It feels so nice to type that! Yay!!!!!
That being said...wow do I feel OLD!!!! My coworkers seem to be about 10-15 years younger than I am. So needless to say...not a lot in common. But as after training I'll only be seeing most of them for meetings or for a few minutes as we change shifts...it's not a big deal. :)
One seems really good...good with consumers, good with fellow workers, good with managers. Another...not so good. :( And this is my shift opposite (IE...I'll work a day shift to her night shift or vis/versa.) I think it will end up being a problem. I can foresee me having to talk to my manager about some of the things I saw and will probably see while I'm there. :( I hate being in the position, but I don't want to be in any way, shape or form responsible for something that she has messed up. So I guess...I'll just wait and see.
The company I work for has 4 group homes. Two are pretty standard, 3-4 consumers, similar interests, ages, and ability levels. One is a respite home...anywhere from 1-8 consumers, any and all ages, ability levels etc. And the last is called the crisis house. 1-2 consumers, with both developmental and mental health issues (although we don't take in someone who is in medical or mental health emergency status) This house provides a kind of half way house for people to stabilize after a real crisis is over. So this is where my first full time posting will be. Starting next week Friday night.
I get this weekend off, training Monday-Tuesday, off Wednesday-Thursday, working Friday-Sunday. With this odd shift/rotating days....I'm really glad for my Yahoo calender to keep up. :)
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Two Years
It's funny I think.....
My work visa is good for 2 years. During that time, I'll apply for permanent residence and so the two years will become meaningless. But I started thinking about this amount of time this week for several reasons. And I started to notice an odd trend.
Two years ago....Curt was sentenced, I met someone who started a realization in me that I was worth far far more than I thought I was, I started back to church after a long hiatus.
Two years before that....I was trying to find help for my depression (even if I refused to admit what was wrong). It had hit the point where I weighted almost 250 lbs, but could almost not eat solid foods because I felt like something was stuck in my throat and food made me choke. (Severe acid reflux was what was the problem--can often happen in depression--started taking pepcid daily...it went away and I started eating...and losing weight. Go figure...when you cut calories to 1/2 what the body is used to...your body responds by storing what you do eat to fat.
:( Yeah...that was a fun time. Curt had his last affair.
Two years before that....Mamma died. A young girl came into our lives in a big way (and led to Curt's current location) I gave up trying to have children.
Two years before that...I left a long time (8 year) employer, after being told I'd hit the glass ceiling there. Curt and I stopped going to church. Curt had another affair
Two years before that....I was diagnosed with arthritis and told I needed to quit interpreting within 1-3 years if I wanted to use my hands all my life. (I left 9 months later)
Two years before that...Curt was in trouble with the law for the first time. (petty theft) I was told I had "infertility problems" Curt's second affair
Two years before that...Curt had his first affair.
Two years before that...I gave up on teaching.
Obviously...things happened in between those two year marks. Important things. Big things. But it was just a bit spooky to realize some of the big things seem to happen every two years. Not to mention the realization of just how much I've had happen in my life in the last 16 years.
So anyway...If you are now thinking of two years...so am I. ;)
My work visa is good for 2 years. During that time, I'll apply for permanent residence and so the two years will become meaningless. But I started thinking about this amount of time this week for several reasons. And I started to notice an odd trend.
Two years ago....Curt was sentenced, I met someone who started a realization in me that I was worth far far more than I thought I was, I started back to church after a long hiatus.
Two years before that....I was trying to find help for my depression (even if I refused to admit what was wrong). It had hit the point where I weighted almost 250 lbs, but could almost not eat solid foods because I felt like something was stuck in my throat and food made me choke. (Severe acid reflux was what was the problem--can often happen in depression--started taking pepcid daily...it went away and I started eating...and losing weight. Go figure...when you cut calories to 1/2 what the body is used to...your body responds by storing what you do eat to fat.
:( Yeah...that was a fun time. Curt had his last affair.
Two years before that....Mamma died. A young girl came into our lives in a big way (and led to Curt's current location) I gave up trying to have children.
Two years before that...I left a long time (8 year) employer, after being told I'd hit the glass ceiling there. Curt and I stopped going to church. Curt had another affair
Two years before that....I was diagnosed with arthritis and told I needed to quit interpreting within 1-3 years if I wanted to use my hands all my life. (I left 9 months later)
Two years before that...Curt was in trouble with the law for the first time. (petty theft) I was told I had "infertility problems" Curt's second affair
Two years before that...Curt had his first affair.
Two years before that...I gave up on teaching.
Obviously...things happened in between those two year marks. Important things. Big things. But it was just a bit spooky to realize some of the big things seem to happen every two years. Not to mention the realization of just how much I've had happen in my life in the last 16 years.
