http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1W3DI1/demandingjoy.com/%253Fp%253D1027
So to ease me back into the blog world again I have decided to revisit "50 lists to write to lift your spirits". I find that writing lists is almost cleansing. Makes me feel like I am putting things in order, and sometimes I need that in this busy life of mine. So...
Things I admire in others:
1. PASSION. Who are you if you are not passionate about SOMETHING? I don't care if it's cars or animals or riding a bike or gardening. I always envy people who believe so strongly in something that they stop at nothing to be a part of it.
2. TOLERANCE. Sometimes I need to work on this trait more than I'd like to admit. I am always a little jealous of those who can look past a grievous error and march on as if it never bothered them. Whether it's their own mistakes or those of others, tolerance and forgiveness are both qualities I really admire.
3. PATIENCE. Ah, now we have hit the jackpot. Sometimes I can get so impatient, and while getting upset, I think to myself, "Why the hell am I acting like this?" I never really noticed how this affects me until I had children. Those people in my life who exercise patience are constantly reminding me to slow down and I am grateful for that.
4. ARTISTIC ABILITY. This is one thing I have little of, other than being slightly crafty or learning my way in the kitchen. I cannot sing (and I fear my kiddos are following in my footsteps, though I won't ever tell them that) or play an instrument. I have issues drawing stick figures. I'm not even sure I can finger paint. When I see an artist in action I feel so blessed to witness the art they can create. Oh yes, artistic talent is something I admire.
5. INNOVATION. Thinking outside the box, as the old saying goes. This is one thing that really inspires me when I recognize it in others. When someone can think of new ideas or new ways of doing something, it is energizing.
6. HUMOR. I'm not talking about someone who can't survive if others don't think they are funny, but the people that can see the funny in situations and are able to appreciate the humor of life. Laughter is so important, and is one reason having kids brings so much joy. Everyday they create situations that cause laughter, and hearing their sweet giggles is irreplaceable.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Heading in the right direction...
I figured I would write a few lines to update those of you who haven't heard about my newest zoo development. I applied for a "keeper assistant" opening through the volunteer dept at the Denver Zoo a couple of weeks ago. (Yes, I am already a volunteer, but they make you put in an app for this particular activity). To be clear, this is strictly volunteer hours, not a job. I was accepted, and placed in the bear, sheep, coati and a few other random animals area. I will be helping the keepers out on the 1st and 3rd Mondays each month. This should allow me to meet a few more ppl in the animal care areas, which will prove beneficial I hope. Thankfully my supervisor at the vet hospital is open to working around these days without a fuss.
Speaking of the hospital, everything is continuing to work out well so far. I am really enjoying working with people who have such unconditional love for their pets. It is rewarding to be a part of a team that provides quality care for these animals. I am learning the doctors, and who can be pressed for answers, and who is better left alone. (One particular technician seems to hate the world, including everyone who works with them.)
We are still struggling a bit with daycare. I am frustrated that the kids are not getting consistent care from the same person. I am trying really hard to be understanding of our provider and allow her to put her son first in his road to recovery. However, I have to put MY kids first, and having fill-ins and working around our providers schedule is proving to be a hassle. I am willing to tough it out though, so long as things calm down before too long.
Well, Paul finally went to the Dr. to see about his allergies. This is after he suffered through a solid month of misery. They didn't do too much for him, other than recommend some OTC items. However he seems to be better. On the other hand, I am now dealing with a cold, which of course had to come just in time for Easter! At any rate, it is spring, and we just got a solid rain. Things are blooming and I am determined not to let this cold bring me down!!
I hope everyone else is enjoying their spring as well. Until next post....
Speaking of the hospital, everything is continuing to work out well so far. I am really enjoying working with people who have such unconditional love for their pets. It is rewarding to be a part of a team that provides quality care for these animals. I am learning the doctors, and who can be pressed for answers, and who is better left alone. (One particular technician seems to hate the world, including everyone who works with them.)
We are still struggling a bit with daycare. I am frustrated that the kids are not getting consistent care from the same person. I am trying really hard to be understanding of our provider and allow her to put her son first in his road to recovery. However, I have to put MY kids first, and having fill-ins and working around our providers schedule is proving to be a hassle. I am willing to tough it out though, so long as things calm down before too long.
