I had a glimpse over the last year of a few lonely times. Times when my son would leave me sitting at a table in a restaurant to go play arcade games; and times when I would walk through the store alone because he wanted to look at video games FOREVER; and times when I would sit at my mom's house while he went down the street to hang out with his friends...
But I now know that these were JUST GLIMPSES. At the age of 13, Brennen has begun his social networking. He always wants to hang out with his friends. I am reminded of a time in my past very similar to this. Ok - pretty much exactly like this. So, I am patient and grant permission for him to go and wait for him to return. This week, he has started to ask permission to GO PLACES with his friends. Well, it started about a month ago. After school one day he asked me if he could go hang out at the mall. I was like - "The MALL? We never go to the MALL!" Just so happens I had a gift certificate to Bath and Body Works from my birthday (THANKS KAREN!). So, we went to the mall. Turns out, Brenn was meeting up with some friends after school there. So, him and 2 friends (girls) walked around the mall while I shopped. By walking around the mall I mean - walking in a circle from the south end to the north end; never going into any stores; just walking in a circle over and over. There is not much to look at in the Roswell Mall! But HOW BORING I thought to myself. I realized that I am glad there is not a lot to look at there - this means I can step out into the main isle and almost see all the way to the other end. I don't think Brennen has realized this yet but I have just been informed that he knows this. Anyway, After I shopped, I spent some time with a $5 pizza in the food court watching this ritual of circling the mall.
Then on Thursday Brennen told me that he had been asked to meet up with a different friend (his GIRLFRIEND) at the mall about 5:00pm on Friday. He was asking if he could go. So, on Friday afternoon, again, we went to the Mall. THE MALL????? UGH!!!!! Anyway, I am happy to see him hanging out with friends. He tells me I can just leave him there - but I am not as confident as he is. I notice none of his friend's parents are there - so, I sit alone in the food court. YEAH! Oh how I am missing my best friend. Karen would sit in the mall for hours with me - Chaperoning these little outings - Ha ha! After meeting the 2 kids Brennen was hanging out with, I decided they seemed like good kids and I threatened them a little about getting in trouble and then left them unattended in the mall. I spent some time watching DUCK DYNASTY with Scotty and my mom - which is a whole other post. After a little bit I went back to collect my child - I should correct that - MY TEENAGER! How different this is.
Anyway, it was these two events that made me realize it is LONELY being the Mother of a TEENAGER! I need to make some friends that want to hang out at the mall with me! Any volunteers?
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Crafting
Something about this time of year just makes me wanna be really crafty and make lots of different things.
A few weeks ago, I accompanied my mom to Dollar Tree to purchase some cards. As we walked in I saw some very pretty fall flower bundles. I stopped and looked at them for a minute but then proceeded to the cards section. After picking out a few cards, I went in search of a fall tablecloth. I found the prettiest Butterfly instead. I knew as soon as I saw it that I had to make something with it. So, I gathered a wreath, some fall leaves, the BUTTERFLY, and a flower bundle. Because we were at Dollar Tree this wreath cost me $4.00 plus tax. When we returned to my mom's she headed to the shower and asked what I was going to do. "MAKE A WREATH OF COURSE". After about 5 or so minutes I had a new fall wreath.
During the same trip to the Dollar Tree I found some paper ornaments that would work perfectly on this tree thing I bought at a rummage sale in Temple back in April. So, this weekend I fixed it up for the season. Here is how it turned out:
Because it sits in my dinning room I bought pumpkin pie scented candles to go at the end of each "branch". It looks awesome.
After I was done crafting for the day Brennen and I sat down and battled it out in a game of RISK!
