So... it's almost with a heavy heart that I make this announcement. BUT I don't want to get ahead of myself, so I'll suppress those feelings for awhile.

Let me cut to the chase here. Ever since I've been working for my current employer and I've discovered a certain position, I've had my keen eye on it. Always hoping, praying that when the day it comes available, I would stand half a chance of it. It turns out that day has come. I've found out through the grapevine that as of September the person who holds the position will be retiring.

Anyhow, here's how the Lord really works in mysterious ways... I was curious to find out if this rumor was true. I didn't want to be rude about it so I went to ask someone if they knew of this, someone I talk to often. He responded "Yes!! She's retiring in September!!" Don't get it twisted, that's just his demeanor and not out of the ordinary for him to speak this way. So, I was immediately excited! Then he says, "She works for me, I'm her boss". I immediately felt a little embarrassed... I really had no idea!! So, I guess I had no other choice so I just blurted out that I would definitely be interested in that position if / when she does retire.

He just looked at me and nodded. Mmmhmmmm he says... now before I go on from here, know this... this man is a true character. I would never mind having him as my Supervisor. He's so crass and funny, very down to Earth. After this, he just smirked and said, well they really want someone with a background in Education. I immediately felt so let down!! I really didn't realize they wanted someone with that many credentials as I certainly don't have that. However I didn't let that stop me. I knew her classification and I know we are the same exact classification. It would be a simple lateral transfer, I wouldn't even have to apply for this job.

So I told him, hey! I can take the position and GET those credentials at the same time. I can go back to school and get an BA in ECE. Okay so there! What's four years worth of education for a position I'd retire with? I still will work another 20 (maybe more) years... I can do that!! This is my absolute dream job!! I would be traveling all over the State of California speaking to K-12 Teachers and educating THEM on materials regarding Forestry and Trees. I would provide them with fun facts and materials they would then pass on to their students. O...M...G... you know, I've always been called to do something like this. I've wanted to be a teacher since I was a child. It just never came to fruition. I think this might be where my path has lead to all these years. Teaching Teachers about the beauty of Gods Creations. Of course I can't say it exactly like that, I work for the Government. That's okay though.

Back to the conversation with my co-worker: He seemed pleased that I really spoke up for myself. He seemed interested and impressed. I did tell him I was very interested and I asked him exactly what she does, and he explained it all to me. He also said she does a lot of telecommuting, also know as working from home. She travels a lot and makes a lot of contacts. She also sets her own schedule, pretty much is free to come and go as she pleases so long as the program is always up and running efficiently. I can so do this!!

He suggested I speak with the nice lady who runs the program, I said I would. She came in later that day and he told her to come talk to me about it... WOW!!! That's awesome right there! He was thinking about me in regards to filling her position. He did say she wanted to hand pick her replacement (of course she will never truly be replaced...) and she came right over to talk to me. Then later while I went out for a break and came back to a stack of materials on the program.. What does this mean? I don't know, I won't count my chickens just yet, but I surely won't back down until the bitter end!!

So, why is this my best NSV to date? Because if it weren't for my sleeve and my diligence in losing all my excess weight, and keeping it off I NEVER would have had it in me to go after this job. I never would have put myself out there to the extent I did with such courage and confidence to go get what I wanted. I don't know if I'll get the job or not, but I sure want it and I'd say right now it's looking good!!

Be blessed everyone. Dreams do come true.

Wow...that's great. Hopefully all goes well. If ur really serious try taking a few classes over the summer. Does your job have tuition reimbursement? That does sound like a pretty good dream job. Make your own hours, work from home. I'm sold.

Actually yes, my job DOES have tuition reimbursement. I am blessed, truly! I have a fabulous employer.

Irene, what an opportunity thrown right in front of you! I will keep you in my prayers and hope this will work out for you. The Lord works in mysterious ways sometimes. You have definirtely gained enough confidence in yourself to come right out and say what you did, and that is a huge plus! i am so happy you have this chance. This NSV would be the icing on your cake! LOL!

the best of luck to you! It sounds like a dream come true!

Oh, go for it!! I think it's wonderful that you are standing up for yourself and you can do the job! It sounds like they are seriously looking at you for it, too!!

Praying for you and the job situation. I do believe in the power of prayer and this sounds like a great job for you. Your excitement comes through in your post. Keep us posted. Thank you too for all your encouragement and support to us on this site.

Blessings, Patti

Wishing you best of luck for getting that job! I know you'll rock in that job just like you rock your sleeve!

God is good!

Will pray for you! Sounds like a great position!

Thanks everyone!!! It is true, GOD IS SO GOOD!!! I won't know for a very long time, but that's a good thing. It gives me a lot of time to plan and to show that I'm very serious about it.

I totally got chills reading this Irene!!!!!

You are such an inspiration to all of us on the boards and you totally deserve to have all your dreams come true! I am a firm believer of the old saying, "God doesnt close one door without opening another" and he has done that for you! He has closed the door on the old Irene and you have created the new and improved! Good for you girlie!!!

That is so awesome! Keep us posted a good luck!

Good for you!! Way to go after your dream!! No doubt you can see something through. You have proven that already!

Yes, God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

I will pray for you.

Wow, it sounds awesome! Good luck securing the new job! Awesome!