New Job and Anniversary

Its been a lot longer than I was planning on for an update, but thats how things go in summertime when things are busy. I finished off a nice leisurely week with family on Sunday, something I was really happy to have before starting my new job. Uncle Jerry was up from Florida, so we got to do a lot of family get togethers, including seeing my grandmother home from the Bennington Health and Rehab, after a partial hip replacement and 2 weeks of recover. She did amazingly well, and is now at home. Grampy had handrails put on their front steps to make it easier for her to get up and down, and her bed was moved into the dining room, until they decide for sure what she wants to do in the long term.

Sunday night found me reading through the pages of Bennington Project Independence's handbook, and filling out the necessary paperwork. Monday was the big day. I wasn't quite sure what to wear, but figured that jeans and a plane t-shirt were probably ok for being in the kitchen. I was right, and also found out that I get to continue making use of my hat collection, because it was either that or a hair net. Easy decision. Today it was a green Harley Davidson hat, to complement my watermelon-colored shirt. :) Yes, I enjoy fun colors.

I have to say I've learned a lot in the past couple days. Yesterday was busy, but that isn't going to change. A lot of instructions. A lot to remember. I wear an apron, hat, prep food, cleanup, serve food, do dishes, and put them away after. For the second day, I've learned to do all that fairly well. I'm still learning where all of the dishes and utensils go, but have a pretty good handle on that also. One of the things I do each day is prepare the specialty meals for people. A few participants are on partial ground diets, a few others on full grounds, and one is on a puree. There are also several diabetics, a few vegetarians, and a few that don't eat dairy. It makes for challenging planning. Right now I follow orders from the cook as to what to make for these patients, but as time goes on, she'll want more advice from me, and help with the planning. This is right up my nutrition alley. One of the interesting things I learned yesterday was that Maggie (my supervisor/the cook) told me she hired me because she wants someone to be able to take over for her so she can retire. She states she is too old to do this anymore. Thats an interesting prospect. Ashley: Cook/Nutrition Coordinator. Thats not to say that I want to do that for the rest of my life, but I'm going to need to work for several years before I can afford to go on, finish the classes I need to get my degree CADE accredited, and do the RD internship. Thats one of my big goals, but since it will require me doing school full time, money needs to be saved ahead of time.

I was happy to hear today that I am doing very well so far, including being quick, efficient, and having a good memory. Learning all of the names of staff and participants will take a while, but I'm trying. I was also given a key "faab," (not sure if that is how to spell it), to access the kitchen door without entering the passcode every time. It truly is an amazing facility. I guess it should be since its only 2 years old, but it was also designed really well. The lights turn on when they sense someone is in the room, and turnoff likewise. They recycle, have a garden, and are otherwise very "green." The staff is extremely nice/pleasant, and I'm doing my best to learn my job and do it well. All in all its been a great experience the past 2 days.

All of these positives do not lessen my sadness over missing my Dad and getting to work with him. Being able to see my parents every day is something I was able to take advantage of, but now I truly realize how blessed I was. I will forever treasure those years of working for Dad, as it allowed me precious time, good experience, and wonderful memories that I won't forget. We still have our Wednesday nights with them, but it won't stop me from missing them during the day. I love you Daddy!

For now thats all.