Tag: rrainedrops

On By rrainefioreIn ThailandLeave a comment

I hardly slept last night.  What did I sign up for?  Why did I chose a hot place?  I hate heat.  By mid morning, I felt better.  Something about daylight makes it easier to think straight.  I grew up in Florida.  I worked in Florida and we wore suits to work.  I didn’t die of heat stroke.  I can do this.  Plus, now I have an excuse to buy new shoes!  New rule: No more internet after 10pm.  It’s too late and my brain can’t handle what it might find.

(c) all rights reserved Kimberly Fiore

On By rrainefioreIn ThailandLeave a comment

Tonight I wondered if I had the right clothes for teaching in Thailand.  I know it is more conservative than here, but what does that look like?  So did a little research on the internet.  I can’t wear pants.  Skirts have to be at least to the knee.  I have to have my shoulders and chest covered.  No sandals.  If the local teachers dress less conservative that doesn’t mean I can.  Foreigners are held to a different standard.  If I don’t dress appropriately, they won’t tell me even if I ask.  They are too polite.  They just won’t renew my contract.  If I live and work in a small town, I will be expected to dress like this all the time except at the beach.  No sandals?  I love sandals.  I’m going to die of heat stroke.  I don’t know if I have enough clothes to match these requirements.  Commence melt down.

(c) all rights reserved Kimberly Fiore

On By rrainefioreIn ThailandLeave a comment

I started researching Xpat Insurance tonight – very confusing.  Did you know that I can have health coverage anywhere in the world except the US for one price.  If I want to be covered in the US too, it’s almost double.  Wow, what does that say about our “wonderful” health care system?

(c) all rights reserved Kimberly Fiore

Interview

On By rrainefioreIn Antarctica Job SearchLeave a comment

I had a phone interview today for the Facilities Engineer job in Antarctica.  The interview went great, but the job isn’t for me.  It was an alternate position in case something goes wrong with the primary.  I would have to train in fire ground school or WFR and then sit and wait for the primary to get sick, hurt or wig out.  The Facilities Engineer deals with all the things that make the buildings work.  I know nothing about heating systems, electrical systems, etc..  I have no doubt I could learn it quickly, but I’m not sure I want the stress of keeping buildings running when the outside is so hostile.  I don’t like the alternate concept either.  At some point in the interview, the manager said I was a great fit for Antarctica and I should apply for other jobs next year.  I told him I applied for 58 jobs.  He sounded so surprised and asked what jobs.  I listed a bunch and told him the Construction Superintendent job at McMurdo was the one I was best suited for.  A minute later he put me on hold when he saw the hiring manager for that job and took my resume over to him.  If I’m going to be considered further for the job, they will call me for an in person interview next week.  If I get called for a second interview, I’ll go in and see what happens, but I’m pretty sure this isn’t the job for me.

Things I learned about living at the South Pole today and found fascinating:  It’s at an elevation of 9,300 feet, but can feel like it’s over 11,000 when the barometric pressure changes ……what?  Awesome.  They have a hydroponic garden so they can have fresh food.  There’s around 40 people there in the winter.  It’s only accessible from October to February.  They only get 8 hours of internet a day since the satellite is only over the pole for 8 hours a day.  Temperatures can range from -4 degrees to -100 degrees.

(c) all rights reserved Kimberly Fiore