November 10, 2105

So long ago…this morning, it was my first time at the school – solo.  I was seeing my first client there.  I wasn’t necessarily nervous about that because as soon as I meet the kids, it’s ok, but I worry about protocol.  It’s much more complex now than it was 15-20 years ago, so many more “to dos” than there were.  Sadly, the bottom line isn’t really helping the kid anymore, it’s about money. I met the principal before the session and we spoke about the 7 new referrals (there were 2 more after my session) and I got some history on the students.  Some of these kids – one especially - wow, the horrors they encounter through no fault of their own, plus connections between kids and Parent Project happened this morning.  The session went well and then back to the office…

…where I was assaulted by audits. I understand parts, I do not understand more parts, but I hope it will slowly start to become clearer.  I spent a good hour plus on that (emphasis on the “plus”).  I need to learn a system with daily stats and Penelope.  I love that I went from no-hire, to 24 hours, to a little more, to BAM!  more clients than I could hope for.  It's pretty cool.  It was around this time that I learned I may not be able to chaperon the trip to my kid’s school because of the second TB test I had done Monday… That would suck.   It seems that having it done so close to the one last week (Tuesday, I think) can result in a false positive.

Back to the school just in time (was early, actually) for a no-show, then to the shelter.  I wish I had more training, more knowledge on what to do, how to help.    I feel my usefulness is so limited.  Back to office to write things up and then new client arrived.  I continue to be amazed on a daily basis how FUCKED up adults are and what they do to their kids.  Honestly – don’t fucking have kids if you can’t take care of yourself.  I couldn’t take care of myself at one point in my life, so I gave my child to a family who could give him the life he deserved.  I know, I know…many of these people come from just as bad a place and are doing the best they can…I know.  I just don’t understand….

And then- off to Parent Project where I was able to hear more horrific stories about kids – this time in a bit of a different twist, but still.  That stone thrown into the pond creates some mighty big ripples which affect a lot of people.  I headed to a store to grab some items to make chicken tortilla soup in the crock pot after group.  Yesterday, I accidentally made steak chili soup and it is delicious, so I decided soup should be the solution.  I can eat it for breakfast (just the soup – no fancy tortilla stuff added) and that’ll be terrific.

It was while mixing ingredients that I realized the weekend chaperon trip was the same day as the Mother Hips show.  WHAT???  Dammit.  If I can chaperon, I’ll just have to turn around and drive back to the city.  I have 2 reservations at 2 hotels plus tickets, fer chrissake.  I can’t miss that, as I hope it’s my last one.  THEN (this really needs to be emphasized hence all caps), Tatjana let me know TWO very important things:  A) we are going by TRAIN and 2) the trip is MONDAY thru WEDNESDAY!!    Let’s keep fingers crossed that my TB isn’t positive (cough, cough).

Pictures:  Edwin Markham, Poet Laureate of Oregon from 1923-1931.  He also taught literature in El Dorado County and was education  superintendent of the county; The main room to my office at the school.