OH MY GAQWD!!

I could actually SIGN IN!! WHOO HOOO!!!...Ok...I'll start blogging again. I don't know WHY I haven't been able to sign in for months. I don't WHY it allowed me to sign in now.
SO..
I've moved
I've moved IN my mom...after a stroke, after her heart rate was 41, after my husband moved out for a job...
The family MOVED to a new city
My kids...are doing ok...are better than me....
and..
I'm doing what I REALLY love....Making NEW Families through foster and adoption.

It's HEADHUNTER time

I've never used a Headhunting search before trying to gain employment..but this one...fell into my lap. I have hope. I am looking for full time employment in Kalamazoo Michigan so my family can be together again. My spouse moved 2 weeks ago, and it is REALLY upsetting 2 of my kids. The other, My semi-goth Asperger boy--not so much.
I love the misson/value statement of this agency. Let's hope it works!!

About Van Popering, McLogan Executive Search, Inc.

Our Mission, Values and Ethics:

Our mission is to further KRISSCOP'S success by identifying HER uncommon ability – the very talented individual to whom our clients might not otherwise have access.

Throughout all phases of the search process, we will use the utmost discretion to guarantee the confidentiality sought by KRISSCOP and potential candidates alike.

We are committed to providing staffing solutions with the highest level of quality and cost efficiency. Our goal is to match the needs of KRISSCOP with the goals of our employees to insure a long-term, productive relationship. (ESPECIALLY $$ PART)

Our goal is to consistently exceed KRISSCOP’s expectations with ‘impeccable’ professionalism in seeking out and finding high caliber EMPLOYMENT.

Our Code of Conduct:

We strive to develop our relationships around four key operating principles:

1. Integrity: We are committed to openness, ethics, honesty, and candor with our clients and candidates at all times.

2. Client focus: Their complete satisfaction is the key measure of our success. Our clients always come first.

3. Innovation: Anticipating and acting on our clients’ need helps us to think creatively and challenge the “status quo.”

4. Teamwork: Cooperation and shared goals among clients and ourselves optimizes performance.

Um...Yah...some items were changed to aid in my positive imagery! "I CHOOSE HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS"...

From one of the motivation emails I get:

Triumphing over negative thoughts:
Negative thought processes ARE negative affirmations.
They use the VERY same processes that Positive Affirmations use, except they enforce feelings and images that deter us from being at Peace.

Breaking the cycle takes time.

Be Patient and Gentle with yourself. Set long term goals. And be persistent! Remember to Stretch, Laugh and be Unshakable!

Whenever you have a thought that disturbs your peace of mind, or makes you feel down, shout “Cancel! Cancel! Cancel!”. Immediately replace your disturbing thought with your Positive Affirmation. Visualize Bright Images and Feel the Glow Sparkling Light Energy flowing into and through your body.

There IS a difference between “grieving” and negativity. When you lose someone you love, there is a natural grieving process that must be gone through. Do not deny yourself your expression of grief.

If you find that your grief is too deep to endure, make sure you speak to a Rabbi, Priest, Counselor or Friends.

There comes a time, however, that you need to move on if your grief turns into negativity. If we examine negativity, we see that it utilizes the VERY same process as Positive Affirmations, except in the reverse!

Only when you have the Resolve and Determination to lead a Happier and more Positive life, will you be Naturally inclined to use the 3-fold Healing Process of Positive Affirmations. You cannot “force” yourself to be Happy. However, you CAN choose to foster Happiness. And when you make this Choice, you can Reinforce and Invigorate the process with Healing and Positive Affirmations. Remember~ Affirm the Good, Visualize Luminous Images and Feel Sparkling Rays of Strength and Courage fill your Being! You can do it!

The JOB interview..a GROUP interview

I've interviewed a lot. I know how. I'm REALLY good at it. I give pointers. I could give seminars. (note to self: $$?)

But really...a GROUP interview? Now..YOU may think that I misspoke and meant to say a A panel interview--You'd be wrong. A Panel interview consists of more than one set of eyes, 2-4 people interviewing you alone.
THIS interview...there were like SIX of us, and two people from the 'firm'. One, in jeans. This made my suit seem...out of place.

