Social Worker Mom

Gaps in the system

2012-01-27T09:15:00.000-05:00

What are some of the biggest gaps you come across with your clients?

Do any of them make your job more difficult because you find yourself having to take on certain responsibilities to an extent that really should NOT be yours to take on?

Or do you find yourself just spending more time in general on one client with an issue and as a result, neglecting others on your caseload?

For my clientele, the biggest problems I've been running into are no one to help manage a person's $$$ who cannot do so when they first come into the community (we can refer to APS but that's a big long drawn out process) and this also happens because family does not want the responsibility (which I totally get), lack of funds when a client first comes into the community setting from a nursing home (pantries only go so far, especially if you are on a specialized diet) and a HUGE gap.....there really are no agencies left anymore who are accepting clients who need weekly pre-pours and medication monitoring.

We've been referring to pharmacies to do blister pack deliveries but this can still be tough for many a client for a variety of reasons. Our staff are also not allowed to handle meds.

Some of our case managers have been dipping into their own pockets to help clients out financially when they first are discharged, but they can't afford to do this for long (even if our agency reimburses them), and not only that, it sets up a dynamic of dependence and entitlement from the very start which is NOT good.

It has also been suggested that our agency be a rep-payee for many a client, but that is highly unethical.

Regarding the pre-pours, some of our nurses have gotten stuck with that responsibility too, and it often creates problems and takes away from their regular duties and clients.

I always say that way back when some person designed the program I work for, they never thought of these needs to be implemented into the program and now they have exploded, sometimes making the job impossible, and also putting the client at risk.

In order for any major change to go through, it has to go through the government too, and you all know how fast that will happen......

Do you have any of these same issues? How have you dealt with them?

All suggestions (and venting too!) welcomed!

Rules of life............

2012-01-22T15:32:00.002-05:00

TGIF

2012-01-20T10:35:00.000-05:00

It's been a very long week and I don't know about anybody else around here, but this social worker is BEYOND happy that the weekend is upon her.

Some of the things that happened for me this week:

Business trip with my 2 male bosses. Always awkward and uncomfortable.....

Began the journey to look at nursery schools for my son. Competition is very fierce out there, even at the age of 3. The process has to be started in January however to guarantee a spot for September.

Dealt with some more personal/family drama. And it's not over yet ;).

Finally, I can't provide a lot of details in case it winds up in the media, however, one of my most favorite clients ever found out this week that they WILL be going to jail. Yours truly got to go to break the news to them. I think everyone in the room was crying :(.

So yeah, it has been a VERY rough week around here.

What about you? How are things going out there in Socialworkland?

2012-01-18T18:58:00.000-05:00

2012-01-13T06:31:00.002-05:00

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It's Friday!!

How was your week so far everyone?

So far, so good in this part of the world. AND today is pay-day too :). Can't get much better than that. (Well, except if I had no bills and win the lottery my co-workers and I entered this weekend).

On a sadder note, I do have to ask that you all keep one of my clients in your thoughts.

I can't share any details but I know they need as much positive that exists out there right now to be on their side. This is probably one of the most serious situations I have heard happening to someone I have ever worked with.

Wells, it is time for me to hop in the shower so I can start my day.

I am actually planning on going into the office for a few hours this morning to get some work done!

As I've mentioned in the past, I generally work from home on Fridays but since DH and DS are here today, anything productive for my job would not be happening at home.

Hope you all have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend, and thanks for following.

2012-01-11T06:29:00.002-05:00

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Happy Social Work Wednesday all!

What kind of hope are you keeping on your list for this week?

For both your clients and yourselves?

Crazy dreams

2012-01-10T05:53:00.003-05:00

I had one of these last night and just woke up and cannot get it out of my head.

I went alone to visit someone random I chit chat with from time to time.

We ate fried chicken prepared for us fresh from the coop behind a little restaurant.

At one point, we were taking in some different sites in California. Then, we took a train and instantly, we were back at her building which was in a completely different state across the country.

I was then rushing to the airport to catch my flight home and realized I forgot my ID.

I had to travel back to her home, and could not remember her apartment #, last name or even the name of the city I was in currently.

I was getting off the elevator at each floor to try to remember her apartment, and no floor looked familiar to me.

Everywhere I was surrounded by ballerinas. Kinda like that movie Black Swan LOL.

That's when I woke up.

Yikes. I'm still sweating here.

I went to a dream interpretation site and I guess I must have a lot of underlying crazy going on in my life right now to dream such a dream. (Or perhaps it was just the spicy chips I ate before bedtime.)

Have you dreamt anything crazy that has stayed with you lately?

Don't know about you guys......

2012-01-04T05:32:00.000-05:00

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but I would love to call in Cold! at work today.

Yes, I've been unseasonably spoiled with warmer weather this winter, and yes, I do realize it IS January afterall, but it's still a total shock to my system dealing with the weather when it dips down to freezing level.

Even my pipes can't keep up and my house is like a total icebox.

Anyways, today I am totally thankful though I no longer depend on public transportation to get to and from work. Now those days really used to suck.

Happy Hump day everyone!!! Hope you are staying warm and toasty wherever you are.

Day off

2012-01-02T09:02:00.000-05:00

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I have today off from work since New Year's fell on Sunday.

I have nothing big planned, which is totally fine by me.

Need to take DS to the pediatrician. He has a cold and a "smell" coming from his nose.

Then I have to fold and put away a fairly large pile of laundry that is quickly multiplying in my basement.

Later I hope to get back to the mat for my first Bikram class of 2012. I haven't been in probably about a week now and need to get back into the yoga groove.

Do you have off today? What are your plans, if any? How was your New Year's weekend? Anything big coming up this week at work?

I am looking forward to heading back tomorrow. I have a couple of intakes planned in the AM then writing, writing and more writing of client plans as usual :)

Happy New Year!!!

2011-12-30T21:36:00.001-05:00

Not sure how much I will be on here this weekend. I am headed out of the burbs to the countryside for a couple of days. I don't really get too involved with the craziness that is NYE anymore, but still wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very happy, safe and healthy holiday wherever you are and however you may be celebrating (or hibernating if you're like me). Also sending thanks to all of you for taking the time to follow and share on my blog throughout the year. Here's a little bit of Pinterest love headed your way!!

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Inappropriateness du jour

2011-12-28T16:11:00.003-05:00

What are some things people you come across at work are currently doing that totally drive you completely batty because they are so inappropriate?

Can be either at your place of business or someone you need to deal with who also works in your field (there's no discrimination when it comes to wrongful behaviors on behalf of the one with power).

Of course I'll start with my gripe du jour......there's this "nurse" who makes me nutty every now and again. She doesn't work for my agency ~~(thank goodness),~~ however, is supposed to have a standing appointment every week with our mutual client for the same day and time.

At least once a month, SHE will arrive way early for their meeting, get pissy-issy that the client is not there (because obviously, SHE is ready to go home and the client should be there waiting for her with bells on) so Ms. Professional starts calling everyone and their brother (even agencies who no longer work with this man--hell, I no longer work directly with this man) claiming he's not being seen and is non-compliant with treatment.

Not wanting to ~~necessarily~~ get her fired, but to be a good advocate for the client, I have attempted ~~to file~~ ~~complaints~~ contacting her management about miscommunications with time when I was the actual social worker on the case, but didn't even receive any kind of acknowledgement from her agency that my messages were received.

Maybe they were, and are being dealt with internally, but I guess I will never know.

Anyways, this is just something that annoys me about working in our field that I needed to gripe about today.

It also provides a lot of food for thought about how already vulnerable people who depend on our system are being portrayed by the ones in authority.

I remember when I was a lot younger and just starting out in the field, I held a few case management positions where basically I just had to show up and hope the client was there. Many times, they were not, since of course, they were not expecting me. And back then, before I had the experience, education and training, I have now, I sorta perceived the whole "non-compliance thing" going on too.

There is definitely a difference though between a client not following treatment recommendations and us as helping providers just wanting to go home early ;).

I hope you all get to leave work early today, or at least relish the fact that we almost made it through another hump day.

You know it's going to be a GREAT week.........

2011-12-27T08:15:00.000-05:00

when you get a message, the day of a holiday weekend, for a brand new client, one you have yet to write a plan for and have bits and pieces of background info on saying:

"I need you to call me back ASAP. My child HAS to be out of his temporary living situation in a couple of weeks. I really need you to get on this because he CANNOT be made to be homeless."

