Okay folks, it's time for me to share some good news. A lot has happened in the past two months since my last blog (ooops, sorry I've been lazy I guess), but I am going to focus on this past week. Those of you who have facebook know a little about the progress I've made towards getting hired at the Denver Zoo. I just wanted to share some of the networking opportunities I've had recently so you all can think lots and lots of wonderful thoughts for me.
First, on Tuesday I had the pleasure of re-meeting the Curator of Primates and Carnivores, and (meeting for the first time) the Carnivore Supervisor. The face to face was encouraged by one the the keepers that I have met during my time as a Keeper Assistant in the bear area. It was a positive experience that left me feeling very good about my chances of being hired. Both these individuals are very nice people, and they gave me a few minutes to discuss my background and then asked me a few questions. The carnivore supervisor said he would "flag my resume for review" and the curator promised she would pull out the notes from my previous interview to look over.
Today I went to the zoo for volunteer training for the new Asian Tropics exhibit that is slated to open next spring. We did a couple hours in a classroom setting then were allowed a behind the scenes look at animal holding areas and the exhibits. (If you don't know much about the new exhibit, check it out at
http://www.denverzoo.org/at/). It was AMAZING!! This project is absolutely incredible, and it is going to really put the Denver Zoo "on the map" as they say. Not only will this be the only holding facility in the US able to hold multiple bull elephants, but it is a completely state of the art, innovative design and it's 10 acres!! While in the new elephant building, I noticed a man that I thought may be the Curator of Asian Tropics, that I have heard a lot about. (I also know he has asked about me through some of the carnivore keepers). I introduced myself, and he was more than willing to talk with me. He even went as far as walking me through the rhino/tapir building, which was in fact blocked off to the other volunteers. He chatted with me about the logistics of the exhibit, including which animals were coming, when things would be ready to go, etc. I asked him about some of the building features, and he was happy to show me a few things. The rhino/tapir and the elephant buildings are a zookeepers DREAM!! We are talking HUGE stalls, fully hydrolic doors that work on a TOUCH SCREEN system, hoses that reel themselves in, multiple squeezes and built in scales, etc etc etc. I was practically drooling. (Yah, yah, some of you have no idea, but my keeper friends understand!)
Anyway, all in all I know that things are finally moving forward for me. I have had quite a few staff members acknowledge how competitive it is to get into Denver, but most are very encouraging and keep telling me to be persistent. I have no idea what the time table looks like, but I have waited this long, and I know I can wait longer if needed. At least now I can say that I have met several hiring managers, and things are looking promising. I can go to work at the vet hospital and think to myself, "Not much longer here, I can do it." And the thought of being back in the zoo after a long year is really comforting.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
One day at a time
So many of you know that last week Paul's Grandfather, Ken Cooper, passed away. Paul received a phone call from his mother early Thursday morning. He called her back during his break, and then called me at work around 10am. When I got his voice mail I could tell something was seriously wrong, and I immediately returned his call. When he told me the news, I dropped. Literally, in the back room at the hospital. Shit!! It's just not fair. Ken was an amazing man, not just as a husband, father, or grandfather, but someone who just LISTENED when you needed to talk. He never judged me, or told me what to do, he just sat with me and let me talk when I needed. He would tell me stories of Paul's mom and siblings growing up, and of he and Paul's grandmother when they were younger. I cherish those times spent on the back porch, just enjoying each others company.
This is one of my favorite family shots with Ken. That smile is how I will remember him.
Paul and I left work on Thursday and headed up to Fort Collins with kids in tow to be with the Brown family. There is never a "right" thing to do in these situations, but we wanted to be present to help with whatever needed. And we knew that Paul's mom would appreciate having her grandchildren around. If nothing else, our children certainly do know how to brighten someone's day. Things intensified when Paul's sister called to say that she was having contractions. Miss Kodi was getting ready to arrive. So we headed to Jennifer's house. We spent the day together, hanging out at the apartment, taking the kids to the park, and just showing support for Jennifer. Her contractions continued into Friday. I had to head back to Denver to go to work, but was kept updated of the excitement. Miss Kodi Rahnae was born on August 5th at 5:11pm. She was 6lbs 15oz and 20 and 3/4" long, with plenty of dark hair.
