Catching my breath

These days, the weeks just seem to be flying by. Work is keeping me busier than ever before. I'm working 12-14 hour days and barely have time to catch my breath. One thing about the new job, I'm never bored...and keeping the old job gets harder as my caseload increases. I was so excited I got to set up my voicemail on Friday...Something so simple yet it made me so happy :) The boys are getting adjusted to being home alone more. I'm glad that both Corky and Riley are good enough that I don't have to worry about them being home. However, I am allowed to bring my dog to work. Isn't that the coolest thing ever? One lady brings her English Bulldog daily. He has a pillow he sleeps on in her office and a ball he plays fetch with. Although I would probably never take my dogs because they would either bark or hide, it's great to have the option.

Job update

The new job is amazing. It's even better than I thought it would be. I love it so much already and I know that I'll only love it more once I understand everything. The people there are so great, funny and nice. In some respects, it's vastly different than what I was used to and in other ways, it's very similar. The guys are very nice and respectful. That is a HUGE change from the girls. I'm still working part-time at Excelsior so I'll still get that interaction with the kids that can be unbeatable.

We reap what we sow...

Here is one of the flowers Ben planted for me for Mother's Day. I guess this one was stronger than Riley's wrath!

The countdown begins...

MySpace Countdowns

Lots of NEWs

New #1:

I've developed a new medical issue. My left hand is numb. It first started with the pinky and ring finger and has spread up to my elbow. It's not completely numb but feels like it's asleep and really tight. Anyway, I went to the doctor and they thought it could be a pinched nerve but couldn't figure out where. So I have to make an appointment with my neurologist to get an EMG done (a test to figure out if a nerve is pinched somewhere and the location).

New #2:

I got a new car. Yaaaaaaaaay! I'd had the Toyota for seven years and it was just time to upgrade...especially with all the car deals going on. I don't have pictures yet but I got a Pontiac Torrent and love it! It's great on gas (for an SUV), great for the insurance and great for the payment. This car actually doesn't cost any more than my other car did. WOOT!

New #3:

I got a new JOB. As you all probably know, they eliminated my position at Excelsior and I was having to do some medical transports temporarily until something permanent opened up. I started looking outside the company and found a great case manager position working with adult males in community corrections. I'm so excited for this! It's a great opportunity for growth!

Mother's Day

Well- things have been so busy over here that I haven't updated on my Mother's Day. On Saturday, I went out with my sister for several hours. When I got home, Ben had worked really hard on a flower garden in the back yard for me. I was so shocked! He put a Columbine, Day Lilies, Morning Glories and Snap Dragons in it. He even let me be the first to water it!

On Monday I came home from work to find that Riley dug a lot of my flower garden up. The dirt was everywhere and the remains of the flowers were all over the grass. The Columbine and Day Lilies remained but everything else was pretty much gone. When I told Ben I could hear the defeat in his voice. I felt really bad and that dog can be so destructive!!!! I will fix it when we get back from California and replace the flowers that Riley dug up. My flower garden is still beautiful..It just has some empty spots. I told Ben that it was the thought that counted but I'm not sure that helped him any.

Work changes

Well the time has come that I have to make some hard decisions about my job. It is a real possibility that they may close my department. This puts me in a position where I have to pick another counseling position-none of which are my #1 choices. All of them are a pay cut which is hard since Ben already got one this year. However, the shift that works best for us (not necessarily the hours but the least amount of a pay cut) is a 4 day work week working 3-12 Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays and 9-5 on Sundays. This will still allow me to have various appointments during the day and fits in with my plan to begin my Masters program in late summer as classes are Thursday nights. Plus, I'll still have two days off with Ben-Wednesdays and Saturdays. I have a meeting with the supervisor for this position when she returns from vacation. This will probably be somewhat of a quick transition-even before the final decision is made about Day Treatment. One of the hardest things about this-aside from my coveted schedule is that I wont be working with Becky anymore. We've worked together day after day for the last 4 years and have become such great friends. I know that we will remain friends long after this job but it's still hard not having her there with me.