What do you do…?

[youngandtired]

Danny, I love PR, I use to live in Borinquen. We are retired Coast Guard, and were stationed there twice. My 25 yr. old son was born in Moca, PR and we left when he was 2, and returned for 3 more years when he was 9. He remembers it with fond memories also. I was a hairdresser for 20yrs. and decided it was not for me any longer once we retired and bought our home. I was a homeschool mom for my son for 5yrs. and then when the Math got too hard for me he went back to private school where he graduated. Now I am a mailcarrier also, and love my job. I am a contracted worker and when I am finished with my deliveries I go home. Working with people is always a hard job, but the relationships you have with them is so rewarding most of the time. Some people are real funny over their mail, I once thought that ppl couldn't be as picky about their mail as their hair. NOT! haha!!!!
For fun I love to watch Movies, go to the movies, walk and play with my B, go out shopping and eating out with hubby and friends, read, and visit Basenji Forum. I also volunteer at my Church doing cleaning, greeting guest, flower beds pulled and other things. God is Good EveryDay!!!!!!

[moetmum]

I am a receptionist at a Country Park situated on the south downs, it's jointly owned by the local council and the forestry commission, not as exciting as some of you on here but we have our moments.

No day is the same from lost dogs and children to calling out the air ambulance or patching up the walking wounded, we never know what the day will bring. We meet people from all over the world, and my working colleagues are the best.

We have recently "twinned" with a country park in Uganda, some of their rangers have visited our park and two of our volunteers have been over to visit theirs, another trip is planned for September, I would love to go, better start saving the pennies!!

[Danny]

Hey youandtired I'm very happy to hear you had a good time here.

And thanks everyone for opening up and talking about this. When I made this thread I realized that not everyone would be to happy about talking of what they do for a living, I realize money is an issue and all of that but your not your job, your clothes or how much money you have in the bank, you are the love for your kids, your peers, your pets, and of course the love you should have for your self and for whatever is keeping this amazing planet still orbiting around an universe that we really know nothing of. We must also question ourselves about our consumer logic, how much do we really need and how much has the media made us think we do?

Be grateful people, for whatever you have and as little as it is. I recommend everyone to grab a copy of The Secret (the book not the movie) It might change your outlook on life and trust me, that alone can do wonders.

Dios los bendiga.

[Quercus]

@MacPack:

Recovery Room Nurse, day job for 29 years
Basenji wrangler, lifetime job

Past interests: wheel-thrown pottery, riding my bike 100 miles/week
Current: dog park every afternoon after work and twice on Sundays, reading, cooking, being way too lazy!
Happily married, and he's more nuts about the basenjis than I am, if that is possible. Every fall I have to fight "puppy lust"!

Somehow, I never knew you are a nurse, Anne! Such an underappreciated profession, yet so fundamental to health care. I gained a whole new respect for nurses, as my twin pregnancy was the first time I spent any length of time in a hosptial; and then with the babies being in the NICU for three weeks. I LOVED my nurses, they were the best!!

Just wanted to let you know how much I respect the awesome job you all do!

[Quercus]

@moetmum:

I am a receptionist at a Country Park situated on the south downs, it's jointly owned by the local council and the forestry commission, not as exciting as some of you on here but we have our moments.

No day is the same from lost dogs and children to calling out the air ambulance or patching up the walking wounded, we never know what the day will bring. We meet people from all over the world, and my working colleagues are the best.

We have recently "twinned" with a country park in Uganda, some of their rangers have visited our park and two of our volunteers have been over to visit theirs, another trip is planned for September, I would love to go, better start saving the pennies!!

That sounds like a great job! I would love to go to Uganda too….maybe someday...

[Quercus]

@Danny:

Hey youandtired I'm very happy to hear you had a good time here.

And thanks everyone for opening up and talking about this. When I made this thread I realized that not everyone would be to happy about talking of what they do for a living, I realize money is an issue and all of that but your not your job, your clothes or how much money you have in the bank, you are the love for your kids, your peers, your pets, and of course the love you should have for your self and for whatever is keeping this amazing planet still orbiting around an universe that we really know nothing of. We must also question ourselves about our consumer logic, how much do we really need and how much has the media made us think we do?

Be grateful people, for whatever you have and as little as it is. I recommend everyone to grab a copy of The Secret (the book not the movie) It might change your outlook on life and trust me, that alone can do wonders.

Dios los bendiga.

That never even occured to me!! I couldn't care less about how much people make…the fact that we all love Basenjis is a much stronger connection than finances anyhow

[MacPack]

Thanks, Andrea! I love being a nurse, especially in Recovery.

