THE NEW GIRL IN TOWN Meet Receptionist Heather Graham! The Best Companion
Heather Graham, Surface Creek Vet’s newest receptionist, is settling in nicely. Though she only started in November 2021, she has already made friends and become one of the team. Heather has six years of experience in reception work, but Surface Creek is the first veterinary office she’s worked in. As a lifelong animal lover, the job is a perfect fit. “I like working with the animals,” she says, “and I like the structure of the office and the friendliness of all my coworkers.” She spends her days answering phones, entering payment information, completing paperwork, and generally keeping the office clean. She also stocks food and fills prescriptions and medications. The biggest part of her job is checking patients in and out, and she loves getting to know the people and pets who walk through the doors. “It’s a nice change from other environments,” she says, and working for a vet is just what she had hoped for. Heather was born and raised in Napa, California. Last year, she moved to Colorado (to be closer to family) with her husband, Dalton; 9-year-old daughter, Paige; and two Australian shepherds, Mack and Lady. So far, they love the area. “We love the mountains, and we really like living where it snows. There are also a lot more outdoor activities,” she says. That’s good news because the family is outdoorsy. In their downtime, Heather says, they enjoy “swimming at the reservoir, hiking on the Mesa, and fishing.” They’re also still having lots of fun exploring their new surroundings, checking out the scenery, and trying different local restaurants. When asked her favorite thing about working at the office, Heather answers, “Everything!” She does, however, get a little more specific. “Everyone has a role, and everyone does their part to keep everything running smoothly. Everyone gets along with everyone else.” The animals are certainly cute, but in the end, people keep her coming back.
SKILLS THAT ENRICH US The Importance of Having a Hobby January is National Hobby Month, and since it falls at the beginning of the year, it’s the perfect time to try something new! Hobbies add variety to your life and ensure you aren't just living to work, so to speak. The best way to find a hobby you enjoy is to be open to new things. Whether it’s gardening, reading, drawing, running, fishing, crafting, or even beekeeping, finding an activity you enjoy is important. Here’s why!
Hobbies are stress relievers.
Hobbies offer a healthy escape from your busy lifestyle by keeping you engaged in something you find pleasure in. Instead of just relaxing on the couch and turning off your mind for a bit (which is totally acceptable sometimes), hobbies allow you to remain mentally productive while winding down at the same time.
Hobbies also provide eustress .
Believe it or not, one type of stress is deemed beneficial: eustress. If you aren’t overly stressed and are feeling a little under-stimulated, a hobby can provide activity for both your mind and body to keep you feeling excited about life and ready to take on new challenges and adventures.
Hobbies offer a social outlet.
Some hobbies involve group activities, such as bowling, sports teams, book clubs, and even wine tasting. Connecting with others offers the social support humans depend on to lead a healthy and fruitful life. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find some great friends who share the same passions as you!
Hobbies develop patience.
When you take on a new hobby, you are tasked with learning something new. Whether you’re practicing a new instrument, learning a different language, or figuring out how to make jewelry, a learning curve is involved. Building new skills takes patience, a very important attribute for success. Finding a hobby that suits you may take some exploration and trial and error, but it is all in good fun! Make it your goal to try something new or learn a new skill each month until you find something that sticks. Once you do, you’re sure to find that hobbies are both enjoyable and enriching!
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