Gee, thanks. Now I know what MY stress is going to be for the New Year.

~~(And I can't help but think that the family may have known this info when I did the intake last week but withheld it from me thinking I would not take the case otherwise).~~

I guess I'm just a moody social worker this morning.

Now I get to call them up and remind them that we are NOT a crisis housing program and that they (like it or not) will need to make temporary, alternate arrangements (i.e. allowing the client to stay with family which was pointed out by them as an option at their intake ;).

Happy social work Tuesday-day-after-a-holiday-weekend all!!!

What "crisis" is on your plate this morning?

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T13:54:00.000-05:00

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Help wanted & a question

2011-12-18T19:01:00.000-05:00

I know the economy is tough out there right now, so I am always trying to help a fellow social worker out. If you or someone you know is looking, my agency is interviewing right now to replace one of our case managers who has been offered a great opportunity elsewhere in Social Work Land.

Clients on this particular caseload are located in both Brooklyn and Staten Island. Requirements are preferably a MSW (or similar professional degree) and 2 years of case management experience with the disabled, or a BA in a human services related field and at least 2 years of case management experience with people with disabilities.

Obviously, things like time management, multi-tasking, working with challenging clients (or more often than not, their challenging family members)as well as ability to write sometimes long-winded reports are also requirements of the job if you follow my blog :)

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Do you know of any good employment opportunities in your area that you would be willing to share? (Anonymously or not).

Feel free to post on here and I will re-tweet periodically, or maybe even start some kind of new employment section on my blog if there's enough interest.

Have a great evening everyone. I can't believe it's almost #socialworkMonday ;).

Busy Sunday

2011-12-18T10:33:00.000-05:00

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Much to do today friends!

Waiting now in anticipation for my son to return from his sleepover with his grandparents so DH and I could shop and attend a party last night.

Attending noonish yoga. First class back in almost a week (Yikes! I've been seriously slacking).

Then I will hopefully be able to get in some more holiday shopping.

I picked up our Christmas cards last night so I have to focus on getting them addressed later too.

I hope I can get it all done!

What are your plans for today? Is it a lazy Sunday or a crazy one?

Fill in the blank............haven't done this in awhile

2011-12-16T08:22:00.000-05:00

1. My most favorite "little thing" is cuddling with my son in the am before work, and then probably enjoying those first few sips of coffee in the morning before all the crazy begins. During the work week, I also have a ritual where I stop in at the Panera near my job and just have some coffee, breakfast and gather all my thoughts together on what I need to accomplish for the day. (I realize I wrote about more than one thing, oops!)

2. I'd give anything to run into a windfall of a couple thousand bucks right now. I'm not asking for a lot. Just enough.

3. I can't believe some things that people share online. We really need to be careful y'all.

4. The one thing I'd like to achieve today is DS having a day with no meltdowns.

5. The last thing I want to do today is go outside. But I have to go pick up my paycheck.

6. If I were writing my own blank today, it would say: What are your goals for the upcoming year? Me: Pay off some debt, save more $$$$ and maintain a Bikram practice at least 3 days a week (I have been slacking on this lately. A lot).

7. My favorite candle scent is hmmmmmmmmmmm............depends on my mood but generally anything from Bath & Body Works. Candles are a special treat to myself.

Happy Friday all!!! We made it!!!!

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It's okay

2011-12-15T06:17:00.002-05:00

to not want to have to do certain things for work.

to be moody before I get my first cup of coffee.

to be annoyed that I was up early and the car rental place doesn't open till 7:30. And then I need to wait for them to come pick me up.

to play yoga hooky because I have a cold.

to get frustrated with my son sometimes.

to have not started my Christmas shopping, and have no desire to either.

to not buy anything major for anyone and just give them pics of my son.

to dress all in brown today. Matches my mood! (And it's the color of coffee!).

to not have anything else much to say.

Almost Friday everyone.............can you believe we made it through another week?!

Road trippin'

2011-12-15T05:23:00.000-05:00

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Renting a car this morning (to avoid putting more miles on mine!) and headed Upstate to meet with 2 potential new clients.

I am not really in the mood to drive today. (Although I rarely am when it comes to this aspect of my job).

Wish I could fast forward and it would be tonight.

I am sure once I get some coffee in me and on the road, I will be okay though.

I always am.

What are things you have to do for your job every so often that you're not crazy about?

Do you like traveling for work? Do you even have to?

Waaaaaaaaaah

2011-12-12T06:09:00.000-05:00

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Oh, Monday. Why do you always have to come so fast?

What's up on your plate for this social work Monday my friends?

Very busy days ahead for me. Several intakes and I have to drive Upstate to meet with two potential clients later this week.

Gimme gimme coffee!!!

Office Christmas Party

2011-12-10T08:14:00.001-05:00

I went out last night with our entire office.

I definitely see people in a different light when they are out of the work environment.

Dare I say I may even feel a little better about them?

Anyways, I am so glad it is Saturday and the weekend. Coffee and time to relax. What are your plans for any down time over the next couple of days, my friends?

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Too much to handle?

2011-12-09T07:18:00.003-05:00

Despite the economy for many people, a couple of our programs at work are really thriving. We have gotten many, many referrals, which for me, means that I am always busy. I am constantly out doing intakes, and I never stop writing service plans or coordinating client discharges.

It has gotten to the point though where I have so much to do, and not enough time in a week to do everything. Especially writing my service plans.......

My boss wants to have a discussion later today on how we can tackle some of this work.

Obviously, hiring an extra set of hands would be much appreciated, however, that may or may not be an option.

I did email my supervisor that perhaps after the holidays I would be willing to set a couple of weekends aside to just go into the office when no one else is there, to write some of these things.

I don't know though..........that can open me up for some new expectations (and not to mention added stress!) down the road.

I work at a for-profit though, so turning down new cases is really NOT going to be an option.

Assigning some of the work to the other staff *may* be a way to go, but I really don't think my boss wants to travel that route either, because the case managers really have no time for this, nor, have many of them been trained in this area.

Thoughts? Suggestions? A strong drink to send my way?

Another co-worker ?

2011-12-06T08:23:00.000-05:00

I recently blogged that I don't really need to be in the office to do my job. The only reason I go in there, is because as a rule, I feel a lot more productive and I like the socialization piece, when I am not in the field, writing or dealing with client issues.

Anyways, recently, one co-worker in particular (who has a completely different entry-level role, "staffing cases") has started to make comments to clients and co-workers and even ME yesterday, that "I'm off" if she doesn't see me in the office. She also gets extremely annoyed if I do not answer the phone.

Now you all must note that my boss has told me and other co-workers on my team who are social workers/case managers that we do NOT have to answer the phone because we don't have time for this (i.e. dealing with aides, reception, and phone calls that 99% of the time have nothing to do with us). We would NEVER get work done ever if we had to answer the phone since it rarely stops ringing.

Anyways, yesterday, Ms. Thing left at the end of her shift and had one of the other people in her role come into my office and say "We need you to answer phones the rest of the time you are here".

It really aggravated me. I ended up leaving about 5 minutes later.

One of our other case managers who works out of another office will not even GO into her office for this reason because the staff have literally yelled at her because of the phone issue(it's a really busy, stressful home care environment).

I KNOW though if I say I was told that I/we don't have to do this, it will create drama even though I know my boss will back me/us up.

I don't want to come off as holier than thou, because I know that's how this looks, but I AM also at a different level education and experience wise and none of the RNs and managers are expected to answer the phones and take messages either. (I have my Master's degree and have been a manager and supervisor before myself). Again, not something I can pleasantly point out to certain people........

My boss even made a comment because "someone" told him I was "off" last week because I was in the field doing intakes and working from home. He joked that I better "stop slacking off".

Basically, what it comes down to, is that I just share space with them. If clients and other agencies need me, almost 99% of the time they will call me on my cell phone. (Same for the other case management staff on my team).

How do you gracefully and professionally deal with co-workers like this? I am not completely ready to stop working out of the office just yet. Just driving into the parking lot lately though gives me anxiety because of this nonsense that goes on.

I share a space with another case manager and we often just close the door so we can focus on our work, but I know that makes the other staff members blood boil.

