I Wore Heels for This

I’ve been actively looking for a job. It hasn’t been easy because about a million other people are looking for that same job. I’ve signed up with Temp Agencies, I’ve posted my resume on various work sites, I’ve faxed and emailed more resumes than I care to mention.

I recently went on a job interview. They told me on the phone it was customer service, mostly answering phones. Easy. I can do that in my sleep. I wore my “interview dress” and heels. I looked my professional best. With resume in hand, I headed out for the interview. I felt confident and hopeful.

When I got there the receptionist was on the phone. She smiled at me and gave me a form to fill out. As I sat there I noticed the lack of office furniture. The carpets were dirty. The receptionist was dressed a bit . . . how should I put it? . . . less professional than expected.

When I finally met with the interviewer – his office had less furniture than the reception area and was just as dirty. He proceeded to tell me how impressed he was with my resume. He informed me the reception position was just filled by the lovely young lady that greeted me, but what he had was “sales positions” opened. If I was interested I can work for him on a “commission” basis only. They would train me (while I didn’t get paid), then I can work and get a nice percentage of the sales I make (in other words – work for free while I try to sell people things they don’t really need).

Yeah, I wore heels for that. I know there is a job out there even though it’s alluding me, but it won’t be for long. Have another interview coming up. I hope it’s at least heels worthy.

© Nadine Zawacki 2011

ABC Cruise

You all probably thought I fell off the face of the earth, but Tom and I were on a cruise. We went to the Bahamas for his job. It was a cruise/conference for the pastors and leaders of the Association of Bridge Churches (ABC). I know, I know, it sounds like a tough job, but someone had to do. Seriously, I was concerned with Tom’s health how he would do with all the traveling and the running of things. He did well. When we could rest, we did and that helped lots. Monday he will have his second round of chemo.

It was great to see people we haven’t seen since the last year’s conference again. These were a great bunch of people to go on a cruise with. Some of our favorite moments were when we had a chance to sit and talk to different people. I took lots of pictures of course. So I thought I would “show” you the cruise in pictures. It was a four day cruise so this will be done in either two or three parts.

We arrived a couple of days early. This is the view from our room. I thought of you Tina.
I looked out the window from my hotel room and saw these ducks swimming around in the pool. Aren't they cute?
One of the things I helped with was get people on the bus. We didn't want to leave anyone behind. Tom and I waiting on the buses.
The buses arrived at Port Canaveral where our ship left from.
A close look of Monarch of the Sea, a Royal Caribbean ship. If you ever get a chance to go on a cruise I would suggest Royal Caribbean. This was their smallest ship.
This was the first time that we cruised and had a window in our stateroom. It was nice because the room was spacious. This is the view from our stateroom before we set sail.
By the elevators there stood a model of the ship. It listed all the floors and what were on them.
Before you can set sail, you have to do a life boat drill. Everyone always look so comfortable in their life jackets, but it's good to know what to do in case of an emergency. Below in life vests are Ron, Chris, Ben, John & Sara

The rock climbing wall at night. The only activity that I had with this wall was walking past it and taking a picture.
Dinner time was fun. We sat with this lovely pastor and his wife from England, Tony & Dwee. If you are ever sad, visit England and spend time with them. They will have you laughing within seconds.
Jodi and Josh (Josh is worship leader who I blogged about before) and Joni and Eric who run the intern program for Streams Canada.
Tom with Michael French. He is a pastor from Alabama and has a great sense of humor. Stay tuned for his lovely wife Elisa who can rock it in karaoke.
© Nadine Zawacki 2009

What’s Your Passion?

I went on a job interview this past week. It was interesting. I probably could have had the job, except I couldn’t give the answers she was looking for to these questions: “Are you passionate about being a switchboard operator? Is this something you can make your career?” So many things pass through my head at that point. Things like, “Are you serious? I’m 47 years old and I have lots of passions, none of them have to do with answering the phone for eight hours a day.” But those words didn’t come out of my mouth.

Instead, I said, “Excuse me?” In which she repeated, “I’m looking for someone who will be passionate about this job. Someone with experience and will love what they do and make it their career.” When she said the word “passionate” she made two fists to emphasize the word with a great deal of passion in her voice. Showing great restraint by not laughing, I replied, “Well, I can’t say I have “passion” to answer phones but I would do a good job.”