On Saturday I returned to Fort Collins to be with the family and meet my niece. What a treasure!! Kodi is absolutley beautiful. And her parents, Zach and JB have lots to be happy about. Kaedence is going to be a great big sister, I can tell. Jocey and Ben were pretty excited as well about their new cousin. Thinking about my own cousins, I feel so grateful that our kids have the chance to be close with their cousins, and have that chance to know them other than through photographs. This is one of the many reasons Colorado is where we belong.
Miss Kodi Rahnae
This past week has been pretty crazy. Paul and his parents left on Sunday to head to OK for Ken's funeral. Paul returned last night while I was working a late shift. I work late again tonight, which means I have had very little time with my husband. It's all short term though, and that's what matters. Life will move on, and this week will just be a memory soon.
In the meantime, I am trying hard to get daycare for Jocey and school for Ben all under control. Ben's first day is the 22nd. We have to go get school supplies, and take him shopping for clothes. Jocey will be attending an in home daycare up the street from Ben's school, and Ben will be doing BASE camp for after school care. Lots of changes about to happen, but I am feeling like they will be good ones, and certainly pretty exciting for Mister Benjamin.
That's it for now.... until next time. Take care!
This is one of my favorite family shots with Ken. That smile is how I will remember him.
Paul and I left work on Thursday and headed up to Fort Collins with kids in tow to be with the Brown family. There is never a "right" thing to do in these situations, but we wanted to be present to help with whatever needed. And we knew that Paul's mom would appreciate having her grandchildren around. If nothing else, our children certainly do know how to brighten someone's day. Things intensified when Paul's sister called to say that she was having contractions. Miss Kodi was getting ready to arrive. So we headed to Jennifer's house. We spent the day together, hanging out at the apartment, taking the kids to the park, and just showing support for Jennifer. Her contractions continued into Friday. I had to head back to Denver to go to work, but was kept updated of the excitement. Miss Kodi Rahnae was born on August 5th at 5:11pm. She was 6lbs 15oz and 20 and 3/4" long, with plenty of dark hair.
On Saturday I returned to Fort Collins to be with the family and meet my niece. What a treasure!! Kodi is absolutley beautiful. And her parents, Zach and JB have lots to be happy about. Kaedence is going to be a great big sister, I can tell. Jocey and Ben were pretty excited as well about their new cousin. Thinking about my own cousins, I feel so grateful that our kids have the chance to be close with their cousins, and have that chance to know them other than through photographs. This is one of the many reasons Colorado is where we belong.
This past week has been pretty crazy. Paul and his parents left on Sunday to head to OK for Ken's funeral. Paul returned last night while I was working a late shift. I work late again tonight, which means I have had very little time with my husband. It's all short term though, and that's what matters. Life will move on, and this week will just be a memory soon.
In the meantime, I am trying hard to get daycare for Jocey and school for Ben all under control. Ben's first day is the 22nd. We have to go get school supplies, and take him shopping for clothes. Jocey will be attending an in home daycare up the street from Ben's school, and Ben will be doing BASE camp for after school care. Lots of changes about to happen, but I am feeling like they will be good ones, and certainly pretty exciting for Mister Benjamin.
That's it for now.... until next time. Take care!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
A change of plans?
Struggling to stay positive....
Haven't heard from the zoo in regards to my most recent application. What is the deal? How come they can't realize that I would be a great keeper? That I AM a great keeper? How many other people are applying, and how are they beating me to the top? I just had a bit of a breakdown in front of Paul. I don't think he knows what to tell me. I know he feels bad- I left Texas not because I was ready, but because he couldn't stand it any longer. I had an amazing job w/ amazing animals and people working alongside me who believed in the same things as me. I missed my family, but everyday I left work feeling accomplished and loving what I do.
Now I work at a vet hospital. I work up front, dealing w/ people not animals. Sure, I get to interact w/ cats and dogs, and feel good that I am part of a team that helps them recover from sickness, or prevent it from happening in the future. And a lot of the people I work w/ are smart, and fun, and really enjoy what they are doing. Me? I am in the in between stage. I used to have a great job, hoping to have it again, but right now just earning a paycheck. SOMETHING has to give. And believe me, I am not proud of the self pity I am projecting right now. But I am ANGRY.
