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.