Work

Sometimes, my work is difficult. I can spend a whole day running around putting out fires while other obligations (with strict deadlines) are pushed aside. I stress about the difficult (and life changing) decisions I have to make. I worry about the safety of the children if I don't make the right choice or ask the right question while talking with them. I struggle with people who lie to my face and sometimes have to accept the fact that there is nothing I can do about it, even if I think a child is in danger. I nervously take my opinion before the judge at court and hope that my limited knowledge and experience in the field is sufficient. I get frustrated with cases that are opened on false allegations because of revenge (especially when it is part of a divorce and the children are being put in the middle). I hurt for the adult victims of domestic violence who return to their abusive partners and fear for the children who are put back at risk. I sympathize with parents of teenagers who feel like they are out of options and rack my brain for resources to help. I dot my i's and cross my t's as I document everything and anything that I do and hope that I haven't forgotten a law or policy that I am responsible for. I stress about "the system" and its inadequacies. And I worry that despite my best work, I can not reverse some of the things these children have gone through.

And then there are times, brief, fleeting moments, when I feel empowered. I feel the strength and reassurance that what I am doing it worthwhile. I am reminded of why I went into this field (and it wasn't the pay, I can tell you that much). The passion returns and I feel like I can save the world. And those moments are what keep me going. They are what I hold onto after a long day. They are more powerful than all the difficulties I face. And they are the reason why I love my job.

I watched this video today in a training meeting and it touched me. I hope it touches you.







Here are some other links to songs that I like. Music has always gotten to me, and, I love country, so that influences it too. (sorry that the links don't automatically open in a new window)

Alyssaa Lies (some of the pictures are more of the graphic nature, but the song is powerful)
Temporary Home
Independence Day

Gift Ideas??

...still no camera cord...

Calling all family and friends, I need help! I need some creative (and not so creative) ideas for gifts to give to my brother Tyler.

Meet Tyler:


For those of you who know Tyler, you'll understand the difficulties I'm facing. For those of you who don't know him, I'll try to explain.

You see, Tyler is having [much needed and pretty extensive] surgery on his knee next week. It is only a one day deal, but he will be bed-ridden and stuck at home for much longer. Additionally, his birthday is just a few short days after that. He is turning the big two-five. Kinda a big deal. But I have NO IDEA what to get him. Why? Because Tyler is practically impossible to buy for. He is single and works full time which equates to a lot of extra money for him to spend at his pleasure. Also, I can't compete with the gifts he has given me. He gave me a BEAUTIFUL necklace last year for my birthday and an incredible scarf set made from Possum (yes possum) straight from New Zealand for Christmas and then today, randomly, he brought by some Samoa Girl Scout cookies for my friends and I.

I need to get him something that shows I'm thinking about him and care about him, but what?? Any ideas?!?

from the beginning

While sitting here and relaxing, I decided to look through the pictures we have uploaded to the computer. I found all the kid pictures I used for our wedding slideshow and couldn't help but smile to myself thinking about Brett as a little boy. Isn't he adorable? We will have beautiful babies! I included pictures of me too, but stopped when we reached my "awkward stage." Trust me, my hairstyles got worse before they got better!

(click on collage to enlarge)







We would have made a cute couple even back then!

Lost camera cord

I've lost the camera cord that connects our camera to our computer. Consequently, I can not upload pictures. Therefore, I can not add the pictures to the blogs I have already written. Subsequently, I can not post the blogs. And thus we see a very empty and boring blog.

If life ever slowed down enough I might attempt to search through the few boxes we have yet to unpack. But considering I've worked almost 50 hours this week I don't see that happening anytime soon.