P.S. I also think some of this tension that has begun to escalate is related to the fact that in my new role, I have been bringing on a lot of new cases. I work at a for-profit, so the bottom line is to make money. Often some of the higher-hours cases are clients that are known to be difficult with a lot of annoying issues, so staffing coordinators often get stuck dealing with that on the home-care end. (Even though case managers are dealing with it too just as much).

The Blame Game

2011-12-02T14:31:00.000-05:00

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I don't know what it is about social work, but many times when something goes wrong with a client and their situation, it feels that instead of working together to address and solve the problem, many helping professionals put a lot more energy into looking to blame someone on the team for what went haywire.

Related to this, frequently human service workers get all defensive and take on the stance that "it's not my job" or "Sorry, but that's your issue now" or "we can't help because this is XYZ system".

I guess this goes to show that we as "professionals" really are not all that different from many of the people we serve who often want to blame us for every single thing that is messed up from their birth, to their future that has not yet happened.

I often stop to reflect about what could be accomplished if we all worked together, instead of against each other.

I also wonder if the things we face that we look to throw someone else under the bus for, are really as awful as we make them out to be?

What if we change the way we look at the problem by taking ownership for what's in front of us at the moment, and doing what we can to help.

Sometimes we are *gasp* only human, and especially with all we have on our plate as social workers, we can and WILL make a mistake or overlook something that will end up exploding into a bigger problem.

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What are some situations that you have faced that you have gotten blamed for as a social worker or helping professional?

Were any really and truly your fault?

An oversight? Major screw-up?

How do you deal with being blamed for things?

2011-12-02T13:50:00.002-05:00

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So very happy. That is all.

My Christmas list (this week)

2011-12-01T18:01:00.000-05:00

What's on your holiday wish list?

I am a simple kind of girl and am usually pleased with anything I receive.

So far, here are some of my faves:

New yoga tank/pants
Scented candles from either Yankee or BBW
Sweaters/tunics/sweater dress
Tank tops
Leggings
Yummy shower gel or lotion (good brands)
A unique, colorful pillow
Something with butterflies or owls
Wine
An infinity style scarf
K-cups
New sheets/blanket
Fun stationary/pens that I can use for work and home
Giftcards for B&N, Panera or Homegoods
A plant
Something with lavender

I may ask DH for an EXPENSIVE pair of boots. I am thinking Frye ;).

Random: Working from home 3/4 time or full-time

2011-12-01T16:11:00.001-05:00

Any other social workers do this?

How do you stay focused?

Are you able to get a lot of work done or do you function better in a more traditional, office environment?

Any tips you can share?

December already?

2011-12-01T16:04:00.000-05:00

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Just a few things I have found that I love that remind me of December.

2011-11-29T18:13:00.002-05:00

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'There is an easy road and a hard road. Don't hesitate to take the hard road. You will get to your destination.' - Bikram Choudhury

Going back after a long weekend is always hard........

2011-11-28T06:23:00.000-05:00

Le sigh......

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Social Work Mondays.

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are usually a roller coaster.

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But a new week is upon us.

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Full steam ahead.

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just as long as I have my coffee.

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What's on the agenda?

2011-11-27T09:21:00.000-05:00

For your Sunday?

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Hope you are relaxing and recharging for the week ahead.

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Hope your weekend has been a good one. And that the week ahead is even better!

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Happy happy

2011-11-25T19:52:00.000-05:00

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DH, DS & I went up to my sister's in PA for the holiday yesterday, then onto my parent's across the border in New York State today for brunch, and finally got back to crazy, bustling Long Island a few hours ago.

I really enjoy my little trips to the country, but in the end, I am always happy to be back to my own little house. Especially after dealing with stop and go traffic for 2-3 hours (sometimes more).

Anyways......

How has your weekend been so far?

Did you go away at all?

Partake in any Black Friday shopping either in person or online? (not me, I'm too broke and I have bills to pay LOL).

What are your plans for the rest of the weekend?

DH is ready to start our holiday outdoor lights tomorrow; I want to try to get in some yoga, and we're planning to have the IL's over for coffee and cake in the evening.

Sunday (hopefully) more yoga before the start of another crazy week @ work.

I officially took today off from the job so I didn't have to be bothered answering the phone or emails and it felt great!

Happy Sunday

2011-11-20T12:14:00.000-05:00

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I kinda feel like he does right now.

Hope to hit a hot yoga class later this afternoon to get myself back into sorts.

What's going on in your world on this Sunday?

Chuckle of the day

2011-11-19T08:23:00.000-05:00

The evil social worker in me wants to hang this over my desk for "those" kind of days ;).

Don't know what the answer is

2011-11-18T14:30:00.000-05:00

I've been watching this whole Occupy Wall Street movement the past few days, and while I no longer work in Manhattan, one of my company offices is right down there in the thick of it, so it's always on my mind.

I do absolutely agree with the underlying reasons for the protests because myself and so many of us are directly affected negatively by things such as corporate greed, high cost of living, expensive or no health insurance (I pay $350.00 a WEEK for a family of 3), lack of jobs, the whole housing mess (my home supposedly has lost over $100K in value since we bought in 2008), increasing property taxes yet constant budget cuts, expensive college tuition and loans to pay back, etc.

At this point though, I am not sure if I agree with how things have unfolded.

It's exciting to think about how this could ultimately bring some positive change in our society but I am not really convinced that will even happen.

I worry about the potential chaos that could come about from OWS though and have great concern about how our cities and towns could handle it.

People are already so angry in general and then you also have every kind of nut out there that will jump on a demonstration band-wagon.

Add those things together and you have a potential for disaster, not to mention, spending of even more money on things that the cities and towns have already exceeded in their budget.

I'm a social worker so I am supposed to be able to come up with solutions to problems, but when I think about THESE problems I really am at a total loss of what to do......

Back to the mat

2011-11-15T18:46:00.000-05:00

I haven't been on my mat since almost a week ago. Tsk, tsk, shame, shame, I know.........I know...........

Anyways, I am heading back tonight and cannot wait. Just wanted to share this oldie but goodie about the practice for all my Bikram lovelies (and for those of you just curious and considering).

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An open letter to a new student on their first class

by Barbora Simek

Dear New Student,

Welcome. Like it or not you are now a part of the Bikram Yoga family. Whether today’s class will become something that is laughed about with friends and never attempted again, a daily routine, an occasional pass time or obsession, your experience today will stay with you forever. This means I have ninety minutes, and ninety minutes only to show you a practice I have dedicated a part of my life, my heart and much of my body to. So listen carefully, because this is important, this can change your life in ways you never thought possible.

I know the room is hot, and the poses are difficult. This is not because we are trying to prove something. This is because these specific elements: the postures, the heat, the mirrors, the style of teaching — are the perfectly combined to heal your body, heart and mind.

I know there are a lot of people. This is not because the studio is interested in a big pay-day. This is because the more we can practice together, the more we can share energy. Your neighbors will help you get through class, inspire you, become your friends and maybe even your future fiance (it’s happened more than once!) So be kind. Be patient. Because the more patient you can be with people here, the more patient you will be with them out there in the world.

I know my voice is loud. This is not because I want to dominate you. My voice is the best tool I have, along with the dialogue (the directions), to help you through your class today. When you feel weak, my voice will be strong to support you. When you are tired my voice will be energetic to help you off the floor. When you are discouraged, I will encourage you. All this is I will do with my volume, my intonation, my words. I want you to hear just how much I care about you and your practice.

Yes, our outfits are small. This is not because we are vain. This is because it is hot and because when you can see your body in the mirror fully, you can more easily make adjustments and learn to appreciate what you see. Small clothes stay out of our way, so we can focus more on our practice than on adjusting our shorts for triangle. In time, we’ve learned in this room that contrary to what the world says, every body is beautiful and every body should be appreciated. So we wear short shorts and we LOVE them on us and on each other.

No, New Student, you cannot talk. Not because I want to silence you. I want your voice to fill the halls, the change-rooms and lobby. I want your voice to be one of the many threads that builds the ever-expanding web of our Bikram Yoga community. But in the hot room, I want you to listen. First to me, so that you can do the class safely, but more importantly to yourself. I know you try hard and listen to so many other people all day. Today, you start to learn to listen to yourself: your breath, your heart, your true thoughts. Enjoy that opportunity, don’t waste it by chatting.

