Can you believe summer is almost 1/3 over? I can't. Once again summer is going way too fast but it has been one of our best summers so far. I love hot weather and we have had some hot days and some not so great days but even with that this past month has been great. Yes I know I did some whining on my last post but life always has ups and downs and right now I'm focusing on the ups.
A big part of why this summer has been so much fun is that the boys have really grown up a lot since last year. Matthew has really grown and matured including in his social skills. Remember he is only 4 so social skills are something all children his age are still trying to master. Last night at softball I was playing catcher and taking occassional peaks at my kids between plays. I realized how nice it was that I didn't have to hire a babysitter this year. I could trust the kids to play nicely with the other children from our church and not worry that they would be hurting them or running off. Of course, I still kept a close eye on them but I knew the other adults could handle anything big and I didn't need someone assigned just to them.
We are also enjoying swimming more this year. Matthew started swimming lessons last fall and has progressed to a point that he is okay in water up to his chest without me worrying that he will fall and not be able to stand up. He can swim 3 to 4 feet without stopping which is far enough if he accidentally goes out to far. Jacob can now swim the length of the pool so I really only have to keep a super close eye on Matthew if he doesn't have a life jacket on. We checked out the city outdoor pool on Sunday and loved it.
This is also the first year that I have a set schedule with every weekend off. I can't even begin to describe how nice that is. To be able to choose which free or cheap weekend events we want to attend and not have to worry about trying to get time off work to do things with my kids is nice. My job has kept me very busy this month but that is fine. It makes my wonderful weekends come that much faster.
I also have holidays off now and that is putting a lot less stress on me. I always hated asking my family to watch my kids on holidays. I also hated missing the holidays with my kids. Now I get holidays off and can do fun things with the kids. Like watch the Memorial Day parade and watch the fireworks next Monday. Even when I do want an extra day off work for something it is much easier to get it off now. I flexed my hours last week so I could take yesterday morning off to take the kids to the dairy farm on their day care field trip. I plan on taking half a day off when we go to church family camp and Ethiopian American Culture Camp later in July.
There is still 2 months of summer left before Jacob starts kindergarten and the weather begins to cool down. 2 months of summer fun. I plan to enjoy as much of it as I can.
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Too Little Time
So everyone once in awhile I post on here about how overwhelmed I am feeling. Most of the time being a single parent really doesn't seem that difficult to me. Or at least not anymore difficult than for any other parent. It might be because I just love being a mom or it could be because I have never parented in a 2 parent home so I have no idea what that feels like. Right now though, I am really wishing I had another adult here to help me. Don't get me wrong I am still very glad I am a mom and don't regret my children one bit. I even still hope to have a baby some day. But for tonight I am feeling overwhelmed and wishing there was another adult here.
Here is what is on my list of things going on making me feel overwhelmed.
1) Kindergarten screening. I registered Jacob for kindergarten today. I knew he would need to attend screening but I didn't expect them to only have times on Wed or Thu this week or next between 8:30 and 3:00. I just happen to have training all of those days and can't get off work. I'll call the school tomorrow but can't do much if we can't come in someother time. I just wish they would have given us more warning and maybe some evening appointments.
2) Doctor Appoiontments. I have 2 appointments in the next month. My boss is good about me leaving work for them but I still feel bad missing work when I just started this job.
3) School blues. It is the middle of the semester and I am definitely feeling the stress. It gets like this around this time every semester but with the job it just seems to be a little tougher.
4) School and licensing requirements. I am trying to get instructors to email me the course syllabus for courses from last year so I can submit them for my social work certificate. I need this to pass probation at my job next year.
Only one of these actually has to do with my children but I still would like someone to lean on right now. It seems like life is just moving a little too fast. Thankfully, it's almost spring break and I will have some time to just rest and catch up.
Here is what is on my list of things going on making me feel overwhelmed.
1) Kindergarten screening. I registered Jacob for kindergarten today. I knew he would need to attend screening but I didn't expect them to only have times on Wed or Thu this week or next between 8:30 and 3:00. I just happen to have training all of those days and can't get off work. I'll call the school tomorrow but can't do much if we can't come in someother time. I just wish they would have given us more warning and maybe some evening appointments.
2) Doctor Appoiontments. I have 2 appointments in the next month. My boss is good about me leaving work for them but I still feel bad missing work when I just started this job.
3) School blues. It is the middle of the semester and I am definitely feeling the stress. It gets like this around this time every semester but with the job it just seems to be a little tougher.
4) School and licensing requirements. I am trying to get instructors to email me the course syllabus for courses from last year so I can submit them for my social work certificate. I need this to pass probation at my job next year.
Only one of these actually has to do with my children but I still would like someone to lean on right now. It seems like life is just moving a little too fast. Thankfully, it's almost spring break and I will have some time to just rest and catch up.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
And Our Lives Change Forever
Today is it. After over 13 years of working in private security or law enforcement, I am hanging up my handcuffs. I am done. My children will no longer be able to tell their friends, "My mom's a police officer." I will no longer have that identity. It feels like I am losing a part of me. Yet I also know that this time had to come and has been coming for a long time.
I have posted on here in the past when I have had problems at work or frustrations. I always try to be careful what I post as I don't believe in airing an employer's dirty laundry or complaining publicly about every slight I see. Yet there are problems in every job and every field. I just won't make this blog about all my perceived injustices.
Monday I start my new position. I will be a social worker in child protective services. It is going to be a change. There are parts of the job that are similar but many parts that are very different. I am looking forward to the change. I'm burned out at my current job. The passion is gone. I am excited to be facing a new job with new challenges. One I hope and believe I will really like.
My children now say their mom used to be a police officer. She used to take people to jail. She used to watch bad guys. They also now say their mom takes care of children who are hurt. She helps keep kids safe. Or at least that is what I will be trying to do. Helping children who have suffered maltreatment be safe. It won't be an easy job but it will be a rewarding job.
On Monday my children will no longer have to tell playmates they can't go to a party or come over to play because Mom is working. They won't have to miss soccer or baseball games because Mom can't get off work. They won't miss church performances because Mom had to work. I will be off on weekends to enjoy those things. I get to be mom every weekend and most evenings. I get to have a Monday through Friday job. It will be better for my kids. It will be better for me. It's just hard to say goodbye to an identity I have had for the past 13 years.
I have posted on here in the past when I have had problems at work or frustrations. I always try to be careful what I post as I don't believe in airing an employer's dirty laundry or complaining publicly about every slight I see. Yet there are problems in every job and every field. I just won't make this blog about all my perceived injustices.
Monday I start my new position. I will be a social worker in child protective services. It is going to be a change. There are parts of the job that are similar but many parts that are very different. I am looking forward to the change. I'm burned out at my current job. The passion is gone. I am excited to be facing a new job with new challenges. One I hope and believe I will really like.
My children now say their mom used to be a police officer. She used to take people to jail. She used to watch bad guys. They also now say their mom takes care of children who are hurt. She helps keep kids safe. Or at least that is what I will be trying to do. Helping children who have suffered maltreatment be safe. It won't be an easy job but it will be a rewarding job.