She looked disappointed. Needless to say I didn’t take the job. This was one intense individual. If she was that intense during the interview, what type of boss would she have been? If I got sick, would I be expected to come in anyway? I’ve worked for intense people who depended too much on what I do. I tell you what, it’s not worth it. I hated the job. I cried on the way to work. I dreaded Mondays because the vicious cycle would start all over again.

The other thing about this job that made me a bit uncomfortable was the big sign before entering that said, “No hand guns or weapons of any kind are allowed on these premises.” You also had to be buzzed into the building. I took note of that and said it was best I look elsewhere.

I have lots of passion for many things, unfortunately being a switchboard operator in a bad part of town is not among my list.

I’m passionate about God, about my husband and kids. I’m passionate about writing. I’m passionate about helping people. I can even be passionate about a good meal and a nice Merlot. I understand that some people are passionate about their jobs; I’ve only had only one I felt that way about. The one exception would be when I took care of my kids when they were little and I didn't work outside the home. That I had passion for that in a big way. Other than that for me a job is a job. It’s a way to pay the bills.

So tell me; Are you passionate about your job? What are you passionate about?

© Nadine Zawacki 2008

Virtual Personal Assistant

I have a job! I’m working as a virtual personal assistant for 10 hours a week for a lady who lives in Nebraska. What is a virtual personal assistant? I’m glad you asked. She checks voice mail, email, does research and other administrative duties by email. Don’t you just love the electronic age? She’s a very busy lady and very nice. I’m looking forward to it. She’s been thinking about writing a book and had asked if I ever was a ghost writer. I haven’t but, hey, I’m willing.

I still have 30 hours left in my week if anyone out there needs a virtual personal assistant.

Side note: I should be getting a completed copy of my book in ten working days. I’m very excited. If I approve that copy, then it’s another ten working days for Amazon to build me a page on their site. Sweet. Did you notice the cover tease on the sidebar?

Until next time, be blessed.

© Nadine Zawacki 2008

What's In a Name?

I've been exploring the job market for about two months now. I've sent my resume to any job I looked remotely qualified for. I've had no luck. I tried not to take this personally. I'm well qualified and have some mad skills. I even have a killer letter of recommendation from my former employer.

Now I'm exploring the work from home part of the universe. I have a good friend, who now resides in Dallas. She's been working from home for many years. She has contacts and has helped me with this process. I'm still looking for a nine to five gig, but in the meantime, this couldn't hurt.

What I've found interesting in looking for work is the titles that they give for certain jobs. Director of First Impressions (formerly known as Receptionist) is a new title I've come across. Secretaries seem to morph into Administrative Assistants. Let's not forget Domestic Engineer known as a housewife or homemaker. When I was taking care of my children and not working outside the home, I felt changing my job title to Domestic Engineer was ridiculous. I didn't feel the need to apologize for what I did. I may not have gotten a salary, but my work was important. What I did mattered and I did it the best that I knew how.

I'm finding that I'm resenting being called a Director of First Impressions. Give me a break. What is wrong with being called a Receptionist? Does that title demean the job? I don't think so. Enough of this political correctness.

It doesn't matter what I call myself. I'm not defined by the job I do. I'm defined as who I am as a person. I've always believed that not everyone will love me (I know that's hard to believe for those of you who know me), but I'm okay with that. Not everyone can be your best friend. That's okay also. Kindness towards others and caring for them doesn't mean they have to be in your inner circle.

So what's in a name? Really, for me not much. I don't need a title to feel important. A wise man I know once said, "If you have a title then you feel entitled to something."

© Nadine Zawacki 2008

Beer and Bubbles

My boss is going on vacation for two weeks. It’s always crazy the week before he leaves, but this past week took it to new levels of insanity. Usually in a doctor’s office Mondays are busy. I receive lots of calls from patients in addition to all my other responsibilities. I had five Mondays in a row. The calls didn’t stop in the mornings, they continued all day long. I was overwhelmed most of the week.

I believe it was Wednesday when I had enough of the craziness and asked Tom to put a cold one in the refrigerator. He’s such a good man. I came home to a wonderful meal (steak, asparagus and jasmine rice) and a nice cold Corona. That is why I love him among so many other reasons. After dinner I went upstairs and had a nice hot bubble bath.

I didn’t need the beer or the bubbles but they went great together. I was so relaxed after my nice hot bubble bath. I felt great. It was enough to help me through the rest of the week.

