Our departure date for Scotland is not yet set, but we hope to be in the land of bagpipes and haggis before the end of this summer. I promised my boss that I would give him two months notice to give him time to find someone, and to give me time to train her. (Saying "her" is not a sexist comment. Yes, a male could competently do my dental assistant job, but my heterosexual male boss does not care to sit 12 inches from another male all day every day. Can you really blame him?)
Since we are thinking July would be a great, and probable, time for us to leave, two months from then begins next week. Although I'm very excited to start this new chapter of our lives, it's also very sad to leave people and experiences I love being a part of.
I love my job; my boss and co-workers are amazing. I really enjoy what I do and am very sad to leave my job. But it is inevitable. When I heard the add was placed in the paper, I got a little nauseous, realizing the end is now beginning.
We had our first interview this week. Oh my, what an experience. If you are preparing for an interview, read on to learn what NOT to do in yours.
DO dress professionally.
-Over-dressed is better than under-dressed. And if the only thing you have to wear is an old t-shirt, AT LEAST iron it.
DON'T talk badly about your previous employers
-We will probably think you'll do the same of us
DON'T tell us your personal life in detail
-We don't need to know that your husband left you suddenly with a new baby
-We don't need to know that you were "mentally unstable" for a while after he left
-You don't need to repeat 5x that your life has stabilized now and everything is "smooth and calm." The repetition makes us think you are trying to convince us of something that is not true.
-We don't need to know you're reading the best book ever "Positive Thoughts for Mom's" and you'd recommend it to us (even though neither of us are mom's)
-We don't need to know what t.v. evangelist you watch every week, where he preaches from, and how many people attend his services
-We don't need to know what day of the week you've chosen to work on building up your daughters self-esteem
-We don't need to know the details of your child's sport of choice and when you've decided to give the team their snack
-We don't need to hear you talk for 15 minutes without taking a breath about all of these personal matters
DON'T boast about your skills when they are the exact opposite of what the interviewer has just stated that he prefers in an employee
Example
-Interviewer: "We have a large office with many employees. We like to help each other out and volunteer to do what is needed for others. It's a necessity to work well with others, be a team player."
-Interviewee: "I work well alone. I'm very good at doing a large amount of work by myself. I used to run three operatories all by myself. I work very well alone..."
PLEASE KNOW
-When the subject of compensation is never broached, you don't have a chance at getting this job.
-When the first comment out of the bosses mouth after you've spilled your guts to us is, "Well, we've just begun the interviewing process, we have others to talk with, we won't be making a decision for a few weeks." and there's no comment of us contacting you,you shouldn't expect to get a working interview.
Here's hoping next weeks candidates are more promising.**
**If you know anyone who's interested in a dental assisting job, PLEASE let me know. Experience is a plus but DEFINITELY not required because I am willing to teach you everything you need to know if you're the right person for the job. I can only encourage (not teach) Laugh-ability, Flexibility, People Skills-ability, and Work-Hard-ability, you've gotta come up with those on your own. (you can even make up words, like me!).
Friday, April 27, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Wal-Mart Woes
I'm a fan of Wal-Mart. The prices are nice, you can find a bunch of stuff you may need in one place, and there's always some entertainment that can be found in fellow shoppers.
I was pleasantly surprised, on my and husband's most recent trip to the Brook Road Wal-Mart, to find the bathroom renovated. My first clue to the make-over of the ladies room was when I first stepped in. While preparing myself to breathe as little as possible (remembering the unpleasant odor that lingers in any bathroom in any Wal-Mart) I realized I could breathe normally with no threat of gagging. Then I noticed the new sinks, stall doors, and tile. Wow, way to go Wal-Mart.
As I was giving props to the super-center, I prepared to leave the restroom by washing my hands. But alas, the pleasant experience of a newly done restroom came to a screeching halt when I discovered the absence of any soap. Not even a drop...in any container.
Come on! Do you realize how many hands touch those carts and door handles and stall knobs??? A sick kid who just picked her nose, the uncouth guy who just scratched his bottom, a mother who just used her own spit to wipe something off her kid's face. Ugh.
While I appreciate the cosmetic work, I'd much rather deal with the nasty smell and other yuckiness if I could just get some soap.
