So, about the "new job". I met with the head of a local school that will be run by one of my fellow teachers. Maria is an amazing teacher and has done it all. She has far more experience, much better credentials, and an amazing amount of energy. She is actually leaving the job the same day I do and she was very excited about taking me with. She will be the director of the new school, as well as the advanced math teacher. She introduced me to one of the owners (?) and the man with the boots on ground to get the brand new school fully staffed and up and running. He "hired" me in part because he was impressed with my work at LexisNexis.....ok....? I did not say anything about it, I just nodded.
He agreed, in theory, on a salary of more then I am making now, but not the best, and said a contract would follow. That was a few weeks ago, and so far, nothing in writing. I was told I would be hired to teach grades 7, 8, and 9 English, and lower levels if needed. No problem. They did not have a villa in a condo yet, so I would be living with his family or the family of a student.....ok....? UNTIL they procured a villa or an apartment building. No problem, I think. School would start on Sept. 17 so I would have about a month to go home and get my new visa. No problem. I have asked Maria more then once for something in writing, and so far....crickets.
About a week and a half after I met with the man, I received an email from a recruiter that I had been accepted for a position teaching English on a military base in the South of Saudi. Specifically Taif. The weather is AMAZINGLY TEMPERATE! the place is supposed to be "really green" (measured with a pound of Saudi salt), and full of monkeys....? I would live and work on base and would be provided with a fully furnished, all utilities paid, one bedroom apartment. There is supposed to be a pool and gym on base.....YES....(but not holding my breath). There is little to do in town, but there is a grocery store, bank, restaurants (?) on base. There is not a lot of actual info, but I believe that there may be US troops there as well?
So, with the email, I received a written offer. I answered back with a few questions, hesitant about accepting a whole new place with an alleged offer coming in Riyadh. Also, I was recently informed that I would not be allowed to bring my cat with for the Riyadh school.....problem..... In response to my questions, I was informed that I would not be allowed to have my cat in base housing either. Level playing field. I could not find a printer to actually print out the offer to sign it and send it back, but when I mentioned this to another teacher, was informed the printer in our office actually worked (it rarely does, and don't EVEN get me started on the copier...LOL). I was able to print it out, take it home, sign the offer, and then scan it and email it back. Baby Girl "helped me" with my printer so it no longer prints well, but I just needed the scanner. No problem. I am now waiting for my formal contract and visa instructions. Did I mention it payed 1.4 times what I make now? :-)
Bottom line, Baby Girl has to find a new home. I asked my boys if they would like a kitty and their response cannot be printed. So, working on re-homing her. In Saudi, most of the cats are the flat faced long haired kind that are cute. Baby Girl is adorable, and fixed, and has all her shots, but she is not a long-haired fuzzy ball. She is entirely too cute to be a homeless street kitty! But, she is fixed and has all her shots.
My life is once again a matter of hurry up and wait. I am flying into Chicago on 26 Aug., and had a recent offer to stay with Becky. I have to make doctor appointments and have my annual mammogram. I just want an Italian beef and a glass of Chardonnay!
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