(no subject)
Oct. 27th, 2021 09:07 pm Hello! I'm still alive, lol! It's been two years since I've been on Dreamwidth. How's everyone doing?
I Got the Job
Apr. 23rd, 2019 01:43 pmWhich would have been somewhat more exciting news if I hadn't already determined that the position was a bad match for me. I mean, I think the work environment is great and that might have been enough to tempt me anyways but there would also be an across the board drop in benefits too. I knew going into it that the pay would drop from where I am now to a public library, but this library's a bit different in that they are run as an independent non-profit public library as opposed to being part of the town or school district which ends up translating in low retirement contributions, fewer days off (like half), a not so good health insurance plan, etc. (Where as the same amount of drop at a public library that was part of a school district would more than make up for it in other benefits, especially since my current employer has extremely low retirement contributions).
I'm going to pass on this position, but try to do it in a way that leaves me open for consideration at another place. I'd still consider working there, despite the above, if the job's a really good match and would make me happier in the end.
Still, good to know I'm hire-able still!
I'm going to pass on this position, but try to do it in a way that leaves me open for consideration at another place. I'd still consider working there, despite the above, if the job's a really good match and would make me happier in the end.
Still, good to know I'm hire-able still!
The Interview
Apr. 22nd, 2019 02:23 pm So I had the interview last week.
It became clear during the course of the interview that they were really looking for a big PR person with a library degree as opposed to a librarian that can tinker with a few PR things here and there. In other words, in person I found that I was far less suited, and interested, in the job. However, I still interviewed rather well. When I had a one-on-one with the director in the end she told me she thought I was an exceptional fit for their library and told me if I didn't get this position she doesn't want me to feel as if they are uninterested and recommended that I apply for another position in the future.
Which I might. The benefits aren't that great though so...maybe.
It became clear during the course of the interview that they were really looking for a big PR person with a library degree as opposed to a librarian that can tinker with a few PR things here and there. In other words, in person I found that I was far less suited, and interested, in the job. However, I still interviewed rather well. When I had a one-on-one with the director in the end she told me she thought I was an exceptional fit for their library and told me if I didn't get this position she doesn't want me to feel as if they are uninterested and recommended that I apply for another position in the future.
Which I might. The benefits aren't that great though so...maybe.
(no subject)
Apr. 16th, 2019 11:36 am One of the things I have recently discovered, in part from reading Lost Connections, is how much my current job is affecting my health. I kept telling myself it's really not bad, and in some objective ways it is not. The pay isn't bad (not great, but really not bad) and the hours are good and consistent. But moral is bad here, pay is horrifically static, the benefits package dismal, and it doesn't really feel like anything I do makes a difference.
So I've started looking for a new job. Something I was kind of, sort of low key doing for the past couple years but not really in earnest. I already have an interview next week! I've also worked on trying to find ways to improve work here until then. For example, I have tried to get my desk replaces for all five years I've been here. Someone had literally committed suicide on it (and in my office) about 12 years ago. I had not had luck. So, feeling that this is a trigger for me, I became more insistent and talked to my boss about it. Now I have a new desk! And I orientated it better than the last one so that I can actually see out of the giant full length south facing windows instead of having my back to them. It makes a difference.
So I've started looking for a new job. Something I was kind of, sort of low key doing for the past couple years but not really in earnest. I already have an interview next week! I've also worked on trying to find ways to improve work here until then. For example, I have tried to get my desk replaces for all five years I've been here. Someone had literally committed suicide on it (and in my office) about 12 years ago. I had not had luck. So, feeling that this is a trigger for me, I became more insistent and talked to my boss about it. Now I have a new desk! And I orientated it better than the last one so that I can actually see out of the giant full length south facing windows instead of having my back to them. It makes a difference.