A few weeks ago, I accompanied my mom to Dollar Tree to purchase some cards. As we walked in I saw some very pretty fall flower bundles. I stopped and looked at them for a minute but then proceeded to the cards section. After picking out a few cards, I went in search of a fall tablecloth. I found the prettiest Butterfly instead. I knew as soon as I saw it that I had to make something with it. So, I gathered a wreath, some fall leaves, the BUTTERFLY, and a flower bundle. Because we were at Dollar Tree this wreath cost me $4.00 plus tax. When we returned to my mom's she headed to the shower and asked what I was going to do. "MAKE A WREATH OF COURSE". After about 5 or so minutes I had a new fall wreath.
During the same trip to the Dollar Tree I found some paper ornaments that would work perfectly on this tree thing I bought at a rummage sale in Temple back in April. So, this weekend I fixed it up for the season. Here is how it turned out:
After I was done crafting for the day Brennen and I sat down and battled it out in a game of RISK!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Android App
Just put the blogger app on my phone. Now just trying to see if it works.
These r flowers I received the other day. Aren't they pretty? Hope everyone has a great day.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Our weekends as of late
Brennen and I have had some very busy weekends lately. So, two weeks ago we decided to do nothing. We stayed home and vegged out. Brennen and I both were relieved not to have to go anywhere or do anything. So guess what we did: We watched some movies.I convinced Brennen to watch some movies that he had never seen before. One of these included Forrest Gump.
We cooked. We made several breakfasts. Also, dinner each night. I really do love to cook. I really enjoy it even more when my family eats what I cook and enjoys it themselves. Brennen ate very well. He always asks me to make spaghetti for him. So, we went to the store and got all of the stuff. Just as I start making it Brennen tells me that he had spaghetti 2 other nights this week. Ugh! Ha Ha. We ate spaghetti anyway and it was delicious!
We pulled some weeds. Actually, pulling is an understatement. We chopped, broke, tugged, hacked, and pulled some weeds. I got an education about where tumbleweeds come from. I know this is gonna sound stupid but did You know that tumbleweeds actually start out green? I did not. Anyway, I have 3 huge tumbleweed PLANTS in my yard.
We both read. I actually read more than Brennen, but he did take some time and did some drawing. Brennen has always liked to draw but doesn't do it a whole lot anymore. I think maybe that might some of Nana. I got him his first drawing pad at about 3 years old. Anyway, he worked on some of his stuff. Believe it or not, our weekend only included 1 nap. This is unusual. I usually take a few naps - but I was having so much fun and enjoying my time with Brenn so much that my urge to sleep was not really present.
We played video games. There are only a few types of video games that I like. Brennen owns a PS2 and is saving his money for an XBOX 360. We as a family own another PS2; Gamecube; and original Nintendo. I don't play very often but I do have my own set of games. I love all of the musical video games - especially guitar hero. I have the METALLICA GUITAR HEREO amongst about 4 or 5 others. Let me tell you, I really ROCK at that game. Brennen and I played it. We both played guitars for a bit; then he sang and I played the guitar. My drums for the game are broke because I played them way to hard - but I really miss them - they are my favorite!
I also like Mario Brothers. For the Gambia I was recently obtained MARIO KART - it is a racing game. That is so much fun - of course several hours were spent on this game along with MARIO SMASH BROS GREAT MILI - it is like the Mario version of Mortal Kombat. It is really fun seeing what special moves each character has. Brennen gets a little sad because I don't enjoy the same games he does - like Call of Duty; Star Wars; Soldier games - I do play LEGO games with him sometimes - but I like that he likes the ones I do. Anyway, we had a really great time JUST VEGGIN' OUT!
We cooked. We made several breakfasts. Also, dinner each night. I really do love to cook. I really enjoy it even more when my family eats what I cook and enjoys it themselves. Brennen ate very well. He always asks me to make spaghetti for him. So, we went to the store and got all of the stuff. Just as I start making it Brennen tells me that he had spaghetti 2 other nights this week. Ugh! Ha Ha. We ate spaghetti anyway and it was delicious!
We pulled some weeds. Actually, pulling is an understatement. We chopped, broke, tugged, hacked, and pulled some weeds. I got an education about where tumbleweeds come from. I know this is gonna sound stupid but did You know that tumbleweeds actually start out green? I did not. Anyway, I have 3 huge tumbleweed PLANTS in my yard.