You must stay still New Student. Not because I want to control you. You must stay still so you can let go of all distractions and connect to the vast benefits of this practice. You work hard in your poses to open your body, and when you stay still your cells recover and begin the process of healing. Give your body the chance to heal.

I know sometimes my jokes are not funny. But we do not call this the “torture chamber” because we enjoy your discomfort. I try to make light of how hard this yoga is because we all know that it is hard. Every teacher you will have, including me, has cried here, hurt here, wanted to leave here. So we joke because we understand how hard this is. The fact that we persevere is the one thing that connects us all in the hot room. I want this experience to be at least a little bit fun.

I am not correcting you because I think badly of your effort, New Student. I know you have taken other yoga classes, or your body is aching from your injuries and you have been through a lot in your life. Knowing all of these things makes me want to help you even more. And the best way I know how to help you, is to teach you how to do the postures to the best of your ability. I promise your best is enough. If today, you simply imagine your posture a different way because of a correction, then you are on your way to an improved practice, body and life.

It’s okay to feel emotional. This is a safe space, we’ve all been there. Remember this is a place of healing and sometimes your body hangs on to your emotions even when the mind has released them. Just cry, everyone will think it is sweat anyway.

Come back New Student. You did well today. Remember the worst class is the one you don’t come to. I can’t wait for you to see how this series can change your life and I am here to help every step of the way.

Love,

Your Bikram Yoga Teacher

And one to carry you through Tuesday.......

2011-11-14T20:51:00.000-05:00

Disclaimer: I don't really wish bodily harm on anyone but sometimes even us social workers can't help but think these kinds of evil thoughts ;). Most of the time when these visions cross my mind, they're not related to a client but instead, an awful person working in some form of "helping" capacity.

social work monday.

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2011-11-13T11:30:00.000-05:00

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Hello friends. I hope this weekend brought you lots of fun and rest for the week ahead.

It's ok

2011-11-11T09:44:00.001-05:00

Thursday on Friday.........

It's okay to play catch-up with my blogs late because of a crazy week and lack of time.

It's okay to be undecided on whether or not I should shell out $1000 for a year of unlimited hot yoga even though I know this is a GREAT deal.

It's okay to not want to go outside today, but just sit in my house and hiberate instead.

It's okay to let my son play alone and entertain himself. I think learning to be comfortable on one's own is a good lesson to have from an early age.

It's okay to realize I heated up my breakfast about an hour ago and still haven't eaten it since I've been playing around online (Oops......at least I've had my coffee).

It's okay to wear mis-matched clothes that are old and ragged around my house since they are comfy and I love them!

It's okay to not have anything else to write about on this post LOL.

Hey peeps

2011-11-11T07:48:00.000-05:00

Guess what? It's the WEEKEND!!!

Finally. We made it through another one.

I am so glad I am not in the office today and I am also officially avoiding a co-worker due to their negativity.

I'm going to share some pics about that I found on Pinterest.

Do you have anything fun planned this weekend?

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I think I want to print these all out and hang on my office door ;).

Happy happy everyone!!!!

It hardly ever gets easier

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hearing some stories of what people have been through.

and feeling inside what they are still going through.

every once in awhile there's that one person that just takes you by surprise.

and they really affect you.

even though you know you need to let their situation go.

it's been one of those days........

all i could think about was coming home, seeing my son and hugging him tight.

this is the place i always go to when i hear something really sad.

what are some things that you have been told that hit you deeply?

some stories that have made your heart ache?

what helps make it easier?

for me, what makes it better is knowing i am doing my part to allow a person the chance at having something positive occur in their life.

giving them a little bit of hope.

i think that's it.

*goodnight all*

Happy Monday!

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good morning bloggy friends!

I hope your week is filled with as much relaxation as possible.

and of course a whole lot of whimsy.

what are your plans for this coming week?

let's kick social work Monday's arse!!

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Quiet days

2011-11-05T17:41:00.001-04:00

Today has been a quiet day.

Just DS and I, as DH is off at work.

We have no plans at all and I love it. Haven't even left the house yet!

Was considering taking DS out later to walk around a local mall, maybe ride the carousel and get some pizza at a good pizzeria.

He just fell asleep though so I am not sure that's the greatest of ideas anymore.

This past week at work was also pretty quiet.

We have a new case manager who is really sweet. She also has my same first name, and her last name also begins with the same first initial as my last name.

It has certainly made for some confusion and new nicknames (for me).

She is not running away screaming though so I hope she is a keeper.

This upcoming week I plan to lay low at the job, by seeking out some quiet space so I can catch up on (what else) paperwork.

Overall, I am very relaxed and grateful right now. The quiet will do that!

How is your weekend going so far?

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“I do not want you to give in to the pressure of the moment. When you’re hurting bad, just hang in there. Finish the day. Then, if you’re still feeling bad, think about it long and hard before you decide to quit. Second, take it one day at a time. One evolution at a time.

Don’t let your thoughts run away with you, don’t start planning to bail out because you’re worried about the future and how m

uch you can take. Don’t look ahead to pain. Just get through the day, and there’s a wonderful career ahead of you.”

Excerpt from Lone Survivor. Captain Joe Maguire giving advice to Navy SEAL hopefuls during their brutal BUD/S training.

These guys go through brutal training! But Joe Maguire’s advice to these SEAL hopefuls can apply to us too! Live in the moment. Don’t dwell in pain.

Namaste.

Beautiful

2011-11-04T16:41:00.000-04:00

A Year in New York from Andrew Clancy on Vimeo.

My awesome product rave!!

2011-11-04T11:29:00.003-04:00

I keep forgetting to share my awesome hair product find with you all!

I have really thick, straight hair that frizzes in almost any type of weather.......even when it's sunny out and NOT humid.

No more!

I found out about this AMAZING phyto product and after blow drying my hair each day, it looks (almost) salon perfect.

(Obviously no matter how hard I try I will never be THAT skilled to do a salon blow-out).

Phyto is a little pricey (over $20.00), but if you purchase it at Bed Bath & Beyond, you can use your 20% off coupon. A little bit also goes a VERY long way so I think it should last anyone at least several months for a tube.

You can also order Phyto online and I believe they sell it at Sephora.

Happy shopping!!! I hope you are as impressed as I am with this stuff.

Daylight savings this weekend

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What do social workers make?

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I think this is a good one for a Friday..........someone came across an old blog of mine where I shared this several years ago. I think it's good to share again with all of you here now :).

HAPPY WEEKEND!!!!

WHAT SOCIAL WORKERS MAKE by Karen Quinnelly Arrington, LBSW

Karen now lives in Koscuisko, Mississippi where she works in Hospice Social Work. Karen received her BSW from the University of Alabama in1987 and is currently licensed in the state of Mississippi. It’s a touching argument about the value of a social worker.

Her article:

A group of friends and I were sitting around one evening discussing life. One guy there (whom I had just recently gotten to know) decided to explain the problem with social services and how they help those who won’t help themselves (social workers making little or nothing $$$ themselves.) He argued, “How’s a person going to benefit from someone who has decided their best option in life is to become a social worker?” He reminded everyone what they say about social workers-“bleeding heart liberals.” To stress his point, he said to me, “You’re a social worker, Karen. Be honest. What do you make?”

I, having a reputation for honesty and frankness, replied, “You want to know what I make?” I paused for a moment and began, “Well, I have made safe places for abused children. In the process, I did my best to make them feel that they didn’t deserve the treatment they got, so they could go out and do better in their lives.”

“I now make arrangements for the terminally ill to stay at home in their last days with exceptional end of life care. I see that caregivers don’t burn out making the patient and caregivers last days comfortable and worry-free.”

“When a young widow or single mother doesn’t know where to turn social workers make sure they know (whether people like it or not) what benefits they are eligible for. And we try to make sure she doesn’t get lost in the bureaucracy. We make plans with clients so they can get jobs and homes.This is only a start.”

“You want to know what social workers make?” I asked again. ”We make visits in neighborhoods that most people won’t go to on a bet, because we know people there are in need, and we make friends there who invite us back to their weddings, cookouts, and openings of community centers we have campaigned for.”“We make time to listen to the elderly, the mentally ill, the lonely. And we have the knowledge and skills to help them make improvements in their lives.”