Six..at the SAME TIME. REALLY? Yes, all interviewing for the same spot.
I get the time factor savings for them....they can tell us all about them...get it. I get that it's a human services field. Got it.
But really...
Waste of time...and it was over 2 hours.
"Give each group member time and space to answer".


GO: Crying waitress girl: Her nice homemade tattoo sticking out of her too tight black and white smock top: "my parents are alcoholics and I have a lot of druggies in my family"...she begins to cry..I look for the kleenex box as nobody else was. I spied it in the bookshelf. I stand up...get it...give her the box...and say..relax..it's ok...just breathe for a moment" Next answer from waitress crygirl: "well..I can't even TAKE this job as I have young kids and it's an afternoon shift...but I just wanted to MEET you all...".
Really.
I about shit myself.

Next: Aging ex Hippie, clean 18 years and wearing it on his sleeve. Getting the shakes from wanting a smoke so badly during interview. It's a Smoke free campus-- how will he do for 8 hour shift? Run out to the end of the driveway? Light up with the clients in the field?...been in the State 2 weeks, "living with a friend"..I'm betting one he met on the internet...(Not that it's bad, I'm just sayin..)

Then...PICK ME PICK ME boy. Sitting on the edge of his chair, leaning into the balls of his feet, just CAN'T wait to answer any question. I thought he was going to raise his hand..and say...OHHH I KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION!! Actually 27 years old..just graduated college last August. Honest to Fuck he said..."I'm a People person". I groaned and couldn't wait to text that to my honey after the interview. A PEOPLE PERSON...god spare me from people person's.
Then...Pickme Boy says, "I JUST WANT TO HELP PEOPLE"...

My response was...I'm Not a people person, and I know I can't help anyone...I can only give them the tools to help themselves...

PICKME Boy, actually asked after the interview "were either of you interviewers in recovery?"...and...asked them.."Well how do you get YOUR job satisfaction", as clients are only here for 2-5 days max in detox...then moved along the chain of recovery.

then
Taxi driver guy...a good pick, very similar to me, Corrections background except he's been clean for 8 years...ex-Marine (Excuse me FORMER Marine as the EX would say-- there are no "EX" Marines).
He wins pretty much with the question that was asked, "Ok We are going to find it out sometime--WHAT IS IT?"

Silence enters the room. I say..WOW THAT'S A GOOD ONE. Silence continues, each pondering how to answer..silly? Light hearted? Wait..this is SERIOUS stuff..

Taxi guy..."I had a brain tumor removed that was the size of a Softball"...Shit. I'm done for. I only was in traction a while and my right side rebuilt..I had to learn to walk again...Tumor? I can't compete with that.


Crying Waitress has left the interview before this question was posed. She..had to start her shift as a waitress.

Me...Yah...Still waiting on that 2nd interview phone call......

JOB interview coming

Another one...Friday morning...I think I could like this one.


It's counselor/Case Manager at an inpatient drug rehab house. I like that they are looking for a "good fit"...I guess EVERY job says that but for some reason I believed her when we talked on the phone. Hub loses his job next Friday....He is peaceful..I am full of anxiety..while not trying to be.

Got a Thanks no thanks letter from many app's. Michigan...sucks.

My Hub's Job...GONE

87 pink slipped yesterday...


State officials will seek community placement for many of the remaining 88 residents and eliminate more than 400 jobs as they work to close the Mt. Pleasant Center by October.

Budget constraints and a goal of placing residents with developmental disabilities into communities were cited as reasons for closing the facility, one of only three left in the state.

Employees of the center were told of the pending closing Thursday.

In addition to saving money, officials at the Michigan Department of Community Health have been working toward moving developmentally disabled residents at state facilities into community-based housing, James McCurtis, MDCH spokesman, said Thursday.

"We're still committed to providing service for persons with developmental disabilities, but at the same time incorporate them into the community," McCurtis said.

The Mt. Pleasant Center has housed developmentally disabled residents with major medical needs, with dual diagnoses of being both developmentally disabled and mentally ill, as well as a program for mentally handicapped people accused of crimes but who cannot understand the charges against them.

There are some residents at the facility, however, who do not meet the criteria for community placement; those residents will be sent to other state facilities, McCurtis said.