We both read. I actually read more than Brennen, but he did take some time and did some drawing. Brennen has always liked to draw but doesn't do it a whole lot anymore. I think maybe that might some of Nana. I got him his first drawing pad at about 3 years old. Anyway, he worked on some of his stuff. Believe it or not, our weekend only included 1 nap. This is unusual. I usually take a few naps - but I was having so much fun and enjoying my time with Brenn so much that my urge to sleep was not really present.
We played video games. There are only a few types of video games that I like. Brennen owns a PS2 and is saving his money for an XBOX 360. We as a family own another PS2; Gamecube; and original Nintendo. I don't play very often but I do have my own set of games. I love all of the musical video games - especially guitar hero. I have the METALLICA GUITAR HEREO amongst about 4 or 5 others. Let me tell you, I really ROCK at that game. Brennen and I played it. We both played guitars for a bit; then he sang and I played the guitar. My drums for the game are broke because I played them way to hard - but I really miss them - they are my favorite!
I also like Mario Brothers. For the Gambia I was recently obtained MARIO KART - it is a racing game. That is so much fun - of course several hours were spent on this game along with MARIO SMASH BROS GREAT MILI - it is like the Mario version of Mortal Kombat. It is really fun seeing what special moves each character has. Brennen gets a little sad because I don't enjoy the same games he does - like Call of Duty; Star Wars; Soldier games - I do play LEGO games with him sometimes - but I like that he likes the ones I do. Anyway, we had a really great time JUST VEGGIN' OUT!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The Politics of Work
There are a lot of changes happening in all areas of the DD field. (DD meaning - developmental disability). I am going to explain this (although I don't know why) in a very non technical way. It is definitely not all of the details - not even a lot of the details - just the details pertaining directly to me mixed up a bit with my own observations and opinions. If you are reading this and want just the cold hard facts and politics about it - you will have to do your research elsewhere. Sorry. Just trying to explain to my family and friends what kind of changes my work is going through and a little bit of background on what I do.
So, I am now at my 3rd facility/organization who support people with these developmental disabilities. These are disabilities that usually occur before 3 years old. These disabilities are genetic and didn't happen from an accident. Anyway, I have been doing this since 2004. When I first started, I was taught this basic principle: WE SHOULD BE WORKING OURSELVES OUT OF A JOB!
This statement means that we are teachers. I am responsible for support and teaching people how to do things that they couldn't do otherwise. I am responsible for teaching people to be independent and to make sure they have everything they need to do things on their own. I take this very seriously. Some of the people I work with may never be able to do things on their own. Some of them I support so that they can learn to eat independently. Some of them may just need verbal help to remember the steps to take when bathing. Others, need verbal support and encouragement when it comes to controlling their anger or reactions to other people. And then I also support some people who need total care but are learning to walk or maybe just to entertain themselves with constant supervision. Whatever their need, I support them and try my hardest to find ways for them to learn.
There are some people who work in this field that have the same goal and objective as I do. Unfortunately there are a lot of people who work in this field who make choices for the people w/ disabilities (usually in the staff's best interest and not the client's). These people often do things for the clients instead of teaching the clients to do for themselves. It is alot easier to just do it for them and it takes a lot less patience. It also comes with a lot less resistance from the clients and a lot less overall work.
(bottomline) The DD Waiver is: an amount of money that the government pays to organizations on behalf of each client to provide staff and support services for them. The way they know what to pay the organization for is that staff must document all of the services that are being given. Here is where a lot of the problem comes from: Staff #1 may document: "Jill" took a bath and ate breakfast. Staff #2 may document: "Jill" was verbally prompted by staff that it was time for her bath. Jill required verbal reminders from staff about the things she would need to complete this task. Jill gathered the equipment and was physically assisted with setting the water to the temperature of her choosing. Jill undressed and got into the tub without assistance. Jill was then verbally prompted to wash her hair. Jill needed physical assistance with rinsing her hair free of the shampoo.....etc.... See the difference. #1 looks like Jill did it all by herself; #2 shows the support she actually needed. 9 out of 10 staff document like #1. So, the government (despite many warnings to the organizations) has said, well, we are paying you for supporting these people when all of the documentation says that they can do it by themselves.
