Things I've realized about myself in the last 8 months:
I like people who talk fast. The human brain can comprehend 500 words per minute. Keep up.
If I don't know you very well, and you talk too slowly, I probably think you're arrogant, unintelligent and/or boring, so I will interrupt you.
I don't like fragrance or fake smells of any kind. I can't stand it in my laundry detergent, my soap, my lotion, cleaners, candles, perfume etc. When I smell fragrances that do not occur naturally in nature I feel like I'm inhaling poison.
I am not thoughtful. I won't remember your birthday and if I do, I will labor over what to do about it and in the end, I will do nothing and feel very badly about it.
I think mostly in the present. Rarely future, sometimes past. This is why I only know it's someones birthday, some holiday, or it's the first day of the Olympics, on the day they occur.
I can not get out of a grocery store in under an hour.
I will think nothing of spending $7 on bulk sesame seeds but I refuse to spend 25 cents more on a higher quality garbage bag or toilet paper.
I really like to read.
I am not sentimental. I am an anti-hoarder. I could easily toss 50% of the contents of my house with no hesitation.
When given something that does nothing but sits there looking pretty, I feel my heart palpitating b/c I will have to find some other corner of my house to stash this item that I can't eat, read, or wear.
I am very lucky.
I only like to drink water. Sometimes I drink other things because other people seem to think it's fun, but I'm always disappointed. Water is better.
Eating meat is really gross. I will not eat it anymore. Period. I have the book "Eating Animals" to blame for this highfalutin' vegetarianism.
The older I get, the more liberal I become.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Thursday, June 4, 2009
This is the kind of thing that makes liberals drool...like me
He wanted to see if the presidents hair felt like his.Saturday, May 23, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
I've been waiting to post about this until after I spoke with the woman who interviewed me for the last job I applied for.
So basically, I have earnestly been searching for a part-time job for about 4 months and there are very very few to apply for in my field. I think I've applied for about 5 or 6 jobs. I interviewed for a job at the place I used to intern and they called me a few days later to tell me the entire department had been laid off--BUT she knew of an agency looking for a temporary part time case manager (not my thing--I'm not a social worker--but beggars can't be choosers) . So I got an interview there and it was between me and one other woman. After not hearing from them for over a week I sent an email asking what up and she told me that they were choosing the other candidate but that she would call me and let me know why. I thought that was very kind of her b/c I have actually been asked that same question and I was not comfortable enough to tell the candidate why I did not hire them.
Anyway, she called me this afternoon and she was very very nice. She told me that overall the reason I was not hired was because the other candidate was fluent in Spanish (this is the 3rd time I have been the second runner up for that reason) but that she wanted to share with me that in future interviews I should be more energetic. She asked if I had been sick because it seemed like I had low energy. I practically laughed out loud because this was when my morning sickness began and I had to remove my sea-sickness bands for the interview so that I did not look like a weirdo --so I was pretty green and I did have low energy. She also mentioned that there was one question I stunk up the room on and that was when I was asked to describe a time when I've worked with a difficult client. This was very hard for me to answer because 1. I haven't worked in 2 years so specific clients are not fresh in my mind right now. 2. All clients are difficult. That's the nature of our work. I recall pausing FOREVER which I've never done in an interview before and my mind was just a complete blank. I rambled out some answer and when I left the interview I knew I'd bombed that question.But overall, I'm so grateful for her call and I feel like I have a better idea of what to expect in future interviews.
It's really weird to try and dip my toe back in after I've been out so long and now with #2 coming I fear what I worked so hard for in graduate school was for naught. I just don't see any way for me to work again for at least 2 more years. I can't leave my newborn baby with other people--I tried that with Henry and it was a disaster. I was sick with worry and I KNEW I could take better care of him than anyone else -AND-- I missed him like crazy. I couldn't concentrate at work (which is not okay in my line of work--providing therapy) so it wasn't fair to my clients, the employees I was supervising, my employer, myself, or to Henry. I know my/our decision to quit my job was the best decision I/we ever made in our lives. Henry is thriving. He is such a loving, sweet, fun and happy little boy, he learns easily, he is securely attached to us and also comfortable at school away from us. So--I do not regret any of this---but OF COURSE I worry about my career. I know my babies will benefit for a lifetime b/c of our choices and I know this is such a blip in time--I have my whole life to work and I should cherish every moment of this time--and I do--but ....