JOB interview coming

I got THE call today. It is two weeks out. However..that gives me time to get a suit tailored (my friend Shelly just nabbed me about 10 suits but need to be altered), get some shoes (because of inserts I always wear Reebok heel supports)-not the best for "The MAN" look (what my clients used to call us ..."Dad.."THE MAN" from across the river is here!!(Court house was on opposite side of the river, get my hair cut and those nasty eyebrows waxed....and Meditate on how good it will feel to accept the position....
I quit full time work about 9 years ago. Why? I ask myself that frequently..however...I got pregnant, and really felt I should homeschool. My son was in 1st grade at the time, and his teacher, "teacher of the year" suggested I homeschool as the "school district has NOTHING to offer your children". This was before he was ever diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome. I made accommodation's for him because that's just how he was.
We did that for 4 years. I say "WE" because the commitment to quit "State" employment was huge.
I keep thinking of the "what if's"--What if I hadn't quit--I'd have 9 more years toward retirement...we wouldn't be in the financial bind we are....I wouldn't have been able to bond with my kids like I did, I wouldn't have helped numerous families adopt kids, and Foster others..(My part time job I did as we homeschooled.)..ok. I know I can't go back and have a do-over. Wouldn't that be nice sometime?
How am I going to do back full time with 3 urchins in school? ..Contract work is good money--when you can get it...and keep it with the economy..but ..but..but..a cubicle is looking mighty good-with the insurance and "security". (is there such a job out there with security?)

Employment searching

Wow. I feel so out of the loop. EVERY job just about has their OWN on line application that you have to fill out to apply. This may seem like an easy task. It's not. EACH one takes at least an hour. Between flipping for dates, times places...its WACK.

I applied for a job that is sort of scary. I used to be in "The Field" which is misnomer for Being in downtown BIG CITY with people who have committed CRIMES. Yah. Guess I"m looking to go back to that. I wrote to the Head Honcho that I know, and got a response right away, so maybe I will get an interview.

The reasons I'm looking ....kids are older, I feel Blessed to have been home / worked part time these years. I feel like my younger one will be getting the shaft though. We are not making it!! We ARE...but living beyond paycheck to paycheck.

I understand working with Renters (for the duplex I have) in that they can't come up with say $650 for Security Deposit and Then first months rent at the same time. On the other hand...WHY don't we as Americans have BETTER financial sense?

On Other Hand...Son just got braces to day that is going to cost over $10K. What is up with THAT?. Yikes. I'm all over the place.

JOB

From one of my motivational Emails today.....

"LIVING is a FULL time JOB"...I definitely feel that way lately.....

I'm feeling very Very Overwhelmed

I feel very over my head. What am I doing? how can I continue to teach all these classes. BLEH BLEH BLEH.
I had to...RUN....well I had a accident in my panties from POOP TODAY!! Nerves??? I dont know thank god I came home for lunch and was HERE When it happened. My diverticulitis sometimes makes me do that. IT's awful. Embarrassing. ANd...Yes..well Funny too. I feel like a fraud. Why should I be teaching all this stuff.
Oh yah...because I"M THE TEACHER THATS WHY.

dammit. I knew there was a catch.

Almost Dead

Yeah, so this commuting thing...which is when a person of usually at least average intelligence gets into a vehicle, and drives for xx number of hours EACH day to and from generally a place of employment.

Yesterday...First day of Daylight savings time. I see flashing lights in right lane, MERGE to left with 3 other vehicles in front of me...Each SLAMS on brakes...including me who BOTHERED to look in my rearview mirror first---because *#($@## had been riding my ASS for miles, and KNEW if I braked quickly (Suddenly the $700 repair bills we had last week on 2 vehicles seems WORTH EVERY DIME), that he would CREAM ME. SO....being the quick thinking commuter, I have to QUICKLY and DECISIVELY pull onto the shoulder of the LEFT lane...where I see TWO PEOPLE standing!!! WTF?????....So...I have to PULL back into the left lane, making the guy behind me (hopefully) think ..."Oh, maybe I shouldn't follow so close"...because there was a CAR on it's ROOF, and no cops even in sight yet. --just spent several minutes trying to find the news article but can't seem to find it. Seems a woman just FLIPPED her car. She was taken to local hospital but don't know if she survived or not.
(from above website)
There are about 280,000 rollover crashes in the US each year, resulting in about 10,000 fatal accidents. SUVs with a high center of gravity, are more likely to involved in rollover accidents than typical sedans. About 35 percent of fatal crashes in SUVs resulted from a rollover crash, compared to 16 percent of fatal passenger car accidents resulting from rollovers. This percentage indicates fact that SUVs are much more likely to rollover and result in a fatality.
THEN


