My New Job

I'm a working girl!!! Not in that sense of course, but I officially have a job. My work permit came through yesterday at noon and I am now legally able to do the job that I may have been doing somewhat illegally for the past 3 weeks. When most people find out someone has gotten a new job their initial response is to ask what that person does. I am assuming most of you are probably wondering the same thing. Let me enlighten you. As my employer (hereafter referred to as Speedo Lady) likes to say I "wear many hats." The description written up for my work visa labels me as an educator and summer camp counsellor for a local health club, but the job description in the paper also includes administrative duties, swim instructor, personal training trainee and tutoring. The actual job requires all of the above in addition to the roles of secretary, personal taxi, personal assistant, accountant, janitor, pool cleaner, iguana and pest controller, best friend and family member. Luckily for all of those confused I can put it simply. Job description: slave.
As tiresome as Speedo Lady can be (I predict you will have the fortune of reading many entries related to her antics and mannerisms) there are some perks. I am able to stay in shape while I work- which is always a huge bonus. Plus I get to learn how to teach swim lessons, which seems like a very fitting thing to do while living here. When not being cheap, Speedo Lady can be incredibly generous. Last week she sent me to the Ritz-Carlton for a small champagne and hors d'oeuvre gala honouring the end of Woman's Month . Cheryl, who was visiting at the time, and I got to "network" with the money of the island. The man sitting at our table turned out to be a sponsor of the event! Finally, Speedo Lady has also mentioned work trips to Cayman Brac (a sister island) and Orlando.
To sum up Speedo Lady in one word would be impossible. To describe her as the boss in the movie "The Devil Wears Prada" would be more accurate... except we have already established that she wears speedo, and on the rare occasion Under Armour. My time working for her will be colourful and eye-opening, I have no doubt. However, I am very thankful to have found a job and to have been granted a visa, so I won't complain... excessively. No, no, honestly I look forward to the opportunity to learn new skills and network with people on the island. It is a refreshing break from teaching, and it does make me realize that ultimately I do love teaching, and that is what I want to do, but I welcome a career break for now.