So what now? Do I back down, stop applying, give up? Is it even "giving up", or is it maybe just realizing that I need to adjust my goals? I'm not sure. All I know is that I am ready for something more. And I am tired of being rejected. I really thought persistence was going to win. A year later, I am wondering how long I can keep this up without heading a different direction just to keep some sanity.
Okay, I am stopping the vent now. If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions, I welcome them. Even if you want to tell me to suck it up, I would appreciate some outside views....
Haven't heard from the zoo in regards to my most recent application. What is the deal? How come they can't realize that I would be a great keeper? That I AM a great keeper? How many other people are applying, and how are they beating me to the top? I just had a bit of a breakdown in front of Paul. I don't think he knows what to tell me. I know he feels bad- I left Texas not because I was ready, but because he couldn't stand it any longer. I had an amazing job w/ amazing animals and people working alongside me who believed in the same things as me. I missed my family, but everyday I left work feeling accomplished and loving what I do.
Now I work at a vet hospital. I work up front, dealing w/ people not animals. Sure, I get to interact w/ cats and dogs, and feel good that I am part of a team that helps them recover from sickness, or prevent it from happening in the future. And a lot of the people I work w/ are smart, and fun, and really enjoy what they are doing. Me? I am in the in between stage. I used to have a great job, hoping to have it again, but right now just earning a paycheck. SOMETHING has to give. And believe me, I am not proud of the self pity I am projecting right now. But I am ANGRY.
So what now? Do I back down, stop applying, give up? Is it even "giving up", or is it maybe just realizing that I need to adjust my goals? I'm not sure. All I know is that I am ready for something more. And I am tired of being rejected. I really thought persistence was going to win. A year later, I am wondering how long I can keep this up without heading a different direction just to keep some sanity.
Okay, I am stopping the vent now. If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions, I welcome them. Even if you want to tell me to suck it up, I would appreciate some outside views....
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Daddy Tells Jo a Story
Last night the kids had a friend spend the night. They were playing downstairs and when I went to check on them, and found Jo putting something small up one of her nostrils. Looking closely, I realized it was a coffee bean. Now, obviously my motherly duty compelled me to tell her not to put anything up her nose. But I knew this wasn't my forte, if you will, so I took Jo's hand and walked her upstairs. I led her into the office, where Paul was reading his magazine.
"I would like you to tell your daughter a story," I requested. "One about putting objects up your nose."
I walked away and let Paul take over. This is one subject Paul has experience with, and he dealt with it in all seriousness. He told Jo about his own experience, putting a raisen up his nose when he was about 4 or 5. Well, the raisen expanded, and Paul ended up in the ER to get it removed.
"It was VERY ouchy," Paul explained.
"VERY?" Jocey asked, uncertain.
"Yes. You don't EVER want to put anything up your nose, trust me," Paul replied.
Meanwhile, I was in the living room, trying not to giggle. Don't get me wrong, I realize that it really is a serious topic, but I was very amused with Paul's story. If he only knew that when he was a father, his experience would be relayed to another curious little one who was wondering what would happen if this little object goes up my nose...
"I would like you to tell your daughter a story," I requested. "One about putting objects up your nose."
I walked away and let Paul take over. This is one subject Paul has experience with, and he dealt with it in all seriousness. He told Jo about his own experience, putting a raisen up his nose when he was about 4 or 5. Well, the raisen expanded, and Paul ended up in the ER to get it removed.
"It was VERY ouchy," Paul explained.
"VERY?" Jocey asked, uncertain.
"Yes. You don't EVER want to put anything up your nose, trust me," Paul replied.
Meanwhile, I was in the living room, trying not to giggle. Don't get me wrong, I realize that it really is a serious topic, but I was very amused with Paul's story. If he only knew that when he was a father, his experience would be relayed to another curious little one who was wondering what would happen if this little object goes up my nose...
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A hard job?