Today...CHOO CHOO, Choo
Choo choo, choo choo ch'boogie
Whoo whoo, whoo whoo ch'boogle
Choo choo choo choo ch'boogie
Take me right back to the track, Jack-------There is a train track across the road from us, and crossing over it JUST YESTERDAY, I thought, Hummnnn...I haven't seen a train on these tracks in MONTHS!! and TODAY...I don't know how it missed me...all I know is I crossed the TRACKS, and it let out a HUGE TRAIN horn blast, and it was in my mirror when I looked back. My only sister works for AMTRACK and I KNOW to be 'train aware'. Shocked the crap (almost) out of me.
Yah..I think I mighta dropped something in MY tracks about then. What a bummer to be killed 1/4 mile from home. That would REEELLLY suck.
Yah. I just love commuting.
Why do I do it? Oh yah..>THE PAYCHECKS come EVERY two weeks, and I AM VERY very grateful!!

Graititude, Say Thanks

Got my first check from my new job!
Actually was able to FILL two vehicles, gas here is 3.05 gallon
I FILLED the car I"m DRIVING@@!!!!
Got to see my friend Kevin, He was getting his taxes done, then came over to talk.

Michigan economy just SUCKS. ....but I'm GRATEFUL for what I have right now, and I LOVE it.
I'm teaching parenting classes two nights this week also, for the next 3 weeks!
We had GREAT Ribs for Super Bowl Sunday
Everyone is healthy at the moment

My big news

So do you ever get afraid of speaking of something because you are afraid you will jinx yourself, and lose what you so desperately desire?

I've been substitute teaching. I don't have a "TEACHERS" degree, although I taught at local Davenport University for 7 years. I taught Criminal Justice courses, then morphed into Interpersonal Communications, Speech, and Psychology.

I AM a teacher, mentor, counselor, life coach in addition to doing Massages, being a School Board Member, Foster Home advisor etc. Some I get paid for, some not.

I filled in for a Sign Language class for a week in October. I loved it.
I was offered a chance to teach an entire semester, which starts on Monday. I said yes. It wasn't great money, but I'd earn in 2 hours what I do when I substitute all day. Then I was asked if I wanted to be a classroom aide for the Sign Language II instructor for like 30 more a day. I said yes. That would work as I could still "learn as I go".
THEN...by the grace of GOD, There were too many classes for Sign Language One, and I got offered TWO more classes. This will be through the Local Regional School District, and on TV. This allows you to be in one location, while teaching in another.
They Pay PER CLASS. yes. a very. Big. Deal.
THEN....
The SL II instructor, again PURE GRACE, offered up all of her files for me to copy, so that I can utilize her handouts, worksheets etc. THIS IS A GOLD MINE. Instead of spending HOURS and HOURS seaching for stuff to use, I can start with what She has, and add to it. Do you understand how amazing this is? A foundation to start with ?
I am very grateful.
I'm trying to be more cognizant of my blessings, and frankly, I'm a little overwhelmed. SO for THIS semester at least, we'll have food, and groceries.
Bless God.

YES.

One other thing I'm doing

COMING TO CHILD ADVOCACY 4-C

PRESENTER: MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Donna!!!!!!
Independent Facilitator of the Becoming a Love and Logic Parent® Program
BECOMING A LOVE AND LOGIC PARENT®
This parent training program introduces Love and Logic®
Would you like to feel more confident as a parent?
Would you like to have more fun parenting?
Would you like to feel more relaxed at the end of the day?