Tomorrow is Father’s Day. I honor not only my dad (who died 19 years ago) but my hubby. I couldn’t ask for a better father for my children. Honey you rock it in the father department and the husband department. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives.

Don’t forget to wish the dad’s in your life (whether it’s your own or someone else’s you admire) a Happy Father’s Day.

Until next time, be blessed.

© Nadine Z. 2008

Copier Wars

My office is very busy. Multitasking in my office has become an art form. The copy machine is a fax/copier/printer. There are four computers hooked up to it and it was dying a slow and painful death. Every moving part was replaced over a two week period and it still jammed. I don’t have time to fuss with jamming copies consistently. So after I called the service guys everyday for two weeks, I was done.

The office manager informed me and the sales people that they had to impress me with the machine. I told them they had to impress her with the price. I was not impressed with the first machine – it was slow, noisy, etc. The second machine was fast, quiet, user friendly and did everything I needed it to do. The third machine was a dud – too loud, slow, it didn’t switch quickly enough between functions, etc. The fourth machine was as good as the second machine. The fourth salesman bought us all lattes. Note to salesman: lattes good.

The fourth machine’s salesman was thrilled when we said we would pick their machine (really the lattes didn’t have anything to do with it). The second machine’s salesman came down in price significantly and won the final deal. The fourth machine’s salesman was disappointed but couldn’t come close to matching the other guy’s offer. The office manager was happy because she got a great deal and I was happy that copier wars were over. Now if my computer would come into the 21st century I would be thrilled.

This taught me something about people. In a situation like this someone wins and someone loses. It’s not pleasant to tell someone that you got a better offer. You can tell they are disappointed.

It got me to thinking. How does God feel when I pick something else over Him? Does He feel he’s not good enough because I rather do what I want over what He wants me to do? I’m glad that He doesn’t hold it against me. I’m grateful that He welcomes me into His waiting arms again and again. Sometimes life gets very busy but I need to remember it should never get too busy for Him.

© Nadine Z. 2008

Yeah, It’s Friday!!

A further update on my book; my editor has been busy, which translates into two more chapters to work on. This means I’ll be busy trying to get more edits done.

Just a side note, you know you’ve being working too hard when….

Let me start my little tale with this bit of information. Part of my job is to call people to make appointments. You might not know this, but many people born in Oregon has a social security that starts with the numbers 541, which by the way is one of the area codes for Oregon. Why did I tell you this? It’s my disclaimer for the rest of the story. Today I was trying to reach someone who lives in Oregon for an appointment. You see where this is heading – that’s right, I started dialing the social security number. I kept saying to myself there is some numbers missing. Something didn’t seem right, and then it hit me. I laughed so hard. I just had to share what I did with everyone. Note to self - you can’t dial someone’s social security number to reach them – it doesn’t work.

I hope you all have had a good week, if not take heart – yeah, it’s Friday! Thank you Jesus for weekends.

© Nadine Z. 2008

It's Tough Being New

There has been quite a bit of turn around at work in the last four months. I work for a doctor as most of you know. I’m the main receptionist/scheduler/pretend-a-nurse/and whatever they need person. It’s safe to say that I keep busy.

The other office staff consists of an office manager and two part time workers. One works in billing and the other is a file clerk. The lady in billing quit four months ago and they hired a very capable gal to take her place. She trained for two weeks, worked for one, and then gave her two weeks notice. Apparently she got the full time job she had interviewed for. The lady who took her place, trained for two weeks, worked for three weeks and then quit with no notice at all. The office manager hired a new gal. She took a while to catch on, but she’s been here for longer than the other two combined and is doing fine.

The file clerk worked in our office for about five years. She got into an argument with the manager and quit. She did more than file. She helped me with the overflow of phone calls, taking patients back on occasion, etc.

Enter the new gal. She’s been here about two weeks and never worked in a doctor’s office before. It’s been tough on her. I can tell she’s losing heart. I find myself asking her if she’s okay. I tell her all the time, she’ll catch on. She’s trying very hard. It’s tough being the new person. My heart goes out to her. Everything is foreign to her. She realizes how much she doesn’t know and gets flustered. I think part of the problem is she wants to be perfect at everything right away.

Nobody is born knowing how to do their jobs. There is a learning curve. So next time you have the trainee, remember to be kind, smile, encourage and be patient because of it’s tough to be new.

