Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Kosher

First, I just have to share a quote my mom wrote down for me: "Whenever I am in the cellar of affliction I look around for the wine." Coleridge

Isn't that fabulous?

This week I officially started my new gig. I am pretty happy to be back in a clinic and have MH resources (other clinicians, a psychiatrist, trainings, supervision, etc). I am still a little nervous about the private school aspect (18 hours of my week) because I've never done that kind of social work before...and because it's orthodox, I feel inclined to learn as much as I can about the faith so I can understand the students and culture more.

I found out yesterday, in addition to the wearing long skirts everyday, they also ask everyone (staff included) to eat only kosher food on campus. Luckily I've recently been reading about this so I had some idea of what is and is not OK. But the information I received also made note that even bringing a cup of soda back from a eatery (such as Wendy's) is not permitted b/c it came from a place that was not kosher. There are varying levels of personal observance among the students, but b/c of that, they must observe the highest standard. This affects me little...I only have lunch hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I think I will be vegetarian those days b/c its a whole lot easier to abide by kosher practices if you eliminate meat. Thank goodness Kashi and Morningstar products are kosher bc I couldn't live without them!

I am learning a whole lot already! I thought I had some idea about basic principles and faith, but I now realize how little I knew and how much I will need to know...good thing I love being a student. I am thankful my supervisor is my old clincial supervisor...I feel comfortable asking her questions I might otherwise feel stupid asking.

On a side note, My youngest sis is a vegetarian so I've been doing some reading on nutrition for her...come to find out there is a new clasification called "flexitarians" (people who choose vegetarian options but also eat some meat)...turns out I fit that definition! It's kind of fun to say...perhaps I should add that to all my profiles: Flexitarian.

Alright, well, I am off to Hobby Lobby to pick up some thread so I can hem some dress pants. I am on vacation today from all three jobs and doing absolutely NOTHING. Tomorrow (the second day off from the new job) I will be working contract hours for the previous job...so I must savor this time, even if I SHOULD be working on finishing up more paperwork ;)

My niece is here on weekends now while my sister works (and she's a toot!) so this quiet time is quite nice. Hope to see a few of you at the movie tonight...

Peace.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Oh gosh

This has been a crazy month! It's been forever since I blogged or even checked anyone else's blog!

The last few weeks have been a big ball of emotion and long hours. I am currently juggling 3 jobs: current job, contract job, and new job. Although the hours are not too crazy (50-55/week), it's the emotional toll and the "everyone needs something" hectic-ness of it all that has me plum tired!

I really love my current clients. It is hard terminating with them. Luckily, I am training in my replacement, so I have been able to transition them to her and feel a little more at ease about the whole thing. But it's still tough to say goodbye. Then on the other hand, I am trying to meet new coworkers and kiddos I will be seeing at the new gig. (Head spins). I am still hoping that this is the right decision and a good move for me. I am hoping *cross your fngers* to have my Tuesday nights end at 7pm so I can sometimes make movie night. We shall see. Since they have been great at making arrangements for me to leave early on Mondays and Thursdays for my contract job, I have to be flexible with the other days. But I should still be able to come to at least 2 or 3 in October due to all the holidays.

Ocotber will be a little more of the same..new job, contract job, and contracting some hours with my soon to be ex-job to cover families in counseling while my replacement is on an already planned vacation. Wheew! But never fear, this will not interrupt my plans for an old school haunted backyard campout party! Brewhaha!

Willy's ankle is still a mystery and my grandma is the hospital (prayers please)...

Other than that everything else in my life is in one of 3 categories: sleep, work, buy more skirts. Repeat.

I'll blog more often. I promise. Now off the the park to enjoy some dog time!

Peace.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

did i shave my legs for this?

Normally accepting a better paying job and giving notice to your current gig is a happy occasion. But this past week was a killer for me! Not only did I cry when I gave notice, but I've been tearing up a lot as everyday I see different clients and have to start the termination process with them.
This is truly a bittersweet time for me...leaving work I like in search of even better. Its a crap shoot!

I've begun skirt shopping as I will have to wear a skirt every day that I am at the private school (everyday but Thursdays and holidays). That means I'll also have to shave more often. All I ask is that this transition be a good fit so I don't end up singing a Deana Carter tune. But as nervous as I feel, I can't close the door on a possibility.

Sadly this will mean no more movie night bc that will be one of my clinic nights (unless anyone is up for a movie after 8) bc I am also going to continue contract work on Mondays and Thursdays...a balancing act!. Unless of course it is a holiday Tuesday (there are many Jewish holidays!).

Many thanks to Angela for a great night out and to Heather for kicking it old school with me! And last but not least, to Willy for driving us home as we dozed off singing Avenue Q! Much needed fun after a week that just never seemed to end!

The rest of the weekend we decided to have a pajama party. Willy went and got diet coke, doritos, frozen pizza, and I made cookies. All the perfect snacks for watching movies in bed ALL day. Very nice!

Peace out ya'll!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

happy new year.

Its a new year this week.

Today I accepted a job offer with a local agency as a 1/2 time private school counselor 1/2 time outpatient therapist

Its not that I don't enjoy my current job or that I am treated badly there. In fact, its one of the top places I have worked.

But have you ever looked up into the sky and said "I have no idea how, but we need _____" and then just waited in hope?

When we needed to get a car replaced, I had one of those moments where I was not certain how the money would be in the bank come October. And then, a week ago my clinical supervisor dropped a job, she was hiring for, in my lap. After some time to think and talk about it, its just the door that was meant to open.

Afterall, I wasn't even looking for a job! But guess what...its almost the exact amount extra per month that I need for the car payment.

I am so sad to leave my current gig, but I would be crazy to shut the door on the answer to my prayers. Granted, I thought and prayed Wil would be changing jobs, but who am I to judge a blessing!

Anyway, tomorrow I give notice. Perhaps the hardest notice I've ever given bc I really like my supervisor and clients.

Wish me courage to take this step of faith!

Peace.