Interrupted
My Life Thus Far
Team Building Exercises
For the most part, I had a great day. I went to bed early
last night and was able to sleep deeply (Snookums wasn't
here to assault me in my sleep). I woke up refreshed and
ready for work. Ruthie (my mentor) lets me be chairside,
instead of just observing, which makes the day go by so
much faster. Not that observing isn't still helpful. I
just feel that I learn so much more if I'm actually
experiencing things hands-on.
Instead of the usual 10 hour day, we only worked until 2pm
because we had our monthly staff meeting. I would hardly
call it a meeting. The doctor's catered lunch (sandwich
stuff and salads. Thankfully, very healthy. Unlike their
usual fare) which was nice. It was more of a luncheon,
that a true meeting. First we discussed the new policy on
failed restorations (if a filling fails within 2 years of
placement we replace it for free, after 2 years half-
price, after 5 years it's the patients responsibility.
Sounds fair enough to me) and we discussed the learning
curve required to master the new perio charting software
in the Hygeine department. After those little tidbits of
business, Sherilan (the office manager) initiated some
team building exercises. We had to take this 50 question
personality quiz to determine what kind of animal we are
(lion, cocker spaniel, owl or monkey). Of course, I was
the bitch, I mean dog. It isn't what you'd think, though.
The cocker spaniel represents honesty, loyalty, kindness
and caring and a bunch of other nice qualities I'd never
consider myself to have. But, the personality test doesn't
lie. The funny thing is, about 90% of the girls are also
cocker spaniels. People are always wondering how we're
able to work so well together without any tongue-wagging,
cat-fights, back-stabbing or bitch-slapping (considering
there's at least 15 females and only 2 males working in
close proximity on any given day). Now we know why. We've
got compatible personalities. I guess that's a good thing.
After the quiz, we had to write 10 ways that we felt we
could better communicate with our teammates and create a
more positive work environment that patients can "feel"
when they come to our office. It was a bit more syrupy
than I care to stomach, but at least I got lunch out of it.
Since I did get off 3 hours early, I was able to sneak in
a trip to the gym, but I'm not so sure it's going to do me
much good. I was at 144 pounds, but PMS is creeping up on
me and I'm feeling hopelessly bloated and I can't control
my desire for sweet, saltly and fattening foods. For the
most part I've been good, it's just the bad cravings I'm
not use to battling. Where is my self-control? I still
have a fair amount of weight to lose. I can't lose my
motivation now! My mother-in-law is coming to visit the
end of the month and although I'm at least 30 pounds
lighter than when I saw her last, I want to be my lowest
weight ever. I'm hoping Aunt Flow will have come and gone
and I'll be back on track. Here's to wishing. Ciao
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