© Nadine Z. 2008

Office Christmas Party

My boss just finished building his new house (the mansion is pictured above). It took two and half years to build. It is one of the most elaborate homes I’ve ever been in. It’s 9,000 square feet and has three floors. The grand entry way is impressive between the stairs and all the tile and woodwork. There are five bedrooms, each with its own bathroom (he has five kids). The master suite has two separate toilets (his and hers), a big bathtub, a shower that has so many jets the dirt just flies off of you and a fireplace. There is a living room, dining room, an eat-in kitchen with a family room off to the side. The top floor has the three girl’s bedrooms and a large common area. The basement has the two boy’s bedrooms, another family room, theater, exercise room, bonus room, pool room (changing area, lockers and full bathroom), wine cellar and bar. For those who are curious there are ten bathrooms and seven people living in the house. The oldest two children are away at school. The pool he calls a lap pools is two meters short from being Olympic size. It’s a very beautiful home.

My boss wanted me to cook a fancy meal at his home when it was complete. He’s been saying this for the last two years. My wonderful husband agreed to help me. Instead of going to work, I went to his house and got paid to cook Christmas dinner for the office staff and spouses. Tom and I cooked over six hours straight to get this meal together. I had a nice budget from the boss which I went over about twenty dollars.

We started off with appetizers: stuffed mushrooms, fresh mozzarella slices with tomato (seasoned with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and spices), artichoke hearts, olives, provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, cherry peppers and pepperoni. Next up was Shrimp Caesar Salad. The main course consisted of stuffed sea food shell dish in vodka sauce. The pasta shells are stuffed with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, Italian seasonings, shrimp, crab meat and scallops. Tom made his version of individual Beef Wellington. It consisted of beef tenderloin, roasted red pepper, gorgonzola cheese, bacon bits, portabella mushroom wrapped in puff pastry. The side dishes were roasted potatoes mushrooms sautéed in wine sauce, glazed carrots and asparagus. For dessert we had cheese cake, fresh blackberries and raspberries with fresh whipped cream presented in a large bowl, and mini puff pastry shells stuffed with raspberries and whipped cream.

We were so tired and our feet hurt by the end of the night. I’m grateful I had Tom to help or else I would not have been to do it. My boss was very appreciative and everyone got to take home leftovers.

Below is a slide show of some of the food and the house.

© Nadine Z. 2007

At Least I Have My Cute Shoes

The first day back at work after being away for three days is always the roughest. I knew this before my I went to work today. I got up and prayed. I asked God to give me grace for the day. I would hate to think what my day would have been like if I didn’t start it off this way.

It was a crazy day and I can’t believe how close I came to quitting. I was getting yelled at for things I didn’t do because I was there for the past three days. I was thinking why I almost lost it today. I wasn’t disrespectful to my boss, but I did tell him to back off. In relaying my day to Tom, he asked me an interesting question. He wanted to know if I was trying to get fired. I wasn’t, but I was firmer than I ever was in the six years I worked there.

I feel like my time there is coming to an end. I believe God will provide a way for me to be able to quit and minister with Tom. My heart is not in it anymore, but I want to finish well. I want to do my best everyday. It’s important to do what is in front of you with excellence, before you move on to the new thing. I don’t want to circle this mountain again. How you leave one thing can affect how you enter the new thing. I know this in my head. Sometimes things get lost between the head and the heart. I guess I needed this reminder today. I thank God for bringing me to a place where I can recognize it.

The day ended well. I had dinner with a friend and we came back to my house for some Tim Tams. Yummy. Tomorrow night I get to dine with a couple of more ladies. You guessed it…more Tim Tams.

My bag got delivered and as you can see from the picture above at least I have my cute shoes.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Dream Job

One of the blogs I read wrote this post entitled, “Where Do You Work?” It was very enjoyable for me to read about how she loves her job. I loved how her passion for what she did came shinning through. At the end she asked, “Where do you work?” and “Is it your dream job?” Hmm. What an interesting question I thought.

I work as a medical receptionist in a very busy doctor’s office. At times it’s a demanding and a stressful place to work. I work hard and do a good a job. My boss hates when I’m not there because he feels the office doesn’t run as well. I would love to less indispensable. I’m tired and usually feel like my brain is sucked out of my head by the end of day.

