6 guys

This was another hellacious week at work. Almost felt punished for having a 3-day weekend. The calls were brisk and the crazy quotient was extremely high. I don't know what the statistics are, but I would venture to guess that 10% of the patients probably take up 90% of my time (and that of everyone at the clinic). The mental illnesses often usurp any physical ailments. Then, on the other side, the MDs bitch if they aren't seeing enough patients and bitch if they have to see certain patients without enough time. It is a fine line that you end up crossing on occasion because you cannot help but do so. The high point of the week was one of our special patients (who, I am not being factitious, was told not to come to her phys therapy appts because she reeked of urine) came to the lobby and began a profanity laced tirade in front of staff and patients alike because they would not refill her narcotic. Lovely.

As to what to do about the whole job situation, the answer remains unclear. I am still planning on doing nothing until I return from vacation, but unlike before the vacation is actually nearing (finally). I am still welcome at my old position, but that position seems to be changing rapidly. They are 'rethinking' it due to budget.....which as you can imagine does not mean anything positive for the employee. On the table are 12hour shifts at the Park, eliminating weekend patients so they can keep no more than 1 staff there, and combining the two big location (GS and Eman) into one large IV team that will travel btwn them. Will be interesting to see how it all shakes out. Also, another former co-worker left as she had planned which means that the entirety of their under-40 staff for the Park is gone. So, going back (if a position even existed) might not mean even remotely the same job anymore.

The weekend has been pretty mellow. Spent Friday nite with the guy living off of Groupon, which is a fascinating concept. According to his site: The premise is simple: No cash. The Groupawn (customer chosen to Live Off Groupon) has nothing but a year’s supply of Groupons good for the best things to eat, do, see and buy across the country. From skydiving and upscale cuisine to body waxing and foreign language classes, Groupon deals will shape the Groupawn’s daily life. He will need to rely on the kindness of strangers for social niceties (like tax and tip) and basic human needs (like somewhere to sleep and a ride to any of Groupon’s 60 cities.)

So, it sounds like an intriguing concept and one that most of us would be hard pressed to actually do..........but he was jovial, garrulous, and massive (6'6") so I am sure he will fare better than most. Plus, with $100,000 at the end of the year, it is a worthy venture. We met our friend/former Realtor Joleen, the groupon guy, and about a half dozen other people at Miss Delta for dinner and to discuss his adventures. It was a fun gathering, though I was far less impressed with the service/food. Were everyone not hanging out, it would have been unbearable and I would have left. As it was, it took more than an hour from seating until our dinner came. The restaurant was full, but not huge. The food itself was not terrible, but neither would I highly recommend it. The flavor was lacking in most everything I ate (save for the sweet tea, which was quite delicious). Overall, there are better options for your dining dollar.

Made it out to 5 Guys on Saturday early evening for dinner (we were in the area). They win time after time in the 'best fast food burger' comparisons. Though, after eating there, it is a rather unfair comparison. A cheeseburger at McDonalds might run about a buck, same with Wendys, BK, etc. A cheeseburger here cost closer to $4 (single) and $5 (there normal double patty) and these are built to order. Overall, it was MUCH more like eating a restaurant quality burger. The hand cut fries were a particular high point. Definitely heavy food though. This isn't the kind of place you will want to go for a jog after (though you might wish to). Quite good, but something to put into the 'eat rarely' column.

Yeah for football being back! Going to go enjoy it (while secretly lamenting that it is Sunday). Hopefully this week will be better.