Well, Paul finally went to the Dr. to see about his allergies. This is after he suffered through a solid month of misery. They didn't do too much for him, other than recommend some OTC items. However he seems to be better. On the other hand, I am now dealing with a cold, which of course had to come just in time for Easter! At any rate, it is spring, and we just got a solid rain. Things are blooming and I am determined not to let this cold bring me down!!
I hope everyone else is enjoying their spring as well. Until next post....
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Long time no write!
So I have pretty much fallen off the face of the blog world. I guess that's what happens when you start a new job! I figured I better stop by and write a quick update...
First of all, the job is going great. I am learning a lot about how a vet hospital runs, and all the components necessary to make it successful. I am finding that Community Pet Hospital (CPH) is a great place to work, and a great place to bring your animals. Although I miss working directly with animals, I feel that I am fulfilling an important role. I am waiting to hear back from the Denver Zoo in regards to becoming a Keeper Asst. This would be a couple days a month, and I would be assisting keeper prepare diets and other duties that would free them to do more training or enrichment with their animals. I know at Cameron Park Zoo it was always nice to have volunteer help so that we could be more productive.
On an unrelated note, my wonderful mother-in-law took myself, the kids and their cousins along with Paul's sister to see Disney on Ice here in Denver. It was a Princess spectacular!! I am so grateful to Nana for giving the kids an opportunity to see the show. This was the first time I had been to an ice show I and I will say it was a lot of fun!! I was impressed with the props they used, and the kids were certainly enthralled!!
We also took Ben to his first Taekwondo tournament. We are so proud of his accomplishments!! Ben has learned so much already, from blocks, punches and kicks to being respectful and improving his listening skills. Ben's involvement as a "tiny tiger" in the tournament was limited of course, but it gave him the opportunity to watch the black belts spar, and see them display their skills with weapons. And the rest of us were quite entertained too! Below is a picture of Ben and the trophy he received for participating.
Some of you may know that we've had to rearrange our daycare the past two weeks. The provider we chose (whom we LOVE) had a family emergency- her son was involved in a motorcycle accident. We have decided that Denise is just too fabulous to pass by, and are therefore more than willing to make other arrangements while she fulfills her role as supporting mother to a young man who truly needs his mother during this horrible experience. It is unclear as of yet whether he will be able to pull through without major issues. He has some brain trauma and his lungs collapsed after the accident. It seems that each day is different, but the fact that he is alive is a miracle in itself. We are doing our best to support Denise and wish her and her family the best of luck in recovering from this tragedy.
On a lighter note, tomorrow is my first payday!!! Yay for the opportunity to work hard and be rewarded for it! The past couple weeks has required a lot of adjustments for everyone, but I feel we are moving in the right direction. All in all we are very blessed to both be working, and to be back in the wonderful state of Colorado surrounded by loving family and friends. Until the next post... take care!!!
First of all, the job is going great. I am learning a lot about how a vet hospital runs, and all the components necessary to make it successful. I am finding that Community Pet Hospital (CPH) is a great place to work, and a great place to bring your animals. Although I miss working directly with animals, I feel that I am fulfilling an important role. I am waiting to hear back from the Denver Zoo in regards to becoming a Keeper Asst. This would be a couple days a month, and I would be assisting keeper prepare diets and other duties that would free them to do more training or enrichment with their animals. I know at Cameron Park Zoo it was always nice to have volunteer help so that we could be more productive.
On an unrelated note, my wonderful mother-in-law took myself, the kids and their cousins along with Paul's sister to see Disney on Ice here in Denver. It was a Princess spectacular!! I am so grateful to Nana for giving the kids an opportunity to see the show. This was the first time I had been to an ice show I and I will say it was a lot of fun!! I was impressed with the props they used, and the kids were certainly enthralled!!
We also took Ben to his first Taekwondo tournament. We are so proud of his accomplishments!! Ben has learned so much already, from blocks, punches and kicks to being respectful and improving his listening skills. Ben's involvement as a "tiny tiger" in the tournament was limited of course, but it gave him the opportunity to watch the black belts spar, and see them display their skills with weapons. And the rest of us were quite entertained too! Below is a picture of Ben and the trophy he received for participating.