So basically, I have earnestly been searching for a part-time job for about 4 months and there are very very few to apply for in my field. I think I've applied for about 5 or 6 jobs. I interviewed for a job at the place I used to intern and they called me a few days later to tell me the entire department had been laid off--BUT she knew of an agency looking for a temporary part time case manager (not my thing--I'm not a social worker--but beggars can't be choosers) . So I got an interview there and it was between me and one other woman. After not hearing from them for over a week I sent an email asking what up and she told me that they were choosing the other candidate but that she would call me and let me know why. I thought that was very kind of her b/c I have actually been asked that same question and I was not comfortable enough to tell the candidate why I did not hire them.
Anyway, she called me this afternoon and she was very very nice. She told me that overall the reason I was not hired was because the other candidate was fluent in Spanish (this is the 3rd time I have been the second runner up for that reason) but that she wanted to share with me that in future interviews I should be more energetic. She asked if I had been sick because it seemed like I had low energy. I practically laughed out loud because this was when my morning sickness began and I had to remove my sea-sickness bands for the interview so that I did not look like a weirdo --so I was pretty green and I did have low energy. She also mentioned that there was one question I stunk up the room on and that was when I was asked to describe a time when I've worked with a difficult client. This was very hard for me to answer because 1. I haven't worked in 2 years so specific clients are not fresh in my mind right now. 2. All clients are difficult. That's the nature of our work. I recall pausing FOREVER which I've never done in an interview before and my mind was just a complete blank. I rambled out some answer and when I left the interview I knew I'd bombed that question.But overall, I'm so grateful for her call and I feel like I have a better idea of what to expect in future interviews.
It's really weird to try and dip my toe back in after I've been out so long and now with #2 coming I fear what I worked so hard for in graduate school was for naught. I just don't see any way for me to work again for at least 2 more years. I can't leave my newborn baby with other people--I tried that with Henry and it was a disaster. I was sick with worry and I KNEW I could take better care of him than anyone else -AND-- I missed him like crazy. I couldn't concentrate at work (which is not okay in my line of work--providing therapy) so it wasn't fair to my clients, the employees I was supervising, my employer, myself, or to Henry. I know my/our decision to quit my job was the best decision I/we ever made in our lives. Henry is thriving. He is such a loving, sweet, fun and happy little boy, he learns easily, he is securely attached to us and also comfortable at school away from us. So--I do not regret any of this---but OF COURSE I worry about my career. I know my babies will benefit for a lifetime b/c of our choices and I know this is such a blip in time--I have my whole life to work and I should cherish every moment of this time--and I do--but ....
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
2nd US Swine flu death...this makes me so sad...
The pregnant woman, Judy Trunnell, 33, was hospitalized for two weeks until she died Tuesday. The teacher was in a coma, and her baby girl was delivered by cesarean section. According to the report, she had asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, a skin condition called psoriasis and was 35 weeks pregnant.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
I married a good man...
I was feeling particularly exhausted today and so after Justin went back to work (after having lunch with us) I texted him asking if he could come back home because I did not feel well. He did and then he took Henry out for $2 Tuesdays (gelato) and to the playground. They were gone for hours and when he came home he made us a tasty and nutricious dinner, did all the dishes, took out the trash, gave Henry a bath and after H was asleep he went to HEB for the 3rd time today to get me some icecream.
I don't even know why I'm writing this because it's nothing special...he is always bending over backwards for me/us. I just wanted to share how lucky I am am.
I don't even know why I'm writing this because it's nothing special...he is always bending over backwards for me/us. I just wanted to share how lucky I am am.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Henry wishes...
If I had to pick today what Henry wants be when he grows up, just based solely on his current personality and reaction to seeing this I'm going to say something dealing with music.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Mama's baby...
I just showed Henry this picture and told him that that's what the baby in mama's belly looked like and he said, "Go away baby, go away."
This is going to be awesome.
This is going to be awesome.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Maternal rage...
Yesterday morning I took Henry to the library for storytime. Afterwards, Ms. Elizabeth brought out her box of puppets and the kids took turns trying them on. Henry loves putting on puppets and making the sounds of the various animals. He was showing this mom who was sitting next to him his rhino and she did not acknowledge his existence. He kept putting the puppet in her face and saying, "Rhino." and she ignored him while watching her son. This was not an issue of her not seeing him, she just did not feel it her duty to acknowledge any other child but her own and I wanted to slap her. I'm not sure if this was just my hormones or what, but it really really made me mad. Like so mad I almost got tears in my eyes and contemplated saying something nasty. Of course I did not, thank goodness.