Anyway, a year or so ago, the government has (for whatever reason) cut the amount of money that they are going to pay organizations to care for our clients. When these cuts take place the organizations will not be able to provide all of the services that they do now including the staff to client ratios amongst other things. Some of the clients are receiving one staff to one client services - this may decrease to three clients to one staff. When the organizations started fighting these cuts, the government decided to test each client individually to see what kind of services they actually need. The organizations initially thought - yeah! that will work. Here lies the problem:
The organizations are so USED to advocating for the clients. Showing the client's strengths and accomplishments instead of their disabilities and things that are difficult for them. So, right off the bat they began saying all of the things that the client's could do - emphasizing on the positives. They government took these results and again said, "oh, they don't need all of the help that you say". After the results come out there were a lot of clients who could never realistically live on their own - that they government has cut all staff for except 3 hours a day. With this in mind - many of our clients don't have families who can care for them - if they did, they wouldn't need us. Anyway, in a continuous fight, the organizations have been able to push back the cuts till January. They were supposed to happen in July. We have also gotten the government to retest some of the clients now that they know how to take the test.
So, sorry for the very dry work talk. But that is just a little bit of the insight into my career and the work that I do. Hope you guys have a great week. My post hopefully will be a little more light hearted next time.
So, I am now at my 3rd facility/organization who support people with these developmental disabilities. These are disabilities that usually occur before 3 years old. These disabilities are genetic and didn't happen from an accident. Anyway, I have been doing this since 2004. When I first started, I was taught this basic principle: WE SHOULD BE WORKING OURSELVES OUT OF A JOB!
This statement means that we are teachers. I am responsible for support and teaching people how to do things that they couldn't do otherwise. I am responsible for teaching people to be independent and to make sure they have everything they need to do things on their own. I take this very seriously. Some of the people I work with may never be able to do things on their own. Some of them I support so that they can learn to eat independently. Some of them may just need verbal help to remember the steps to take when bathing. Others, need verbal support and encouragement when it comes to controlling their anger or reactions to other people. And then I also support some people who need total care but are learning to walk or maybe just to entertain themselves with constant supervision. Whatever their need, I support them and try my hardest to find ways for them to learn.
There are some people who work in this field that have the same goal and objective as I do. Unfortunately there are a lot of people who work in this field who make choices for the people w/ disabilities (usually in the staff's best interest and not the client's). These people often do things for the clients instead of teaching the clients to do for themselves. It is alot easier to just do it for them and it takes a lot less patience. It also comes with a lot less resistance from the clients and a lot less overall work.
(bottomline) The DD Waiver is: an amount of money that the government pays to organizations on behalf of each client to provide staff and support services for them. The way they know what to pay the organization for is that staff must document all of the services that are being given. Here is where a lot of the problem comes from: Staff #1 may document: "Jill" took a bath and ate breakfast. Staff #2 may document: "Jill" was verbally prompted by staff that it was time for her bath. Jill required verbal reminders from staff about the things she would need to complete this task. Jill gathered the equipment and was physically assisted with setting the water to the temperature of her choosing. Jill undressed and got into the tub without assistance. Jill was then verbally prompted to wash her hair. Jill needed physical assistance with rinsing her hair free of the shampoo.....etc.... See the difference. #1 looks like Jill did it all by herself; #2 shows the support she actually needed. 9 out of 10 staff document like #1. So, the government (despite many warnings to the organizations) has said, well, we are paying you for supporting these people when all of the documentation says that they can do it by themselves.