Some of you may know that we've had to rearrange our daycare the past two weeks. The provider we chose (whom we LOVE) had a family emergency- her son was involved in a motorcycle accident. We have decided that Denise is just too fabulous to pass by, and are therefore more than willing to make other arrangements while she fulfills her role as supporting mother to a young man who truly needs his mother during this horrible experience. It is unclear as of yet whether he will be able to pull through without major issues. He has some brain trauma and his lungs collapsed after the accident. It seems that each day is different, but the fact that he is alive is a miracle in itself. We are doing our best to support Denise and wish her and her family the best of luck in recovering from this tragedy.
On a lighter note, tomorrow is my first payday!!! Yay for the opportunity to work hard and be rewarded for it! The past couple weeks has required a lot of adjustments for everyone, but I feel we are moving in the right direction. All in all we are very blessed to both be working, and to be back in the wonderful state of Colorado surrounded by loving family and friends. Until the next post... take care!!!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Yay!
Well, I made it through my first week at the vet clinic!! I didn't break the computer or get cussed at by a doctor! In all seriousness, all the staff I have met so far have been pretty friendly, and the "client care" team (who I work right next to) are pretty awesome. I feel really good about the training thus far, and am doing my best to learn quickly so I can be useful. Next week I will be working some late shifts, so I should see more of the "emergency" end of the hospital. Truth be told I have already been exposed to several euthanasia's, and while it is very sad, I have been able to stay focused, and not get emotional about it. Part of having a pet is saying good-bye to them at some point.
I also went to a quick training at the zoo today for the "Keeper Assistant" role for volunteers. They have a few openings in several of the animal areas. This is a weekly or 2x/month commitment, and the duties are cleaning and diets,etc depending on the area. This would give me some exposure to the animal care staff, and help me get some volunteer hours. It is a competitive program to some extent, since it is a popular activity for volunteers. However, I have a leg up because of my previous keeper experience, so I feel pretty confident. I will be talking to my boss this coming week to see if he can accommodate this commitment with my work schedule.
The kids did great at daycare this past week. They seem to be pretty comfortable with Denise, the provider we chose. Of course they are trying to figure out their boundaries with her, and learning some new rules. Jocey told Denise that I allow her to have cereal for lunch, for example. And Ben is not too sure about the preschool worksheets that she has her other kids do, so we are going slow with that at first. All in all though, I feel pretty good about it, and I think the kids do too.
Ben and Jo are still doing great with Teakwondo and dance. Ben's first tournament is April 9th!! He won't really be competing, but he will show off some of his knowledge with the other tigers in the program. We will be sure to get some pictures of that. Jo is learning a lot at dance, and can now recognize and demonstrate certain terms, such as arabesque and posse (sp?). Her balance is improving and she is making a couple of good friends.
That it's for the Brown's right now!! I hope everyone is doing well. More updates to come soon, I'm sure!
I also went to a quick training at the zoo today for the "Keeper Assistant" role for volunteers. They have a few openings in several of the animal areas. This is a weekly or 2x/month commitment, and the duties are cleaning and diets,etc depending on the area. This would give me some exposure to the animal care staff, and help me get some volunteer hours. It is a competitive program to some extent, since it is a popular activity for volunteers. However, I have a leg up because of my previous keeper experience, so I feel pretty confident. I will be talking to my boss this coming week to see if he can accommodate this commitment with my work schedule.
The kids did great at daycare this past week. They seem to be pretty comfortable with Denise, the provider we chose. Of course they are trying to figure out their boundaries with her, and learning some new rules. Jocey told Denise that I allow her to have cereal for lunch, for example. And Ben is not too sure about the preschool worksheets that she has her other kids do, so we are going slow with that at first. All in all though, I feel pretty good about it, and I think the kids do too.
Ben and Jo are still doing great with Teakwondo and dance. Ben's first tournament is April 9th!! He won't really be competing, but he will show off some of his knowledge with the other tigers in the program. We will be sure to get some pictures of that. Jo is learning a lot at dance, and can now recognize and demonstrate certain terms, such as arabesque and posse (sp?). Her balance is improving and she is making a couple of good friends.
