I was in Chicago earlier this week for an interview. It was one of the best trips I've ever taken. The company flew me in and everything was first class. Limo ride from the airport. Posh hotel. Amazing city skyline view. Limo ride to the airport. The whole trip was seamless.
Happy to report that after 395 days of unemployment....I have a job. I flew back to Orlando on Wednesday, and Thursday they called me with an offer. So in two weeks I'll be living in the heart of the Windy City and I couldn't be happier. If you've been following my blog, you'll know that my employment search started in Chicago when I lost my job last year. Feeling really blessed right now. It's all come full circle.
As elated as I am for FINALLY having a job, the best part of the trip took place on Tuesday night.
I decided to hit a small jazz club on Rush street for dinner and drinks before sinking into my comfy hotel bed. I carefully counted my money to see what I could afford to eat and how many drinks I could fit in. I settled on a salad and a SoCo & D. Coke.
The quaint club, Jilly's (quoted to be Frank Sinatra's favorite Chicago bistro) was packed and full of energy. It was ALL Chicago. I soaked it all in. The jazz trio was sensational and I had the perfect high-top to take it all in. At one point, I saw a gentleman trying hard to find a place to sit and since I was by myself, I offered my other seat to him.
My new friend, Martin Jack, was in town on business and pretty much doing what I was doing... getting a bite to eat before making it an early night. It's fun meeting new people.
When the band took a break, I asked if they would let a wanna-be jazz singer sit in with the band? After spewing out my singing credentials, they obliged.
I got my chance to finally sing in a Chicago jazz club and it was a TRUE highlight of my life. Big check mark on that bucket list. I sang a song by Oleta Adams called "Get Here," as the pianist accompanied me. We followed each other's cues and it was like we had worked together for years. They asked me to sing another song, but I didn't have anything else memorized so I passed. Go out on a high note, right?
When I sat down, the owner stopped by and handed me his business card and asked if I would come and sing here again and I said.."If I get a job tomorrow, definitely!" What a thrill!!!!!!!! Man, it felt so good. Another gentleman stopped by my table and said, "When my wife and I walked in, we actually thought Oleta Adams was here singing!" And I replied, "Then you saw me and thought about leaving, right?"
Seriously, it was an incredible feeling. I was ready to call it a night and asked for my check. Before I could reach into my purse, the waitress told me that Martin paid for my entire tab. I was so taken back. He said, "Someday, when you're famous, you'll buy me dinner."
Such a great night. I walked back to the hotel room with a smile that my face hadn't seen in a long time. Every inch of me was alive from that experience and all I could think was, "I hope I get this job! I must be here!"
And now...I will be.
No comments:
Post a Comment