Anyway, a year or so ago, the government has (for whatever reason) cut the amount of money that they are going to pay organizations to care for our clients. When these cuts take place the organizations will not be able to provide all of the services that they do now including the staff to client ratios amongst other things. Some of the clients are receiving one staff to one client services - this may decrease to three clients to one staff. When the organizations started fighting these cuts, the government decided to test each client individually to see what kind of services they actually need. The organizations initially thought - yeah! that will work. Here lies the problem:
The organizations are so USED to advocating for the clients. Showing the client's strengths and accomplishments instead of their disabilities and things that are difficult for them. So, right off the bat they began saying all of the things that the client's could do - emphasizing on the positives. They government took these results and again said, "oh, they don't need all of the help that you say". After the results come out there were a lot of clients who could never realistically live on their own - that they government has cut all staff for except 3 hours a day. With this in mind - many of our clients don't have families who can care for them - if they did, they wouldn't need us. Anyway, in a continuous fight, the organizations have been able to push back the cuts till January. They were supposed to happen in July. We have also gotten the government to retest some of the clients now that they know how to take the test.
So, sorry for the very dry work talk. But that is just a little bit of the insight into my career and the work that I do. Hope you guys have a great week. My post hopefully will be a little more light hearted next time.
Playing Catch UP
It occurred to me that I haven't written a blog since my birthday. So, let's play a little catch up!
Birthday: My birthday was great. I got to spend it with my Mom, Mamaw, Scotty, and Brennen. At 12:02am I received a gift (from Amber). It was a stereo. I have not had a stereo in a long time. When I want to hear music at home I use the computer, or DVD player. Occasionally we listen to vinyl records on the record player. So, she got me a stereo with a five disc changer, am/fm stereo, and an AUX cable where I can hook up my MP3 player. Wow! Also, I received a media stand to hold my guitar game controllers. (In case you don't know - I am a HUGE fan a musical video games! More on that a little later.)
My mother made me a delicious dessert - double chocolate brownies (her and Scotty's "secret recipe" topped with ice cream and chocolate syrup!
It was scrumptious. I also received many cards, calls, and facebook wishes. I also received some "green gifts". I bought a purse with one of them. I am saving the other for either shoes or clothes or a new coat this year or maybe some boots. (See why I have to save it - I can't decide). I also received a gift certificate to Bath & Body Works. I don't ever go to the mall. But one Friday Brennen and I went. We walked around. He didn't want to be seen in the "girly store" so he walked around while I shopped. I ended up purchasing 3 small lotions - all new scents and a candle. Perfect things for me! The scents were called: Dark Kiss, Be Enchanted, and Secret Wonderland. YUM! Anyway, My birthday was great. I ended up celebrating all weekend long.
Work: Due to some changes on the legislature level we are having to make changes within the organization. Actually, all organizations dealing with the DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY WAIVER are having to make changes. I will blog about it in more detail for those of you that are curious. Anyway, one of the changes at work has moved me to a different house. I was working with 3 men on 3 different levels with 3 different kinds of care needed. Now, work with 1 woman. I went from working days to working graveyards. So, I am really trying to adjust and my body had kinda been in shock all week.
Health: Like I said, my body has kinda been in shock. This shock causes me to have more headaches than normal. I had 2 doctor visits in the last week - 1 for my headaches and another for routine stuff you don't want to hear about. I got to get some more teeth pulled on the 18th of this month. I found out that I have only gained 4 pounds this whole year. Although I would have rather lost 4 pounds, that is saying alot considering all of the changes I have been through already this year. I thought with changing jobs and stuff I would have gained more - luckily I didn't.
Pets and Plants: Houston is growing like crazy. He isn't a big dog by any means but he is definitely a lot bigger than he was when I got him at the end of the summer.
Houston goes for his last set of puppy shots on Monday. At this time he will also receive his rabies shots and then will be neutered I think in like 2 weeks. But all is good. He has been acting like a butt lately but I think it is a phase. He has began shedding like crazy. I hate having dog hair on me. I am currently looking for something to help with this little problem.