Monday, March 28, 2011
First Day
Today was my first day at Community Pet Hospital. To be honest, it was pretty uneventful. I filled out the necessary paperwork and watched a lot of webinars on the software that is used in the front office of the clinic, where I will be spending the majority of my time. Tomorrow I will start my training up front, and the kiddos will test out the new daycare we have decided to use. It is an in-home situation, which makes me slightly nervous, but mostly due to my own negative experiences as a child. The lady was recommended to me via a co-worker at the hospital, and she couldn't stop talking about how great she was, so I have high hopes. I have met only a handful of people at the clinic, but all have been very friendly, and I think I will fit in just fine. So... here's to another paycheck! Woopee!
Since I have adjusted to my life as a stay at home mom, I am a little nervous about fitting everything in on top of a full time job. Of course I managed just fine in Texas, but the kids were not involved in extracurricular activities during that time. And there were many days that I came back from the zoo totally exhausted, with very little desire to put dinner on the table for my family. All I can do is try my best, and hope my family forgives me on the nights I serve them cereal for dinner.
I will say I am very grateful for the opportunity to work again, and am excited for the next page in my career. For those of you who are wondering, I am not giving up on my dreams of being employed as a zookeeper at the Denver Zoo just yet. I will continue in my steps as a volunteer, and when the time is right, I am confident I will reach my goal. Thank you all for your support!!
Since I have adjusted to my life as a stay at home mom, I am a little nervous about fitting everything in on top of a full time job. Of course I managed just fine in Texas, but the kids were not involved in extracurricular activities during that time. And there were many days that I came back from the zoo totally exhausted, with very little desire to put dinner on the table for my family. All I can do is try my best, and hope my family forgives me on the nights I serve them cereal for dinner.
I will say I am very grateful for the opportunity to work again, and am excited for the next page in my career. For those of you who are wondering, I am not giving up on my dreams of being employed as a zookeeper at the Denver Zoo just yet. I will continue in my steps as a volunteer, and when the time is right, I am confident I will reach my goal. Thank you all for your support!!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Job Update
This is going to be quick, as it is late and we've lots to accomplish tomorrow. But I promised to give some details on my next venture, so here it is.
I have been offered a position at a vet clinic in Thornton, which is about 10 minutes north of us. The job is called a Client Care Specialist. This is essentially a front desk/reception position, so I will not be doing much on hand animal care. I will however get the opportunity to buff up my vet knowledge, and I think I am going to work with some pretty great people. I will be working approx 35hrs a week, and the pay is better than my other previous vet interviews.
I am now trying (madly) to find daycare for Ben and Jo. This is quite a challenge. Our wish for them is to find a reliable, licensed caregiver that does not charge an arm and a leg. We are looking at about 3x/wk, and the best one I looked at today wanted $200.... I spent a ridiculous amount of time on the phone today, and will hopefully have a chance to visit a few more places tomorrow. The vet clinic really wants me to start on Monday, so wish me luck!!
I know this isn't much, but I will try to post again when I feel I have things under control again. I do want to say thank you for all your support. It has been tough to stay positive, but here I am with an opportunity, and I don't plan on wasting it!!
I have been offered a position at a vet clinic in Thornton, which is about 10 minutes north of us. The job is called a Client Care Specialist. This is essentially a front desk/reception position, so I will not be doing much on hand animal care. I will however get the opportunity to buff up my vet knowledge, and I think I am going to work with some pretty great people. I will be working approx 35hrs a week, and the pay is better than my other previous vet interviews.
I am now trying (madly) to find daycare for Ben and Jo. This is quite a challenge. Our wish for them is to find a reliable, licensed caregiver that does not charge an arm and a leg. We are looking at about 3x/wk, and the best one I looked at today wanted $200.... I spent a ridiculous amount of time on the phone today, and will hopefully have a chance to visit a few more places tomorrow. The vet clinic really wants me to start on Monday, so wish me luck!!
I know this isn't much, but I will try to post again when I feel I have things under control again. I do want to say thank you for all your support. It has been tough to stay positive, but here I am with an opportunity, and I don't plan on wasting it!!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Our Elephant Bank
Sunday, March 13th was Thai National Elephant Day. Every year since this day was appointed in 1998, the national animal of Thailand, the elephant, is celebrated. The event is a way to bring public awareness to this magnificent creature, and to increase conservation efforts worldwide. Here in Denver, the zoo put on an event recognizing this great holiday. In true Thai fashion, the two female Asian elephants, Mimi and Dolly, were offered a feast of gigantic proportions. In Thailand, the elephants are honored with banana trees, sugar cane and LOTS of fruit.