So anyway...If you are now thinking of two years...so am I. ;)
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
YAY!!!! I START WORKING TODAY!!!
Finally, I get to start working! 9am. Today is a training and paperwork day, but I'm starting the same day as another employee, so we'll get to do it together! And I'll start earning a paycheck! Or as they spell it here...paycheque. ;) Ah, these crazy Canadians, eh? Using all these odd British spellings.
I should mention how I finally got the work permit. At the end of last week, I heard from Detroit (the Canadian consulate closest to my home state where they handle work permits) that they didn't feel they had jurisdiction due to me being in Canada already. But I'd already talked to the Canadian Immigration office and was told to send it back to the US. Catch 22! But---wait, border services is actually the issuer of the permit--can they break this mess open? YES!
So on Monday, I went to the border service office in my new home city (as there is an international airport here, we have a border services office) But they will only do this if you are getting off a plane. UGH!!!!
So on Tuesday...I drove to the US border (about a 2 1/2 hour trip). I got up really early was on the road by 6am, got to the border and started talking about getting the permit at 8:30. (I'm sticking with the time I felt it was--even if the border was using the same time as ND (Central daylight vs Central Standard(or Mountain) time. So after about 45 minutes....I am getting worried. I don't think this officer is going to give me a permit. UGH!!! He suggests I go into the US, get some coffee and a donut and relax for a while then come back across (as I would have to do anyway to get this permit) and we'll talk more then after he makes some calls.
So I do. And I make some calls too. To my employer--to let her know what the officer's problems are and that she may have to go to bat for me if she wants me. :) Which she does. A lot! So when the call came, and she was asked about me....she came through with flying colors! I'm sooooooooo happy! The entire problem boiled down to two things. One: Completed some post-secondary education. To me, to my employer, and as far as I've been able to tell, to everyone else who reads this phrase it means---you have something besides high school under your belt. Whether that is a tech school, some college coursework, or a degree is beside the point. The idea here is just that you have something other than just a high school diploma. The officer chose to interpret it as you have complete a course of study beyond high school and have a degree or certificate showing this. Which I don't. And don't need for this job. So he had to have it explained to him in small words....and he didn't like the fact that it was not his way. The second problem was like the first. Experience: 1-2 yrs in a social service field. He interpreted it to mean 1-2 years in the specific social service field of House supervision! Which is NOT what was intended. The experience part was just so you don't come into the job thinking it would be easy. The employer wanted candidates to 1: be a little bit older (hence the experience part so they don't get 18-20 year olds applying) and 2: wanted candidates who had worked with developmentally (intellectually is the word used up here) disabled people before. Which I have! so....anyway...back to the border.
While waiting for word back from employer and Service Canada (kind of an overall, umbrella gov't regulation/assistance organization), the officer decided to get really picky. He brought out the job listed and required me to play show and tell at how I met each and every criteria listed. EEK!!!! Thank God I had brought with me my training schedule from my last job, my resume, my letter of recommendation from my last employer, some of my training certificates, my background checks done in US, my CPR certification. But there were 3 things he was still harping on on the list 1) creativity (I started to wish I had brought my beading, sewing or drawings with me!) but he decided that if I knew how to do these things I was probably a creative person. 2) Cooking skills. Uh, well, I've been a wife(with a husband who didn't cook) and/or lived on my own for 16 years, and I haven't starved. I've cooked for many friends and family and no one has gotten sick. But what about "professional" experience? Well, I worked in a coffee shop for a while, and passed the state health inspection. He actually looked disappointed. Which brought us to number 3) housekeeping skills. UGH!!! What to say...I mean, yes, I know I'm not the neatest person on the planet, but I try and I do tend to keep things clean, if not perfectly neat. I know how to clean a toilet, run a vacuum, do dishes, etc. But what to say about it other than home experience..... OH wait...Way back in college....I was a PCA. (Personal Care Assistant) I did home cleaning there. Some of my clients had perfect minds stuck in imperfect bodies and needed someone to be their arms and legs...so I would make meals, clean house, do the same things this is saying. A reference? Well, if absolutely needed I could try...but that was....16 years ago. And I know at least 2 of the clients have passed away since then. One died while I was still assisting her. :(
So Mr. I don't think you deserve a work permit decides to leave it up to Service Canada (who has already given a positive labour market opinion on me taking this job!) as to whether or not I'm qualified to have it. So I'm waiting in their lobby for about 45 minutes when the phone rings. I can hear the conversation thru the wall...
Officer: Yes this is he.
Yes, I see how you're interpreting that, but...