And I agree, the wonderful thing about basenjis, and dogs in general, is that we make our friendships with other like-minded people with no regard for job or money. We have very good dog park friends that we knew for years before we ever discuss what we do for a living. There are some who are quite well off, and others who have to watch every penny to stay alive and keep their dogs fed. But we are all alike in that we love our dogs.

Anne in Tampa

[BDawg]

I credential physicians at the hospital. That means when a doctor moves to our area and wants to have privileges to do procedures (or even to be able to see patients), I check them out to make sure they're not psycho-killers. LOL It's a huge part of patient safety that for the most part goes totally unnoticed in our society. Some days it can be boring– it's a lot of paperwork. We basically verify every aspect of the person's life from medical school on... But it's worth it. I certainly don't want some whack job performing a surgery on me and not know what they're doing!!

On a side note-- My husband and I are huge UFC fans. Sad that Mask died this week in a car crash. I went to school with Forrest Griffin and DH used to work with him. We're also friends with Rorie and Adam Singer. Good people. And I have to admit that I was really proud of myself that I knew what a flying back fist was!! YESSSS! DH would be proud!!

I got my masters in education from the University of Georgia but took a job in healthcare because that's what I could get. Worked at a urology practice for a couple of years-- that was amusing. lol Then moved on to hospital work. I love working with doctors and staying involved on the ever-changing front of healthcare technology. It's also fun when I get to plan special events.

DH and I are in the process of buying our first home!! YEAH!!! So most of my time is spent on Craigslist searching for inexpensive furniture and good deals. (So if any of you have them, speak up!!) We've been living "small" - ie, a 1 bedroom apt -- to save up for this. It's a miracle we've not killed each other. I can't wait until Lexi and Miles do their first B-500 through the new place!! AND... we can finally get them a newer, bigger crate AND a new bed!!

[khanis]

@Quercus:

I left the zoo when our first son was born in '93.

HOLY SMOKES!
That was a backwards pregnancy!
I swear you and I were both preggo at the 2003 EBC show!

I never knew you worked in a zoo… coolio!

[khanis]

I spent 12 years as a Dental Asst.
But have worked the past 5 years as a teaching assistant [mornings] while going back to school for my Elem Ed degree [and teaching certificate of course].
I spend an hour every afternoon volunteering in my son's 4th grade classroom.
A few know that I have been a surrogate mother and for the past 4 years, I have ran my own surrogate consulting agency.

The unpaid hours slaving after my kids and dogs don't count as work, do they? They should, as following around my 5th grade daughter is a FT job!

[Quercus]

@khanis:

HOLY SMOKES!
That was a backwards pregnancy!
I swear you and I were both preggo at the 2003 EBC show!

I never knew you worked in a zoo… coolio!

Uh…ooops, yeah..2003! In '93 I was just leaving Seattle!!!

Yes, and we definitely were the two pregnant ladies trotting around the ring...both at EBC and the National!

[Janneke]

What a great thread! It's nice to read about everybody's life besides the b's!

I'm a student Veterinary Medicine.. Loving it.. but it costs me lots of time.. Long weeks, long days.. But almost everything I hear, read and see is sooooo interesting!! There are only 225 places p/year, and more than 800 people wanting to start every year.. so I feel lucky, lucky, lucky….
Hobbies.. I had lots of them.. haha.. but now I spent my free time with Tillo and BF, just enjoying their company. Making long walks with lots of pics. Going to dog training etc. I also love to visit dog forums!

[bellabasenji]

@khanis:

I spent 12 years as a Dental Asst.
But have worked the past 5 years as a teaching assistant [mornings] while going back to school for my Elem Ed degree [and teaching certificate of course].
I spend an hour every afternoon volunteering in my son's 4th grade classroom.
A few know that I have been a surrogate mother and for the past 4 years, I have ran my own surrogate consulting agency.

… Interesting ... I was a Dental/Orthodontic Assistant for over fifteen years prior to being a Pharmacy Technician! I became "burnt out" and decided it was time for a change...

And it is great you could be a surrogate mother, I can't even imagine being able to do that for someone... you are a special person and definitely someones':) angel to do that!!!

[crystalncody]

I agree with Janneke, this is a great thread!

I'm a recent college graduate; I just finished my BA in Anthropology in June. I am taking a year off while applying to graduate schools. I'm still trying to decide whether I want to work in Cultural Anthropology or Archaeology, so I guess I will make the choice when I find out which graduate schools I get into.