On Monday my children will no longer have to tell playmates they can't go to a party or come over to play because Mom is working. They won't have to miss soccer or baseball games because Mom can't get off work. They won't miss church performances because Mom had to work. I will be off on weekends to enjoy those things. I get to be mom every weekend and most evenings. I get to have a Monday through Friday job. It will be better for my kids. It will be better for me. It's just hard to say goodbye to an identity I have had for the past 13 years.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
A Lot Less Stress
Sometimes I am quiet because I am just so busy and overwhelmed that I really don't have time to write. It's not that I don't have a ton of things to say and nothing exciting to report. It's just that there isn't time.
That hasn't been the case over the past month. I really don't have anything to say (yes, I know those of you closer to me are amazed). I made a New Year's Resolution to slow down and work harder on reducing the amount of stress in my life. I found that most of the stress came from just being overwhelmed by trying to do too much and not actually in individual task. So I'm not pushing myself as hard to get everything done right away or to do as much. Mostly, I am just making sure I have more time to relax and allow our lives to have more of a routine feel.
About 4 weeks ago, I received the phone call I have been working towards for about five years for. I have heard that changing jobs and careers is a major event that many people find very stressful. I also know that worrying about it and stressing about it doesn't change anything and is actually counterproductive for me. It makes me cranky. So I decided not to worry about what bad things might happen and just allow myself to concentrate on the good changes I know will be coming.
The first thing I did after receiving the tentative job offer was to fill out time off request slips for my current job. I know that I will be able to transfer my vacation time but I also know that I won't want to take vacation for the first several months and I have to be there at least 3 days a week or it will extend my probationary period. So I requested all weekends except this coming Saturday off work. It's amazing how having weekends off has reduced my stress level. Two days a week with no day care, school or work. I have time to work on laundry, do fun things with the kids and just spend time relaxing.
The job offer itself has been a source of major stress reduction. To have a job offer, a starting date and know that at least this goal has materialized has been great. I am no longer going to work wondering how much longer I will work there or if I will ever get a job offer. I have one. Now I can work on getting my new outfits ready for a job that doesn't require a uniform.
Less stress is making me a better mom too. I have noticed that I am much less tolerant or patient with the kids when I am feeling overwhelmed. Having less stress means I am able to be more patient with them and we all have noticed the difference. M reacted by acting out slightly at the changes in our schedules and just general life. Jacob doesn't really show it much except that he keeps telling his teachers about mommy's new job so I know he is aware of the changes as well.
I am just happy to finally have a job that will have a better schedule for my family. Limited evening hours, no weekends and no holidays. And I was really surprised to learn no pay cut. I was expecting to lose about 25 percent of my pay but found out that under the social workers contract I can transfer over at my current pay level. Another huge burden gone.
Life is good. We are blessed. We are happy.
That hasn't been the case over the past month. I really don't have anything to say (yes, I know those of you closer to me are amazed). I made a New Year's Resolution to slow down and work harder on reducing the amount of stress in my life. I found that most of the stress came from just being overwhelmed by trying to do too much and not actually in individual task. So I'm not pushing myself as hard to get everything done right away or to do as much. Mostly, I am just making sure I have more time to relax and allow our lives to have more of a routine feel.
About 4 weeks ago, I received the phone call I have been working towards for about five years for. I have heard that changing jobs and careers is a major event that many people find very stressful. I also know that worrying about it and stressing about it doesn't change anything and is actually counterproductive for me. It makes me cranky. So I decided not to worry about what bad things might happen and just allow myself to concentrate on the good changes I know will be coming.
The first thing I did after receiving the tentative job offer was to fill out time off request slips for my current job. I know that I will be able to transfer my vacation time but I also know that I won't want to take vacation for the first several months and I have to be there at least 3 days a week or it will extend my probationary period. So I requested all weekends except this coming Saturday off work. It's amazing how having weekends off has reduced my stress level. Two days a week with no day care, school or work. I have time to work on laundry, do fun things with the kids and just spend time relaxing.
The job offer itself has been a source of major stress reduction. To have a job offer, a starting date and know that at least this goal has materialized has been great. I am no longer going to work wondering how much longer I will work there or if I will ever get a job offer. I have one. Now I can work on getting my new outfits ready for a job that doesn't require a uniform.
Less stress is making me a better mom too. I have noticed that I am much less tolerant or patient with the kids when I am feeling overwhelmed. Having less stress means I am able to be more patient with them and we all have noticed the difference. M reacted by acting out slightly at the changes in our schedules and just general life. Jacob doesn't really show it much except that he keeps telling his teachers about mommy's new job so I know he is aware of the changes as well.
I am just happy to finally have a job that will have a better schedule for my family. Limited evening hours, no weekends and no holidays. And I was really surprised to learn no pay cut. I was expecting to lose about 25 percent of my pay but found out that under the social workers contract I can transfer over at my current pay level. Another huge burden gone.
Life is good. We are blessed. We are happy.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Life Is About To Get Chaotic
Between my new job and the new school semester, I beleive life is going to get very busy very fast around here. Both of the boys had some major changes at day care with M's being the most noticeable. The day care decided to do one of their big moves and moved a large number of children around. Jacob got a few new kids in his class and everyone in M's class moved except for him. I have definitelly seen a change in behavior as they have adjusted to their new friends and classes. More tantrums, less patience and definitely needing earlier bedtimes. I know it will get better but whew! The last few days have been tough.
My school semester starts next week. I still don't have a start date for my new job but I'm working hard to get as much done as I can before the school semester starts. Both of my instructors have published their syllabus for the semester and invited us to get an early start. I have accepted that invitation and just submitted my first assignment. Both classes are going to be very interesting but the one on mental illness will be the most useful in my new career.
Still on my list to do. I need to shop for some new clothes. I have worn uniforms for the past 13 years and have never had to worry about casual dress or dress clothes. I have a few things but not nearly enough for a 40 hour a week job. Three outfits just won't work. I have a few weeks to get that done but it doesn't hurt to start watching for good deals now. I also want to get everyone haircuts and get the animals to the vet so I won't have those things to worry about.
Lots to do but an exciting time. Life is good.
My school semester starts next week. I still don't have a start date for my new job but I'm working hard to get as much done as I can before the school semester starts. Both of my instructors have published their syllabus for the semester and invited us to get an early start. I have accepted that invitation and just submitted my first assignment. Both classes are going to be very interesting but the one on mental illness will be the most useful in my new career.
Still on my list to do. I need to shop for some new clothes. I have worn uniforms for the past 13 years and have never had to worry about casual dress or dress clothes. I have a few things but not nearly enough for a 40 hour a week job. Three outfits just won't work. I have a few weeks to get that done but it doesn't hurt to start watching for good deals now. I also want to get everyone haircuts and get the animals to the vet so I won't have those things to worry about.
Lots to do but an exciting time. Life is good.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Reason To Celebrate
I finally have a reason to celebrate in the job search. My job search is over. People who know me well know that I have been working hard for the past couple of years to change careers. I want to begin a career as a social worker in child welfare. I also didn't want to leave the county I work for now. Leaving would mean I would lose my longevity, vacation, sick and comp time. The benefits are great and I just was not in a hurry to lose any of that and start completely over.
At 9:06 Tuesday night, I received a phone call offering me a position in the county I work for. Of course, I accepted the offer. I don't have a start date yet but it will be within the next few weeks. Other than being the job I want and believe I will enjoy, it is a much better work schedule for single parents. I will no longer have to work weekends or holidays unless there is an emergency. I can attend local community events and take advantage of the many free things to do and see around town on weekends. I am excited. My children are excited. This will be a great thing for all of us.