Yes, I can understand that the employer want her, but.....
No, there is no reason she can't live in Canada, but.......
Fine, I guess that is the answer then.
And then....after another 20 minutes....he comes out of the office and states "Service Canada decided your qualifications are good enough. Your employer was even contacted and spoke on your behalf. So I guess I need to issue you a work permit.
SIGH of RELIEF!!!!
YES!!!!
I'm employed! Oh, wait...I need to get a SIN (social insurance number). Please let it be easier than this.
So another 2 1/2 hrs on the road, then to the Service Canada (told you--umbrella agency) office to get the SIN. Took all of 5 minutes. Walked (in glorious 65 degree spring weather) the 3 blocks to the health insurance office to fill out paperwork to get my health card. So as of yesterday...I have Canadian health insurance. And then found out I could start work...TODAY! YAY!!!!!
I should mention how I finally got the work permit. At the end of last week, I heard from Detroit (the Canadian consulate closest to my home state where they handle work permits) that they didn't feel they had jurisdiction due to me being in Canada already. But I'd already talked to the Canadian Immigration office and was told to send it back to the US. Catch 22! But---wait, border services is actually the issuer of the permit--can they break this mess open? YES!
So on Monday, I went to the border service office in my new home city (as there is an international airport here, we have a border services office) But they will only do this if you are getting off a plane. UGH!!!!
So on Tuesday...I drove to the US border (about a 2 1/2 hour trip). I got up really early was on the road by 6am, got to the border and started talking about getting the permit at 8:30. (I'm sticking with the time I felt it was--even if the border was using the same time as ND (Central daylight vs Central Standard(or Mountain) time. So after about 45 minutes....I am getting worried. I don't think this officer is going to give me a permit. UGH!!! He suggests I go into the US, get some coffee and a donut and relax for a while then come back across (as I would have to do anyway to get this permit) and we'll talk more then after he makes some calls.
So I do. And I make some calls too. To my employer--to let her know what the officer's problems are and that she may have to go to bat for me if she wants me. :) Which she does. A lot! So when the call came, and she was asked about me....she came through with flying colors! I'm sooooooooo happy! The entire problem boiled down to two things. One: Completed some post-secondary education. To me, to my employer, and as far as I've been able to tell, to everyone else who reads this phrase it means---you have something besides high school under your belt. Whether that is a tech school, some college coursework, or a degree is beside the point. The idea here is just that you have something other than just a high school diploma. The officer chose to interpret it as you have complete a course of study beyond high school and have a degree or certificate showing this. Which I don't. And don't need for this job. So he had to have it explained to him in small words....and he didn't like the fact that it was not his way. The second problem was like the first. Experience: 1-2 yrs in a social service field. He interpreted it to mean 1-2 years in the specific social service field of House supervision! Which is NOT what was intended. The experience part was just so you don't come into the job thinking it would be easy. The employer wanted candidates to 1: be a little bit older (hence the experience part so they don't get 18-20 year olds applying) and 2: wanted candidates who had worked with developmentally (intellectually is the word used up here) disabled people before. Which I have! so....anyway...back to the border.
While waiting for word back from employer and Service Canada (kind of an overall, umbrella gov't regulation/assistance organization), the officer decided to get really picky. He brought out the job listed and required me to play show and tell at how I met each and every criteria listed. EEK!!!! Thank God I had brought with me my training schedule from my last job, my resume, my letter of recommendation from my last employer, some of my training certificates, my background checks done in US, my CPR certification. But there were 3 things he was still harping on on the list 1) creativity (I started to wish I had brought my beading, sewing or drawings with me!) but he decided that if I knew how to do these things I was probably a creative person. 2) Cooking skills. Uh, well, I've been a wife(with a husband who didn't cook) and/or lived on my own for 16 years, and I haven't starved. I've cooked for many friends and family and no one has gotten sick. But what about "professional" experience? Well, I worked in a coffee shop for a while, and passed the state health inspection. He actually looked disappointed. Which brought us to number 3) housekeeping skills. UGH!!! What to say...I mean, yes, I know I'm not the neatest person on the planet, but I try and I do tend to keep things clean, if not perfectly neat. I know how to clean a toilet, run a vacuum, do dishes, etc. But what to say about it other than home experience..... OH wait...Way back in college....I was a PCA. (Personal Care Assistant) I did home cleaning there. Some of my clients had perfect minds stuck in imperfect bodies and needed someone to be their arms and legs...so I would make meals, clean house, do the same things this is saying. A reference? Well, if absolutely needed I could try...but that was....16 years ago. And I know at least 2 of the clients have passed away since then. One died while I was still assisting her. :(
So Mr. I don't think you deserve a work permit decides to leave it up to Service Canada (who has already given a positive labour market opinion on me taking this job!) as to whether or not I'm qualified to have it. So I'm waiting in their lobby for about 45 minutes when the phone rings. I can hear the conversation thru the wall...
