Thursday, August 30

That's My Name

My feet are tired.
My shoulders are a little sore.
My eyelids are on the heavy side.
I am ready to pull the covers to my chin and dance off to slumber.

But. My spirits are high.

I love my new job.

The week has been hectic and crazy busy. I have been sorting, filing, tossing, rummaging, painting, stapling, labeling, cutting, taping and LEARNING.

Learning, learning, learning. And I have to admit, a little bit of faking.


"Good afternoon, International School of the Hague, this is Jenn. May I help you?"

"Yesh. Hallo. It is Jan here. I must speak to KT."

"KT?"

"Yesh. I think my pronunciation is correct. KT."

"Um. Okay, I am looking at the extension list now. I am new here. Very new. And I admit I don't know everyone. Could you possibly spell the name of the person you need to speak with and I will find them for you?"

"Shure. KT is spelled K-A-T-H-Y."

"Oh! Yes! Kathy! Excuse me. KT! Absolutely! I will get her for you. NOW."

Ah, me.

The children will begin arriving at school next Wednesday. I have roughly a single week to get my act together to be ready to pull off this new role as OFFICE LADY EXTRAORDINAIRE! (You think I could get that on a t-shirt? ) I am looking forward to the chaos and the energy of the students in school.

In the meantime as I memorize the layout of the school building, learn how to operate the coffee machine, commit the teachers' names to a permanent place in my memory and prepare the mailbox/lockers for the staff, I have had the chance to meet a few new-to-the-country-kids as they have come to school to get a look around this week.

I don't know if I can express the ultimate joy of meeting an eager new face and after a few minutes conversation hearing the sound of absolute music to my ears. A small voice which says:

"Miss Jenn, can I show you something?"

Yeah, kiddo. Say my name, I will follow you anywhere.

19 comments:

  1. That is so exciting! Congratulations on your new job.

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  2. Sweet story, sweet lady. Chicken soup for the soul.

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  3. I can't imagine a better public face & voice for the school than yours. It's wonderful that you're loving it so.

    (Any chance you'll begin answering the phone in rhyme? -- thanks for your comment on my blog!)

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  4. Very sweet -- this is going to be wonderful!

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  5. Miss Jenn, they are very lucky to have you.

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  6. Miss Jenn will rule the school in no time! I'm thrilled for you.

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  7. oh Miss Jenn, I'm glad you're so happy with the job!

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  8. Sounds like a wonderful and exciting challenge. I'm so glad you're loving your new job!

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  9. Miss Jenn! Awww.

    I'm glad you're enjoying the new job. I hope it continues to make you happy.

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  10. Dear Miss Jenn,

    So glad things are working out so well. I really am. It's so exciting!

    And secondly, I most definitely think that you should put "OFFICE LADY EXTRAORDINAIRE" on a t-shirt. I was going to suggest embroidery, or even iron-on, but then thought... no. Such a statement should be handwritten on a white t-shirt with a permanent marker. hahahaha. Can you just picture it? It would look SO PROFESSIONAL.

    Love,

    Miss Brillig

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  11. Congratulations on the new job! I remembered my friend Cathy who wondered why she was always called "KT" in Germany, lol!

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  12. You go girl! Now, how does my heart handle conflicting emotions of "swelling with pride", "happy for my friend" and "little bit jealous"?

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  13. Oh I am so glad that you are loving it. Kids are such a joy and a bit of faking on a new job is completely necessary!

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  14. I can totally see you being an Ace in this job! they couln't have picked anyone more suitable
    High five to Jenn!

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  15. Oh, you sound SO excited!!! That's just wonderful! I hope the first week with the kids is everything you hope it will be!

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  16. So glad things are bright. I'm sure you'll be wonderful at your job.

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