At 9:06 Tuesday night, I received a phone call offering me a position in the county I work for. Of course, I accepted the offer. I don't have a start date yet but it will be within the next few weeks. Other than being the job I want and believe I will enjoy, it is a much better work schedule for single parents. I will no longer have to work weekends or holidays unless there is an emergency. I can attend local community events and take advantage of the many free things to do and see around town on weekends. I am excited. My children are excited. This will be a great thing for all of us.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A Look Back and Forward
Last year I made a post about what I was looking foward to in 2010. Of course, many things happened that I would never have predicted and we had challenges and blessings. I wanted to look back and see how I did on my predictions though. So here they are.
1) Finish 2 semesters of grad school. I did this although I decided to only attend part-time this year. A decision that I am glad I made although I do wish I was graduating in August. Oh, well. One more year isn't bad.
2) Finish my internship. I can check that one off. It went well and I miss it.
3) Find a new job. Nope. Not yet. I'm getting closer but haven't been offered one yet. I am still hoping it will happen soon. I printed off another job application today and will apply for the same eligibility list I'm on now.
4) Obtain social work certification. I did this.
5) Complete another adoption home study. Check this one off also.
6) Jacob in 4K. Check. He's doing great.
7) M in 3 year old preschool. Check. He's also doing great at the new daycare.
8) No more diapers. Check. We only use pull-ups at night.
9) Camping. Didn't quite get to this one. I did buy a tent on clearance for cheap so we are getting closer.
10) Passing swimming lessons. Jacob is really close but not quite there yet.
11) Culture camp. Nope but it is on my list of things to do someday.
12) Watching Jacob and M bond as brothers. Check. They are definitelly there.
So here is a look at what I hope 2011 will bring.
1) M's adoption should be finalized sometime very soon. Hopefully this winter or spring. I can't imagine it won't be final by the end of this year.
2) Kindergarten. Jacob will start in the fall.
3) 4K. Hopefully, M will be part of the first 4K class in our district. Otherwise he will be in 4K at the day care he currently attends. It's expensive but very worth every penny. I wish I had taken him there much earlier.
4) Sports. M will be playing soccer and t-ball. Jacob will be playing soccer, basketball, t-ball and football. I guess you can call me a soccer mom now. And I'm proud of it.
5) School and church performances. Jacob has been in them for awhile but he really seems to enjoy them and look forward to them now. It's fun to watch him get so excited and really work hard.
6) Reading. Jacob is very close to being able to read. He can recognize all of the letters and is just starting to sound out words. By the end of this year I am sure I will have a reader on my hands.
7) A new job. I hope this one comes true this year. Right now I am only applying at the county I currently work for so I don't lose seniority and benefits. I am hoping to get a transfer soon but if not I may start to look outside the county.
8) Camping. We will do this one. No excuses. We have a tent now. Jacob is big enough to help me put up the tent and M is big enough to be trusted not to wander away or fall into a campfire (as long as he is supervised). I have friends who have said they will go with us so we really better make our way to the campground.
9) Mehaber. I was able to get off work to go to Mehaber again this year. It should be fun.
10) A party! If M's adoption is finalized we will finally be able to celebrate. I already have the party invitiations picked out and ready to order. I just need a date.
Life is good. Sure there have been challenges such as a very bad day care (the state substantiated my complaint), adoption delays and job seeking disappointments. There will be challenges next year as well (I am pretty sure one of our cats will pass away). Yet overall we are very blessed. We are a family and love each other. We work together, help each other and enjoy each other. I know we are very blessed and hope that 2011 brings even more blessings to my family and yours.
1) Finish 2 semesters of grad school. I did this although I decided to only attend part-time this year. A decision that I am glad I made although I do wish I was graduating in August. Oh, well. One more year isn't bad.
2) Finish my internship. I can check that one off. It went well and I miss it.
3) Find a new job. Nope. Not yet. I'm getting closer but haven't been offered one yet. I am still hoping it will happen soon. I printed off another job application today and will apply for the same eligibility list I'm on now.
4) Obtain social work certification. I did this.
5) Complete another adoption home study. Check this one off also.
6) Jacob in 4K. Check. He's doing great.
7) M in 3 year old preschool. Check. He's also doing great at the new daycare.
8) No more diapers. Check. We only use pull-ups at night.
9) Camping. Didn't quite get to this one. I did buy a tent on clearance for cheap so we are getting closer.
10) Passing swimming lessons. Jacob is really close but not quite there yet.
11) Culture camp. Nope but it is on my list of things to do someday.
12) Watching Jacob and M bond as brothers. Check. They are definitelly there.
So here is a look at what I hope 2011 will bring.
1) M's adoption should be finalized sometime very soon. Hopefully this winter or spring. I can't imagine it won't be final by the end of this year.
2) Kindergarten. Jacob will start in the fall.
3) 4K. Hopefully, M will be part of the first 4K class in our district. Otherwise he will be in 4K at the day care he currently attends. It's expensive but very worth every penny. I wish I had taken him there much earlier.
4) Sports. M will be playing soccer and t-ball. Jacob will be playing soccer, basketball, t-ball and football. I guess you can call me a soccer mom now. And I'm proud of it.
5) School and church performances. Jacob has been in them for awhile but he really seems to enjoy them and look forward to them now. It's fun to watch him get so excited and really work hard.
6) Reading. Jacob is very close to being able to read. He can recognize all of the letters and is just starting to sound out words. By the end of this year I am sure I will have a reader on my hands.
7) A new job. I hope this one comes true this year. Right now I am only applying at the county I currently work for so I don't lose seniority and benefits. I am hoping to get a transfer soon but if not I may start to look outside the county.
8) Camping. We will do this one. No excuses. We have a tent now. Jacob is big enough to help me put up the tent and M is big enough to be trusted not to wander away or fall into a campfire (as long as he is supervised). I have friends who have said they will go with us so we really better make our way to the campground.
9) Mehaber. I was able to get off work to go to Mehaber again this year. It should be fun.
10) A party! If M's adoption is finalized we will finally be able to celebrate. I already have the party invitiations picked out and ready to order. I just need a date.
Life is good. Sure there have been challenges such as a very bad day care (the state substantiated my complaint), adoption delays and job seeking disappointments. There will be challenges next year as well (I am pretty sure one of our cats will pass away). Yet overall we are very blessed. We are a family and love each other. We work together, help each other and enjoy each other. I know we are very blessed and hope that 2011 brings even more blessings to my family and yours.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Unexpected Day Off
Today has started off a little rough but I am at home watching college football and hoping to see a Wisconsin trip to the rose bowl. I have temporarily become a Penn State fan hoping that they can knock off Michigan State but since this isn't a journal about football I'll just leave it there.
I was woken this morning by the sound of a text message coming in. I knew immediately that text messages at 4:40 could not be good. It wasn't. The babysitter's son is sick and she can't watch my kids. Now for some people that wouldn't be a big deal but in my job it is huge. My parents are out of the country, my brother has already gone home for the weekend and my job does not see a babysitter cancelling as a valid excuse for not going to work. While I understand their point, I also know that someone needs to watch my kids and if my normal sitter and back-ups are not available, I really am not left with much choice. I called work and thankfully was able to sweet talk them into giving me the day off so now I will see what kind of fall out there is when I return.
