On my own

Have you ever heard that song from Les Miserables? Oh I love it, but that's not what I'm referring to.

So, I started on my own at work two fridays ago. It's been good, but as with any new job, there is adjustment. I have a whole new set of co-workers to get to know and learn their personalities and they will be learning mine. That's actually been good. I think I can fit it pretty quickly with people. Once my initial shyness wears off.

I think the biggest thing is that the pace is so fast! Nothing that I have ever been used to before. It is good in a lot of ways because the day goes by so quickly. I only get a 30 minute lunch break, but have found myself working through most of them. Some days it's 1:30pm before I even realize that I have not had my lunch yet.

Even though I have had hospice experience in the past every hospice is different. I am familiar with the setting, but there is definitely alot to learn.

I meet once a week with a woman who is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). This is to work towards becoming an LCSW myself. I am only an LSW (Licensed Social Worker) now. Basically you need to have so many hours of supervision with an LCSW, 3000 hours of hands on clinical experience and then you have to take the board exam again, but it is a little more focused on different areas then the LSW exam....so, that will take about two years to do all of that. Not looking forward to exam again, but no need to stress about it now.

I asked Josh the other day if he thinks my overall attitude in life has changed since I started this job and as I was finishing the question and looking up at him he was already shaking his head yes very affirmatively! (Is that a word?) It was really funny! I laughed out loud. I felt like I noticed a difference in myself so it was nice to know that I was not making things up. ;)

I think this sudden warm up in Chicago has been wonderful too! Today I drove home, parked my car and walked to pick up Norah from daycare...that is not something I would typically do! I made sure to send Josh a text message to let him know of this life changing event in my life!

So, there's an update on things. Sorry no pictures of Norah...just feeling lazy about uploading.

She has been a little more snugly with us when we are with other people and more easily upset, especially in the evenings...I think she is getting her back teeth in and that is causing discomfort and she is also smack dab in the middle of the separation anxiety stage (12-18 months). Can't say I mind when she screams with joy when she sees me and wraps around my legs and will not let anyone else hold her. Expect Josh. It's fun!

Josh is doing really well in his classes. It's nice to see him enjoying it alot. I think I would cry every day if I had to take his classes! He thrives in this setting and is so excited about it. Although last night we were talking to a friend who is petitioning for PhD spots at U of C and other places and the process seems a little scary. This time next year Josh will be doing it. We will know in a year from now where we will be for the next chunk of time (possibly 6-8 years)...we are hoping for here...I think. :) I could go to a warmer place though, but we will see!

PS, I am so thankful for spell check...although I am sure my posts would be more entertaining if I just left my original draft!