Officer: Yes this is he.
Yes, I see how you're interpreting that, but...
Yes, I can understand that the employer want her, but.....
No, there is no reason she can't live in Canada, but.......
Fine, I guess that is the answer then.
And then....after another 20 minutes....he comes out of the office and states "Service Canada decided your qualifications are good enough. Your employer was even contacted and spoke on your behalf. So I guess I need to issue you a work permit.
SIGH of RELIEF!!!!
YES!!!!
I'm employed! Oh, wait...I need to get a SIN (social insurance number). Please let it be easier than this.
So another 2 1/2 hrs on the road, then to the Service Canada (told you--umbrella agency) office to get the SIN. Took all of 5 minutes. Walked (in glorious 65 degree spring weather) the 3 blocks to the health insurance office to fill out paperwork to get my health card. So as of yesterday...I have Canadian health insurance. And then found out I could start work...TODAY! YAY!!!!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter Joy
Easter. It always seems to be a time of celebration. Whether it is an Easter egg hunt, a new dress, a time with family or friends, it is usually a time of joy. Not to mention the reason for all these fun times--the Reason for our joy--the reserection of Jesus.
Easter this year falls close to exactly when it fell 6 years ago. How do I know? Because 6 years ago I was in P'ville (my family's original home) saying a painful goodbye. I went for a week, knowing that there was a possibility that during that time, my mamma (maternal grandma) would leave this world for her heavenly home. And she did. On April 13, 2003. The night before, I had finally said my goodbye. I was booked on a flight to go home the next afternoon, and I knew this would be the last time I had to be alone with her. I cried. I told her how much I loved her, how much I hated seeing her hurting like this, even though she was not speaking and not really with us much. I knew she could hear me. And I told her that it was ok to leave. That I was OK. And the next morning, on Palm Sunday, she was gone.
April 13th is always bit of a bittersweet time for me. On the one hand, it's a time for me to remember a woman who I loved and respected and cared for maybe more than I have anyone else in my life. But it's also a time for me to mourn her leaving this world. I know where she is, I know she is watching over me, I can still feel her love holding me close. And that is why I start feeling Easter joy, knowing that she is in that crowd of heavenly supporters and she is waiting to see me again. And oh, the long talk we will have then. :)
Easter this year falls close to exactly when it fell 6 years ago. How do I know? Because 6 years ago I was in P'ville (my family's original home) saying a painful goodbye. I went for a week, knowing that there was a possibility that during that time, my mamma (maternal grandma) would leave this world for her heavenly home. And she did. On April 13, 2003. The night before, I had finally said my goodbye. I was booked on a flight to go home the next afternoon, and I knew this would be the last time I had to be alone with her. I cried. I told her how much I loved her, how much I hated seeing her hurting like this, even though she was not speaking and not really with us much. I knew she could hear me. And I told her that it was ok to leave. That I was OK. And the next morning, on Palm Sunday, she was gone.
April 13th is always bit of a bittersweet time for me. On the one hand, it's a time for me to remember a woman who I loved and respected and cared for maybe more than I have anyone else in my life. But it's also a time for me to mourn her leaving this world. I know where she is, I know she is watching over me, I can still feel her love holding me close. And that is why I start feeling Easter joy, knowing that she is in that crowd of heavenly supporters and she is waiting to see me again. And oh, the long talk we will have then. :)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
R E S P E C T
So I read a blog of an aquantaince the other day on respect...and I started thinking back to when I went to a leadership seminar for a company I worked for a while back. The first morning of a 4 day retreat was spent on respect. The leaders take was that there are different types of respect.
The most basic kind is what most of us probably think of as good manners. Greeting other people we meet instead of ignoring them, paying attention when someone is talking to us, waiting for our turn to talk--you know all the things about social manners we (hopefully!) learned in our early years.
He stated the next type of respect was one we give based on position. For example--even if we dislike a world leader, if we were to meet that person most of us would still be polite, considerate, and give him/her the honors due the office. Same goes on smaller scale for things like bosses at work, leaders in churches, communities, teams, etc.
The last type of respect comes from knowing a person. After hearing about what they have done, seeing how they respond to problems, finding out what makes them tick. If these things make a positive impression on us, giving that person more respect, more of ourselves is much easier.