I took the boys to see a shadow puppetry show at the Overture Center. It was a lot of fun and I actually learned quite a bit. I have never seen shadow puppetry before and it was very interesting. The kids enjoyed it and did really well paying attention. Jacob was disappointed that he wasnt chosen to help with the puppets but that was really the only issue we had.
I am now at home watching football while the kids rest and take naps. We will probably go to church this evening. I have to decide if I am able to take tomorrow off work if I want to write a report at home or go in for a couple hours Monday and get it done. I will probably go in Monday morning so I don't have to try to get all of the information at home. Either way I am concentrating on how blessed I am to have a job to worry about and children to care for. Even if the balancing act seems impossible today.
I was woken this morning by the sound of a text message coming in. I knew immediately that text messages at 4:40 could not be good. It wasn't. The babysitter's son is sick and she can't watch my kids. Now for some people that wouldn't be a big deal but in my job it is huge. My parents are out of the country, my brother has already gone home for the weekend and my job does not see a babysitter cancelling as a valid excuse for not going to work. While I understand their point, I also know that someone needs to watch my kids and if my normal sitter and back-ups are not available, I really am not left with much choice. I called work and thankfully was able to sweet talk them into giving me the day off so now I will see what kind of fall out there is when I return.
I took the boys to see a shadow puppetry show at the Overture Center. It was a lot of fun and I actually learned quite a bit. I have never seen shadow puppetry before and it was very interesting. The kids enjoyed it and did really well paying attention. Jacob was disappointed that he wasnt chosen to help with the puppets but that was really the only issue we had.
I am now at home watching football while the kids rest and take naps. We will probably go to church this evening. I have to decide if I am able to take tomorrow off work if I want to write a report at home or go in for a couple hours Monday and get it done. I will probably go in Monday morning so I don't have to try to get all of the information at home. Either way I am concentrating on how blessed I am to have a job to worry about and children to care for. Even if the balancing act seems impossible today.
Friday, October 15, 2010
A Good Reminder
I have been under a lot of stress lately. My job has been less than pleasant. While I do not feel free to comment on recent activities there, I will say that I have not been happy there in a very long time. I have spent the past four years considering career changes and the past year working very hard at actually changing one.
My current job is getting very difficult to work now that my children are getting older. Jacob is in 4K this year and I really don't feel comfortable pulling him out of school just to spend time with me. I work about 3 weekends a month so that only leaves evenings and 1 weekend a month that I can devote to him. It's just not enough.
I'm not looking for a job that is strictly Monday through Friday but one that is mostly normal business hours. I don't mind working occasional evening hours even a couple times a week and am fully prepared to find a sitter for the occassional evening. It's the weekends that are hard.
I applied for a job earlier this fall and was told I was at the top of the list. I know that they heard good things and checked my references so I am close to getting a job. Then I didn't hear anything. It's been just over a month and I was beginning to think I was passed over. I was feeling very frustrated and sure that I would never get the job that I want and am working so hard for.
Last night I was reminded that God is watching over us and that He knows more than I do. I need to trust him in the job situation and just be patient.
A friend stopped by the house and told me she had spoken to the supervisor for the job I want so badly. Apparently there are going to be a small number of layoffs in the next two months (mostly through attrition) and so they don't want to hire anyone until they know there is a position available.
Now I am grateful they haven't hired me yet. I really can't afford to transfer and then be laid off right away. I need income and just can't afford to go for very long without one. I also have to have a job when I finally get approval to finish M's adoption. That will probably be happening very soon (fingers crossed and prayers said). So it really is better that I wait to transfer until I know that I won't be laid off right away. Two months really isn't that long to wait. After all, I have been at my current job for over 9 years and a few more months probably won't kill me.
My current job is getting very difficult to work now that my children are getting older. Jacob is in 4K this year and I really don't feel comfortable pulling him out of school just to spend time with me. I work about 3 weekends a month so that only leaves evenings and 1 weekend a month that I can devote to him. It's just not enough.
I'm not looking for a job that is strictly Monday through Friday but one that is mostly normal business hours. I don't mind working occasional evening hours even a couple times a week and am fully prepared to find a sitter for the occassional evening. It's the weekends that are hard.
I applied for a job earlier this fall and was told I was at the top of the list. I know that they heard good things and checked my references so I am close to getting a job. Then I didn't hear anything. It's been just over a month and I was beginning to think I was passed over. I was feeling very frustrated and sure that I would never get the job that I want and am working so hard for.
Last night I was reminded that God is watching over us and that He knows more than I do. I need to trust him in the job situation and just be patient.
A friend stopped by the house and told me she had spoken to the supervisor for the job I want so badly. Apparently there are going to be a small number of layoffs in the next two months (mostly through attrition) and so they don't want to hire anyone until they know there is a position available.
Now I am grateful they haven't hired me yet. I really can't afford to transfer and then be laid off right away. I need income and just can't afford to go for very long without one. I also have to have a job when I finally get approval to finish M's adoption. That will probably be happening very soon (fingers crossed and prayers said). So it really is better that I wait to transfer until I know that I won't be laid off right away. Two months really isn't that long to wait. After all, I have been at my current job for over 9 years and a few more months probably won't kill me.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Remembering My Dreams
Someone once said that nothing worth while is easy. Or maybe that it is everything worth while is worth a fight. Or maybe it was something about God gives us challenges and difficult times so we grow and recognize our blessings when we see them. Or maybe it is none of these statements but yet they all seem to ring true to me tonight.
It seems as though I have been "fighting" to get the life I want for awhile now. It actually started five years ago. I was sitting at my father's house talking to him about a potential job opportunity. I was nearing the end of the hiring process for a job in Sheboygan, Wisconsin as a police officer. It was my dream job. Or so I thought at the time. I had also been considering adopting my first child. My dad reminded me that if I moved three hours away, I would be on my own as a first time mom. I not only wouldn't have my parents nearby but I also wouldn't have the strong support network of friendships that take time to build. I thought about what he said and decided to pull out of the hiring process. I looked at it as a choice between becoming a mother and accepting a job I had been dreaming about for years. I chose my child and it was by far the right decision.
The decision was the right one but it didn't make my struggle to find a job I felt was right for me. Even five years ago, I knew that staying at my current job was not what God was calling me to do. HE has a different plan for me and for my family. Now, I'm not complaining. I went back to school while I waited for Jacob to come home and discovered that my dream job of teaching also wasn't right. While I enjoyed the children, I really didn't love it the way I knew I should. Or at least love it as a new teacher should. I stopped attending school once Jacob came home and decided to wait for the inspiration and to figure out what direction God was calling me in.
It wasn't long before I realized that it was time to begin the search for my next child. I knew he was out there waiting and I had a strong feeling he was going to come through foster care. I was right. M came to me almost two years ago. Yet I also knew God had more plans for me. So my quest to fulfill God's plans continued.
I finally found a career that I love and am passionate about. No, it's not a career many people choose. I do believe a trainer, Cornelius Bird, was correct. It is a career that chooses it's workers not one that workers choose. Yet somehow I have been chosen. I just struggle to ge that first job. I loved my internship. Every crazy moment of it. I wanted to have my own case load more than anything and to really build on those foundation skills I learned.