Henry began playing with the stuffed "Big Red Dog" and this woman's son wanted it. Henry is pretty good about sharing but of course this child was not asking and tried to take it. Henry was not going to let that happen and so this little boy screamed his head off. I've heard tantrums before but this was over the top screaming. The mom told him that Henry was playing with the dog and that he would share when he was finished and this boy howled even louder. The mom had to pick her son up and hold him, while my son stood at this woman's feet trying to give the dog to her and she actually had to leave the library with her son. (Again ignoring mine--but this time I understood).
So maybe she wasn't a jerk --just an overwhelmed mom. But still....how hard is it to say, "Yeah, Rhino".
Henry began playing with the stuffed "Big Red Dog" and this woman's son wanted it. Henry is pretty good about sharing but of course this child was not asking and tried to take it. Henry was not going to let that happen and so this little boy screamed his head off. I've heard tantrums before but this was over the top screaming. The mom told him that Henry was playing with the dog and that he would share when he was finished and this boy howled even louder. The mom had to pick her son up and hold him, while my son stood at this woman's feet trying to give the dog to her and she actually had to leave the library with her son. (Again ignoring mine--but this time I understood).
So maybe she wasn't a jerk --just an overwhelmed mom. But still....how hard is it to say, "Yeah, Rhino".
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
If I were not a mom...
This would be my job. It's at LifeWorks where I did my internship. It's basically the closest thing to having a private practice but without the hassle of the business end of things. I did couples counseling, play therapy, group, individual, family, the whole shebang. It's basically an awesome job and they never have openings...so this particularly stings to see open.
Counselor I - Austin, TX
Posted:
Description: Youth and Adult Counseling assists individuals, youth and families in dealing with the stress of day-to-day living by improving and utilizing their existing coping skills and creating effective solutions. Focusing on strengths, the program helps identify goals for short-term therapy and works with each client to explore issues and create effective solutions. The ideal candidate will provide strengths-based, solution-oriented counseling and crisis intervention services to individual adults, couples, children, adolescents, families and groups, in English and Spanish. They will also need to be able to maintain thorough, accurate, and timely documentation of files in accordance with program, agency, and funder requirements; provide intake, assessment, follow-up, and community outreach. The ideal candidate must have the ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced, high-demand environment; learn and use database software quickly and accurately; work independently and follow program and agency policies and procedures consistently without continuous supervision. This position provides the opportunity to gain hours toward licensure in a clinical setting, crisis intervention skills, and a supportive team based atmosphere. SOME EVENINGS REQUIRED. REQUIRED: 6 months experience providing direct counseling to individuals, adults, couples, children, adolecents, families and group in English and Spanish. Masters degree in Counseling, Social Work or related field; licensure as an LMSW or LPCi. Proficiency with PC and Microsoft Office products. PREFERRED: 3+ years experience providing direct counseling services; advanced licensure, board-approved supervisor certification. Bilingual English/Spanish. *Provides individual, couples, group and/or family counseling. *Provides crisis intervention with clients based on individual program needs. *Administers client services providing: intake, assessment, treatment planning, record keeping and documentation, case management, evaluation and follow-up, and by contacting necessary collaterals. Provides appropriate referrals; keeps apprised of available community resources. *Monitors program participants and maintains documentation of all services in accordance with agency and funding requirements. *Provides community outreach as required by individual program. *Follows licensure requirements as determined by program, agency, and/or grants.