Photo courtesy of http://www.thaiphotoblogs.com
As many of you know, the Denver Zoo is building a 50 million dollar Asian Tropics exhibit, which will be home to Asian elephants, rhinos, tapirs, otters, leopards, gibbons and more. They are about half way through the construction, and are on time to be opening next spring. Obviously fund raising for this amazing project is no easy feat. This past Sunday, while Thai National Elephant Day was celebrated, the zoo kicked off a Kid's Campaign to encourage children to do their part to raise much needed money. More info can be found at http://denverzoo.org/AT/how_you_can_help/kids/index.html . The Brown family couldn't attend (we had a very important birthday party to attend), but I decided we could participate at home.
The zoo is giving out paper elephant banks, and asking that kids fill the banks and return them to the zoo. It is a great way to get the community involved, and a fantastic way for kids to make a difference. Since we couldn't head to the zoo on Sunday, I asked Ben if he wanted to make our own bank here at home. I explained to him that the money he would put in the bank would help pay for the elephants new exhibit. Ben's response was "I can HELP PAY for their exhibit?! COOL!"
I located an empty jar, and we got to work. Instead of printing the suggested graphic from the zoo website (http://denverzoo.org/downloads/at_build_bank.pdf), we decorated it with paper, stamps and stickers. (Nothing against the graphic, my printer is just about out of ink).
We titled ours "Pennies for Elephants". Of course the first order of business was finding some pennies to start us off. Ben and I headed to the office, and located the change jar amongst Daddy's things. Ben was so funny about raiding the jar- he acted as though he was being sneaky, and I had to assure him it was okay to take Daddy's pennies.
At my niece's birthday party on Sunday, I allowed Ben to take the jar with him. He asked friends and family if they had any pennies to donate. He was very shy about it, but I could tell he was very pleased with himself. I am very proud of Ben, and his desire to help out with Asian Tropics. Once the jar is full, we will take it to the zoo, and he should get a poster with Mimi and Dolly on it for his efforts. Who knows, maybe we can fill it more than once. Either way, I feel good knowing that my son is participating in something much larger than himself, and having a good time in the process.
Photo courtesy of http://www.thaiphotoblogs.com
As many of you know, the Denver Zoo is building a 50 million dollar Asian Tropics exhibit, which will be home to Asian elephants, rhinos, tapirs, otters, leopards, gibbons and more. They are about half way through the construction, and are on time to be opening next spring. Obviously fund raising for this amazing project is no easy feat. This past Sunday, while Thai National Elephant Day was celebrated, the zoo kicked off a Kid's Campaign to encourage children to do their part to raise much needed money. More info can be found at http://denverzoo.org/AT/how_you_can_help/kids/index.html . The Brown family couldn't attend (we had a very important birthday party to attend), but I decided we could participate at home.
The zoo is giving out paper elephant banks, and asking that kids fill the banks and return them to the zoo. It is a great way to get the community involved, and a fantastic way for kids to make a difference. Since we couldn't head to the zoo on Sunday, I asked Ben if he wanted to make our own bank here at home. I explained to him that the money he would put in the bank would help pay for the elephants new exhibit. Ben's response was "I can HELP PAY for their exhibit?! COOL!"
I located an empty jar, and we got to work. Instead of printing the suggested graphic from the zoo website (http://denverzoo.org/downloads/at_build_bank.pdf), we decorated it with paper, stamps and stickers. (Nothing against the graphic, my printer is just about out of ink).
We titled ours "Pennies for Elephants". Of course the first order of business was finding some pennies to start us off. Ben and I headed to the office, and located the change jar amongst Daddy's things. Ben was so funny about raiding the jar- he acted as though he was being sneaky, and I had to assure him it was okay to take Daddy's pennies.
At my niece's birthday party on Sunday, I allowed Ben to take the jar with him. He asked friends and family if they had any pennies to donate. He was very shy about it, but I could tell he was very pleased with himself. I am very proud of Ben, and his desire to help out with Asian Tropics. Once the jar is full, we will take it to the zoo, and he should get a poster with Mimi and Dolly on it for his efforts. Who knows, maybe we can fill it more than once. Either way, I feel good knowing that my son is participating in something much larger than himself, and having a good time in the process.
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