It's been another long and busy week. My new job is absolutely crushing me at the moment. There's so much to do, and not enough hours in the day to get to everything. Most afternoons I end up staying over anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour beyond when I'm supposed to get off. I don't get paid overtime, either.
On the bright side, I'm learning a lot, and my new boss has had nothing but praise for the job I'm doing. She's been very friendly and kind, which is saying something because most of the staff is terrified of her! She's already demoted and fired some people and threatened to fire others. It's obvious she came to our school with the intention to "clean house" so to speak, so I'm grateful that I keep getting more responsibilities, not less! She's told me that I'm valuable to her and that she has faith in me to do a good job. She shows she means it by leaving me strictly alone to manage my own workday and tasks. So far, so good...although I'm still nervous about her. It's hard not to be when almost everyone else walks around on eggshells all the time! Hopefully she'll settle into her new job soon, and then everyone will be able to relax a little.
Gregg had his colonoscopy on Monday, and it turns out his oncologist had also ordered an endoscopy to be done at the same time. The colonoscopy was all clear, but the endoscopy showed a "nodule" on his duodenum. The doctor took samples to biopsy and we probably won't hear anything until the middle of next week. That's kind of scary. The doctor was careful to not say much of anything about it one way or the other, and was out the door in less than a minute. There's nothing to do but wait and see.
What else? I spoke to Prophet (Little P.) and his mom the other day! They're both doing well, and we've made plans to have dinner together one night next week. I sure miss seeing them both at work, though!
I don't know how to end this post so I'll just sign off with a picture I just snapped of Marco T. Barlow* amusing himself with chewing on an ink pen while I type away at the computer. He's still up to his devilish bird business, just like always!
* Marco will be 15 years old next month! I was thinking of having a little hatchday party for him...but would that be too weird?! I could invite all his favorite people over, and we could have birthday cake and deviled eggs (hahaha!) and wine, which he also likes. What do you think?
I am now keeping you and Gregg in my thoughts as you play the waiting game.
ReplyDeleteIt sure sounds like the boss is pleased with you. That’s a good thing. - Jenn
Thank you so much. I didn't think Gregg noticed it too much (he was so groggy when the doctor came in to make his initial report) but then a couple of days later he texted me at work and said, "I'm worried about that biopsy." :( After having one really serious cancer situation, no matter how long ago, it's hard not to immediately think the worst when something weird shows up. I appreciate your kind words, Jenn. How are YOU doing? I've been thinking about you.
DeleteI say have the party and let he have some wine. unless he will get even more mischievous?
ReplyDeleteHe's been dipping his little tongue into my wine glass for YEARS now, Maddie! LOL! If wine would hurt him, he'd have died a long time ago!
DeleteBusy is good, it says a lot. I understand parrots can live a very long time.
ReplyDeleteYes, he'll probably outlive us both.
DeleteKeeping busy is a good way to avoid being in the line of fire. The party for Marco sounds hilarious.
ReplyDeleteThat's my whole plan at the moment....stay out of the line of fire!
DeleteFirst of all- I think you should definitely have a hatchday party for Marco. What a great excuse to have cake, deviled eggs, and wine!
ReplyDeleteSecondly, so glad to hear that your principal respects you and your work and your work ethic. However, I think it's ridiculous that you have to stay late when you're not getting paid to do so. I understand but I hate that for you.
And third and most important- may Gregg's biopsy show nothing at all but some benign something-something. The waiting is the hardest part though, isn't it? Love to you both.
I don't trust her yet to be totally sincere, so I'm being very cautious. No one makes me stay late or asks me to, I just find that it's the only way (for the time being) I can get even the minimum of stuff done so I don't start the next day way behind.
DeleteThank you for the kind words about the biopsy. I sure hope it's nothing.
There must be some other house parrots in Florence. Maybe you could put it out on the local radio - a parrot party at your place - dress casual. Maybe Marco will hook up with a girl parrot and dance the night away. He could even share his seed with her.
ReplyDeleteThere are some female eclectus parrots in town, but they came from the same breeder where Marco came from. They're probably siblings and cousins!
DeleteThe hatchday party is a must! Best to Greg, while we all wait with baited breath.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne. xx
DeleteA party is a must. 15 must be celebrated. Fingers crossed for Gregg!
ReplyDeleteOur bird is a fully fledged teenager! Ha!
DeleteBring on the cake, the wine and the deviled eggs (hahaha)!! Marco loves parties, doesn't he? And so do you (to an extent)!
ReplyDeleteWell done you on getting the respect you deserve from your new boss. It does indeed sound like she's sweeping through the school with a big, hard-bristled broom.
I very well understand that Gregg and you are scared, and of course I hope the results come soon and are not as bad as you fear.
Nice to know you are going to meet up with Prophet and his mum!
A "big, hard-bristled broom" is a perfect way to describe it. No one is at ease or happy, and I sure hope that changes. I'm looking forward to seeing Prophet and his sweet mama!
DeleteWhat a great excuse for a party! Hope all will be OK for Gregg.( My husband is having investigations on some spots on his back)
ReplyDeleteI think it sounds like fun, too! :)
DeleteJennifer, I have been totally swamped with life so I haven't been reading or posting for a month. I just went back and read all of your recent posts. Good luck with your new job responsibilities. I have had principals before we you just never knew where you stood with them. Hopefully you will get into a grove and routine soon. And the party for Marco sounds like a great idea!
ReplyDeleteDespite the extra time you're putting into your job, it sounds like you have it all under control. Having a private space has become a Godsend. At least you can learn the new job without the interruptions you would normally get in a school environment. I hope you have Marco's party. It sounds like you all need it. I love that Marco enjoys a sip of wine now and again.
ReplyDeleteOh, DEFINITELY have a hatchday party for Marco -- he deserves it!
ReplyDeleteI agree that a party for Marco is in order. Glad you are enjoying your new job but I wish you got OT. Hope you get good news for Gregg.
ReplyDeleteI love it how your blogger buddies cheer on the right thing to do.
ReplyDeleteGo for the party.
ReplyDeleteCelebrate 🥳🎂🦜
ReplyDeleteWe had a hand-reared (by us) yellow-naped Amazon parrot (with chronic PMS). On his 1st birthday, we put a candle in an apple and lit it. He hissed at it — and blew it out.
ReplyDelete