well, i got the phone call

telling me i didn't get the job.  i already knew that, so it wasn't a surprise.  the good news is - the hospital administrator is the one who called me and he said, and i quote -

"you're a valued employee, and we want to see you advance.  i wouldn't normally say this, but there will be a job opening coming up very soon.  keep an eye out on the listings and be ready."

and then, i had another phone call, from my former boss who said..."there's a job listing coming up on tuesday of next week.  fill out the application and fax it asap."  i said, ok, but be honest with me, carol - is there a good chance that the slot is mine?  she said - oh, definitely.  most definitely.  she said she'd negotiate for a higher salary than i'm getting now, and we discussed a few points she wants me to be prepared for.

and so, i'm going home to the hospital.  it'll probably be february or march...but i'm going home, and i'm so glad.