California and Back in 5 days (going)

Ready for part 2 of our trip?

I left off where Carlos asked me, "why don't you go by train?". So, I checked Amtrak website. It was surprisingly like the airline websites. I started checking to see how much the tickets were. I was able to price tickets at about half the price of airline tickets. Actually for 2 train tickets it was like $30 more expensive then 1 airline ticket. I was like WOW!!! I started again with my figuring. It was going to cost about the same to drive as it was to go by train. It was a whole lot safer to go by train than it was going to be to drive. And lastly, it was going to be a whole new adventure going by train than driving. (I hate to bore you with the motherly stuff) but the actual selling point was that I could "hang out" with Brennen in a train where I couldn't in a car. We could eat together, and play cards, and explore. (In a car my attention is mostly on the road and his is mostly on his video game or music). I was looking for that bonding. It was gonna be cool.

So, I had to wait a little while before I could book our train tickets. I had to wait till I had all of the money. I ended up booking our tickets about a week and a half before we were leaving. This raised the cost of the tickets by about $150 but it was ok. I was able to book us overnight train rides. I thought this would be better, that way we could sleep some and be refreshed when we arrived. So, we waited....until the day to come when we could go. While we were waiting we had one of our cars break down. Great! Nothing I do is ever seamless. I don't know why I still expect it to be. So, we are down to one car. Our tickets had us leaving out of Albuquerque. Now, that we were down to one car, that added to our trip expense because I would have to pay for gas to get to Albuquerque and whoever drove us to go back home and then come get us and take us home when we came back. So, I kept saving money. (well, not really. I am not good at saving. I am real good at spending though). Anyway, I had to find someone to take us to Albuquerque. Amber's anxiety has increased in the last few years and she is no longer able to drive in Albuquerque. Gladys has not been comfortable driving there in a long time and Dorian said he would take me but really seemed apprehensive. So, I looked at changing our tickets to Santa Fe. But really, I just tried to wait out our car trouble.

Guess what - it worked. Our other car got fixed so this meant I could go with the original plan of driving myself and Brenn to Albuquerque and leaving the car there till we got back. The day came fast and soon it was the night before we were supposed to leave. Of course I had been planning at work too, but of course another seam showed it's head. I ended up having to attend a meeting the morning we were supposed to leave. So, the day before (on Wednesday) I gave Brenn some instructions on preparation stuff - like laundry and went to work to get everything done before Thursday (except the meeting). When I arrived home from work Wednesday night (late of course) I expected to see all of the laundry done so I could pack. Well, I won't go into details but by the end of the night, I ended up mad and Brenn and I were up till 1am doing laundry. Brennen packed while we waited for the clothes. I attempted to regulate what he took (as much as a mother of a teenager can do). Poor Brennen. I still make him pack, then bring me the bag and I go through every outfit with him again. I count underwear and socks. I bug about matching and appropriate dress. I also bug about toothbrushes and combs.

I did not sleep well that night and woke with a pounding headache on Thursday. I went to work and actually only worked about 2 hours. We were planning to leave between 11am and noon. I got home about 10:30am and then still had to pack. As we loaded the car, Mama saw us off. I am 34 (almost 35) and I could still see the worry in her eyes as she tried not to worry and told us to be careful and that she loved us. We headed in to town to run some errands. First, we stopped to get gas. Brennen and I started off feeling the tension from last night but we were able to shake it off by our next stop, which was to tell Amber bye. Then we went to the store and bought snacks.  We loaded up on granola bars, Vienna sausages, Pringles, gum, candy, Pop Tarts and some Dr. Pepper.  We had one last stop to make before we could leave town....

LUNCH!  Neither of us had eaten breakfast.  So, on the way out, we stopped at Sonic and ate on the road since it was already like 12:15pm.  Brennen was kinda flipping out that we would miss our train (which was scheduled to leave at 4:45pm.  I assured him it only took about 3 hours to get there (but I don't think he really believed me).

We were finally on our way.  As I tried to rethink everything and make sure we weren't missing anything, I did a lot of self talk.  I talked myself out of being stressed and just sat back and drove.  We listened to music and ate.  We did some talking and even took these pictures on the way to Albuquerque:

  This is kinda mine and Brennen's new "handshake".  For a while he wanted to do hand hugging but then it has been the heart for about the last month or so.  I am ok with it.  It is a way to say "I love you" with less touchy feely stuff.  (I actually prefer the touchy stuff but of course, he doesn't).

