Wednesday, September 29, 2004

Mid-week and I actually have a wee bit of drama to report! This drama almost equalled devastating disaster. Right, so last night I went to the gym at work as per usual, then took a detour to the nearby shopping centre because I felt about to faint if I did not get something to eat. At the cash register I pulled out my change purse, only to realise that my wallet was missing. After a frantic search through my backpack, I started to really freak. The first thing that came to mind was that, recently, there have been a number of thefts at work – people (including a senior manager) have had their credit cards stolen and, get this, we all work in an open-plan office. So, yeah, my entire identity and access to money was gone, gone, gone. I ran through the mall with tears streaming down my face as I recounted the story to Keri. I am sure I was quite the sight. I honestly had no idea what to do. I knew I needed to cancel my credit cards, but that info was an hour away and event then I wasn’t sure I’d be able to call the NA toll free numbers. Anywho, suffice to say it all turned out to be OK (hence the calmness as I recall this tale). Upon returning to work I asked the security guard if anyone had happened to pass in a wallet and, lo & behold, someone had handed in my wallet 10 minutes prior. I had left it at the gym. My conclusion: exercise can be hazardous to your pocketbook.

In other noteworthy news, I have decided to apply for a full-time, permanent position within the team I am currently working on as a temp. My reason for this is simple – I want the option of extending my work visa after my two years here are up. There are basically two avenues I can pursue in order to have this opportunity:

1.Work for +12 consecutive months with one employer, at which time I can request a visa extension with the aid of said employer
2.Marry someone that is a citizen of an EU country.

Yeah, so since there seems, at present, little to no chance of successfully pursing option 2, I am gambling on option 1..seeing as it only involves the participation & willingness of one party , yours truly!!

Well, on that note, suppose I should go fill out employment application….and maybe sign up for a speed dating night (hey..is always good to have a back-up plan right?)







3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hope you have your cards insured or whatever it is you need to do to ensure even if they are stolen you aren't liable. Is there a secure place you can leave valuables while you work-out?

Best of luck with the employment / man-hunting thingy

Ma

Rob said...

Phew! You must feel relieved.

Having lived in the UK for 28 years, it does get to you doesn't ti. At first it seems so different and much on the surface doesn't work very well. But the culture sneaks in and grabs you and then you don't want to leave.

Best wishes in both your quests

Shannon Courtney said...

Thank you both! Mom, I do have a locker at the gym..it was basically a matter of me fumbling through my purse post-workout to find my phone, and in the process setting my wallet down somewhere. Thank goodness for honest people!!

AS for the job/man hunt, I am pretty sure the former will be more successful in the short-term, although I must admit to some hesitation about going permanent as this obviously is not what I want to do in terms of a career. Just hoping I will not get caught up in 'the machine' as I am certain that would be a mistake....