Tonight I hope I got one stepper closer. I had the chance to talk to the hiring supervisor and the subsitute care supervisor at the agency I really want to work for. I realize no job is perfect. I will have good days and bad days at any job. But to have the chance to start at a job I love and feel that passion again is something I really desire. Will I love a job in child protective services for the next thirty years? I don't know. But I do know I loved the "taste" that I got last year and dream of the chance to work in the field again.
Tonight was a chance to network. It was a chance to spend time listening to foster parents with a lot more experience than me talk about what they like and don't like about the current foster care system. I took careful notes when they spoke about what they like and don't like about the social workers on their foster children's cases. Insight that as a worker, I won't hear as candidly or very often. Yet insight that can only help me to be a better worker. That is if I ever get the chance.
The agency I hope to work for will begin a new hiring process later this month or next month. I don't know how well I will do. I do know that I will give it my best. I have let the people in charge know who I am. I have gotten the credential I need to start. Now, I just need to fill out the application and hope for the best. If it doesn't happen now, I will keep trying. If it is in God's plans for me to work there, I will eventually get the job. When the timing is right.
As far as my children go. I know the answer to that. They were each the right choice and sent to me by God. I don't beleive it was in His plans for the circumstances to happen surrounding their birth families. I won't begin to understand why they were sent to me. I do believe that while the reasons for the children needing new families may not have been God's will, their finding their way to my home and my arms was. It was God's second plan for these children and one that I am priviliged and blessed to be a part of. Now, is there a third child out there for me? If it is in God's plans it will be. Time will tell. For now, I am counting my blessings and not life's challenges and problems.
It seems as though I have been "fighting" to get the life I want for awhile now. It actually started five years ago. I was sitting at my father's house talking to him about a potential job opportunity. I was nearing the end of the hiring process for a job in Sheboygan, Wisconsin as a police officer. It was my dream job. Or so I thought at the time. I had also been considering adopting my first child. My dad reminded me that if I moved three hours away, I would be on my own as a first time mom. I not only wouldn't have my parents nearby but I also wouldn't have the strong support network of friendships that take time to build. I thought about what he said and decided to pull out of the hiring process. I looked at it as a choice between becoming a mother and accepting a job I had been dreaming about for years. I chose my child and it was by far the right decision.
The decision was the right one but it didn't make my struggle to find a job I felt was right for me. Even five years ago, I knew that staying at my current job was not what God was calling me to do. HE has a different plan for me and for my family. Now, I'm not complaining. I went back to school while I waited for Jacob to come home and discovered that my dream job of teaching also wasn't right. While I enjoyed the children, I really didn't love it the way I knew I should. Or at least love it as a new teacher should. I stopped attending school once Jacob came home and decided to wait for the inspiration and to figure out what direction God was calling me in.
It wasn't long before I realized that it was time to begin the search for my next child. I knew he was out there waiting and I had a strong feeling he was going to come through foster care. I was right. M came to me almost two years ago. Yet I also knew God had more plans for me. So my quest to fulfill God's plans continued.
I finally found a career that I love and am passionate about. No, it's not a career many people choose. I do believe a trainer, Cornelius Bird, was correct. It is a career that chooses it's workers not one that workers choose. Yet somehow I have been chosen. I just struggle to ge that first job. I loved my internship. Every crazy moment of it. I wanted to have my own case load more than anything and to really build on those foundation skills I learned.
Tonight I hope I got one stepper closer. I had the chance to talk to the hiring supervisor and the subsitute care supervisor at the agency I really want to work for. I realize no job is perfect. I will have good days and bad days at any job. But to have the chance to start at a job I love and feel that passion again is something I really desire. Will I love a job in child protective services for the next thirty years? I don't know. But I do know I loved the "taste" that I got last year and dream of the chance to work in the field again.
Tonight was a chance to network. It was a chance to spend time listening to foster parents with a lot more experience than me talk about what they like and don't like about the current foster care system. I took careful notes when they spoke about what they like and don't like about the social workers on their foster children's cases. Insight that as a worker, I won't hear as candidly or very often. Yet insight that can only help me to be a better worker. That is if I ever get the chance.
The agency I hope to work for will begin a new hiring process later this month or next month. I don't know how well I will do. I do know that I will give it my best. I have let the people in charge know who I am. I have gotten the credential I need to start. Now, I just need to fill out the application and hope for the best. If it doesn't happen now, I will keep trying. If it is in God's plans for me to work there, I will eventually get the job. When the timing is right.
As far as my children go. I know the answer to that. They were each the right choice and sent to me by God. I don't beleive it was in His plans for the circumstances to happen surrounding their birth families. I won't begin to understand why they were sent to me. I do believe that while the reasons for the children needing new families may not have been God's will, their finding their way to my home and my arms was. It was God's second plan for these children and one that I am priviliged and blessed to be a part of. Now, is there a third child out there for me? If it is in God's plans it will be. Time will tell. For now, I am counting my blessings and not life's challenges and problems.
Monday, April 26, 2010
3 Weeks Left!
There are only 3 weeks of school left. Then I will have completed my first year of grad school. It has been a long year. I haven't had time to spend with my children like I would like. I only saw them about 2 days a month when we didn't have school or work. Yet, we made it. I have decided that I will attend school part-time for the next 2 years for many reasons. Number one is to give me a chance to spend more time with the kids.
I have been asked many times how I have managed to get everything done this year. The truth is I haven't. I made time with my kids my priority and let everything else slide. Unless it had to be done, it waited until my kids were either asleep or not with me. I hired someone to clean my house every week so I didn't have to do it. We ate more fast food than was probably healthy but I tried not to worry about it. I did cook on evenings when we were home but didn't let myself worry about other nights. I called on my family and friends whenever I needed help. Sometimes it was just to let my dogs in or out of the house or to buy something we needed and leave it at my house. Other times it was to watch the kids when the babysitter was busy or when I needed to get an assignment done.
The kids have been great too. There were a few mornings that I laid in bed working on small assignments while they played quietly in the other room. They sacrificed time with me but hopefully learned that school is important. Jacob would complain that he wanted to stay with me but he also pretended to do his own homework. He realized early on that I really liked my internship and would often ask me if I was going to the job I liked. He still likes telling people that his mom is a police officer but he also knows that I really like my "other job."
This year has had it's sacrifices. It also is a year that my children and I will remember for the positive things. I proved to myself and everyone else that I can be a mom, work full-time and attend graduate school. I hope my children learned that the way to accomplish your goals is to work hard and that everything I do is for them. Graduate school and my career change is to make things better for us. No, I won't make more money. But I will have a career I enjoy and a schedule that matches our family's needs better.
I have been asked many times how I have managed to get everything done this year. The truth is I haven't. I made time with my kids my priority and let everything else slide. Unless it had to be done, it waited until my kids were either asleep or not with me. I hired someone to clean my house every week so I didn't have to do it. We ate more fast food than was probably healthy but I tried not to worry about it. I did cook on evenings when we were home but didn't let myself worry about other nights. I called on my family and friends whenever I needed help. Sometimes it was just to let my dogs in or out of the house or to buy something we needed and leave it at my house. Other times it was to watch the kids when the babysitter was busy or when I needed to get an assignment done.