Please do not ask me what face it is that we are making but we both seem to be making the same one.  Funny.

And then of course, the highway.  This was someplace between Vaughn and Corona, NM.  Anyway, stay tuned for our next segment.  

California and back in 5 days (planning)

So, very recently we went to San Clemente California for Brandon's wedding celebration. We were gonna fly like the rest of my family - but when have you ever known me to follow suit? So we went by train. Amtrak to be exact. Actually, going by train was a hard thought decision... As July got closer and closer, I kept thinking about how important it was for me to go. Maybe not so important to others as it was to my self. I never want to miss out on big family stuff. I really wanted to be with my family. I always have wished that the Rainer side of our family lived closer. Now, that I think about it, I think that I am about half way for both sides of my family (well, more so before my Sister moved as far east as she could possibly get). But I never want Brandon, Brad, Uncle Mike or Aunt Mary to look back and think that I didn't want to be there. I made it to both the boys graduations and then to Brad and Karri's wedding. I really wanted to go to Brandon's wedding. I know in my heart that they would have never thought that I didn't want to be there. - But it was important for me none the less.

So, anyway, as July got closer I decided I was really going. The last week of May (I think) my mom began making her plans, as did my Aunt Kay, Kim, and Mamaw. My mom kept asking me, "Are you going?" and I kept responding, "I want to" or "I am trying". It was hard for me to commit. Most of it was because it was going to be expensive. I had to pay for 2 of us to go. I couldn't go without Brennen. Well, I guess I could have - but I didn't want to. I really want him to be involved in all of my adventures. (Guess that's the bonding part of being a mom). Anyway, I thought he would enjoy it and so it was never really an option for him to not go. So, as my mom bought her plane tickets and made her hotel reservations I crunched numbers. I worked out scenarios, and ways to get just a little more money. In the past I have sacrificed my bill money for things I really wanted. I did not do that this time. I am quit a bit more grown now and know what my priorities are. (Plus, Amber would have killed me if I had done that).

I kept crunching numbers and I finally decided, we can not fly. There is no way I can afford two plane tickets. I did some more crunching (and if you know anything about me, you can be sure your assumptions are right - My brain was smoking from all of the crunching). I decided finally (or what I thought was final) that Brennen and I would drive. I think it was about a 13 hour drive (non-stop) of course. So, it would take us a good 15-17 hours. But, he does very well in the car; I do very well in the car; and neither one of us minds traveling. I roughly figured out the cost - (more smoke and this time that burning rubber smell accompanied it). I began to get excited. I figured we could leave on Thursday, drive all afternoon and night and then be there Friday. We could (I could) sleep a few hours and be good to go.

I got pretty excited and started planning. As the days passed, I talked it over with a few co-workers as they all asked questions about where I was going on vacation. One day Carlos asked me - why don't you just go by train? WHAT? I had never EVER thought about that. I didn't even know you could still go by train. As I gave him this very puzzled look (which he says all of my looks are puzzled) he goes - "Check Amtrak"....

Same old change

It is so hot here in Roswell. It is a different kind of heat. We have been blessed with just a little bit of rain recently. (By just a little bit, I mean, enough to make it stinkin' HUMID.)  Humidity is something we're not used to. I hate hot & humid. Not only do I hate it but it does a number on my headaches.  (That's a whole other blog).  So anyway, back to hot and humid. I was sweating buckets the other day (for those of you that said "gross", good because I did too).  My hair constantly stays pulled up. Well, one day it was down (and I have no earthly reason as to why) and I got to looking at the ends.  I promised myself when I got paid  I would go get my hair trimmed.

Can you see where this is going? Well, shhh...don't spoil it for me.  Anyway, the day before my appointment I had a discussion with Amber that I should cut my hair short again. I dismissed it and went to my appointment the next day. At that appointment Tasha cut off about 2 inches, fixed my bangs and touched up my layers. I mentioned to her that I had thought about cutting off my hair. She told me that if I ever got ready to call her. 

On Friday I went out with some friends (including Karen - which is another post too. You know, I really should be blogging more).  There was a big discussion about me cutting my hair. I don't know how it came up but it was discussed.   