Love & Logic provides answers to…

 “How do I get them out of bed in time to catch the school bus?”
 “How can I stop my children from bickering and fighting?”
 “How do I get my children to do their chores and homework without arguments or reminders ?”

 “Is there a way to discipline my kids in public without creating a scene?”
 “How can I get my kids to come home at the agreed-upon time?”
 “How can I consequence my kids without being the bad guy?”
…and many other day-to-day frustrations.
This course in parenting is designed to give you practical skills
that can be used immediately.
Date: Feb 6, 7, 13, 14, 21, 27th
Time: 6-8
Location: Child Advocacy 150 W. Center Street, Alma Michigan 48801 1-800-552-4489
Cost: FREE Contact NAME EMAIL info@linkforfamilies.org

Please register me for your upcoming Becoming a Love and Logic Parent® seminar!

Name(s):

Phone: E-mail:

Number and ages of children:

Parenting issues I am wrestling with today:
How did you first hear about Love and Logic?

Please give registration: Or Email with the above info:

CHILD ADVOCACY 4C OF CENTRAL MICHIGAN
1-800-552-4489

Things you'd like to say at work

I've been an "Independent Contractor" for a couple years. I have consulted with Congressman, City politicians, parents etc. But..Somehow I always end up in a CUBICLE. How I miss the days with the Dept. OF Corrections when I had a REAL door!!
We would watch construction men like the guy below working outside our office.


So..from my buddy Herb heres.....
THINGS YOU'D LOVE TO SAY OUT LOUD AT WORK....

1. I can see your point, but I still think you're full of shit.

2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to
pronounce.

3. How about never? Is never good for you?

4. I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in
public.

5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my
way.

6. I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter.

7. I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message.

8. I don't work here. I'm a consultant.

9. It sounds like English, but I can't understand a damn word you're
saying.

10. Ahhh... I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again...

11. I like you. You remind me of myself when I was young and stupid.

12. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.

13. I have plenty of talent and vision; I just don't give a damn.

14. I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.

15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.

16. Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point
of view.

17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.

18. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.

19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks!

20. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.

21. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off.

22. No, I am not an agent of Satan, my duties are largely ceremonial.

23. And your crybaby whiny-assed opinion would be...?

24. Do I look like a people person?

25. This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting.

26. I started out with nothing & still have most of it left.

27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.

28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?

29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.

30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.

31. I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.

32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without a door.

33. Can I trade this job for what's behind door #1?

34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.

35. Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?

36. Chaos, panic, & disorder - my work here is done.

37. How do I set a laser printer to stun?

38. I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted a salary.

39. Oh I get it... like humor... but different.

My "JASPER" findings

I"m a MENTOR, Empowering, Expressive, Communication, and independent


JASPER - The Job Asset and Strengths Profiler

Donna, your answers indicate that you are aMentor when it comes to your overall work personality. Your JASPER type is a combination of your most prominent work traits and a good indicator of what you're like at work.

"It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference."
-Tom Brokaw


JASPER THIS IS ME (or so they say)
April 2007

mentor

unique strengths

empoweringempowering

expressiveexpressive

communication skillscommunication

independentindependent

What you want out of work:
To foster your own growth and instill inspiration and drive in those around you.

Your colleagues think of you as:
Instructive, encouraging, and patient.

What you have to offer:
A talent and desire to be a positive guiding force and an ability to use your skills to teach others.

leadership styleempowering
Empowering. Your leadership style can be characterized as Empowering. You are encouraging and motivating, which likely means that you help others reach their goals and dreams. People probably see you as a good mentor due to your patience and talent for giving direction.
empowering
work personalityexpressive
Expressive.You are more Expressive than Introspective when it comes to your work personality. You have an energetic aura about you and are quite gregarious and outgoing. At work, you draw energy and motivation from social interactions and relationships with others.

Univeral Skillsverbal skills
Communication skills. You likely are an articulate person, and you probably have received positive feedback on your writing ability or your skill speaking to groups. Even if you don't regularly use this skill, you nevertheless have confidence in your communication abilities.

Independent. You show strength in your ability to be an Independent worker. While you no doubt can be quite effective working on a team, you feel much more productive when you have the freedom to do things on your own. You simply enjoy the autonomy that independent work entails.
independent