I liked his summing up: the first is one we should do just because it makes us a better person. It is part of what defines us as "good and civil beings". The second is one we should do because it will help us succeed in life. Knowing when to give deference can be the difference in getting a job, keeping a job, making a team, being a good citizen. Learning how to determine who merits that extra respect gives us a chance to choose friends wisely, find mentors in life, and know who to turn to when times are not good.
I think I've always been good at the first two. The third....I'm still trying to figure out. ;)
The most basic kind is what most of us probably think of as good manners. Greeting other people we meet instead of ignoring them, paying attention when someone is talking to us, waiting for our turn to talk--you know all the things about social manners we (hopefully!) learned in our early years.
He stated the next type of respect was one we give based on position. For example--even if we dislike a world leader, if we were to meet that person most of us would still be polite, considerate, and give him/her the honors due the office. Same goes on smaller scale for things like bosses at work, leaders in churches, communities, teams, etc.
The last type of respect comes from knowing a person. After hearing about what they have done, seeing how they respond to problems, finding out what makes them tick. If these things make a positive impression on us, giving that person more respect, more of ourselves is much easier.
I liked his summing up: the first is one we should do just because it makes us a better person. It is part of what defines us as "good and civil beings". The second is one we should do because it will help us succeed in life. Knowing when to give deference can be the difference in getting a job, keeping a job, making a team, being a good citizen. Learning how to determine who merits that extra respect gives us a chance to choose friends wisely, find mentors in life, and know who to turn to when times are not good.
I think I've always been good at the first two. The third....I'm still trying to figure out. ;)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Palm Sunday
So yesterday was Palm Sunday. It felt both very normal and very different than last year all at the same time. The palms were very different than I was used to. Smaller in size (not as long or as wide) but each piece was actually made up of several (mine was 8) leaves all held together on the bottom. So I brought my palm home and looked up directions for making a cross. Wow lots of ways and some with directions I couldn't get. But I got two very nice looking variations to work as well as trying out a rose bud pattern (which didn't work so well)
Music at the new church is very different. For one thing...the congragation DOES sing! Which is such a different feeling from most Catholic churches. There doesn't appear to be a specific choir (but I need to ask about that--the group that sang yesterday maybe the choir. But if so, they are all older--I'd guess the youngest member of the group at retirement age--so I'm not sure if they'd welcome a young person like me. :)
Well, I suppose a stop by the church office and a talk with the church secretary would answer those questions. One of several things I hope to do today as I am having to wait again on the Work Visa. The paperwork for it has been sent off...and should arrive in Detroit today. Yep, it had to go to the US. But hopefully I won't have to. Time will tell.
Music at the new church is very different. For one thing...the congragation DOES sing! Which is such a different feeling from most Catholic churches. There doesn't appear to be a specific choir (but I need to ask about that--the group that sang yesterday maybe the choir. But if so, they are all older--I'd guess the youngest member of the group at retirement age--so I'm not sure if they'd welcome a young person like me. :)
Well, I suppose a stop by the church office and a talk with the church secretary would answer those questions. One of several things I hope to do today as I am having to wait again on the Work Visa. The paperwork for it has been sent off...and should arrive in Detroit today. Yep, it had to go to the US. But hopefully I won't have to. Time will tell.
Friday, April 3, 2009
A Positive LMO
What is an LMO? It's a Labour Market Opinion. And here in Canada you need a positive one to get a job as a foreign citizen. But you can't apply for your own....a company wanting to hire you has to apply. And the RRRC (my new employer in Canada) did just that about 5 weeks ago. And got back a positive response yesterday. :)
So this morning I head out to Immigration with all the paperwork I've completed so far and with any luck...get my work visa. So I can start work soon. YEAH!!!!!!! I'm soooo excited. I really want to get this long period of feeling like I only partly belong over and start feeling like I really do belong here (which is what a work visa can give me---the ability to get a SIN (social insurance number--kind of like SSN in the US), and having the SIN means I can get a driver's licence, a bank account and all those fun things you do when you move, but that I can't do yet. :(
But the Positive LMO was the last major hurdle. :) Now it's just little ones. :) I just can't stop smiling. :)
So this morning I head out to Immigration with all the paperwork I've completed so far and with any luck...get my work visa. So I can start work soon. YEAH!!!!!!! I'm soooo excited. I really want to get this long period of feeling like I only partly belong over and start feeling like I really do belong here (which is what a work visa can give me---the ability to get a SIN (social insurance number--kind of like SSN in the US), and having the SIN means I can get a driver's licence, a bank account and all those fun things you do when you move, but that I can't do yet. :(
But the Positive LMO was the last major hurdle. :) Now it's just little ones. :) I just can't stop smiling. :)
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