So, here is a picture from yesterday:  

I think it was Monday that I finally decided to do it. I spent Monday night looking at pictures and deciding what style I wanted. 

Then today at 2:30 I went to see Tasha. Here is the before:

And here is the during...

I wish that mat wasn't black so you could really see how much hair it was. 

I guess you wanna see the after?  Ok:

I know Mom, my bangs! I have to train them!

But look I can still do a pony tail:

I am not quit sure we took enough off. I think I want it shorter but we will see after a few days. Tasha didn't want to go to extreme all at once. What do you think?

Gets the Pay Off

This will be the continuation of the blog Putting in the Work. If you haven't read it you probably should before you read this one. So, since you asked Lisa, - Here is the answer!

I think we left off with they wanted me to keep my Team Lead position and also take on the Incident Management Coordinator position both. They told me to come talk to them on Monday. Well, Monday came and I didn't go in to talk to them first thing. I was kinda putting it off. Well, about 10:00am (I think) Rosy called Carlos (my supervisor) and told him to bring me to her office so we could talk. He pulled me into HIS office and asked me what I thought, and what I was going to say. The position used to be his so I asked him some questions I had and and told him I thought I would like to take it but wanted to talk to Rosy first. As we were getting ready to go into Rosy's office she called and said to wait that he needed to speak to this other lady first. So, I went back to my desk and he brought the lady in and talked to her behind closed doors. A few minutes later (which seemed like an eternity to me) the lady left and he called me back into his office. He informed me that the lady had resigned from her position as Case Manager. I was like, "ugh ok". So then we headed to Rosy's office. Right then and there, I was offered a promotion to Case Manager. I was like dumbfounded. I didn't really know what to think. I had applied to be a Case Manager before I started working for Tobosa but was turned down. So, they offered me the Case Management position and decided I could also handle the Incident Management Coordination job as well.

So, here's some background: Case Managment is a collaborative process that assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the options and services required to meet the client's health and human service needs. So in English - Case Managers are responsible for making sure the client has ALL of the information to make informed decisions. They serve as the go between for the client/family and all of the service providers. Case Managers are responsible for making sure that all the services the clients need are being done. They are the one to coordinate the meetings and write the service plans. Case Managers set up the goals for the clients and then make sure that everyone is helping meet them. The Case Manager is responsible for doing the assessments to see what services the clients need. The Case Manager interviews potential clients and sets them up for service. If a client chooses to get services somewhere else, the Case Manager coordinates all of the transition.

So, to answer your question .......


YES! I took the promotion! I am the new Service/Incident Management Coordinator.

So, this week has been totally CRAZY! I have been trying to learn 2 new positions; train the 2 ladies that will replace me (yes, it took 2 to replace me); and close out everything I was working on. I chose to close out the end of the month for both houses I was running. It would be to much to ask someone to report on the month of work I did, so I will close out the months and hand them over. But I have been working alot. I have come in about 7:00am everyday this week and left between 10:00pm and 11:00pm. But once this week is over that should stop.

So, I am very excited - pretty nervous - and kinda sad/relieved. I am super glad that they asked me. That means a lot that my work is being valued. Maybe I can do good things with this new challenge. Well, I still have some work to do so,

GOOD NIGHT! Love you all!

