1st day of work

Introducing my new ball and chain. I just thought I'd take a picture of it to remember it by, just in case I (accidentally) throw it against a wall or something, or it gets run over by a car (repeatedly) somehow.

Today was my first day of work at Kaiser Riverside, and it was mostly just an orientation with a handful of other new hires. It started at 8am with a video of Kaiser propag...er, I mean, history.

I did learn though that Mr. Kaiser was quite an industrious man. He built dams, factories, appliances, etc., (like the Kaiser dishwasher; would you buy it?), and he was rather instrumental in churning out US warships non-stop during WWII. In fact, it was because his factories and shipyards brought so many people into close proximity (hundreds, if not thousands), that providing health care in these remote areas was becoming a problem. Voila the invention of the 1st HMO. Ironic that all he's remembered for now is his healthcare plan. Wonder what ever happened to his titan company?

Most of the doctors here today were being hired for a new clinic opening this June in Coachella Valley, which is pretty much the area around Palm Springs. A lot of doctors are moving there because the housing is much cheaper (at least, for now). I didn't think that that area would be growing that much, but apparently, it is, because of all the support staff needed for the 110 golf courses in the area (yes, that's right, that's one hundred and ten golf courses...all located in the middle of the California desert...), along with all the hotels springing up around them.

Anyways, a pretty easy day overall, and the orientation and training continues for the rest of the week. Looking at the schedule, Wednesday, I have Kaiser Enculturation. ::shudder:: What the heck is that supposed to mean? It certainly doesn't sound pleasant, does it? [loud voice] "How many lights do you see!?"