Same old, same old around here....Daegan's still biting at daycare....I still feel like I need to find a better solution....my clinic is still short staffed and there's still drama with everyone....the TV is still ridiculously big to me.


But, my preg symtpoms seem to be subsiding...my belly is expanding some...Russ was off last week and we hung out, went blueberry picking, etc...Daegan is talking more and more...and the weather is HOT!

So today is a good day too. I felt very needed at the clinic today. I was busy and had a couple of emergency type cases. I don't feel exhausted. And I think we're having pizza for dinner (my craving this go around).

With regards to the clinic and my job. I want to ask for a raise....but I've never done that before and I don't really know how to do it. I've put a call to one of my best vet friends (who is in San Antonio right now for a conference - I tried to go Jenn but couldn't bear the 8-ish hour drive right now)....I'm hoping she can help me work through this. I pulled the numbers and while I'm not an overall big producer at the clinic, I do have the highest "average client transaction" by a good margin....my problem is just that I don't see as many clients as everyone else. Partly because of my hours and partly because I'm the new guy. I've been there a year now and do have a few of my own clients now....people who always request me....and I'm building that....there isn't a good way to track that in the computer though....it's people who ask for me when they get there....the chart isn't flagged or anything. And I've definitely brought a lot to the clinic. I've updated some standard procedures (like IVs during anesthesia) which bring the clinic money....I also recently made a pain med switch and an anesthetic protocol switch that should save the clinic money as well (while improving patient care). I have gotten them to spend some too, but part of it is the fact that things needed to be updated, and my squeaky wheel was enough to move things forward! I worry that if it's not well received, I might make waves for myself... I could probably find another vet job pretty easily....but I probably would have to start over in updating another practice....I'm finally getting these techs trained well! I also worry that I want more money, but at the same time I'll be taking a few months off for maternity. I don't have a contract (kinda scary both ways I know)....and I don't get benefits (they do pay some association dues and my malpractice insurance)....and I won't get paid maternity leave.....I just get paid hourly. I feel like I should get something for inflation each year right? I don't know. Maybe I should post this in a separate post and get some opinions....

Michele