The Interview
Today I went to the job training facility I mentioned earlier, in order for those in charge to conduct an interview. The process took about an hour, and I think all went well. The interviewer said that I did very well, which was very good, because I was a little nervous and a couple of her questions really had me stumped. Fortunately, my mastery of the English language did not fail me. I did enjoy the interview, and from what she told me about the program (divulging more information than I had previously known), it sounds like the kind of place that I would really like.
What can I say? I love repetitive tasks, desk jobs, and the white-collar office environment. I was told to expect a phone call - there won't be an opening until early July, so until then I can continue my conventional job search. The program is eight weeks, which will take me to - conveniently enough - Labour Day weekend, before I have to return for my second year of University. The firm also offers job placement services, so hopefully they can help me get a part-time job. If not, at least it's one more place on the resume!
Take a look! I have three new userpics! I finally decided to make use of the the three long-vacant slots, and illustrate a few of my other great loves. (I'm also updating my interests.) This picture is of Jim Halpert from NBC's The Office. Like many people, I had heard about them attempting a remake of the lionized BBC original and expected it to die an undignified death (much like Coupling two years earlier.) The abysmal reviews for the pilot bore this out. At that point, I (and many others) forgot about the show and left it for dead.
But the network didn't give up on the show. It reminds me of another show that, once upon a time, was critically-beloved but finished its first season dead last in the ratings. Still, they gave it another chance. That show was Cheers, and it ran for eleven years, winning tons of Emmys, garnering boffo ratings, and becoming one of the classic sitcoms of all time. The Office gained momentum, and by the time the Emmys rolled around in September 2006, ratings were solid and the show was receiving some serious kudos. Since Conan O'Brien, an old favourite of mine, was hosting the Emmys, I decided to watch (for the first time since he last hosted, four years ago).
There was that delightful "Conan falls into the Office" sketch, and then it won Outstanding Comedy Series. I decided to give the show a chance in September, and the rest is history. I've never watched an episode and not laughed - and I've always laughed a few times, actually. It's such a consistently funny show, with great writing and acting. Over the Christmas vacation I bought the Season 2 DVD and I was hooked. Now I'm a true Officionado - or Dunderhead, whichever you prefer. I plan on buying the Season 3 DVD when it "streets" and when the show returns in September, I think I'll do a running commentary (much as with American Idol last year, though far more informal). If you don't already watch the show, please give it a try! (Especially if you're American, and have a Nielsen box...)
-- Brainbin