I was pleasantly surprised, on my and husband's most recent trip to the Brook Road Wal-Mart, to find the bathroom renovated. My first clue to the make-over of the ladies room was when I first stepped in. While preparing myself to breathe as little as possible (remembering the unpleasant odor that lingers in any bathroom in any Wal-Mart) I realized I could breathe normally with no threat of gagging. Then I noticed the new sinks, stall doors, and tile. Wow, way to go Wal-Mart.
As I was giving props to the super-center, I prepared to leave the restroom by washing my hands. But alas, the pleasant experience of a newly done restroom came to a screeching halt when I discovered the absence of any soap. Not even a drop...in any container.
Come on! Do you realize how many hands touch those carts and door handles and stall knobs??? A sick kid who just picked her nose, the uncouth guy who just scratched his bottom, a mother who just used her own spit to wipe something off her kid's face. Ugh.
While I appreciate the cosmetic work, I'd much rather deal with the nasty smell and other yuckiness if I could just get some soap.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
"Who would be the best lip model?"
This is what we girls do when their boyfriends/husbands are watching the Phillies vs. Nationals game.*
Jenna (candidate #3) was declared the winner.
*We're really not that shallow, it just seemed like an entertaining idea at the time.
Jenna (candidate #3) was declared the winner.
*We're really not that shallow, it just seemed like an entertaining idea at the time.
Friday, April 13, 2007
A New Experience For Me
My friend Valerie took me as a guest to Gold's Gym for a Yoga class. She told me how relaxing it was and good for stretching, so I wanted to give it a try. I don't stretch enough after running and had an orthopedic guy tell me I really needed better flexibility, maybe this would help. And I've been super stressed lately from some life issues and really needed to relax.
I love that the lights are low so you don't feel like everyone is looking at you, and in my case, seeing my horrible form. At the beginning the teacher (who is a patient of mine at the dental office. I don't think she recognized me. which is fine for me, sometimes that's a little awkward) asked if anyone was new to yoga. I proudly raised my hand, she was very kind to explain lots of things and tailor the session to newbies like me.
I don't really believe in all that clearing your mind and finding peace within your inner being stuff. I just don't think that it's possible to find that within myself since I'm naturally a chaotic being. I have to look outside of myself and find peace from my Higher Power. But deep breathing and physical wellness is a very needed aspect of one's life. So I definitely benefited from aspects of the class.
I almost disrupted the peace a couple of times. First of all, I really had to pee most of the class, but felt like I would've been thrown out of all yoga classes at Gold's for life if I walked out and came back in. At the very end when we were, "finding that quiet place in our minds" I had to hold back from laughing out loud when she said, "take note of where your body is and give it total acceptance." All I could think about was, "body, I accept you." Like my body was suddenly relieved to hear me give it total acceptance. Maybe you had to be in my mind at the time.
The funniest part of the evening was the sales pitch to get me to join. I realized at many times during the manager's talk, I was looking at her like she had two head's...what a spaz.
I love that the lights are low so you don't feel like everyone is looking at you, and in my case, seeing my horrible form. At the beginning the teacher (who is a patient of mine at the dental office. I don't think she recognized me. which is fine for me, sometimes that's a little awkward) asked if anyone was new to yoga. I proudly raised my hand, she was very kind to explain lots of things and tailor the session to newbies like me.
I don't really believe in all that clearing your mind and finding peace within your inner being stuff. I just don't think that it's possible to find that within myself since I'm naturally a chaotic being. I have to look outside of myself and find peace from my Higher Power. But deep breathing and physical wellness is a very needed aspect of one's life. So I definitely benefited from aspects of the class.
I almost disrupted the peace a couple of times. First of all, I really had to pee most of the class, but felt like I would've been thrown out of all yoga classes at Gold's for life if I walked out and came back in. At the very end when we were, "finding that quiet place in our minds" I had to hold back from laughing out loud when she said, "take note of where your body is and give it total acceptance." All I could think about was, "body, I accept you." Like my body was suddenly relieved to hear me give it total acceptance. Maybe you had to be in my mind at the time.
