Back to Reality

Dave went back to work on Monday and I returned on Tuesday! Although, we both really enjoy our jobs, it was hard to go back. Lucky for Dave his second day back was a half day and his third day was the Fourth, so he had off. I unfortunately had a 12 hour day my first day and had a hell of a time getting through it. I know...cry me a river...we had 3 weeks off! In any case, it was kinda a shock for us both to get back to reality. One thing that made it easier for me is that I am being trained in a new area!!! The primate department has 6 different rotations/beats/sections (whatever you want to call them). Since, I have only worked there a couple months, I only was trained in one section thus far (Tamarins, Lemurs and Howlers). Now, I am learning a section that has a Mandrill (soon to have 2 more), Debrazza's Guenons, Siamangs and an Agile Gibbon! I have never worked with these species before, so it is very fun and a great learning experience! These particular species are of higher intelligence than the ones I was working with, so I really have to be on my toes. The Mandrill, "Jesse", for example, will reach her hand out the cage and check your locks when you shift her into a new cage. Cute, unless you didn't lock the cage properly!!! She also knows how to open and close shift doors, so everything has to padlocked and checked and then checked again before you enter a cage or shift her! Anyway, I'm having a blast learning the new section and am excited to have more variety in my week, since I will still work the other area as well!
It seems like we have been non-stop busy catching up with everyone since we got back! We went to Dana and Ruben's house last night for some pizza and a movie! We watched Crank, which was odd to say the least. It was entertaining enough to watch the whole thing, but I don't think any of us would watch it again. It had some very unique camera angles and effects, but it had no real point and you never cared about the characters. The important part, is that we had fun...good company and good food. Right now, Dave is at a 311 concert and I had some friends over. Tomorrow is Dave's birthday and while he is at work, I will be relaxing on the beach with friends. Doesn't seem fair, does it? Tomorrow night I have something planned for Dave's birthday, but of course cannot tell you because it is a surprise. Then next weekend we have a wedding to attend. And I am sure that there is a lot more going on that I can't think of right now. So, until next time...goodnight!