Work

One of my favorite people is leaving my job in a week and a half. I am so happy for her. I am trying not to ruin it with my sadness. She has been my mentor and friend for five years. When she leaves, she will complete a total change in clinical management within a year and a half. Many of those that have left were my good friends. Most of them went to work with the VA. What they hell is going on? Well, we got a new director and she had new ideas. Some people went with the new ideas. Most did not. I like the new director, and I usually like new ideas. The ones I don't like, I use this philosophy: "Suck it up girl!" Fortunately, the new director likes me, and often includes me in exciting projects. This keeps me motivated.

However, my new direct supervisor started in January. I don't get to meet with the director as much :( and it is a big adjustment to meet with this new supervisor. She is sweet and supportive. So I have to... "Suck it up".

It's all good. I am still thinking about that other job though....

The kids are on spring break this week. I wish we were going to Hawaii! Or somewhere really fun. They are enjoying sleeping in and doing very little, at least. My super supportive supervisor told me to work from home some this week to keep an eye on them. That is definitely a perk.

I made one of my staff cry today. I was very direct with her, and had to explain my expectations regarding the treatment of one consumer (meet them where they are at, not where you think they should be). I feel bad that she cried. I really do warn people when I hire them that I am pretty direct and I have a passion for consumer's rights and respectful treatment. I know that I need to work on my delivery of those messages. In fact, I need to get a lot better at fostering growth with those messages, rather than 'the smackdown'. I am involved in tearing down walls and pushing out barriers on so many movements (mental illness, equal rights, multi-culturalism) that I forget how to push softly to build up the walls.

The warm breeze on my face was heavenly today. Truly. My sheets are still soft. And I don't work for AIG. :)

Critical mama

My daughter Anna had a big marker splotch on her head this morning, which I noticed as we were heading to the car for church. I ask her what it is, she tells me it is marker (as in, duh mom it is marker). While in the car I look back at her and her little (self cut) bangs are sticking straight up. She says, "Mom the marker is gone!" She has spit on her hand and rubbed her little head- bangs and all- until it went away. I said, "I see that, now your bangs are all messed up for church!"

That stuff makes me sad. Why can't I just laugh it off and say, "I see honey! Good job." I want to be rid of this evil critical spirit!

Today I am:

1. Looking forward to Easter- Anna turns 9.
2. Glad our family spent the evening at Amy's house, and drank a little wine. Jacqueline is such a cutie.
3. KJ gave me a big hug today- not frequent from my son the senior.
4. Looking at 44 days til Vegas.
5. I slept until I woke up on my own this morning Woohoo!

Things that I love today...
1. George does not have cancer.
2. I am not in school anymore.
3. I have a new project at work.
4. My daughter is still very excited when I come home from work.
5. Starbucks is good all the time.

Rant section: I hate it when you see that someone is about to be horribly embarrassed, and you cannot do anything about it......

"I need a vacation"

George and I are finally planning a vacation just for the two of us. I feel guilty- because we don't take a lot of vacations as a family, so if we are spending money to travel we should bring the kids. However, I am getting over that guilt- and we are going away alone. Well, I am saving so we can go away alone :)

In all of our 14 years together, we have never boarded a plane and went on vacation. We have found little excursions to go on, and family roadtrips. So I am really excited. I am looking forward to massages, swimming, three gourmet dinners in a row where we look at each other and have adult conversation, and sleeping in late.

Today I am thankful for:

Friends that call me on my cell phone just to say Hi.
Soft sheets
Banana pudding
Bills that are paid in full.
My reliable car.
Warm breezes, promises of spring.
Reading other blogs.