The kids have been great too. There were a few mornings that I laid in bed working on small assignments while they played quietly in the other room. They sacrificed time with me but hopefully learned that school is important. Jacob would complain that he wanted to stay with me but he also pretended to do his own homework. He realized early on that I really liked my internship and would often ask me if I was going to the job I liked. He still likes telling people that his mom is a police officer but he also knows that I really like my "other job."
This year has had it's sacrifices. It also is a year that my children and I will remember for the positive things. I proved to myself and everyone else that I can be a mom, work full-time and attend graduate school. I hope my children learned that the way to accomplish your goals is to work hard and that everything I do is for them. Graduate school and my career change is to make things better for us. No, I won't make more money. But I will have a career I enjoy and a schedule that matches our family's needs better.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Surprise Job Interview
Last Monday I was sitting in a team meeting for on-going social workers. It is the job that I have been doing my internship with and I absolutely love. I had applied for the position but didn't really expect to get it. Just hoping that I would. The supervisor began talking about the current hiring process and stated that everyone had already been notified who was going to get interviews. I hadn't received a phone call so was feeling more disappointed than I expected but understood. I don't have my social worker license yet and won't have it until after May. That is a major roadblock in my job hunt so I was planning to just apply again after I receive my license.
The interviews were scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday this week. On Wednesday morning my cell phone rang and I saw the child welfare supervisor's name on the caller ID. My first reaction was that they were calling because there was a communication problem and someone forgot to tell me about my interview. I immediately laughed at myself and then began trying to think about which family might be having a problem or if I had forgotten any paperwork they might need.
As soon as I got a break at work, I listened to the message. The supervisor stated she had heard from the social worker I was working with that I had not been contacted about interviews. She apologized and wanted me to call her back and tell her if I could come in that afternoon or the next day. Unfortunately, I wasn't available that afternoon since I was already at work but left her a message that I would come any time she wanted over the next two days.
I was able to interview at the end of the day yesterday. I know that the competition is very fierce. There are three of us that I know fairly well and all have very different experiences and will do a great job. I know they will hire who they believe is most qualified. It would be the perfect job though. Close to home but not in my county so I can still be a foster parent, a great group of people that I get along with and a department that shares my values. The last one is especially important since many of my current frustrations occur when my value system doesn't match my supervisor and co-workers values.
I should hear in a couple weeks who got the job. I won't be upset either way. It was great to just be one of 8 finalists and to be considered for the job. I am honored that they either considered me.
The interviews were scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday this week. On Wednesday morning my cell phone rang and I saw the child welfare supervisor's name on the caller ID. My first reaction was that they were calling because there was a communication problem and someone forgot to tell me about my interview. I immediately laughed at myself and then began trying to think about which family might be having a problem or if I had forgotten any paperwork they might need.
As soon as I got a break at work, I listened to the message. The supervisor stated she had heard from the social worker I was working with that I had not been contacted about interviews. She apologized and wanted me to call her back and tell her if I could come in that afternoon or the next day. Unfortunately, I wasn't available that afternoon since I was already at work but left her a message that I would come any time she wanted over the next two days.
I was able to interview at the end of the day yesterday. I know that the competition is very fierce. There are three of us that I know fairly well and all have very different experiences and will do a great job. I know they will hire who they believe is most qualified. It would be the perfect job though. Close to home but not in my county so I can still be a foster parent, a great group of people that I get along with and a department that shares my values. The last one is especially important since many of my current frustrations occur when my value system doesn't match my supervisor and co-workers values.
I should hear in a couple weeks who got the job. I won't be upset either way. It was great to just be one of 8 finalists and to be considered for the job. I am honored that they either considered me.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas Wishes
Merry Christmas everyone! I hope all of your Christmas wishes come true. Mine have started already. It began on Wednesday when I made my first tres leches cake. It is a cake that is popular in Mexico and Latin America. I was originally going to make it for a Christmas celebration with P but had to postpone it so Jacob, M and I ate it. It was delicious. Not perfect but delicious.
Yesterday I made a big breakfast for the kids and me. We don't get to stay home and eat breakfast very often. The boys get breakfast at the babysitter's house or daycare and I usually just have a bowl of cereal at work. Yesterday we had scrambled eggs and hash browns.
Jacob and I spent the afternoon making Christmas cookies. They turned out great and Santa ate two when he visited last night. M took an extra long nap yesterday so we saved a few cookies for him to decorate today. Then it was off to church and dinner with my parents and brother.
Today the boys are spending some time watching cartoons and playing with their new toys. Jacob got the fire truck he was dreaming about and M got a giant crane. They immediately traded and are playing nicely with each other. Wusha is tearing apart the old wrapping paper and boxes and making the kind of mess only a 7 month old puppyu is capable of.
Later today we will head to my parents house for a nice dinner and more presents. It is these types of mornings that I really remember how much I love being a parent and how long I waited for these mornings. The joy on the boys faces as Jacob exclaimed, "Santa really does like me!" Yes Jacob. Santa does like you. She also loves you more than you will ever understand.
M had a court hearing that went better than anyone expected. It now looks like his adoption will be finalized in about a year instead of two years. Praise God! Miracles do happen. He will soon be a forever member of my family and never have to worry about being hurt again. That is a miracle by itself.
I also received all but one of my grades yesterday. They are as good as I had hoped for. Just one more semester before I can get my social work certification and hopefully get a job (if not sooner). Then I can decide if I want to continue to go to school full-time or cut back to part-time. For now, I'm just going to be thankful that one semester is behind me and was a success.
Yesterday I made a big breakfast for the kids and me. We don't get to stay home and eat breakfast very often. The boys get breakfast at the babysitter's house or daycare and I usually just have a bowl of cereal at work. Yesterday we had scrambled eggs and hash browns.
Jacob and I spent the afternoon making Christmas cookies. They turned out great and Santa ate two when he visited last night. M took an extra long nap yesterday so we saved a few cookies for him to decorate today. Then it was off to church and dinner with my parents and brother.
Today the boys are spending some time watching cartoons and playing with their new toys. Jacob got the fire truck he was dreaming about and M got a giant crane. They immediately traded and are playing nicely with each other. Wusha is tearing apart the old wrapping paper and boxes and making the kind of mess only a 7 month old puppyu is capable of.
Later today we will head to my parents house for a nice dinner and more presents. It is these types of mornings that I really remember how much I love being a parent and how long I waited for these mornings. The joy on the boys faces as Jacob exclaimed, "Santa really does like me!" Yes Jacob. Santa does like you. She also loves you more than you will ever understand.
M had a court hearing that went better than anyone expected. It now looks like his adoption will be finalized in about a year instead of two years. Praise God! Miracles do happen. He will soon be a forever member of my family and never have to worry about being hurt again. That is a miracle by itself.
I also received all but one of my grades yesterday. They are as good as I had hoped for. Just one more semester before I can get my social work certification and hopefully get a job (if not sooner). Then I can decide if I want to continue to go to school full-time or cut back to part-time. For now, I'm just going to be thankful that one semester is behind me and was a success.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Recent Highlights
Winter is here and Christmas is only a few days away. I have been extremely busy with the end of the school semester, my internship and trying to spend time with my children. It hasn't been easy but the semester ended last week, the Christmas presents are bought, the laundry is closer to being under control again and life is a little more relaxing. Here are some recent highlights as well as some planned activities for the next couple of days.
