Our team recently welcomed a new participant to our morning staff meetings. When she enthusiastically contributes to reviewing the daily schedule, we pause and say, “Thank You!” As we push our chairs back from the table to end the meeting, she is visibly excited about starting the work day. OUR NEWEST AND CUTEST TEAM MEMBER GETS MOVING Pint-Sized Pawsitivity
Whether it’s blocking pucks during a street hockey game or checkmating chess hustlers at the park, traditionally indoor activities take on an entirely new feel and flavor when taken outside. While a rare sight these days, movie-goers worldwide used to enjoy cinema from the comfort of their cars at drive-in theaters. These made a brief resurgence during the pandemic, but now that movies are rolling in theaters again, the fad has begun to die off. These days, if you want to watch a movie, it seems like you are limited to three options: Watching it at the theater, on your TV, or on your phone or tablet. Now, I think we can all agree that watching a movie outside on your phone does not make for a great cinematic experience. Debtrette, a TikTok influencer and mom, has a suggestion. She put a spin on an old classic — family movie night — by holding it in her backyard with all the conveniences you would expect at a movie theater — like an air mattress, pillows, and blankets! If you are looking for a fun way to spruce up a traditional movie night, what better way than to bring it outside under the stars? Here are some necessities to make your moonlight movie night truly magical: Hosting the Ultimate Outdoor Movie Night MOONLIT MOVIE MAGIC
Dr. Neil’s daughter, Ottilie, turns one this month and has spent much of her life with us at the clinic. She has become integrated into our daily routines in
many ways. Gus, the Hirschs’ 13-year-old son, engineered and built a sturdy baby scooter for Ottilie using PVC pipe and a tiny hammock chair. This cool vehicle lets her motor up and down hallways and around corners.
Sometimes, Ottilie hangs around with the front-office team members as they greet clients. She occasionally slips into the treatment room and joins her mother, bumping into the
back of her knees. Other times, she disembarks from her scooter to do a little crawling, supervised by Dr. Neil or a co-worker. Team members often give Ottilie new playthings, such as Easter eggs or rattles fashioned from locked pill bottles and paper clips or coins. “Every time I turn around, she has a new toy in her hand!” Dr. Neil says. Otillie has her breakfast in the breakroom and, after a brief 10 a.m. nap, dines there again at lunchtime. Her afternoon brings another nap around 2 p.m., followed by a snack of Cheerios or Rice Puffs, seated in her Bumbo. Surface Creek clients are accustomed to seeing children at the clinic since the Hirschs’ four children, now in their teens and 20s, practically grew up here. Dr. Neil says she appreciates the warm welcome Ottilie receives from clients, who typically enjoy seeing and greeting the toddler. Dr. Neil works part-time and says she feels fortunate to practice her profession without leaving Ottilie at home. “I am so thankful to be able to do both,” she says. She recently heard from a vet school classmate who was heartbroken about having to leave her baby at the end of her maternity leave. “I didn’t have to go through that because Ottilie came right to work with me. I am so lucky to have this opportunity.”
• A portable projector screen, like a sheet on a clothesline
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Portable movie projector
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Candy, popcorn, and beverages
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Some outdoor seating and cushions
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Lamps, lanterns, or candles
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Warm blankets
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The perfect movie to bring it all together
You can find screens and projectors to fit any budget, and your movie selection will depend on the crowd. Just make it fun: Lie back on the grass and watch “Antz” or lounge in the pool while watching “Jaws”! The key is to make the experience unforgettable, and all who share in it will be thankful for your effort to make it all possible.
Here at Surface Creek Veterinary Center, we feel fortunate to have both Dr. Neil and Ottilie!
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