So, the dust is settling - inside my head, more than anywhere. Things are starting to click at my new job. I know where to sit when I first walk in and where the bathroom is. I'm learning who gets there early, who loves to tend to the coffee area, and who smiles and greets me as we pass in the hallway. It's these little pieces of discomfort that has been the hardest for me. Makes me feel for the substitute teachers in the world who never settle in and learn the culture of one worksite.
I am getting more comfortable using the confusing computer system also. I was explaining to Bob last night that I have at least 7 different places I need to log in to the computer each day, and each place requires a slightly different login and password. I have to "load the server onto the desktop", which may be a no-brainer to everyone else but feels like a total accomplish every time I have done it (twice so far!). And I'm fairly comfortable on a computer. Not having good computer skills is a true handicap for those in a modern-day workplace.
I've met with lots of different folks looking for therapy - mom with an anxious 10 year old son (THAT felt familiar!), single women with significant histories of trauma, people with OWI convictions looking for chemical dependency counseling. Some have made me laugh, and some have given me pause at how their matter-of-fact they take the trauma they've suffered.
All in all, it feels so very good to flex this social work muscle again. And so far, the family seems to be taking the transition in stride. The only two changes for the rest of them is that Three is now bussed to and from his speech phenology program and Bob is home Friday afternoons - so he gets to collect them all from their various spots after school. I worked late last Friday night - didn't get home until 5:45 pm, and dinner had already been served and cleaned up. I liked coming in and having a plate of food waiting for me, children happily playing with their bellies full. (To give myself a little bit of credit, the meal that night was something I put together in the slow cooker before I left for work in the morning.) Bob was sitting in the living room, waiting to hear all the details of my long day at work. Oh! And to honor my first full day, he bought a german chocolate cake (my fav!) for us to enjoy.
Thank you for your comments and congrats! I am missing computer time - my computer time to do what I want to do. Heavens - I sure get enough computer time at work! I don't know how this blog will endure this transition...
I'm happy to post this update today, and who knows... Maybe I'll even follow up with a post with pictures.