- We received about 17 inches of snow the second week of December. It took several hours to dig ourselves out including having the city move some very large tree limbs from the end of the driveway. The picture above is from this storm.
- Jacob and M have visited Santa Clause. Jacob wants a fire truck with a firefighter. M wants a police station but I heard Santa ran out and has another special gift in mind for him.
- The school semester ended and I passed all of my classes (I think). I was able to get just over 240 hours in at my internship and loved every minute of it. I really hope I can get a job in child welfare soon. I would love to go part time for the next 2 years instead of full-time next year and be able to relax in a job I love.
- We have a tentative contract agreement. If it is voted for, I won't have to quit my job. I am relieved but also still looking for child welfare jobs.
- We are going to try to make a tres leches cake for a Christmas dinner tomorrow. We are having a miniture Christmas celebration with P tomorrow night and I wanted a desert from her Mexican culture. I heard these cakes are delicious so I am looking forward to trying it.
- Jacob and M have their Christmas concert tonight. They have been practicing their songs for the past several weeks so I know it will be wonderful. There is something about watching my children perform that makes me so proud I want to cry. I never knew my kids could affect me this way.
- I finished M's first photo montage. I can't post it here yet. His adoption process is just beginning and it will be months before it is final (maybe over a year). I will introduce him to all of my cyber friends then. I am just excited to have his "Welcome to the family" DVD finished. Unless something tragic and unexpected happens, he is here forever and I couldn't be happier about it.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Job Search Begins
I have started a job search. I received notice yesterday that they are laying off 18 second and third shift employees and I will be forced to move to second or third shift. I don't know how long the layoffs will last but second and third shift won't work for me long-term. I do not have child care during those hours and there is no licensed care in my community after 6 pm. I don't mind working some evening hours even a few days a week but I can't be out until midnight or 7 AM on a daily basis.
I will be changing shifts on January 1 until either the layoffs end or I can find a new job. I qualify for a training social work certificate now and am only 5 months away from the permaenent certificate. I will do what I have to do to take care of my children and not endanger M's placement and potential adoption. Please send good thoughts and prayers that I can either convince the department that moving me to 2nd or 3rd shift will hurt my family or that I find a new job soon.
I will be changing shifts on January 1 until either the layoffs end or I can find a new job. I qualify for a training social work certificate now and am only 5 months away from the permaenent certificate. I will do what I have to do to take care of my children and not endanger M's placement and potential adoption. Please send good thoughts and prayers that I can either convince the department that moving me to 2nd or 3rd shift will hurt my family or that I find a new job soon.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Considering Another Child
Jacob has wanted a little sister for a long time. I don't blame him. I want a little girl very badly as well. There are some days where I want it less than others but the desire never leaves completely.
So what is the problem? Well to begin with, I have only been a parent for 2 1/2 years and have 2 children. The youngest has only been here for a little over a year and his process is not completed yet. It won't be for a very long time. Possibly two more years. I wish it would be quicker but I can see it won't be.
The other huge problem is that I am overwhelmed with school, work and parenting. School is giving me the chance to change careers to a job I really enjoy and am looking forward to. I don't want to slow down because I don't want to delay that dream any longer than necessary. I don't want to change careers before I get the degree because it would severely limit my options.
Work is work. It pays the bills so even though leaving would make school and life much easier, it is not an option. I would love to win the lottery but it costs money to play and I have better things to throw my money away on.
So, I will have to wait for my daughter. I will find her someday. It just won't be today or even this year. It probably won't be until I settle into a new job. Unless I can find some rich man to marry and support us in the meantime :) Just kidding.
Next month is national adoption month. It is a good reminder of how blessed I am and a chance to celebrate my children and my family. M's case will progress, school will be over in just a few weeks and I have a week off work coming soon.
So what is the problem? Well to begin with, I have only been a parent for 2 1/2 years and have 2 children. The youngest has only been here for a little over a year and his process is not completed yet. It won't be for a very long time. Possibly two more years. I wish it would be quicker but I can see it won't be.
The other huge problem is that I am overwhelmed with school, work and parenting. School is giving me the chance to change careers to a job I really enjoy and am looking forward to. I don't want to slow down because I don't want to delay that dream any longer than necessary. I don't want to change careers before I get the degree because it would severely limit my options.
Work is work. It pays the bills so even though leaving would make school and life much easier, it is not an option. I would love to win the lottery but it costs money to play and I have better things to throw my money away on.
So, I will have to wait for my daughter. I will find her someday. It just won't be today or even this year. It probably won't be until I settle into a new job. Unless I can find some rich man to marry and support us in the meantime :) Just kidding.
Next month is national adoption month. It is a good reminder of how blessed I am and a chance to celebrate my children and my family. M's case will progress, school will be over in just a few weeks and I have a week off work coming soon.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Where are all the men?
I begin taking classes for my master's degree in social work tonight. It is a five semester program so I should graduate in August 2011. Just one month before my precious little boy starts kindergarten!
I currently work in law enforcement where it is very male dominated. Think stereotypical male macho attitudes and that is what I hear and see daily from some of my co-workers. Don't get me wrong. They are all great guys that do a great job but they are definitelly very conservative and into the typical male activities such as weight lifting, hunting and motorcycling. They often joke about who is the toughest, strongest, etc...
Now, take my new career. I have just started to get involved but can already see a huge culture shock (and welcomed culture shock) coming. I was able to see the class roster for all of my courses today. There is one guy in my program as a first year student. One. At my internship, I have met a few but not nearly as many men as women. The textbooks are all clearly more liberal than conservative so I am guessing the professors will be as well.
It will be a whole new experience for me. A world I have not been involved in much for the past 10 years or so. And a world I miss. I may not be as liberal as some of the people I have met but I am definitelly not as conservative as some of the people I work with now. And very few men! That will be a change by itself. I am ready for change though and very excited.
So tonight I am one step closer to my new career. Although, I probably won't be meeting any future husbands while attending class...
I currently work in law enforcement where it is very male dominated. Think stereotypical male macho attitudes and that is what I hear and see daily from some of my co-workers. Don't get me wrong. They are all great guys that do a great job but they are definitelly very conservative and into the typical male activities such as weight lifting, hunting and motorcycling. They often joke about who is the toughest, strongest, etc...
Now, take my new career. I have just started to get involved but can already see a huge culture shock (and welcomed culture shock) coming. I was able to see the class roster for all of my courses today. There is one guy in my program as a first year student. One. At my internship, I have met a few but not nearly as many men as women. The textbooks are all clearly more liberal than conservative so I am guessing the professors will be as well.
It will be a whole new experience for me. A world I have not been involved in much for the past 10 years or so. And a world I miss. I may not be as liberal as some of the people I have met but I am definitelly not as conservative as some of the people I work with now. And very few men! That will be a change by itself. I am ready for change though and very excited.
So tonight I am one step closer to my new career. Although, I probably won't be meeting any future husbands while attending class...
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
A New Routine
I started my internship today! It was a great first day and I learned a lot. I am now exhausted but feel great after getting home. The boys did really well too. Our new schedule has them staying at daycare until about 5:15 PM on the days I do my field work. When I work my normal paying job I usually run some errands and pick them up between 4 and 4:15 so it is a change for them.
