Give 'Em The Pickle!

I am a little pencil in the

hand of a writing God

who is sending a love

letter to the world.

-Mother Teresa

Going through withdrawals yet, people? It has been a few days since I last posted. I've been a little busy.

On Saturday, Rod took Jeff and I out to a wine bar/restaurant called "Vogue Bistro." Super nice! Pricey, though. It was a very select menu, so we just ended up ordering a few appetizers. It was an Italian restaurant, so the food was a little different. I chose the only thing that looked familiar to me - French onion soup. Yum! Instead of topping it with cheese, they topped it with a "pastry puff" square that tasted suspiciously like a crescent roll to me. Anyway, I'd go back just for that.

After we ate and they had their fill of wine, we decided to go back to our house to have a little fire. It is starting to get chilly here. In fact, we finally broke down and turned on the heat yesterday because it was only getting up to 66 degrees in the house.

I dropped Rod off a little bit after two. Jeff and I stayed up pretty late and slept until one the next day. So, we never did go shooting. Nor did we go for our hike. We probably will this weekend instead.

Monday and Tuesday were my orientation days at work. I was well-rested and didn't have to fight sleep. This is the first orientation that actually kept me awake. It seems like a really nice place to work.

We watched a video about customer service called "Give 'Em the Pickle!" It was actually one of the better videos I've ever seen. The "pickle" can be anything that shows your customers or, in my case, participants that you care. It's about going the extra mile. It actually put a whole new perspective on things for me.

We got to tour each of the five adult day centers. Each one had a different atmosphere. There is only one that I didn't really like all that much. It was nice, just different. I am excited to train at the others, though.

I found out that our dress code is business/casual. That is the only complaint that I have. I am a nursing assistant. I deal with urine, BM, blood, and even vomit. Scrubs are meant for that kind of abuse and constant washing. Dress clothes, not so much.

The lady next to me told me that she has a problem with scrubs because "these people" go to the doctor a lot and they shouldn't have to be reminded of that. Mind you, she is working in the child care center and is rallying for them to be able to wear jeans and capris because they have to work with play dough and sometimes sand or paint. That annoyed me.

Anyway, after orientation, I met with my supervisor to work on a schedule of sorts. I will be training at the first facility on Friday of this week. Then, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday of next week.

She made it sound like every caregiver starts out as on-call before getting a full-time or part-time position. You must have to prove yourself first. She told me not to worry because someone will "scoop me up" quickly. I hope so!

I'm excited to start working and providing a supplemental income for Jeff and me. I hope to be able to get a regular position and health insurance in the near future. I am also excited to have a normal sleep schedule again. It's nice to go to bed at 10. It'll be even better when night flying is done (which may be another two weeks or so) and Jeff and I work similar shifts.

Things just might be turning around for me. :)

It has been cold and rainy for the last two days. I'm sick of this dreary weather. Give me some sunshine!

That is just about all that I know for now. I think so, anyway. I have a headache and can hardly think. :(