Putting the work in

I know that it has been a long time since I wrote. Of course, as always, I have a good reason. I have been putting in really long hours at work. This is not unusual for me. I put in a lot of long hours. Even when I am not putting in the hours, I am thinking about work or answering the on-call phone. Well, guess what it! It paid off. I got noticed. Not that this was my intent. My intent has always been to be the best at what I do. My intent is always been to be able to give my all. To learn and to grow. To challenge myself.
My job now is a Team Leader at Tobosa. That job is to supervise clients and staff. To make decisions daily about what to do. I have to schedule the staff and deal with all of their human resource issues. This includes checking their payroll and making sure their clock ins and outs are done. Putting in for their vacation and logging it into the payroll section. It means attending meetings for the clients and working with the whole team to get things done. It means training the staff. I am also responsible for running the household (meaning, paying bills, doing the budget, dealing with the landlord, buying the groceries, and personal items). Being a Team Lead has many more responsibilities. Basically anything to do with the clients and the staff is my responsibility. I have 2 houses, 4 Individuals, and 9 staff that I am responsible for. Along with the responsibilities there are MANY challenges. One of the main challenges is being on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Well, guess what - I no longer will be on-call anymore as of May 1, 2014. I should back up. On Feb 28 (I think) we had an All Staff meeting. In preparation for this meeting I was asked to make a Power Point presentation regarding THERAP. THERAP is the computer program we use. THERAP is huge! It can basically replace all of our existing paperwork. We are only using about 20% of it and between now and July we are incorporating about another 40%. So, I did a presentation to get the staff (who are struggling with embracing it) amped up and to buy into this program. The presentation talked about how far they have already come in learning the system and then to introduce some of the upcoming stages of the program. I also got volunteered to create a trivia game based on out policies and procedures to kinda get the staff involved in the meeting so they were not just sitting there listening the whole time. Well, I did the trivia game on PowerPoint as well. It just seemed to be the easiest way. Well, both were GREAT successes. (I meant to blog about this sooner but just didn't really take the time. Now I wish I had because this post my have to be put into 2 sections.)

I am going to try to put the PowerPoint in here so you can see it but I don't know how that really works. Ok, never mind. I tried but was not successful. So, anyway, everyone loved the presentations. Even the Head Honcho, Joe Madrid, came to me and congratulated me on how great it was. A lot of other administrators did the same thing. Even a month later, Joe still talked about it at several meetings and even over drinks one night. This made me happy. I felt accomplished. I felt like I did something worth noticing. It was like I do all of this hard work and no one ever really sees - but then they did. They saw that I am smart and talented.

There have been other things as well, that have come up in this fashion. I have had several other ideas that the whole company has implemented. My work has been used as examples for others to follow. This came with a price of course. There has been some tension between my co-workers and myself. I am pretty much the new kid on the block - but I am not afraid to ask questions, find different solutions and think outside of the box. Some of my co-workers have been there for like 15 years. They do not like change; they do not like things shaken up; and they certainly do not like the new kid to be the one to put all of this into place. I love being on their team. We work well together.

The other week, the company made a new position. It is titled, "THERAP ADMINISTRATOR". Some members of Management talked to me about taking this position. It is right up my alley and THERAP is something that I am passionate about. The downfall would be that it would put me in an office on the computer all day. That would be my job. Being a computer programmer. I would train new staff on how to use the system but 90% of my job would be a computer programmer. It was not an official offer but they were talking was an unofficial offer. Anyway, I started thinking about it.

So, on Good Friday, the Program Director (the 2nd in charge) asked me to take on a different position. It is the Incident Management Coordinator Position. She wants me to take it on top of my Team Lead Position. That is a lot of work. A LOT! Let me tell you a little bit about this position.

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT COORDINATION: Any time there is a suspicion of Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation a report must be made to the state. Actually, to 3 different agencies. Even things as simple as staff not making sure the clients get enough to drink; staff letting the clients get too sunburned; medication errors for mor than 48 hours; all the way to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Anyway, this position gets the reports made by the staff, and sends them to the 3 state agencies within 24 hours. The position then stays in touch with the state agencies and sends them all the documentation that they request and set up interviews for them with all parties involved. This position is also responsible for conducting the internal investigation that the agency is required to do. It is a position with a lot of responsibility.

So, again, they asked me to take this position on top of the one I already have. That is a lot. I talked with them about giving up one house and just keeping one house and then doing the position. I was told to come talk to them in the office on Monday after Easter.

Can you find what is missing?

That's right! There is nothing missing!  I FINALLY got my teeth! They look super natural.  A lot of people don't even notice when they are talking to me. 

At first I was kinda upset because no one noticed my new teeth. But then I took a step back and realized that IT WAS GOOD that no one noticed. This meant that they looked good (and natural).  So, this post is short because I am doing it from my phone and it takes a while to type a lot on this on screen keyboard. 

But I will leave you with this picture I took today. I left the house without my teeth. Totally just spaced them out. I went to work on my only day off this week. Ugh! Anyway, here is what no teeth looks like:

Big difference. Anyway, hope everyone has a great week!

Mornings - YUCK!!!!

As I try to convince myself to get outta bed I just wanted to complain that mornings have not been my friends lately.