Elizabeth & the 8 J's

Week 1 at Charron went great!! I really like everyone that I work with, my biggest drama is keeping the warehouse guys and drivers straight. To them I am the new girl, so its obvious who I am and what my name is. For me though I have about 18 guys who I have to remember, and when they say "Good morning Elizabeth!" I want to be able to reply with "Good morning Joe!" This is where the drama starts, I have to distinguish between Jerry, Jimmy, Jim, Joe, Josiah, Jason, Jorge and Jose, among others. So much to keep straight, but I really think I am making progress and getting it right.

I am learning alot about the scrap business. The business runs in a very specific and speedy way that is very different than what I am used to, but so far its not a challenge to keep up.

Right now the old office manager is transitioning out. She is very helpful and willing to show me everything that I could need to know. She answers all of my questions and volunteers even more. It is a little frustrating though, because she is incredibly patronizing to me. She has "taught" me how to BOLD in Excel and how to fill out a bank deposit slip. I do my best to smile and thank her for the tips. There is no definite day for her last day, she will be there until everyone is comfortable that I know what is going on and what is needed of me.

They really are a great bunch of people!! I have been brought to tears with laughter three days this week as we all joke while we eat lunch. The brothers who own/run the place are very loyal to their employees and I have only seen them treat everyone with great respect and care.

I've also been successful at adjusting my schedule to work with the new job. At the ballet the office opened at 9, but I frequently didn't get there until 9:30 (or later sometimes), now the office opens at 8, and that is two hours after the drivers and warehouse guys get there. Though the place won't cease functioning if I am not on time, it is much more important for me to be there on time. I have made it every day this week, and even had time for me to stop at Starbucks on my way (a daily vice I have not been able to shake, but I haven't tried too hard either). My mission this weekend will be to try and stay within a schedule that won't offset the progress I've made at waking up before 7. Wait, don't get me wrong, I have no intention of waking up before 7 on the weekend, I just don't want to stay up till 2 and wake up at 11, like I often do.

This weekend I also have a long to do list of small projects around the house as we gear up for our Breuner home tour in a couple of weeks. (Eek!!!!) Just little things like painting the last piece of trim that went up. On Sunday I have a hike planned with Sarah and Julian to Uvas Canyon, one of my very favorite places to hike. Hopefully we can get some good pictures of the greenery and waterfalls! The weather should be great, we've been on a really comfortable streak of 70's during the day with beautiful blue skies.

Meet Harley, the shop dog. He's a 5 month old doberman pinscher who belongs to Tom, one of the brothers.

Instead of having a 4 month old baby thrust in my arms I get to hang out with him. He is really well behaved and mostly just sleeps under Tom's desk.

Have a great weekend!!!