What is my dream job? I want to write. I want to create stories that not only tell a good story but are real. I want to be able to be free to do other things I feel the Lord calling me to do. It doesn't matter if I get paid to do it or not.

That being said, the lessons I’ve learned at this job were priceless. I’ve grown as a person as God has used my job as a source to mold, shape and deepen my character. I’ve learned to rely on Him and turn to Him for comfort.

I’ve tried to find work elsewhere, but nothing seems to open up to me. This tells me God’s timing is not right. So in the meantime as I wait for God’s opportunity, I try to do the best job I can. I believe this honors God. I pray and ask God to bless those I work with. I pray that He prospers the practice. Am I perfect at this? No, just ask Tom. There are days it gets to me, but I get back on that horse the next day and start anew.

There is something inside of me that rejoices when I see others that I care about have the opportunity to live their dreams. When I read Debbie’s blog, I couldn’t help but smile. I believe everyone should live their dreams. People aren’t born living their dreams. They usually have to pay their dues, so it’s great when their dreams come true. Isn’t God good that He allows us to look to the future with hope? Isn’t He good to allow us to live out our dreams? Thank You Father.

If you’re doing your dream job, please share by leaving a comment. I want to rejoice with you. If you’re not, then I want to join you in the hope that one day you will be.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Best Jobs

This morning was rainy and cold. As I drove by I saw a man on the street dressed as the Statute of Liberty. He had a hooded sweat shirt on under his costume. His job was to draw attention to the new business, Liberty Tax Service, which opened up in my neighborhood. I felt very badly for this grown man who had to stand outside in the rain and cold and wave to passing cars. He didn’t look very happy and I just said a word of prayer for him.

It got me to thinking. There are so many jobs out there that people do – some of them not pleasant. Some provide essential services to make our lives more convenient. Then there are those who put their lives on the line everyday in order to make our world a little safer. To list a few; policemen, doctors, nurses, fireman, airline workers, bus drivers, gas station attendants, 24-hr supermarkets, latte makers, garbage collectors, gardeners, mail men, maids, cooks, etc.

Then there is a job that encompasses being a cook, maid, gardener, doctor, nurse, taxi driver, etc. all wrapped up in one. That person keeps the home front running better known as mom. My kids are grown now and I love this stage of life. I do remember how it was to stay home and take care of young children and the home. I’ve done many things in my life that I got paid for, but that’s one job I would have paid to do. Yes, I was tired and it seemed like my work was never done. At times it felt like no one appreciated my cooking, cleaning, caretaking, etc. but that wasn’t true. They showed me in the most important way – they grew up to be incredible individuals. My children are young adults and I’m proud of who they are. I love them with my whole heart and I’m grateful that God let me borrow them.

One thing I've learned was that I couldn’t be a good mother without first being a good wife. These beautiful children grow up and move out, but the one who stays behind is the man I married. As much as our children tease us, they know that their parents love each other and enjoy each other. They witnessed us taking time out not only for them but for ourselves as well. I don’t regret taking time for our relationship. Those scheduled dates were important as well as the yearly vacation with and without the kids.

One day our daughter said she wanted a man that will love her the way her dad loves her mom. She continued to inform us that she won’t settle for anything less. That’s worth all the paychecks I didn’t get all those years.

So treasure every moment, every step, every smile, every hug from those little ones, but don’t forget the man who help bring them into the world.

© Nadine Z. 2007

A Sandwich Day

Some days start off really well. It’s Friday, it’s pay day and the office manager bought me a latte. The latte was totally unexpected and so out of character for her. I was lured into expecting the rest of the day would be just as nice.

I was very annoyed by my dealings with a lawyer’s assistant who wanted the doctor to testify in person. I tried to explain how he doesn’t do that, but would gladly do a video or regular deposition. The gal calling me was relentless and tried to threaten me with a subpoena to have him appear. To make a long story, short - let’s just say she’s still breathing and he’s going to be doing a video deposition.

My day started well, the middle wasn’t as pleasing as I would have liked but it ended well - hence the title of this post.

A local church was hosting a conference with a speaker that will be at church in April. We went to support them; we are friends with the pastor and his wife, and because we know the speaker. We heard Aaron Evans and was not disappointed. He’s a very good preacher/teacher – witty, easy to listen to, but most of all anointed. He speaks with authority. He's not full of himself and very down to earth.