“We make appointments with officials and testify before legislature to get everyone in the community a fair shake.”“Some of us teach, to make the next generation’s social workers.”“And sometimes, we make plans with our families and friends-only to break them because there is an accident, a fire, a disaster or death and a social worker is needed.”

I then paused one last time and then continued. “So, when people want to judge me by what I make, I hold my head up high and say, “I make a difference…..What do you make?”

2011-11-04T07:16:00.002-04:00

From
http://experimentinpoverty.blogspot.com/

When

2011-11-04T06:54:00.003-04:00

“When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don't blame the lettuce. You look for reasons it is not doing well. It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun. You never blame the lettuce. Yet if we have problems with our friends or family, we blame the other person. But if we know how to take care of them, they will grow well, like the lettuce. Blaming has no positive effect at all, nor does trying to persuade using reason and argument. That is my experience. No blame, no reasoning, no argument, just understanding. If you understand, and you show that you understand, you can love, and the situation will change.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh

Round and round and round we go

2011-10-28T14:12:00.002-04:00

It is Friday and I am drained!

If you are a social worker, or just a human being that works, you always prepare yourself for problems that will happen with your clients on the day before the weekend.

And dealing with a problem is exactly what I've been doing since 8:00 this morning.

What the latest and greatest is, I have a person I work with in NYC that
about a year ago, began having seizures.

He also has some major behavioral issues, and problems communicating verbally so does come off as a pretty scary guy.

He was hospitalized for several weeks and discharged with several meds to control both (seizures + behavior).

Anyways, fast forward a few months, he's been a bit resistant at times with following up on his appointments, which lead to scampering around to try to get refills, not to mention trips here and there to the ER.

I finally got him settled into a clinic near his house where he has been compliant with appointments, but now the clinic has been "non-compliant", as their doctors won't write scripts for refills because doctors from
another place had written them previously.

He had to go to the ER last night related to this, and he has to go back again today because THE CLINIC cancelled an appointment with him (well actually they did not even notify him) and will not write refills now.

I am in the process of connecting the guy to a better health center, but if you are in the system and rely on Medicaid, your choices are limited and your wait time is long.

Because of this, I have also been ranting like a lunatic all day because I KNOW that we will probably run into this issue again even if he is able to get some meds today to tide him over.

It is a never ending cycle of which I am begging will soon come to an end if we can find a good outpatient provider.

I am remaining hopeful.........fingers crossed.

2011-10-28T07:49:00.000-04:00

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From the Coeur de La blog.

It's okay

2011-10-27T18:44:00.000-04:00

To waste time on the internet surfing my favorite sites. (I enjoy so many of them and have found some cool peeps this way).

To also follow up on things at work that sometimes turn into a complete waste of time. (At least I'm getting paid).

To have another not so good yoga week. (As I always say, some yoga is better than NO yoga).

To have a frumpy clothes and bad hair day. (Thank you rain!).

To take care of something I need for me on occasion, instead of going back to the office to do work. (Needed to renew my license and the time evens out regardless).

To pick up the phone after 5PM sometimes to chat with co-workers. (I do this often before business hours too).

To not know what I want to do this weekend yet. (Because not having set plans is usually a GREAT thing).

Wells, we almost made it through another week everyone. Happy soon-to-be weekend. Hope it's whatever you want it to be.

Pic for Monday.........

2011-10-24T20:39:00.000-04:00

OK, I don't think I go out of my way to piss people off (just the nature of the job), but like I said on here previously, sometimes all you can do is laugh about what is handed to you.

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Some Spring for your Fall..........

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Lovely butterfly pics.

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Been up since 3AM

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thank goodness for my new toy!!

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Late to the Pinterest party

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but here are a few simple finds from Old Navy that I may run out and buy in the weeks to come.....

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A cute tunic, pretty sweater, jeggings
(I already own these Rockstar ones) lovely scarves and warm sweater boots (I have a pair in brown)add style and comfort to any wardrobe.

If you shop on the cheap like I do, you can pick all of these items up in one quick trip without breaking the bank.

Happy Saturday and happy shopping!!

Rumblings and rumors

2011-10-21T10:33:00.000-04:00

have been going on at work as of late that they might be closing down a couple of our offices that aren't as productive.

The head guys in charge of our agency also have been MIA all week and not returning important phone calls.

I don't think my job is at risk at all, but it kinda makes me wonder the direction things may be headed.

There has been a lot of drama, finger-pointing, and pass the buck kind of nonsense going on lately so I always joke around that work needs me more than I need them, so if they were to fire or lay-me-off, they would be doing me a favor!

Anyone experience the above?

It's OK

2011-10-21T10:06:00.002-04:00

to drop the F bomb at work (as long as I apologize in advance or afterwards).

to vent and complain (as long as I move on and do not fixate).

to skip yoga in turn for rest and family (I can and WILL always go back).

to eat chips, dip and mini-cupcakes for dinner (every once in awhile).

to take some time for just me (and not feel guilty about it).

to drink coffee and tea constantly (hydration and caffi

ene are good!).

to let DS hang out in my room and watch TV without me (hey, it keeps him quiet!).

Anyways, I am so, so glad the weekend is upon us. You should also check out this blog I've recently discovered.

Anyone have fun weekend plans? For me, I have nothing planned so far which is the best kind of weekend plan!!

Yesterday

2011-10-19T06:25:00.000-04:00

was rough.

Today is a new day though.

It's time to move on.

That's all I can do.

and Hope............for better days ahead.

2011-10-14T15:08:00.001-04:00

It's not my job.......I didn't sign up for this.........

2011-10-14T10:01:00.000-04:00

I swear to frickin' someone, if I hear this ONE more time, I really am going to punch someone in the stomach.

I can't take this, especially when yes, in fact, it IS your job and not an unreasonable request at that.

I cannot wait for some fresh blood to start at work.

We need more positive people.

That is all.

TGIfuckinFriday!!!!!!

My saving grace

2011-10-13T06:05:00.001-04:00

If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane. ~ Jimmy Buffett

I don't know if Mr. Buffett said it, but I certainly believe it.

Laughter has been my saving grace these past few days at work.

Social work is so stressful sometimes, but no matter how tough it gets, I still have my ability to laugh and smile.

For that, I am truly blessed.

Enjoy the rest of your week everyone. Friday is not that far off.

2011-10-10T18:54:00.000-04:00

2011-10-09T13:29:00.001-04:00

Agencies that "enable" clients, I think that's the word.......

2011-10-09T09:33:00.002-04:00

It's challenging enough to deal with clients and their behaviors.......some that go back generations.

But what if you work somewhere that enables some of this stuff?

This is one of my biggest struggles as a social worker in a for-profit environment.

They look at some of this stuff as "quality customer service".

(i.e. making home visits WAY later then business hours or on weekends, going someplace on behalf of the client because THEY don't feel like going, doing something anyways for a client even though the client is not on the same page............etc.).

I got in a little bit of a debate with my boss over this on Friday.

What had happened was that we took a person out of a nursing home earlier that week.

It takes a few weeks for food stamps to kick in. In the meantime, the family had been buying the person food, take out, having meals with extended family, etc.. I set them up an appointment with the church a couple of blocks away from their house to pick up some groceries from the pantry, told the family they just needed to take the client and show up.

Well, they didn't go.

And I guess our nurse or someone complained (not the client or the family!) that the person was out of food still.

So my boss called me out on this.

I explained that the family was taking care of them, and despite this, I was told "I needed to go anyways and get the food myself or put it on petty cash as it's OUR responsibility to see she is fed."

Is something wrong with this picture?

I get his concern (fear of a neglect allegation), but if a client doesn't follow up on a resource, that's on them. I document it and move on. If the issue happens again, I will address it.

This is one example of many that often comes up though in my work.

How would you handle this?

P.S. It could also be argued that perhaps the family did not WANT a hand-out or that it's cultural for them to not accept the help. My boss didn't see this though and asked the case manager to go instead of me ;).

Thought.

2011-10-07T08:56:00.003-04:00

You don't have to react immediately.

Take a moment to pause and reflect on what you want to do.

An Award!!

2011-10-07T08:28:00.001-04:00

Thank you to Pretty Rambles for the Award!

I was honored and surprised for the mention.

2011-10-04T05:56:00.000-04:00

Surviving in an environment of negative thinking

2011-09-30T15:46:00.001-04:00

I was having a long discussion this afternoon with one of my fairly new co-workers.