Book Review: Lost Connections
Apr. 12th, 2019 10:21 amLost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression - and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari
Hari's book on depression and anxiety (even though anxiety is not in the title) is an easy to follow exploration of the more social and psycho-social causes of depression and anxiety. By reading it, it becomes clear why we're currently in a so-called epidemic of anxiety and depression (and suicide and substance abuse, which can be very related). In the shorter Part I section, he makes the case the treatment of these two conditions as a chemical imbalance in the brain is largely if not completely faulty, detailing how drug companies wield tremendous influence on studies of depression and anxiety through substantial funding. Moreover, drug companies often don't share/make public all the testing that shows that their drugs don't work or work well and that there is in fact proof antidepressants do not work all that well for all but a minority of people (or rather, that they work well only for a very short window of time).
Part II goes into the social and psycho-social causes of anxiety and depression. There are nine that he lists as "disconnects" (a phrasing that works well for all except childhood trauma). They are disconnects from: meaningful work, other people, meaningful values, childhood trauma, status & respect, the natural world, a hopeful & secure future, the role of genes, and the role of the brain. Each disconnect has a chapter devoted to it except genes and the brain which share a chapter. His overall argument is that most of depression and anxiety is created by the society/environment we currently live in, which does a very poor job of meeting the social/psychological needs of most people. To that effect, he frames depression and anxiety as understandable, even rational responses to environmental pressures.
The third part, Reconnection, goes on to explore ways that depression and anxiety can be treated that addresses the core disconnections outlined in the previous part. Of all the sections, I feel like this one was the weakest. Hari himself admits that the research to address the ways to reconnect is less than the research on the disconnections themselves (his whole book is well cited in the back and he has plenty of studies to support the disconnections). Still, he outlines seven reconnections: to other people, social prescribing, meaningful work, meaningful values, sympathetic joy/overcoming addiction to the self, acknowledging & overcoming childhood trauma, and restoring the future. Nearly all of these have limited things you can just do at home, which might be disappointing but if he's really onto something with the disconnects (as I think he is) then that's very realistic.
That said, while solutions like Universal Basic Income might be a think worth pursuing, I do think there are smaller scale ways you can reconnect and, in fact, as I've been struggling to deal with my own anxiety disorder, I have found the things that have helped me most are things mentioned in the reconnect section even if they were on my own smaller scale. For instance, meditating (and yoga, which wasn't mentioned but I do a very mindful/meditative yoga) has been key to my recovery. Acknowledging my own emotions and reaching out and forming friendships has also helped a great deal. Realizing how desperately I needed to move on from my current job and thus starting to search for a new job while simultaneously seeking out and finding ways to improve things at my current job has also been a big help.
To that extent, if you are suffering from depression or anxiety, I think it would be valuable to read this book with a notebook and pen on hand. Note which "disconnects" ring true to you, then jot down ideas under each disconnect that might help improve your lot. Even if the big solutions are unattainable for you now, are there smaller things you can do to move yourself in the right direction? Are their people, groups, movements that you can join to champion for those bigger things (he makes a argument that doing so not only will help create change, but help you directly).
Overall it's a worthy read whether or not you suffer from depression or anxiety, as it has so much commentary on modern society and it's effects on us as people.
Hari's book on depression and anxiety (even though anxiety is not in the title) is an easy to follow exploration of the more social and psycho-social causes of depression and anxiety. By reading it, it becomes clear why we're currently in a so-called epidemic of anxiety and depression (and suicide and substance abuse, which can be very related). In the shorter Part I section, he makes the case the treatment of these two conditions as a chemical imbalance in the brain is largely if not completely faulty, detailing how drug companies wield tremendous influence on studies of depression and anxiety through substantial funding. Moreover, drug companies often don't share/make public all the testing that shows that their drugs don't work or work well and that there is in fact proof antidepressants do not work all that well for all but a minority of people (or rather, that they work well only for a very short window of time).
Part II goes into the social and psycho-social causes of anxiety and depression. There are nine that he lists as "disconnects" (a phrasing that works well for all except childhood trauma). They are disconnects from: meaningful work, other people, meaningful values, childhood trauma, status & respect, the natural world, a hopeful & secure future, the role of genes, and the role of the brain. Each disconnect has a chapter devoted to it except genes and the brain which share a chapter. His overall argument is that most of depression and anxiety is created by the society/environment we currently live in, which does a very poor job of meeting the social/psychological needs of most people. To that effect, he frames depression and anxiety as understandable, even rational responses to environmental pressures.