The funniest part of the evening was the sales pitch to get me to join. I realized at many times during the manager's talk, I was looking at her like she had two head's...what a spaz.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Year 3 and Counting
Tuesday, April 3d, my husband and I celebrated the 3 year anniversary of our wedding day. I know people say it all the time, but it really is hard to believe it's already been 3 years. It's even harder to believe because I don't really think of myself as an adult, and I'm getting closer and closer to the age of "the adults."
It was an exhausting work day for both of us, but coming home is like entering the safe zone where you don't have to worry about dealing with all the crap that goes on in the world outside our doors. We rested for a little while and then decided where to go to dinner to bask in our 3 years of marriage. We settled on Akida. Let me tell you, we tore up some sushi. Desert was cinnamon rolls and neapolitan ice cream from Ukrop's.
Recently we've been bombarded with sad news of crumbling marriages among family friend's and acquaintances. It's a hard thing to understand when it happens to families that we thought were sure to last forever. It's reinforced my belief that marriages need to be nurtured, fed, and cared for every day. I love my husband and our marriage!
It was an exhausting work day for both of us, but coming home is like entering the safe zone where you don't have to worry about dealing with all the crap that goes on in the world outside our doors. We rested for a little while and then decided where to go to dinner to bask in our 3 years of marriage. We settled on Akida. Let me tell you, we tore up some sushi. Desert was cinnamon rolls and neapolitan ice cream from Ukrop's.
Recently we've been bombarded with sad news of crumbling marriages among family friend's and acquaintances. It's a hard thing to understand when it happens to families that we thought were sure to last forever. It's reinforced my belief that marriages need to be nurtured, fed, and cared for every day. I love my husband and our marriage!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Best Weekend EVERRRRR!
OK, so maybe not the best ever in my life, but man it was a good one. Mainly as a result of our house guests. I'll give you the short background on these friends before I sum up the weekend for you.
It was March 2005, James and I were driving to the ATL for a week-long training/interview/orientation for our upcoming two-year-long stint in Scotland. We were praying that we would meet at least one couple that we could hang out with that week. Our prayers were answered when we met Josh & Amy. They are going through the same process we are, with Mexico City as their destination. We met up again in Brussels, Belgium for the month of training in January. If you're part of a couple you'll know that it's not a requirement that both spouses be friends with each of the other pair, but it sure does make for a more enjoyable double date. There are certain people you click with and you're sure that you'll be friends for eternity. Josh and Amy are a perfect example of those people for us. As you can imagine, we were thrilled when we found out they'd be visiting from their home in Texas.
Here's the weekend wrap-up:
Friday:
-Worked until 1:30
-Went to the 10K expo to pick up my race packet. Got some free Power Bars. Yum.
-Home to join James in cleaning the house so we can give the appearance that our house is always pretty clean. Even though we live in a super old house that will never be completely clean unless it's torn down and built again from scratch.
-Super excited and stoked that my husband is such a hard worker. He had done so much already!
-Went to my parent's house for my Dad's birthday dinner. Happy birthday Dad! I have a fabulous dad.
-Got home and welcomed the Oettle's (pronounced Ettly) into our home. Hung out for the rest of the night.
-Yay! The Oettle's are here!
The fam: dad, mom, brother, nephew, me, James
Saturday:
-My supremely supportive and sacrificial husband awoke at 8:00am to drive me to the Monument 10K
-Ran the 10K in 54 minutes. was excited about my time.
-Was so happy when I saw my husband, Owen, and Ross on the sidelines cheering. It was a great moment.
-Didn't do much of anything until 2:30 (Amy and Josh were hanging out with their sister)
-Went to my friend's wedding shower. Did the usual wedding shower stuff.
-Came home around 6:00
-Didn't do much of anything for the rest of the night
-Played a round of our most fave board game with James: Ticket to Ride (I bought it for James for our anniversary. You can also become addicted while playing online).
Sunday:
-Began a marathon Sabbath day at 7:30
-Arrived at church at 8:15 for the 8:30 service
-Since Amy and Josh are raising support, we had some things set up for them with our church so they could share their story with a new group of people. Amy sang and played her guitar at the 8:30 and 11:00 services. OMG, you have to hear the song, it's incredible. It's the one titled You Are Enough. Beautiful.