Afterward he prayed for everyone. My husband and I were blessed and encouraged. So tonight I end this post simply by asking God to bless Aaron in his ministry because he truly blessed me.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Fridays are Good . . . Mondays are Bad . . . Martinis are Even Better

Mondays are for most people their least favorite day of the week. Why is that? I believe it’s because Mondays are bad. In a doctor’s office it can be down right insane. Emergencies always happen over the weekend. Patients can hardly wait until Monday mornings to call their doctor and usually they all call at the same time (or at least it seems that way). As busy as a Monday can be, nothing is worse than a Monday after a three day weekend. It is known as a double Monday. Reapeat after me, double Mondays are very, very bad.

I’ve had four Mondays in a row this week and no one should have to go through that. If I knew how to make a phone bomb, our phones would have been history. It appeared that everyone wanted to speak to Nadine. I've came to the conclusion that I’m changing my name and I’m not telling anyone what it is.

The doctor was cranky for the last couple of days. When that’s the case, I’m the one he expresses his crankiness towards. So I decided to tell him with a smile on my face, “I’ve forgiven you for being mean to me. I just wanted you to know. Everyone can have a bad and I don’t hold it against you.” This made him laugh. I thought if I made him laugh, he would lighten up. It worked temporarily.

I’m in the home stretch – Friday arrives tomorrow – Yippee! Hurrah! The week will end with martinis and fondue with some good friends. Now that’s the only way to end a week like this. Repeat after me, martinis are very, very good.

© Nadine Z. 2007

A Nice Cold One

This was a very long week considering the work week was only four days. Whenever there is a three day weekend the day I return to work becomes a double Monday. What made this week worse was that on Thursday, it felt like Monday. Which means this week I experienced three Mondays. That my friend is all kinds of wrong.

At the end of week like this there is only one thing to do – have a nice cold one. Tonight I enjoyed a wonderful rib dinner and an iced cold Corona. It really hit the spot. So thank you honey for a nice evening.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Office Christmas Dinner

Tonight my office had Christmas dinner at Red Lobster. Spouses were invited, but unfortunately Tom couldn’t come with me. He was out of town teaching a class. To be honest, I didn’t want to be the only one there without her husband. Have I gone places without him? Of course I have. Have I had a good time and been fine? Of course I have. This was different. My job is a stressful place for me for various reasons. I have tried to go beyond the trials and forge ahead and treat those I work with the way God would have me.

As I was driving tonight, I just prayed that I could have the superpower to transport someone through time and space. I just didn’t want to face this evening alone. Now I could have stayed in that place, but I choose not to. Instead, I started to pray that God would help me to see them through His eyes and that I would be a delight at the table.

So they laughed and I laughed. Before I knew it the evening came to an end and it was time to go home. I missed Tom tonight because I just wanted him to be near me so that I could touch his hand or look in his wonderful, caring eyes. Instead of the dread I felt while getting ready, I was able to have a pleasant.

I kept thinking about Tom and the very uncomfortable situation he faced today. The electricity had been out since last evening. His room was cold and he had trouble sleeping. He and the rest of the team had to teach in the cold with only daylight that shined through the windows. They had to end by 4:30 pm because it got too dark.

God taught me perceptive. I had to be by myself at a silly dinner and he couldn’t see in the dark. I could sleep in our comfortable, warm bed and he won’t have that same luxury. If the lack of electricity was the only warfare he and the others faced then it would have been fine, but it’s one of many.

So Lord, I pray that the electricity comes back on and that the warfare would end. Bring him and the rest of the team home safely tomorrow. Bless the students during these distractions and help them to get all they need from the class.

© Nadine Z. 2006

The Doctor’s Office

I work in a doctor’s office as a receptionist at least that is my official title. I do a lot more than just “recept.” I schedule appointments, answer phones, take vital signs, and write prescriptions for the doctors’ approval among other things. Today must have been a full moon because people were trying to sell me their craziness, but I wasn’t buying.

The part time gal who works in the mornings and helps out in several ways hands me a note. She informed me that one of our patients died. This is helpful in case they have future appointments, we cancel it. Usually a family member calls us to inform us of this information. So I asked, “Who called to tell us?”

“No one called.” She replied.

“How did you know she died then?” I inquired.

“I’m looking up patients online in the obituaries to see if we lost any.” She said in all seriousness.