At the moment, I'm a saute chef at an Italian inspired seafood restaurant. I also help take care of my grandmother, who has recently come to need 24 hour care, but that is more of a joy than a job. Before starting college, I was a chef for about 10 years, so cooking is one of my hobbies. I also sculpt, but haven't done it much in a long time. I have always lived near the ocean, so I love the beach and swimming. I also love people and cultures, both past and present; they're my passion. I love tattoos and have quite a few, too bad my family does not share that love, they all hope it's just a phase that I will grow out of, LOL! Lately, whatever free time I have, I spend with Cody and Moe.

[Basenjimamma]

Very cool thread.
Ok here it goes. I am a stay-at-home mom, with a nine yr old daughter and a 4 yr old son. My day involves caring for all of our critters large and small, ranging from the dogs all the way down to our backyard flock of chickens.
I also foster for Brat and help out at my daughter's school. This fall I will be the PE teacher at her school, that ought to be fun..
I enjoy baking, working out (goes hand in hand with baking…), as well as just being a mom and caretaker. I love, love, love to read a good book or watch a good British Detective show..Midsomer Murder in particular.
I originally came from Sweden in -91 to be an Au-Pair and ended up staying..this is my home now. I worked as a bartender and selling office furniture, both jobs I throughly enjoyed, bartending was the best though..fun times., lots of money..LOL.
My next goal in life is to learn how to just take care of myself..

[thunderbird8588]

What a great thread, so interesting. I think it helps us get to know each other a little better. Such a diverse group of people linked by Basenjis
I have always worked with children, mostly pre-schoolers and for the last 16 years or so working with children who have disabilities.
I work for the early years team supporting children in mainstream nurseries.
We have one very large Dog and two Cats and are hoping to add a Basenji to the family again soon.
Besides caring for the animals, husband and grown up sons i enjoy reading, listening to music, watching TV, going on the forum (of course) and eating out.
I also collect Dolls and vintage toys (never realy grew up,lol):D.

[NerdyDogOwner]

I am currently unemployed.

Left my job after 8 years, I worked in sales as an assistant store manager. I loved the people and job but sadly my boss hated me and kept pushing to get rid of me, giving me all kinds of crap. I think because I was a witness to him being unfaithful to his wife with a co-worker…and now she is promoted! Typical workplace drama!

Anyways, I got fed up and decided to try to focus on what I enjoy. Mainly computers. So I am currently studying Network Administration (second year), and hope to be a Microsoft Systems-engineer. Next year I will be studying Network/Computer Security.

[Jylly18]

This is a cool thread, it's fun to see what everyone does for a living!!
I am also in education, during the school year I teach 7th grade social studies and language arts, and in the summer I teach a cooking class to K-1 students. I especially love the summer job, it's only a month long, half day, and lots of fun! It just ended last week, so now summer can officially begin:P I plan to spend my last six weeks of freedom reading, sitting out on my deck, and getting ready for next year. We are having a baby in January, so I want to get as much done to prepare this summer as I can! Now if only the fatigue would go away so I could make the most of my time…:P

[Elscodobermann]

why does everyone else have such interesting lives? I have a real conversation killer of a job - commercial insurance broker. Just one of those types of job you fall into when you leave school/college - but it pays well and lets me waste my money on dogs and dog shows! Just recently got promoted to manager of our office corporate team, so pretty busy at moment. I live with my o/h of 16 years John, who is in the construction trade. Dogs and dog shows- particularly dobermanns and now basenjis - have been my main hobby all my life - i hit the big 40 this year. Apart from dogs, we enjoy eating out (as our waistlines testify) - decent malt whisky, and gardening.

[Buana]

I never have seen this tread!

I own a transport company with my husband and a ship.
We transport material and bulk from one place to another, so we see a lot plaeces in Holland, Germany and Belgium.

I also do some service work in de animal world, I am a (how do you call it in English?) feeding adviser for dogs and cats.
I only do that for fun now, with the little free time I have left besides the ship.
Also we do some service work with the B's, Buana is a service dog and helps people and children with dogfear.

I'm a French student also! Well, I follow a study for the French languages (I spoke French better than English when I was younger, I have a lot of french family)
I recently stoped the study for a while because of my pregnancy.
We also are busy with our horse plans, a bit of research and getting back into the horse world.

My hobby's.. besides the B's..

• I like to sport a bit, I always did Kung-Fu, now I can't practise the trainings I keep up my technique and playfight a bit with Kas my husband
• Walking and photography is also a big hobby of mine
• And a big passion of me is the Czech. Wolfdog! I just started to roll into their world..
  We don't have plans having one in the near future but I am crazy about them!

We expect the Baby at the end of September (due date is 2 October but we think it's going to be end of september)
After three months pregnancy we started with the baby stuff, so the dogs could be used to everything step by step (we and our dogs… they are our lifes) so at this time, we have everything complete.. There is nothing we have to do or have to buy untill it's born.

That's sort of my life