Some people have asked me how I do my job. Is it depressing? Is it hard to watch so many pets die? How do you do it? To be honest I am pretty good at looking past the sadness, and realizing that this is a job that needs to be done. Someone has to be there to help pet owners make the decision to say good bye, and I get to be the one to tie up the loose ends. Yeah, it sucks sometimes. Last week I came in and after only an hour I had seen three euthanasias. Some days are just like that. Other days I get to say hello to energetic puppies with smiling owners that are looking forward to a bright future for their pet. There is an end to every beginning I guess.
I will say that when it comes time for my pets' time to go, that I hope it happens without a struggle; a peaceful ending. That's what I really have a hard time with- when an owner comes in with a sick pet, does everything they can to help us help them, but to no avail. Part of it is a financial burden of course- it is awful to spend $2000 trying to get your loved cat or dog back to feeling good without result. But the emotional toll is worse. Tonight my shift ended with two such cases. Right before these two sad endings, I watched a family say good bye to a 12 year old lab with teary eyes. Tonight I was definitely wiping my own eyes discreetly.
The positive of all of this is that every time I come home from a shift at the hospital, I hug my three babies tightly and am grateful for their good health. Tinkerbell, Griffin and Faiga won't always be around, and I am going to enjoy every day I get to spend with them.
I will say that when it comes time for my pets' time to go, that I hope it happens without a struggle; a peaceful ending. That's what I really have a hard time with- when an owner comes in with a sick pet, does everything they can to help us help them, but to no avail. Part of it is a financial burden of course- it is awful to spend $2000 trying to get your loved cat or dog back to feeling good without result. But the emotional toll is worse. Tonight my shift ended with two such cases. Right before these two sad endings, I watched a family say good bye to a 12 year old lab with teary eyes. Tonight I was definitely wiping my own eyes discreetly.
The positive of all of this is that every time I come home from a shift at the hospital, I hug my three babies tightly and am grateful for their good health. Tinkerbell, Griffin and Faiga won't always be around, and I am going to enjoy every day I get to spend with them.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Career
Quick update on the career front...
I have been at the veterinary hospital for three months now. I am finding my groove, and seem to be getting along with most everyone. I am learning a lot about wellness care for kitties and doggies, and have seen some pretty ugly emergency cases too. My hours seem to be all over- I work regular day shifts, late shifts, and an early shift here and there.
While I am grateful for the paycheck, I am hoping that this is not long term. Not that I dislike my job, but I would be happier at the zoo. On that front- I have been volunteering as a keeper assistant for awhile now. My area includes mongoose, dik-dik, porcupine, cranes, bears, coatis and various sheep. I do some cleaning in the barn and then help with diets. There isn't any animal contact, though I do get to converse with the mongoose while I am in that barn.
Denver just recently opened a position for a Large Mammal Keeper. I have updated my resume and submitted my application. I contacted my peeps at Cameron Park Zoo, who have agreed to send letters of rec on my behalf. I am hoping that the keepers I have met so far might say a word to the curator. They don't know me very well yet, but it certainly wouldn't hurt.
In the meantime, I will just keep plugging away. I will go to work with a smile on my face, because my goal is still within reach, and as they say- good things come to those who wait!!
Maggie
I have been at the veterinary hospital for three months now. I am finding my groove, and seem to be getting along with most everyone. I am learning a lot about wellness care for kitties and doggies, and have seen some pretty ugly emergency cases too. My hours seem to be all over- I work regular day shifts, late shifts, and an early shift here and there.
While I am grateful for the paycheck, I am hoping that this is not long term. Not that I dislike my job, but I would be happier at the zoo. On that front- I have been volunteering as a keeper assistant for awhile now. My area includes mongoose, dik-dik, porcupine, cranes, bears, coatis and various sheep. I do some cleaning in the barn and then help with diets. There isn't any animal contact, though I do get to converse with the mongoose while I am in that barn.
Denver just recently opened a position for a Large Mammal Keeper. I have updated my resume and submitted my application. I contacted my peeps at Cameron Park Zoo, who have agreed to send letters of rec on my behalf. I am hoping that the keepers I have met so far might say a word to the curator. They don't know me very well yet, but it certainly wouldn't hurt.
In the meantime, I will just keep plugging away. I will go to work with a smile on my face, because my goal is still within reach, and as they say- good things come to those who wait!!
Maggie
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Things I admire in others
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.
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.
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