Hey, the clients are just doing their job

Many of us come into the field of human services because we want to help change the world.  We want to make life better for others.  Let’s face it, none of us go into it for the money!  I have seen so many bright-eyed new staff members come on board only to be shocked, disappointed, or even hurt when they discover that not everyone wants their help.  Every person with a disability is not cute and cuddly.  Some can be rude, insulting, and even violent, not unlike the rest of the world.  People who are new to the field often take this realization personally, becoming insulted and discouraged. 

Tales of an unsung heroine: Finding the thanks in a thankless job

Few things are more frustrating than toiling in obscurity.  Even those who are not trying to become famous appreciate recognition for a job well done.  Some people have the fortune (I won’t say good or bad) to end up in a job that most people would consider thankless.  The trick to coping with this type of employment is to find the thanks that may not be readily forthcoming. 

A leap of faith

A leap of faith.  We’ve all heard the phrase, but what does it really mean to take a leap of faith?  What immediately comes to mind for me is the scene in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”.  Indy reaches the “Leap from the Lion’s Head” in which he has to take a step off a cliff into a seemingly bottomless chasm.  Only after taking that first step does he discover, much to his relief, that it was an optical illusion.  There was actually a sturdy bridge there which he safely crossed.

Of course before taking his leap of faith, Harrison Ford had the benefit of reading the script.  The rest of us unfortunately don’t get that convenient little heads up.  Of course if we got to look ahead it wouldn’t really be much of a test, would it?

Stuck at a crossroads

There comes a time in life when every person reaches a crossroads.  Sometimes it’s at work, other times it’s at home.   Unfortunately I find myself at such a place in several areas of my life, and there are no good choices. 

Throughout my life I’ve always had a plan.  I even had a plan “B”, “C”, and “D”.  I developed that coping skill back in college.  I call it the “What’s the worst that can happen?” technique.  When I was really worried about something I would ask myself, “What’s the worst that can happen?”  I would then make a list (either mental or written depending how freaked out I was) and come up with a plan for

Men and Women… God’s cruel joke.

I was talking with a friend of mine the other day.  She was telling me about an argument she’d had with her husband.  To us his logic was unfathomable, yet he seemed to think he made all the sense in the world.  It boiled down to one immutable truth.  Boys are weird.  Their logic does not resemble our earth logic.  Although he was probably out with his buddy having the very same conversation about us.  

Oh for the love of heat

As then saying goes “You never know what you’ve got until it’s gone.”  Well, that’s never been more true for me until now.  Day 8 without a functioning furnace and boy am I FREEEEEEZING!  We’ve had a string of servicemen coming through like a crazy parade, each one finding something else wrong.  My favorite part was when one guy showed up to fix the exhaust fan.  As he pulled the brand new part out of the carton he discovered that it was broken.  Yes, broken… my only response was an incredulous “Are you kidding me??” 

There comes a time when you have to choose…

Am I going to improve my life or am I just going to bitch about it?  I am talking specifically about my work in this case.  I have been at my job for approaching 12 years.  First of all, it’s a long time to be doing the same type of thing in the same place.  Of course there have been changes over the years, but unfortunately many of them pull for my weaknesses and not my strengths. 

I am the program director for a nonprofit  community based vocational program for adults with developmental disabilities.  When I first started the job I absolutely loved it.  I enjoyed working with my individuals and I found my duties interesting and challenging.  Although I had to do a budget for my program, it was pretty straight forward.  There were contracts that were taken care of by the accounting people in the main office (or the mothership as I like to call it).  

Wow! The Internet can be a rough place

When I got the idea that I wanted to write for Internet sites, I had no idea what was out there.  I mean, yeah I knew about the identity theft and porn.  Stuff like that.  I knew there were crazies.  But I didn’t anticipate the hostility. 

I guess my basic outlook on life is one of hoping for the best.  I look for the best in people.  I smile at people I don’t know and perform the occasional random act of kindness that the bumper stickers preach.  One time I was brushing the snow off my car in the parking lot of a hotel where we had spent the night.  I then did five or six other cars just for giggles.  On another occasion an elderly

Seven-year-olds don’t need no stinking rules

The alarm went off this morning like the starter’s pistol.  As I dragged the comb through my hair I called out to my kids to get up and ready for school.  Emily, my seven-year-old, graciously declined the invitation.  As time slipped by, I became more and more frustrated.  Bus time was approaching and we were nowhere near ready to go.  My reminders became more and more urgent.  Finally I began to raise my voice threatening to take away dessert if she did not immediately get ready . 

 Emily looked at me and asked, “You know, punishing me doesn’t help.  Why do I have to have rules anyway?”  I told her that everyone has rules to follow that keep them safe and help them have a better life.  She informed me that she didn’t want to follow my rules. ” Everyone needs to respect one another and follow the rules of the house to reap the benefits of being part of the family,” I explained.  Emily inquired what would happen if she didn’t follow the rules.  “Then I don’t make your dinner, do your laundry, help with homework, etc,” I told her.  Emily said, “Well I don’t need any help, so no rules for me!”

There is very little difference between being 42 and 14

When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to grow up.  I’d be free of homework, chores, mandated bedtime, mean kids who tease me, and bad skin.  All the insecurity and self-doubt would melt away.  I would be able to pull out all of my geek-infested roots.

I’m still waiting for that wonderful day to arrive.  I think it turns out that when you grow up you are the same person you were as a kid, only taller.  Let see…