As you seen in my earlier blog about Becky - I almost killed my plant. She has had for a month. She reported to me that I rotted the root. She says this happens from over watering. I don't know how that happened since I never water that plant. But I guess when I did water I tried to make up for the lack of water - so maybe I dehydrated it and then flooded it, dehydrated it then flooded it, repeatedly. I don't know. Anyway, I picked it up yesterday - she nursed back 3 little leaves and gave me directions - she has a lot of faith that if I follow these directions and find it a happy place in my home it will flourish.
She has a lot more faith than I do - But I am TRYING!
So, that is just a few short notes on a few things. More in a bit.
Birthday: My birthday was great. I got to spend it with my Mom, Mamaw, Scotty, and Brennen. At 12:02am I received a gift (from Amber). It was a stereo. I have not had a stereo in a long time. When I want to hear music at home I use the computer, or DVD player. Occasionally we listen to vinyl records on the record player. So, she got me a stereo with a five disc changer, am/fm stereo, and an AUX cable where I can hook up my MP3 player. Wow! Also, I received a media stand to hold my guitar game controllers. (In case you don't know - I am a HUGE fan a musical video games! More on that a little later.)
My mother made me a delicious dessert - double chocolate brownies (her and Scotty's "secret recipe" topped with ice cream and chocolate syrup!
It was scrumptious. I also received many cards, calls, and facebook wishes. I also received some "green gifts". I bought a purse with one of them. I am saving the other for either shoes or clothes or a new coat this year or maybe some boots. (See why I have to save it - I can't decide). I also received a gift certificate to Bath & Body Works. I don't ever go to the mall. But one Friday Brennen and I went. We walked around. He didn't want to be seen in the "girly store" so he walked around while I shopped. I ended up purchasing 3 small lotions - all new scents and a candle. Perfect things for me! The scents were called: Dark Kiss, Be Enchanted, and Secret Wonderland. YUM! Anyway, My birthday was great. I ended up celebrating all weekend long.
Work: Due to some changes on the legislature level we are having to make changes within the organization. Actually, all organizations dealing with the DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY WAIVER are having to make changes. I will blog about it in more detail for those of you that are curious. Anyway, one of the changes at work has moved me to a different house. I was working with 3 men on 3 different levels with 3 different kinds of care needed. Now, work with 1 woman. I went from working days to working graveyards. So, I am really trying to adjust and my body had kinda been in shock all week.
Health: Like I said, my body has kinda been in shock. This shock causes me to have more headaches than normal. I had 2 doctor visits in the last week - 1 for my headaches and another for routine stuff you don't want to hear about. I got to get some more teeth pulled on the 18th of this month. I found out that I have only gained 4 pounds this whole year. Although I would have rather lost 4 pounds, that is saying alot considering all of the changes I have been through already this year. I thought with changing jobs and stuff I would have gained more - luckily I didn't.
Pets and Plants: Houston is growing like crazy. He isn't a big dog by any means but he is definitely a lot bigger than he was when I got him at the end of the summer.
Houston goes for his last set of puppy shots on Monday. At this time he will also receive his rabies shots and then will be neutered I think in like 2 weeks. But all is good. He has been acting like a butt lately but I think it is a phase. He has began shedding like crazy. I hate having dog hair on me. I am currently looking for something to help with this little problem.
As you seen in my earlier blog about Becky - I almost killed my plant. She has had for a month. She reported to me that I rotted the root. She says this happens from over watering. I don't know how that happened since I never water that plant. But I guess when I did water I tried to make up for the lack of water - so maybe I dehydrated it and then flooded it, dehydrated it then flooded it, repeatedly. I don't know. Anyway, I picked it up yesterday - she nursed back 3 little leaves and gave me directions - she has a lot of faith that if I follow these directions and find it a happy place in my home it will flourish.
So, that is just a few short notes on a few things. More in a bit.
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