I had to laugh, because this is definitely not in her job description. She went on to tell me she sometimes looks up people on the social security deceased list. That’s how she found out her first husband was dead.

Then I get a phone call from a husband of a patient asking why we called his house. I asked first, “Who is this?” You see patients or family members call expecting me to know who they are by the sound of their voice or by their first name. I know I’m prophetic in minor ways, but really. He told me who he was and asked what I wanted from his wife. He was very forceful and insistent that I called. His wife by the way is one of our Alzheimer’s patients. I told him I didn’t call. He insisted again that I did because his wife said someone from our office called her. So I told him I would ask the other gals I work with if they called. When I got back on the phone to tell him no one called he said, “I’m sorry my wife said some other office called her about sending records to your office.”

I know my doctor runs late. I hate this as much as the patients do. Why? Because they yell at me and tell me they have a life. I know they have a life and don't want to wait a half hour or hour for an appointment. So, I just smile and say, "Hey, I'm so sorry the doctor's running late, but I'm on time." You see when they get in to see the doctor finally, he apologizes and they alway tell him it's okay. They never take out their frustrations on him.

Other offices call also to make appointments for their patients all the time. I ask the same questions every time they call. You would think, when I ask for a phone number or what type of insurance they have, they would have that information handy. My favorite is when I ask why are we seeing your patient and their response is for a neurological consult. Right how stupid am I? I work for a neurologist who sees patience for everything from headaches to Parkinson's. He's kind of silly and would like to know which condition he's seeing the patient.

I deal with people who are sick, and at times in a bad mood. It’s not always easy, but my response is always to smile, use my most pleasant voice and try to talk them down from the ledge. So Lord, help me to do this excellence even when people are trying to sell me crazy.

© Nadine Z. 2006

Thank God It’s Friday

It’s funny to me how people can’t wait for Friday to come. It signifies for most an end to their week. You wake up on Friday morning and you’re so excited because you know you have only eight hours left and then freedom. The excitement builds at lunchtime because the day is halfway over with. It doesn’t matter if you believe in God or not, everyone gives Him thanks on Friday. I use to dread Sundays because it meant the whole week started again the next day. But now I just enjoy the day and realize it’s not Monday yet. Don’t let the threat of Monday ruin Sunday. Okay, I admit it was my husband who taught me that.

My boss is building a very elaborate 9,000 square foot home (think mansion). It’s been going on for two years and it’s getting close to the end. So he comes to me and asks this question, “If you were to paint a mural in your bedroom, what kind of picture would you have.” Now the thought goes through my mind that he’s talking to woman whose walls are still painted off white like the day she moved in. I replied that a peaceful image might be nice. So I showed him how to use Google images to look for pictures he might enjoy. I realized later on that it was a cry for help. He has picked out every little detail in the house and he’s gotten to the point where he doesn’t want to choose another thing. So this weekend I’ll spend some time looking for some cool pictures for him. Why did I share that? I don’t know.

So I want to thank God not only that it’s Friday, but also for making it a bearable Friday that bordered on enjoyable. God rocks!

© Nadine Z.

Boss’s Day

Today is Boss’s Day and in case I would have forgotten, the office manager at work made sure it was on the calendar. She said a couple of weeks ago, that I have Secretary’s Day, the doctor we work for has “Doctor’s Day”, but Boss’s Day is her day. Now understand this, this would not have been a problem if she was a good boss.

My workplace is not an enjoyable environment for me. I struggle to go there everyday, but this is not news to God. The people I work with, I can’t trust. My office manager especially doesn’t seem to like me much. My saving grace, the doctor loves me. He thinks no one else can do my job (especially the office manager, which by the way doesn’t help her to like me any better) and when I came back from an extended vacation, he told me to make sure I fix any mistakes that may have been made. This makes it difficult to get time off. Don’t get me wrong, who doesn’t like being needed, but I would love to have job where I am not missed that much.

So, with all this in mind, I bought the card for the other girls to sign. I organized them to do something for her. We bought her lunch today and gave her the card and she was very happy. I’m glad she was happy. God has been softening my heart. It doesn’t matter in the long run if she is a good boss or not. What does matter is am I a good employee. That is what matters to God. I am responsible for my actions and not the actions of others. God has placed her in authority over me and it doesn’t matter if I agree with the way she leads. My responsibility is to pray for her also. So Happy Boss’s Day Linda.

© Nadine Z.