Counselor I - Austin, TX
Posted:
Description: Youth and Adult Counseling assists individuals, youth and families in dealing with the stress of day-to-day living by improving and utilizing their existing coping skills and creating effective solutions. Focusing on strengths, the program helps identify goals for short-term therapy and works with each client to explore issues and create effective solutions. The ideal candidate will provide strengths-based, solution-oriented counseling and crisis intervention services to individual adults, couples, children, adolescents, families and groups, in English and Spanish. They will also need to be able to maintain thorough, accurate, and timely documentation of files in accordance with program, agency, and funder requirements; provide intake, assessment, follow-up, and community outreach. The ideal candidate must have the ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced, high-demand environment; learn and use database software quickly and accurately; work independently and follow program and agency policies and procedures consistently without continuous supervision. This position provides the opportunity to gain hours toward licensure in a clinical setting, crisis intervention skills, and a supportive team based atmosphere. SOME EVENINGS REQUIRED. REQUIRED: 6 months experience providing direct counseling to individuals, adults, couples, children, adolecents, families and group in English and Spanish. Masters degree in Counseling, Social Work or related field; licensure as an LMSW or LPCi. Proficiency with PC and Microsoft Office products. PREFERRED: 3+ years experience providing direct counseling services; advanced licensure, board-approved supervisor certification. Bilingual English/Spanish. *Provides individual, couples, group and/or family counseling. *Provides crisis intervention with clients based on individual program needs. *Administers client services providing: intake, assessment, treatment planning, record keeping and documentation, case management, evaluation and follow-up, and by contacting necessary collaterals. Provides appropriate referrals; keeps apprised of available community resources. *Monitors program participants and maintains documentation of all services in accordance with agency and funding requirements. *Provides community outreach as required by individual program. *Follows licensure requirements as determined by program, agency, and/or grants.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Home birth...
"The largest study of its kind has found that for low-risk women, giving birth at home is as safe as doing so in hospital with a midwife."
full story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7998417.stm
"In the UK, the government has pledged to give all women the option of a home birth by the end of this year."
full story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7998417.stm
"In the UK, the government has pledged to give all women the option of a home birth by the end of this year."
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
My friend Shawna is nice
She sent me ginger tea and preggy-pops. They are helping. Only 4.5 more weeks to go!
(Till the nausea is supposed to end)
(Till the nausea is supposed to end)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Feeling better now...
Justin and Henry foraged all over town Sunday to find me some "Sea Bands" for nausea. They work incredibly well. It's not 100% but it's manageable now.
Just in time for us to all get some sort of cold or allergies.
Just in time for us to all get some sort of cold or allergies.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Another day...
of feeling hungover. Only today Henry has diarrhea so that makes my tender stomach all the more tender. Justin's been doing 99% of the diaper changes but I bravely did one and had to call Justin in for back-up. I actually felt faint when I saw what was in the diaper. And then it felt like a sphincter in my stomach locked up and clogged for a second and the feeling passed.
Justin is out right now trying to find me some sea-bands. They helped tremendously the last time I was pregnant.
Justin is out right now trying to find me some sea-bands. They helped tremendously the last time I was pregnant.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Today's misery
Okay...I've put my finger on "morning" sickness. It feels like I was out all last night drinking tequila and then I cam home at 4 AM and vomited for 2 hours and then got 30 minutes sleep and then had to wake up to start my day. And just like when I've been hungover, I feel like I need to eat and perhaps I'll feel better if I do, but every kind of food known to humanity makes me want to wretch...so I don't eat...and then I feel worse and worse and worse.
Only six more weeks of this (if I'm lucky). Yay!
Only six more weeks of this (if I'm lucky). Yay!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
But I want an umpa lumpa noooooooooow
Since this is my blog..just for me..I'm going to use it to whiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine.
Beginning yesterday, I have started to feel like crap. My stomach constantly feels like it's 5 AM and I've been up for an hour and am so hungry my stomach aches and yet absolutely nothing sounds good to eat and the energy required to prepare food is so unreasonable that I'd rather just sit here in my own pee than get up.
I want to lay down and go to sleep for about 12 to 14 hours and when I wake I want buffet tables of food brought to me that I could pick over like Queen Elizabeth. And then I want the court jester to entertain me and when he's no longer funny I'll have him executed and then I'll roll over and go back to sleep.
Luckily I have Justin.
Beginning yesterday, I have started to feel like crap. My stomach constantly feels like it's 5 AM and I've been up for an hour and am so hungry my stomach aches and yet absolutely nothing sounds good to eat and the energy required to prepare food is so unreasonable that I'd rather just sit here in my own pee than get up.
I want to lay down and go to sleep for about 12 to 14 hours and when I wake I want buffet tables of food brought to me that I could pick over like Queen Elizabeth. And then I want the court jester to entertain me and when he's no longer funny I'll have him executed and then I'll roll over and go back to sleep.
Luckily I have Justin.
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