Jacob and M handled the change well. They enjoyed having an extra hour with me in the morning while we got ready for the day. I told them both I would be a little late picking them up but not to worry. They didn't. Jacob was reading books with his teacher and was upset that he had to leave. M was wrestling with his teacher and appeared to be winning :) I found him jumping on top of her and both of them laughing and giggling. He didn't stop until I said I was leaving. I think he would have stayed all night if I would have let him. He also gave his teacher a hug good-bye which I have never seen him do before.
We got home tonight and I made an easy dinner. We ended up eating about 45 minutes later than normal. I then folded and put away a load of laundry, started another load, did a load of dishes and started the dishwasher. The boys are playing happily and we will start our bedtime routine in just a few minutes.
Not bad for a first day and a change to our routine. I go back to work tomorrow and then hope to have a four day weekend. I'll find out tomorrow if I got Friday off work but it looks good. Then it is back to work until Wednesday when I hope to be able to go to my internship. Again, I won't know for sure until Tuesday but it looks promising. Wednesday I am scheduled to attend a couple of meetings that I really don't want to miss. My paying job has to come first though so we will see what happens.
The new school year is off to a great start. Classes start September 14 so we are able to slowly adjust to our busier lives. I think it will go well though.
Jacob and M handled the change well. They enjoyed having an extra hour with me in the morning while we got ready for the day. I told them both I would be a little late picking them up but not to worry. They didn't. Jacob was reading books with his teacher and was upset that he had to leave. M was wrestling with his teacher and appeared to be winning :) I found him jumping on top of her and both of them laughing and giggling. He didn't stop until I said I was leaving. I think he would have stayed all night if I would have let him. He also gave his teacher a hug good-bye which I have never seen him do before.
We got home tonight and I made an easy dinner. We ended up eating about 45 minutes later than normal. I then folded and put away a load of laundry, started another load, did a load of dishes and started the dishwasher. The boys are playing happily and we will start our bedtime routine in just a few minutes.
Not bad for a first day and a change to our routine. I go back to work tomorrow and then hope to have a four day weekend. I'll find out tomorrow if I got Friday off work but it looks good. Then it is back to work until Wednesday when I hope to be able to go to my internship. Again, I won't know for sure until Tuesday but it looks promising. Wednesday I am scheduled to attend a couple of meetings that I really don't want to miss. My paying job has to come first though so we will see what happens.
The new school year is off to a great start. Classes start September 14 so we are able to slowly adjust to our busier lives. I think it will go well though.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
A Great Message
I have to admit that we haven't gone to church lately. We have either been on vacation or at birthday parties for about the last six weeks. We were finally free tonight and I really wanted to attend. I am so glad I did.
Pastor Scott told the story of the disciples feeding 5000 men with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. He reminded us that God will always provide for us and we don't need to worry about getting the things we need to do His work. It was such a great message for me to hear this week. I am nervous about beginning my internship and trying to juggle school, parenting and work.
At the same time, I recently interviewed for the exact job I want to get when I graduate from school. If I was given this job, it would mean that I would be able to delay graduate school until my children are a little older. I would also be able to use graduate school as my continuing education hours and most likely have my job be supportive and flexible (or at least more flexible than my current job).
I am very anxious to hear about the job. I should hear something next week. If I don't get the job, then I will begin my internship in just a couple of weeks. Another very scary new beginning. I am feeling a little overwhelmed and nervous about finding out if I have what it takes to be a good social worker.
It was so great to be reminded that if God wants me to work in social work and child welfare, He will give me (or help me learn) the skills I need to be successful. It may be through school or through a new job but He knows what is best for me. I just need to be patient and trust that everything will work out how it is suppose to. I know that changing careers is the best thing for me and for my children. I will be happier at work and the schedule will be much better for raising my sons.
Pastor Scott told the story of the disciples feeding 5000 men with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. He reminded us that God will always provide for us and we don't need to worry about getting the things we need to do His work. It was such a great message for me to hear this week. I am nervous about beginning my internship and trying to juggle school, parenting and work.
At the same time, I recently interviewed for the exact job I want to get when I graduate from school. If I was given this job, it would mean that I would be able to delay graduate school until my children are a little older. I would also be able to use graduate school as my continuing education hours and most likely have my job be supportive and flexible (or at least more flexible than my current job).
I am very anxious to hear about the job. I should hear something next week. If I don't get the job, then I will begin my internship in just a couple of weeks. Another very scary new beginning. I am feeling a little overwhelmed and nervous about finding out if I have what it takes to be a good social worker.
It was so great to be reminded that if God wants me to work in social work and child welfare, He will give me (or help me learn) the skills I need to be successful. It may be through school or through a new job but He knows what is best for me. I just need to be patient and trust that everything will work out how it is suppose to. I know that changing careers is the best thing for me and for my children. I will be happier at work and the schedule will be much better for raising my sons.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Child Welfare Beginnings
I am now one step closer to beginning a new career in the child welfare system. I have always known that my calling is to work with children. My first major in college was elementary education. I took a part-time job in private security that eventually led me to law enforcement but my favorite calls are always those that involve children.
As the years have gone on, I have remained committed to children. I mentor three girls as well as have my own children. I love being a foster parent and have learned a lot about working with the children and families. The past eight years in law enforcement has helped me prepare to relate and understand the families in the foster care system. As an adoptive and foster parent, I understand the unique challenges that come with these unique parenting situations. I have been active in a single mothers by choice group and of course have experience as part of an multiracial family.
It seems only logical that my new career be in child welfare. I really believe this is where God is calling me to work. I could be wrong but I really feel this is where I belong.
I had an interview yesterday for an internship about an hour away from my home. I will be working as an ongoing social worker in the child protective services unit. Too say I am excited is an understatement. I want to start yesterday. I want to quit my current job and just volunteer there for as many hours and on as many cases as they are willing to let me have. Unfortunately, that isn't possible since I still need to support my family and have a source of income if M's case proceeds to an adoption.
For now, I am just enjoying the knowledge that I am one step closer to my new career. I will learn a lot over the next several months. I will qualify for my social work license at the end of the school year and have a lot of options. Until then, I am excited to finally be on the path I need to travel to make my life and my children's lives better.
As the years have gone on, I have remained committed to children. I mentor three girls as well as have my own children. I love being a foster parent and have learned a lot about working with the children and families. The past eight years in law enforcement has helped me prepare to relate and understand the families in the foster care system. As an adoptive and foster parent, I understand the unique challenges that come with these unique parenting situations. I have been active in a single mothers by choice group and of course have experience as part of an multiracial family.
It seems only logical that my new career be in child welfare. I really believe this is where God is calling me to work. I could be wrong but I really feel this is where I belong.
I had an interview yesterday for an internship about an hour away from my home. I will be working as an ongoing social worker in the child protective services unit. Too say I am excited is an understatement. I want to start yesterday. I want to quit my current job and just volunteer there for as many hours and on as many cases as they are willing to let me have. Unfortunately, that isn't possible since I still need to support my family and have a source of income if M's case proceeds to an adoption.
For now, I am just enjoying the knowledge that I am one step closer to my new career. I will learn a lot over the next several months. I will qualify for my social work license at the end of the school year and have a lot of options. Until then, I am excited to finally be on the path I need to travel to make my life and my children's lives better.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)