-Sunday School at 9:45. James taught a great lesson on Proverbs and fools.
-2nd church service at 11:00
-Lunch at The Hill Cafe with Josh and Amy
-Home for about one hour
-Franklin Street Community at 4:00
-Beverages and Brownies after FSC
-Off to Stony Point for the 5:45 service. The Oettle's gave a 15 minute talk on their heart for Mexico City and plans to live there
-Hung out with the youth group kids for a bit.
-Ate dinner at the Shared Meal after church
-Home to hang out and enjoy some beers
Monday (not officially part of the weekend, but our guests were here so it felt like the weekend to me)
-Work all day while the Oettle's explored Williamsburg & Jamestown
-Dinner with our friends, cheeseburgers and homemade guacamole made by Amy (you definitely want the recipe)
-Capital Ale House for some delicious beer
-Home again to hang out some more
-Said goodbye to friends, they were leaving in the morning
-Bed
It was March 2005, James and I were driving to the ATL for a week-long training/interview/orientation for our upcoming two-year-long stint in Scotland. We were praying that we would meet at least one couple that we could hang out with that week. Our prayers were answered when we met Josh & Amy. They are going through the same process we are, with Mexico City as their destination. We met up again in Brussels, Belgium for the month of training in January. If you're part of a couple you'll know that it's not a requirement that both spouses be friends with each of the other pair, but it sure does make for a more enjoyable double date. There are certain people you click with and you're sure that you'll be friends for eternity. Josh and Amy are a perfect example of those people for us. As you can imagine, we were thrilled when we found out they'd be visiting from their home in Texas.
Here's the weekend wrap-up:Friday:
-Worked until 1:30
-Went to the 10K expo to pick up my race packet. Got some free Power Bars. Yum.
-Home to join James in cleaning the house so we can give the appearance that our house is always pretty clean. Even though we live in a super old house that will never be completely clean unless it's torn down and built again from scratch.
-Super excited and stoked that my husband is such a hard worker. He had done so much already!
-Went to my parent's house for my Dad's birthday dinner. Happy birthday Dad! I have a fabulous dad.
-Got home and welcomed the Oettle's (pronounced Ettly) into our home. Hung out for the rest of the night.
-Yay! The Oettle's are here!
The fam: dad, mom, brother, nephew, me, James
Saturday:
-My supremely supportive and sacrificial husband awoke at 8:00am to drive me to the Monument 10K
-Ran the 10K in 54 minutes. was excited about my time.
-Was so happy when I saw my husband, Owen, and Ross on the sidelines cheering. It was a great moment.
-Didn't do much of anything until 2:30 (Amy and Josh were hanging out with their sister)
-Went to my friend's wedding shower. Did the usual wedding shower stuff.
-Came home around 6:00
-Didn't do much of anything for the rest of the night
-Played a round of our most fave board game with James: Ticket to Ride (I bought it for James for our anniversary. You can also become addicted while playing online).
Sunday:
-Began a marathon Sabbath day at 7:30
-Arrived at church at 8:15 for the 8:30 service
-Since Amy and Josh are raising support, we had some things set up for them with our church so they could share their story with a new group of people. Amy sang and played her guitar at the 8:30 and 11:00 services. OMG, you have to hear the song, it's incredible. It's the one titled You Are Enough. Beautiful.
-Sunday School at 9:45. James taught a great lesson on Proverbs and fools.
-2nd church service at 11:00
-Lunch at The Hill Cafe with Josh and Amy
-Home for about one hour
-Franklin Street Community at 4:00
-Beverages and Brownies after FSC
-Off to Stony Point for the 5:45 service. The Oettle's gave a 15 minute talk on their heart for Mexico City and plans to live there
-Hung out with the youth group kids for a bit.
-Ate dinner at the Shared Meal after church
-Home to hang out and enjoy some beers
Monday (not officially part of the weekend, but our guests were here so it felt like the weekend to me)
-Work all day while the Oettle's explored Williamsburg & Jamestown
-Dinner with our friends, cheeseburgers and homemade guacamole made by Amy (you definitely want the recipe)
-Capital Ale House for some delicious beer
-Home again to hang out some more
-Said goodbye to friends, they were leaving in the morning
-Bed
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