Both of us came to the conclusion that while yes, our jobs are very stressful and some days impossible, a bigger barrier to our being able to do our jobs to the best of our ability, is just everyday Negative Nellies we come face to face with. Primarily, within our own units.

I am sure MOST agencies probably have them.

And once one or two people fall into the constant thoughts of gloom and doom, this thinking becomes contagious, spreading like wildfire.

I see it in my own office and it's gotten to the point where there is at least someone either venting, cursing, raising their voice and/or crying on a daily basis.

And it becomes extremely difficult to NOT find yourself getting involved.

It's just not healthy.

The first thought is to blame the employer, but I am not 100% convinced all of the blame should lie with them.

I don't know what the solution is however.

For me personally, I will often take advantage of my company's leniency that allows me to work outside of the office if I so desire.

I'll blog, Tweet or interact with other social service professionals who I know are passionate about their work.

I still find myself coming back to this same issue though time and time again.

We recently got approved for a new program at our agency, which will allow new staff to be hired.

I am hoping by having some fresh, new blood come on board, this will help.

I still know that that negative thought pool is there though.

Just even remembering that begins to bring me down.

So thankful

2011-09-30T11:50:00.001-04:00

that this week is finally almost over.

It started out pretty rough, with the loss of DH's grandfather a week ago.

I had to miss several days of work, and also dealt with a bunch of family drama. (Yes, even though I'm a social worker, I too have issues in my family!).

Was able to fortunately get a lot of stuff completed in a short two days at the office.

Got another client service plan approved so this makes his family and my bosses super happy.

I was able to make it to one night of yoga this week, which I am extremely grateful for.

The month of September has not been a good yoga-month for me. I have only made it to 7 classes. But as they say, some yoga is better than no yoga ;).

Dealing with a difficult phase with DS this week. He has had some increased episodes of agression (i.e. biting, hitting and just overall defiance). Everyone tells me this is just part of the "terrible twos" but this still does not help with my worry, or stop me from thinking that I may be doing something wrong as a parent. It also does not help when this creates problems with family members which is what occured earlier this week (noted drama mentioned above).

I also had family staying with us for a few days which is always challenging in a tiny home with only one bathroom.

So yeah, I am absolutely looking forward to the weekend!

Today is also pay day, and since there are 5 Fridays this month, I will have some more $$$$ in my check because I won't have to pay for health insurance due to the extra week. This is probably one of the best things about this week.

Oh, in closing I just wanted to add that we are probably going to be hiring again for a case management position in the Long Island area if you or someone you know is interested. Just let me know.

If you are a Jack/Jane of all trades and don't mind a little (okay, who am I kidding a lot!) of crazy, it can be a decent gig.

Have a great weekend everyone.

2011-09-29T20:46:00.002-04:00

The time balance dance

2011-09-25T08:35:00.000-04:00

It's going to be a rough week.

DH's grandfather died, so I will need to take part of tomorrow, and all of Tuesday off.

I have a couple of nursing home discharges planned the following week, and am no where close to prepared to getting what needs to be in order for them, in order.

I also haven't been to yoga in days because DH has been working a billion hours, and really feel that I am missing something because of it.

I really wish I could clone myself right about now.

I am hoping that October brings more time, as well as more balance overall into my life.

Being a Libra, I am definitely feeling off-kilter right now.

I am up

2011-09-22T04:20:00.000-04:00

at the awful, awful hour of 4AM.

It's social work road trip day with my boss.

We are headed to points North to meet with a couple potential clients, originally from NYS, who were transferred to an out of state nursing home facility.

The state program I work for was originally founded on being able to bring people who are sent away for long periods of time, and thus costing NYS lots of money, home.

Often there are lack of nursing home settings here that deal with my population, which is why they tend to end up elsewhere.

So we shall see how it goes.

Wish me luck.

It is going to be a long day for us both.

I heard it may rain too so I am thinking happy thoughts that will not be during rush hour traffic.

Not being able to help every one

2011-09-21T17:53:00.001-04:00

This is something we come across with many of our clients.

It's rough when you have someone crying their eyes out in front of you, begging you for help that is outside of the scope of services you can provide.

And you know that what they are looking for is limited or may not even be accessible.

It is what it is though in our line of work.

Often sad reality, but we only have the resources that we have at hand.

This is how I ended my day today.

I told this stressed out mother that I would try to help her at least find some idea(s) for her and her daughter.

I don't know if they will be what she is looking for however.

*Sigh*

Who are you?

2011-09-15T17:40:00.000-04:00

Got this idea from this blog:

Please list your..............

Current location:
Day job:
Dream job:
How you'd describe your style:
Favorite clothing company:
Favorite TV show:
Favorite way to procrastinate:
Something you're looking forward to this week:
Something on your bucket list:

I will play too :)

Current location: Long Island, NY
Day job: Social worker aka Jane of all trades, mother, and wife
Dream job: Trust fund baby
How you'd describe your style: a little bit hippy-ish, loungey, casual, relaxed and non-trendy
Favorite clothing company: I don't really buy anything brand name ever so probably Old Navy or Target
Favorite TV show: Law & Order
Favorite way to procrastinate: Online reading blogs, tweeting, message boarding
Something you're looking forward to this week: THE WEEKEND!
Something on your bucket list: I'd love to get to the point where I am good enough to go to Bikram Teacher Training. (If only for the experience....not necessarily to teach).

Not much

2011-09-15T15:59:00.002-04:00

to really report from Socialworkland this week.

I keep plugging along!

Mailed out a resume today for a nursing/rehab facility that I learned is unionized and offers fully covered family medical insurance.

Completed a couple more intakes which means more writing for me!

A couple of nursing home discharges are planned for next week and the following so I will be super busy with those in the days to come.

Only got in a couple of yoga classes so far this week, but a little bit of yoga is better than no yoga, right?

And related to that, the main reason I haven't gone is because DH has been working late which means he is bringing in money again!

Most of my bills for the month have been paid and I also have been able to begin to set aside money again each week in both personal and joint savings. Not a ton, but it is starting to slowly build up which is a GREAT feeling.

DS vocabulary continues to grow, along with his height. We've already started talking about pre-K and kindergarten and he's not yet 3 ;).

I am also considering doing a very brave thing, by possibly taking him to the movies this weekend for the first time. I heard Lion King is out in 3D. We shall see.

Otherwise, I am very much looking forward to a relaxing weekend with no plans!

What about you? How has your week been thus far?

Social networking sites and being entitled to our feelings

2011-09-12T06:05:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a rough day, as I am sure it was for many, whether or not they had personal ties or not to the tragedy of September 11th.

Anyways, I personally needed a break from being hit in every direction with media overload so posted what I thought was an innocent status on Facebook "I need to get away from all of this 9/11 coverage so I am going to yoga".

Well, I came out of that class (that in my mind I had dedicated to people directly affected by the attacks), to personal attacks from 2 family members on my Facebook page about their beliefs about how I was handling my feelings related to the day.

What they had said, to me, was inappropriate and rude.

I was embarassed and humiliated that this was all live for many of my friends, family and even work colleagues to see.

The attacking just went on and on from there, at that point in private messages, and today I still remain drained from the whole episode.

I don't really know where I am going with this........or what my point is.

I guess that many of us spend a great deal of time on social networking sites.

Anything we say or do on them can be interpreted and in turn, misinterpreted a certain way.

It doesn't make it any less hurtful or easy to get over.

We are still entitled to our feelings and to say what we want on our own personal page, as long as we are not purposely trying to be hurtful to someone.

It also in my opinion, doesn't give anyone the right to say or do what they want, and then use the excuse that we just "misread their words" so "we" need to "get over it".

Yeah, I know there is freedom of speech and all that, but sometimes, people are just a little TOO FREE with their opinions.

In this day and age, social networking sites ARE a major form of communication so that needs to be taken into account and we need to present ourselves accordingly on them.

In any event, I am probably rambling now, but I have decided that the best thing for me is to take a break from Facebook (at least for the moment).

I don't want to delete my page because there is lots of good that comes from it, however, at this point I will absolutely be limiting the amount that I post on there, as well as limit who I am willing to interact with.

LOVE this song!

2011-09-10T14:32:00.000-04:00

Today I am smiling

2011-09-08T06:09:00.000-04:00

despite the rain.

