3rd
That’s me at work. It’s old, yes, but still reflects how much fun my job can be. That’s something I’d forgotten. I got wrapped up in politics last year. But that’s understandable, I feel, as it was my whole life. Really and truly. That’s all I did. Work. There were great times. Can you see my crown? It says Queen Jenni on it. I don’t recall exactly how it came about, but I do know that it made me look like Side Show Bob. Also, that Dr. Flieg let me wear it around as long as I stayed in the Treatment area. Those people with me? People I shared my life with. Maybe more than they wanted me to…but oh well. It weird to be back. It makes me remember last year, but I guess right now that’s not as negative as I thought it would be. You have to remember where you’re coming from to appreciate where you are. I like work now. Mostly because I’m not wrapped up in it anymore. Now I just enjoy it.
Today, I worked in reception for the first time in a long while. I was recently reminded of my previous days in reception. I’m not a very calm person, ok? I know that. And when I worked in reception, my insanity was displayed at its best. I remember running into the treatment area with files in tow. I would stand with my mouth agape, eyes as open as they can, and arms flapping. That was my signal. “I NEED HELP” I’m not a doctor. I can’t answer these questions, and at that point in time I couldn’t take a message either, apparently. Daily, I was told I looked flustered. And daily, I was aggitated with the thought. Now, though, I wish I could watch myself. I bet it was quite a sight, and it explains why no one really took my panic seriously. I was just too high strung. I feel this picture, plus files, would best replicate my daily look.
Earlier today, I was amused. People are insane. Truly. There is no getting around it, and each time I picked up the phone and said “Orchard Road Animal Hospital, this is Jenni, how can I help you” (takes a while doesn’t it?), I felt like I was on the balls of my feet ready to pounce on whatever problem I was to be given. Most people were just flustered (It really is a good word) and needed my help. I knocked each question down and took care of everything that was asked of me. My favorite client today was definitely an older lady who was quite hard of hearing. She called three times in less than two hours. But, I liked her. She talked to our other receptionist and then called back. I answered though, and she was then confused. She told me she didn’t remember who she was talking to, but she needed to talk to them again. She made fun of herself and then sent me on a wild goose chase. There were, what felt like, 20 people working, and I had to ask each of them if they’d talked to “Minnie’s” owner? Everyone really thought I was nuts. I asked every person, but one. And that’s when her memory came back. “Dottie! That was her name” was all she would say. Although greatly amused, I calmly explained Dottie did not work here (and never has). Finally we both remembered. DIANE. (She’s new since I left for school! Not my fault) All was well again. Then she called back. I picked up the phone, went through my schpiel, and all I heard was something that sounded like “DIARRHEA!!!” screamed into my ear. After regaining my thoughts and tracing through the thought process, I determined it was my favorite old lady asking for “Diane.” She just talks to loud. After that, I was done. And now I’m home. Patiently, I’m waiting to go back to work. This time, I’ll be in kennels though. I don’t know if I’ll ever really appreciate that as much as my other jobs at Orchard Road. Scooping poop never really maintains any glamour. But, who knows. Maybe tonight I’ll find deeper meaning in my jug of pine sol (lemon only, of course) and sponge.
