Well, it looks like I'll be moving 1700 miles and three provinces over to get to the government city of Ottawa, the capital of Canada. Just across the river from Ottawa lies Hull, Quebec, where there are several other government buildings. Hull is where my headquarters are. Today they phoned to offer a two year acting assignment in a management position, after which the position will open up for competition and I can apply for it if I want. The reason they aren't opening it up for competition right now is because competitions for jobs take several months and they need to fill it ASAP. I'll be running a national program and overseeing all our regions across the country, as well as networking with two large groups for policy development and working internally to prepare submissions for Cabinet for program authority and Treasury Board for funding authority. It's a great opportunity for me, both personally and professionally.
I spoke to my boys and they were initially shocked at how quick they want me, and a little overwhelmed at the responsibilities now facing them. But now they're getting used to the idea. I told them I'd love them to come with me, but was not surprised to hear them both say they're staying put, because all their friends are here. They are turning 19 next month and ready to move out on their own. They're going to buy a small house together.
I have a real estate agent looking for a small house for my boys and he's coming over this Sunday to look at my house to begin the process of selling the house. Because houses have gone up in my city, I'll get $80,000 more for my house than what I paid, so I'll be able to pay off debt and go to Ottawa with enough for a down payment.
The boys can have everything that's in the house, as well as my car and they are really happy about that. When I get to Ottawa (Hull) my pay will be so insane, I'll be able to afford a 3 bdrm. house I have my eye on, as well as any furniture I need. The house was built in 2007 and has ceramic tile in kitchen, foyer and bathroom and the rest is hardwoods. There's a backyard with fence for Nig Nog. Yes, Rufus is coming to Ottawa. I'll lease a car after a while but for starters I can bus to work.
I've got a list of things to buy when I get there;
Bed, dresser, night table, couple comfortable chairs in the living room, coffee table, entertainment center with t.v., stereo, DVD. Eventually I'd like an elliptical trainer, full length mirror and some free weights and a bench. Maybe I'll put that stuff in one of the bedrooms. Ottawa has an Ikea, which I love for bed, mattress and dressers. A few dishes and towels and I'm all set. Oh, and a lawn mower! I'll box my clothes and my mom will send them on the bus to me, gradually.
They'll fly me to Ottawa for a week orientation, then fly me home to finish everything off here for a week or two, then fly me back to Ottawa for good. It's all very exciting. I'd be scared, but I'm too ready for an adventure in my life to be scared. I'm really thrilled. I know a few folks at my head office already and quite like them. As well, I have a good friend who lives in Ottawa, and I'll make new friends. I have no worries the boys will do well in setting up house. They've got their dad here, my mom and my sister, and all their friends. We'll keep in touch over the phone, email and MSN messenger. I'll fly them to Ottawa for Christmas, and hopefully my mom, sister and brothers will be able to come as well. The river freezes and everyone skates on it, many skate to work in Ottawa, how cute is that! Sometimes you see guys wearing suits, carrying briefcases, skating on the canal.
Many of my co-workers go to Ottawa for meetings and I'll invite some of them to come stay with me instead of a hotel. It all feels like a dream. I know I'm in for a challenge. I will grow in my interpersonal skills especially, because management really calls for those skills. I want to do a good job so they'll want to keep me after two years!
Well, that's a long diary entry, but I wanted to get it all down. Maybe if I type it, I'll believe it's happening. I have always been treated very well and valued by employers in various parts of Canada. Where I live now is the one place I have not felt so valued. It's a bit of a hick province and they are very much into the Old Boy's Club here, so as a woman, I had my doubts of ever getting a promotion. I'm glad to leave, if only to be surrounded by more open minded people. I will be sent on french language training because most everyone in Ottawa is bilingual, especially in government. Je parle en peu francais, mais je ne parle pas tres bien. I speak a little french, but I don't speak very well. ha ha