A solution was able to be worked out.

And all is well in my world again.

That is all.

Have a great day everyone.

Before you know it, the weekend will be upon us.

Namaste.

Social work job deal-breakers

2011-09-03T10:36:00.000-04:00

As I begin my "search" again into the world of social work jobs, these are some of my must-haves, otherwise it's a deal-breaker:

1.) Job must come with health care benefits for me and my family. Not saying the employer must foot the whole bill, but if it doesn't offer health insurance, then what is the point?

2.) I would like a position that offers SOME flexibility. I don't mind working business hours, or even some *gasp* later hours or even a weekend day, but it would be nice to be able to work from home or not go into the office all of the time.

3.) If the job requires fieldwork, it would be a wonderful thing if the agency actually supplied the vehicle.

4.) And speaking of supplying a vehicle, if you can't do that, please understand that there is no way I am taking on the liability of putting a client in MY car. Nope, never, will NOT do. (I can't believe there are so many agencies that make this a job requirement!).

5.) Fairly close to home. Otherwise, again, what is the point? I don't want to add the stress of a long commute, especially now that I have my son. I miss taking the train into the city some days so I could read a book a week, but I do NOT miss getting home late and dealing with nasty people on the LIRR.

6.) Somewhat livable wage. I would like to be able to pay my bills, and put some money aside into savings. Otherwise, again, what's the point?

Do you think these things are too much to ask? Anything else you think I am missing?

What are YOUR deal-breakers when it comes to a job?

What a difference a week makes

2011-09-03T09:11:00.000-04:00

This time ONE WEEK AGO

I was Upstate.

Waiting.

Nervous.

Anxious.

Away from my home.

The hurricane came and went.

And life is back to normal.

DS also has reached some milestones in just ONE WEEK.

Asking and going on the potty more. (*sorry if TMI).

And he actually listened to me this morning and picked up ALL of his toys.

I think he might be growing up. (*tear).

What are you lovelies doing this weekend?

Right now I am just catching up on all my blogs.

Thank you recent commenters for giving me some new reading material!

HAPPY SATURDAY and HAPPY LONG WEEKEND!

Namaste.

When do you know you've had enough?

2011-09-02T17:06:00.000-04:00

I think I am starting to get to that point at work lately.

I have been trying to remain really positive, look at all the pros of my position, as well as remind myself that unlike many other people out there, at least I HAVE a job.

Lately though, all I feel is that I am being taken advantage of, and because of that, just merely walking into the office puts me in a bitter mood.

I know the final straw broke me earlier this week when a new co-worker refused to do something, so my boss told ME to do it.

It's not a little tiny thing either....it's driving over 300 miles round trip because they don't want to.

I'm just super irritated and annoyed and CAN'T get over this.

I know it's not the co-worker's fault because they are standing up for themselves on principle....they felt they were never told traveling would be part of their responsibilities at their interview.

But, as usual, it got spun around into being part of MY job description now.

Anyways, I have been looking at want ads all week and I KNOW at this point I need to suck it up already and take my LMSW exam.

I also am aware that the grass is not always greener elsewhere, but I do know too that there are things that go on, that are just plain wrong that we should NOT have to put up with, regardless if it's a bad economy, we're a social worker, or frankly, because someone else doesn't want to do it.

Fair is fair.

And right now I don't think I am being treated fairly.

Happy almost fall all!

2011-09-02T09:22:00.002-04:00

I can't believe summer is almost over and fall is practically here.

Do you have any exciting plans coming up in the next few months?

What are your favorite things about fall?

I love the crisp, cool mornings.

Sweater and light jacket weather.

Boots!

Pumpkin spice everything.

Apple and pumpkin picking Upstate.

Cider!

My birthday and wedding anniversary wrapped up in one.

Colorful leaves.

Hot yoga in cooler weather.

Yummy-smelling fall scented candles.

Anticipation of the holiday season being right around the corner.

Blanks are back.

2011-09-02T09:13:00.001-04:00

1. One thing that is completely superfluous, but that I could never give up is eating breakfast at Panera nearly every day before work.

2. Awkward pose makes me feel awkward.

3. I can't imagine life without, DS, the craziness of my job and hot yoga .

4. Salty chips and onion dip is my favorite snack.

5. Lately I've been loving cheese and bacon.

6. If at first you don't succeed realize that this may be a good thing.

7. Fall is one of my most favorite times of the year!

Today I appreciate

2011-08-30T19:44:00.001-04:00

being back in the comfort of my own home.

electricity.

a fairly quiet and productive day at work.

gainful employment (*even though there are some things still frustrating me).

burgers from scratch for dinner (*if DH ever gets around to moving our grill out from undercover).

Tazo tea.

cash on hand.

filling my fridge up again with fresh dairy.

smoothing things over with my co-worker from last week.

a basement that is on it's way to drying out again.

overall

a house still standing.

I can really relate

2011-08-29T13:58:00.000-04:00

thanks to Hurricane Irene, to the loss of feelings of control many clients face when they are feeling extremely dependent on others.

I understand now the feelings of stress and anxiety that come along with not knowing when something is going to happen for you.

For me, these feelings are based on my not being at my home in almost 4 days, and my not knowing when the major roads that lead me home will re-open.

I have experienced a strong sense of gratefulness that I am in a not much worse-case scenario, such as having a tree fall through my house, or the whole thing completely flooded, yet, I still long to get back to MY life of normalcy in MY own little corner of the world.

Until this happens, I am still going to feel stressed, anxious and upset that I have no control over my situation.

I also am angry over people's comments who didn't take this storm as seriously, or were not affected by it, therefore, don't think it's a "big deal". Sound familiar when it comes to other major issues we are facing in our society today? ;)

Am I a social work Mean Girl?

2011-08-26T07:42:00.000-04:00

I know I have recently spoken about how I work in an environment without a lot of supervision.

I am often seen as the social work "go to girl" for everyone and everything, without officially holding the title of supervisor.

Recently, a new, younger person was hired who does not have a lot of experience.

I have pretty much been "set up" to be the person they go to in lieu of OUR supervisor, when I really do not have the time, nor do I really WANT this responsibility.

Anyways, things came to a head yesterday.

New employee is extremely confused regarding my role, their role and just feels extremely frustrated and unsupported because it seems they want me to be able to sit down with them frequently to show them the ropes and provide them with a lot more training then they feel they had initially received at hiring. (They expressed that they were TOLD that I was there to "help them").

Their voice was raised at me and they did shed some tears.

I am feeling extremely stressed out over this and like I am the "Mean Girl" for not being able to provide what they are looking for and so obviously need. The office air has gotten tense enough to cut through with a knife.

After things came to a head, employee did call to apologize and I said not to worry; I am not taking it personally that THEY'VE been set up this way.

I don't really know what else to do at this point, however.

I did email my boss to request a meeting.

We may be getting another supervisor in the future, but that takes time too.

All in a social worker's week

2011-08-19T18:01:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the things that I accomplished, both on and off the to-do list this week:

1.) Made it to THREE hot yoga classes.
2.) Met a client's mom finally.
3.) Looked at an apartment for a client (didn't end up working out).
4.) Looked at an apartment for another client (should end up working out).
5.) Followed up on a client hospitalization and discharge.
6.) Wrote THREE revised service plans for clients that are about 20 pages each.
7.) Held a team meeting.
8.) Dealt with 3 serious reportable incidents. (There's something about the #3 this week!)
9.) Coped with a flood and the clean-up in our basement.
10.) Laundry.
11.) Cooked.
12.) Cleaned.
13.) Grocery shopped.
14.) Got back bloodwork results that said nothing so made an appointment to meet with my doctor next week.
15.) Began another Initial Service Plan.
16.) Began coordinating discharge planning for a client coming into the community from a nursing home in a few weeks.
17.) Relaxed in Panera Bread 4 mornings this week :)
18.) Took care of my son and my husband.
19.) Watched a little bit of TV.
20.) Got a little bit of rest.

This weekend I am also going to a BBQ, trying to get at least one yoga class in and I also want to color my hair.

Social work question of the week

2011-08-19T17:37:00.000-04:00

So having worked in our field for awhile now, I have noticed that there are people in it for a variety of reasons. Some for good, and some not so good.

