He has always supported me and allowed me to make my own choices.
He embodies the characteristics I hope to one day find in a husband.
And finally, he never gives up on me.
I will never be able to thank him enough for all he has done for me.
I love you Dad.
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