The Second Interview

I just got back from two glorious days in Kentucky. And it truly was glorious.

We got into Kentucky a day late because our flight from Portland to Chicago was delayed, thus making us miss our flight that night to Louisville. It wasn't a terribly bad situation once we realized that the airline was putting us up for the night and paying for two meals. I'm just thankful we didn't have to spend a night in the Chicago airport. Ugh.

After navigating two unfamiliar airports and taking off on the unknown highways of Kentucky, we got into Lexington. It was warm, a little humid, and absolutely goregous. Lexington is every bit as beautiful as some would dream. Acres upon acres of pasture lined by four-rail black fencing across gently rolling hills. The houses that sat on these hills were simply lovely. Everything is built with brick because lumber is much more expensive than in the northwest. And then, there were the horses. Pastures are full of Thoroughbreds. And the barns look nicer than some of the houses.

Thursday afternoon was spent at Keeneland Race Course. Mom had never been to a race, so I thought it would be fun to go. I've been to the races in Portland, but it's a new world in Kentucky. Everything is cleaner, nicer, and full of all the traditional regalia of horse-racing. Mom was marveling at how many people dress up to go to the races, and I was marveling at how much money must be floating around in bets. One race will easily accumulate $26,ooo in placed bets. And these weren't even the high profile races.

Friday morning, it was time for the interview. I didn't sleep much the night before and didn't get to stomach much breakfast. I was just too nervous. Our drive to Taylor Made took us through the type of countryside that most only see in the movies. I used to wonder why Kentucky had such a romanticized reputation; now I know.

Taylor Made is the #1 consignor of Thoroughbreds, and it shows. What small percentage of the grounds I got to see were immaculately clean, organized, and the very picture of professionalism. The stallion complex is made up of 5 two-stall barns, with separate paddocks and pastures extending from each stud's stall. All the stallions were out, but still within perfect view of us. They have sons of AP Indy, Storm Cat, and Unbridled (if you know sire lines), all of whom are doing quite well for the farm. I hope I wasn't drooling too much as we walked around.

So, the interview came and went. I sat down and talked with three staff members and answered basic interview questions. My impression was that they know I would be capable of handlign the work but it's a matter of which applicants are going to be the highest quality worker. Things went fairly smooth, and if I don't get the internship it would most likely be because I'm not determined to stay within the Thoroughbred industry. (I'm trying to keep my career options open and subject to change.)

Now I get to wait. They still have a few more applicants to interview before they make final decisions. It appears that there are seven positions for interns and approximately thirteen applicants. We'll see what happens. I really have no idea how well I did compared to other applicants.

Keep praying for me! God's got a plan somewhere!

Phone call!

Woo hoo! We're into October, which means I'm about two weeks away from my interview. Crazy. I'm so anxious! I can't believe that this is really happening for me. I'm actually going to fly out to have an interview with a leading agency in the Thoroughbred industry. The chance to work with them would be absolutely amazing. I'm so excited.

Got a phone call from Taylor Made today. They just wanted to double check that plans for the 19th are still on. Of course they are! I wouldn't miss this for the world.

I just need to book a hotel for the night in Lexington. The rental car is taken care of, as is one of the two nights in Louisville. I guess I better start figuring out how to pronounce that city correctly. Here in the PNW we put it into three syllables: Loo-ee-ville. Apparently the correct way to pronounce it is to get lazy: Loo-ville. Don't want to sound like too much of a foreigner, now do I?

Wish me luck, friends!

Here we go!

Bought my ticket. Eugene to Louisville. Mom and I will have two days in Kentucky before flying back. We will spend some time in Louisville before going to Lexington, which is the area Taylor Made is in. Louisville should be fun, though. Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Horse Park... all those things that crazy horse-girls like me love. It will be interesting to see Lexington as well.

Wow. I just bought a ticket to Kentucky for an interview. Crazy. Is this really happening to me??? *grin*

Interview #2!

Well, my Oregonian friends, let's start the countdown. I now have an interview date with Taylor Made at 10:00 on Friday, October 19th. It's a few months down the road, but that gives me time to save up for a plane ticket. Let the fun begin!

Phone interview

Friday morning at 7:30am PST, I had a phone interview with Courtney from Taylor Made. It was a basic phone interview with questions regarding my interest in the program, my experience with horses, and my plans for when I complete the internship. I must say that it wasn't my best interview ever simply because it was hardly eight o'clock when we were done. But I'm optimistic that I caught enough of their attention.

The next step here is to get in touch with them later this week and talk about setting up a time for me to fly over and meet them. They like to have an on-site interview with applicants and have as many of the managers present as possible. I like the idea of an on-site interview; give me more of an idea of what I'm getting myself into before I actually commit.

The ball is rolling now. As time goes on, it will pick up speed. And I can't wait. Let's go to Kentucky!!