People on occasion who provide services to our clients will make the work all about them, which in most cases, ends up doing more harm than good.

Unfortunately in our line of work too, participant teams are not made up of all social workers, or staff members who can see when they are doing something wrong to a client.

So bearing these things in mind, how do you deal with workers who are in there and providing more harm than good to the client?

How do you address it when a staff's actions (or sometimes lack of!) begin to sabotage the person's progress?

What if just documenting this and/or getting rid of them are not necessarily realistic options? (i.e. you or your agency does not supervise that employee; the client and/or their family WANT this staff to remain on the team, there is no one else to send to this particular client, etc.)

What do you do in these kinds of situations?

Can anything be done?

Social work stress, be gone!

2011-08-13T09:33:00.006-04:00

Well, when I checked in earlier this week, I was very highly stressed out if you couldn't tell.

Since that time, things hopefully are headed on the up and up.

What set me off initially, was that my agency has recently hired a couple of new employees, one who is very young and new to the field, without much experience.

(Not that there is anything wrong with that, because we all had to start out once upon a time)

and the fact that there was still no supervisor and my boss told the newbies that if they needed anything, go to ME, is what upset me.

The one actually contacted him to say that she had a lot of stuff she needed someone to sit down and show her, and she did not feel like I had the time for this.

His response was that I had to make the time.

Of course I stewed for a bit, and then came up with a plan that they could come to me if needed on a certain day each week, and then of course they could contact me if it was a true emergency situation they needed help with.

I presented this plan to my boss, and he was fine with it and also let me know that he actually is in the process of hiring a supervisor. The news just hadn't been publicly shared with the team.

So, with this said, I am hoping that he is really going to be true to his word.

I honestly don't mind helping out from time to time, but I gave up social work supervisory positions for a reason...........I just don't want the stress associated with them and I am not a good manager of other employees in general.

I ended up moving my desk in with the one new staff too earlier this week, and that has kind of helped because I think with my close prescence, she feels a lot more supported.

So we shall see what happens........we all want someone who we can go to for support, and we all want the new staff to stay. Supervision is definitely critical for these two things to happen in my opinion.

Right now add on to this, that I am also semi-in charge because my boss is on vacation for the next two weeks.

Wish me luck that I keep my sanity!

Thought of the week

2011-08-12T07:39:00.004-04:00

........if we just put one foot in front of the other eventually we will complete our journey, but we tend to make things more complicated than they need be.......

Taken from this new blog launched by another social worker.

Check it out. Looks like it's gonna be a good read.

Some days

2011-08-10T18:27:00.003-04:00

just remembering the fact that at least I have a job is the only thing that gets me through.

Well, that and the fact that tomorrow is another (hopefully) better day.

It is definitely a much needed back to the mat kinda night.

I will have much to post about later this week when I get another free moment.

Right now, trying to just focus on the little things that provide me with the most pleasure..........what about you?

How has your week been going?

What are some of the little things that have been helping you get through?

Back

2011-08-06T09:36:00.003-04:00

Headed back to work this past week was almost like I never left LOL.

I was able to get a lot accomplished though, despite coming down with an evil summer cold.

Because of my feeling like total blah, I have had to miss yoga every day which totally sucked, but I know me, and I will get back into my 3-4 classes a week routine soon enough.

In fact, I am hoping to push through a class later today if DH gets home in time from work.

Not too much else is going on otherwise. I can't believe it's August and the summer is almost over.

That's okay though. I love fall too! Lots to do, yummy seasonal food to look forward to and I can also wear sweaters, long-sleeve tops, boots, skirts and skinny jeans again then!

Sink or swim

2011-08-01T18:54:00.004-04:00

Do you work in an environment with limited supervision?

Does this effect your work negatively?

Do you feel you need a great deal of supervision or are you comfortable working very independently?

What are some solutions you and/or your co-workers have come up with if getting a new or additional supervisor was not an immediate option?

How can you provide support to new or in some cases younger or inexperienced employees who are feeling frustrated or overwhelmed?

Especially if you do not have a lot of time to offer them help and guidance yourself?

DISCUSS!!!!!

Remembering the perks

2011-07-29T13:50:00.020-04:00

Often I find myself getting an itch to move onwards and upwards. Or really, just onwards.

I WILL do this one day. Eventually my goal is to work in a hospital or someplace unionized once my son is in school primarily for the benefits and higher salary, but for now, my job is what it is, so when I find myself beginning to scratch, I remind myself of the major perks with my current employer:

First and foremost, I know my job, the population and the resources available very very well. This is important because we do not have a great deal of supervision within our agency.

I also know what to expect for the most part from those above me, which at times, is not much, but other times when it is truly needed, they will usually have my back.

I have a great deal of stability, and don't expect to get fired or laid off anytime soon.

While I have to pay out of pocket for my health insurance, I know that in most cases, if I went somewhere else that paid for this, I would probably make the same as I make now after I pay for my insurance, because it would probably come with a pay-cut. (I can't go to a hospital or someplace unionized yet that pays more with employer-paid benefits because I don't have my license).

Yeah. No LMSW yet. My social work license is not required to do what I do, though. Becoming a licensed social worker is something I have been putting off for a long time now and there's really no good excuse for it, outside of my sheer laziness around studying for the test, and getting all the crap together from various places you need to sit for the exam.

I also have a pretty decent team, and really like most of my co-workers. Many of them have also worked at my agency for years. We can rant to each other when needed too. This is a big one because environment is everything when working in human services. Our work is hard enough, if we don't get along with our colleagues and the team doesn't mesh, this is probably the best recipe for job misery.

I, for the most part, also know what I am walking into each day.

If anything unexpected comes up, I have many people I can turn to if needed to help me work through a problem if I don't know what to do, both inside and outside of my company. Another major one is I do not have to be on-call WOO HOO boundaries!!!!!!!!!

My supervisors trust me and respect me, and I am not micromanaged.

I could probably advance within the company if I wanted to. (Right now I don't want to.)

The office is a close drive to my home in a cute little town.

Most of the people I work with go above and beyond and really care about the clients we serve, even when the people we work with are being difficult or even impossible.

Overall, my agency is not perfect, there are some things I do not like, however, on a whole, they are a pretty decent place and are well-known and respected throughout the state.

I am sure there are a few more I could list if I thought about it more, but my little one just woke up.

Typing this stuff out has been really helpful............I've been feeling a little down that I go back to work on Monday, but at the same time, I am really looking forward to it. I am thankful that I am employed and I am also thankful that I can say that I really enjoy what I do and where I do it.

I am

2011-07-28T11:38:00.005-04:00

almost looking forward to going back to work.

Being home with a 2 year-old all day and night is extremely challenging.

I have a lot of respect for stay-at-home parents because I know there is no way I could ever do it.

I think I would go totally crazy and be in real need of social work services myself.

I consider myself very lucky that I have the best of both worlds.

I work a professional job during the week, that allows me to use my brain, be around other adults, yet also allows for flexibility to be home with my son if needed.

My child gets to spend time with his grandparents and his cousins while I am at work, which enables him to build special bonds with family.

I also have a husband that adores his boy, which is observed by his closely playing and interacting with him. They usually spend most early evenings together, allowing me to get some much needed yoga-time in.

My life is far from perfect though, and I really do struggle with the parenting stuff.

It honestly does take a village and having a supportive family is so valued and important when it comes to child-rearing.

It makes me strongly feel for the people too, who do not have this kind of network, yet, are able to raise their children well.

This social worker

2011-07-23T08:34:00.008-04:00

is finally, officially on VACAY!!!!

And all of my big problems from earlier this week (i.e. wheelchair-accessible apartment guy) ended up working themselves out.

Because our job can be quite overwhelming and nuts and we do not have much supervision, a really cool service coordinator ended up quitting this week.

A new one started, and their eyes were like saucers taking this all in.

I will have mucho amounts of work to head back to on August 1st, but right now all I have to worry about is laundry and packing.

Hopefully I will be getting in another hot yoga class this afternoon and possibly early tomorrow.

Sunday we are heading Upstate for the day to hit my parents' pool.

Then we are meeting my sister and her boyfriend in the evening to drive down to his family's shore house in New Jersey for a few days.

When we are done with that, we will head back to home to just relax, with more local beach and yoga!!! (It doesn't take much to make me happy on my days off).

Happy happy everybody!!