Monday, March 23, 2009

ABC WEDNESDAY.


As anyone who knows me will verify, I am not a big fan of Homo sapiens as a species. I find our arrogance and aggression distinctly unpleasant and I am appalled by our endless capacity to destroy other species. That being said it is not without a slight modicum of surprise that I find myself actually doing a post about a person this week. Don't worry I am not about to get all mushy about my 'mate', I'll save that for another time ;) And no, I am not regressing to some bizarre school girl crush! This week for ABC Wednesday I am posting J is for Jamie.


When I first started working at the Museum the two other people who were working in the Animal Care division were, lets just say, a little lacking in their dedication! Whenever I went away on vacation I would be filled with a sense of dread as to what I would find upon my return, and trust me, it usually wasn't anything good! Anyway, on one occasion on returning from a trip I find that one of them has been fired and the other one has handed in their notice! So within a week of coming back I was on my own! For a while I did three peoples jobs on my own and then we managed to do some hiring. One of the people we hired was Jamie. Jamie has now been at the Museum for almost three years and I can't begin to tell you how much she has improved my work environment.


I will be honest, when we were interviewing I had my reservations, she seemed so young, I wasn't sure how she was going to stand up to the tasks, but lucky for me, my colleagues saw her potential and we went ahead and hired her. Just occasionally a person comes into your life and provides a wonderfully positive force and that is exactly what Jamie has done. She has worked her way into the position of Aquatic Animal Technician and she is totally in her element out in the field with her hip waders on and her net in hand.



I have yet to meet a more positive and cheerful person, even when we are rushing round like headless chickens at work without enough hours in the day to get everything done, she still remains upbeat, but not in an annoying way. And the most amazing part of it is, she actually is a good influence on me!! I am a self confessed, cynical, grumpy old fart. But with Jamie around, because she is so great, she actually makes me behave in a slightly better manner towards my fellow humans! And believe me when I tell you, that is no mean achievement!


It is very rarely that I meet someone with the same dedication and devotion to the animal kingdom that I have, but Jamie has it. Her work with all our animals, everyday is concrete proof of that fact. But one of the things I like best of all about Jamie is when we are out in the field and we find something cool, she is always more than happy to oblige when I say 'hold this Jamie, I want to get a picture of it for my blog!'



Doesn't matter what it is.....................



Large or small, Jamie steps up, and so her hands have been on many of my posts!



So thanks Jamie, for being such a breath of fresh air, for being such fun to be around, for being such a phenomenally hard worker, for helping to look after all the animals in our care so well, for making my return from vacations an entirely non-stressful event, for making me the most outrageously delicous chocolate cake for my birthday, and for making me a (slightly) less grumpy old fart! YOU ROCK!!



For lots of 'J' posts from all over the world, check out ABC Wednesday.


Photo Credits - CJT


13 comments:

Sylvia K said...

What a fabulous way to celebrate "J" for today! Jamie sounds like such a wonderful young woman and it's obvious she has added much pleausre to your work life! So often people may feel that way about someone, but never get around to actually telling them! How lovely that she has made your work life so much better -- for both of you, really. Thanks for sharing!

Mara said...

That little turtle (or tortoise, I don't really know the difference) is so cute.
I'm glad you have such a wonderful person to share your love of nature with. She looks really happy out there in her waders and holding all those animals!

Jane Hards Photography said...

I feel the same way about the human race most days and then like you someone really restores my faith. Very personal genuine post.

Richard Lawry said...

My hats of to you Jamie.

An Arkies Musings

Tumblewords: said...

Isn't it fun to find someone who's enthusiastic and willing to learn? Great post! Way to go, Jamie!

spacedlaw said...

Humans aren't all bad. Good that you found at least one good person.

Doug Taron said...

I concur heartily. Jamie is a real asset to the department.

Carol said...

What an uplifting positive post this is. I love the photo of Jamie in her hip waders. Isn't it nice to know someone who loves what we love....

Janie said...

Jamie sounds like a joy for you and the animal kingdom. I'm glad to hear at least one human has justified homo sapiens' existence for you.

Anonymous said...

What a great post! Many people are all too ready to hand out criticism when they feel necessary, but seldom remember to hand out the bouquets - how lovely to see you doing just that.

Jamie sounds like a wonderful asset to your team, and just the right person for the job she's doing. :)

Glennis said...

You make a great team. i like the wee turtle its very cute I would hold that, but not the snakes!

Anonymous said...

Isn't it great to meet someone like your Jamie. It's those people who keep me from becoming even more cranky and disliking of fellow humans. Glad that there are Celestes and Jamies in the world..The animals need you...Michelle

Louise said...

I'm with you on homo sapiens, and Jamie DOES rock. Though think I could pull of the personality part (with slightly more sarcasm/cynicism than her), there is no way I would hold just ANYTHING. I love it that she will! This is a fantastic post!