Stressful relaxing weekend

So, I'm not going to Argentina. I talked to the head of the selection committee last night, and she said it was very close, but I am not one of the chosen ones.

To backtrack a little, we went on our anniversary weekend on Thursday. We stayed at a beautiful lodge along the Columbia River Gorge in Southern Washington. T and I both got massages shortly after we arrived. My mind was racing, and I felt like I couldn't relax my body, but it was still very enjoyable.

The next day we hiked to the top of a waterfall. We have this new backpack apparatus that a friend gave us to tote Q. I mistakenly thought it would make it easy to carry him. That was not the case. It was ridiculously hard. The hike was a mile up, and I was trying to carry Q the whole way since T hurt his back. I was breathing so hard and my back and legs were aching. T carried him for a bit, and I managed on the way back down. This place right below my hips is now very sore. I can't wait till that kid can walk!

On Friday we also went to some tiny wineries and visited a huge dam up there and saw the fish swimming through the fish ladders. On Saturday, we had to leave early so I could make it to the ill-fated Argentina interview.

It was about a 3 and a half hour drive, and I had a nice sick, nervous feeling the entire way. When I got to the hotel where the interview was held, a woman greeted me in the lobby. Then she led me into the judgement room. It was absolutely the most intimidating interview I have ever had. Fifteen people were seated at tables in a horseshoe shape facing my little table.

When I sat down, the first question was in Spanish. The woman was so far away, and I haven't used my Spanish in a good six years. I couldn't understand her. My heart started beating faster and my stomach felt a little sicker. I asked her to repeat herself, and still couldn't understand all of what she said. I answered what I thought she might have said, but I may have been way off the mark. Another question I didn't do particularly well on involved what all I knew about Argentina. T suggested maybe I should have researched that a bit more. Good point.

They went around the room asking a total of 21 questions. When I left, one interviewee said I did a very good job. Apparently not good enough though.

I nervously waited for the call and heard around 9:00 p.m. last night. I definitely wonder why I wasn't chosen, and why I wasn't good enough. But, to be honest, a huge part of me is relieved. I knew I had to apply because it was ideal for me, but I'd hate to leave my family for a month, and my boss didn't want me to go. Plus, I have something else in the works for next summer, and this would completely get in the way of those plans.

So, I think it is good that I tried. That horrific interview was a good experience because nothing could seem intimidating after that. I put myself out there and gave it my best shot, but things are working out as they probably should.

--MM