The third part, Reconnection, goes on to explore ways that depression and anxiety can be treated that addresses the core disconnections outlined in the previous part. Of all the sections, I feel like this one was the weakest. Hari himself admits that the research to address the ways to reconnect is less than the research on the disconnections themselves (his whole book is well cited in the back and he has plenty of studies to support the disconnections). Still, he outlines seven reconnections: to other people, social prescribing, meaningful work, meaningful values, sympathetic joy/overcoming addiction to the self, acknowledging & overcoming childhood trauma, and restoring the future. Nearly all of these have limited things you can just do at home, which might be disappointing but if he's really onto something with the disconnects (as I think he is) then that's very realistic.
That said, while solutions like Universal Basic Income might be a think worth pursuing, I do think there are smaller scale ways you can reconnect and, in fact, as I've been struggling to deal with my own anxiety disorder, I have found the things that have helped me most are things mentioned in the reconnect section even if they were on my own smaller scale. For instance, meditating (and yoga, which wasn't mentioned but I do a very mindful/meditative yoga) has been key to my recovery. Acknowledging my own emotions and reaching out and forming friendships has also helped a great deal. Realizing how desperately I needed to move on from my current job and thus starting to search for a new job while simultaneously seeking out and finding ways to improve things at my current job has also been a big help.
To that extent, if you are suffering from depression or anxiety, I think it would be valuable to read this book with a notebook and pen on hand. Note which "disconnects" ring true to you, then jot down ideas under each disconnect that might help improve your lot. Even if the big solutions are unattainable for you now, are there smaller things you can do to move yourself in the right direction? Are their people, groups, movements that you can join to champion for those bigger things (he makes a argument that doing so not only will help create change, but help you directly).
Overall it's a worthy read whether or not you suffer from depression or anxiety, as it has so much commentary on modern society and it's effects on us as people.
What Are You Reading Wednesday
Apr. 10th, 2019 10:33 am Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression-and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari
Fuller review to come after I read this book, but it is definitely worth picking up. First of all, it applies largely to anxiety as well (and he says so within the book). His writing is clear and well organized, he references numerous studies which he cites clearly in the back. And quite frankly, so much of it resonates both with my own anxiety issues and with the things I have found helped (and also makes some sense why both medication and Cognitive Behavior Therapy failed to help me at all...even made it worse!) Though I'm not finished nor ready for a fuller review, I am ready to recommend that you put this on your reading list, even if you don't suffer from either depression or anxiety.
Fuller review to come after I read this book, but it is definitely worth picking up. First of all, it applies largely to anxiety as well (and he says so within the book). His writing is clear and well organized, he references numerous studies which he cites clearly in the back. And quite frankly, so much of it resonates both with my own anxiety issues and with the things I have found helped (and also makes some sense why both medication and Cognitive Behavior Therapy failed to help me at all...even made it worse!) Though I'm not finished nor ready for a fuller review, I am ready to recommend that you put this on your reading list, even if you don't suffer from either depression or anxiety.
(no subject)
Apr. 10th, 2019 10:27 am Meme snaged from ![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
mific
mific Answers all have to start with the first letter of your middle name. No googling!
Animal.............. Capybara
Girl's name....... Carol (not my actual middle name)
Boy's name...... Chris
Color...............Chartreuse
Food................Chocolate!
Something you wear.....Chemise
Drink...............Coffee
Place...............Chicago (For reasons that don't need exploring at this juncture...)
Restaurant.......Chinese
Reason to be late.....Car accident
Job title............Carpenter
Yup, I'm still alive and still around!
My husband and I are planning on starting a food forest on about 2.5-3 acres of our property. While we own it, it's been farmed by someone nearby along with the acreage owned by a someone else since well before we've come. But we've been talking about starting a food forest there for some time and decided we'll start actually doing it this year. I'll need to get "before" pictures this week. We're hoping to restore some wildlife and get some food as well. Food forests, once established, are fairly low maintenance, though it won't be that for the first few years. We're going to meet with an expert so I'm trying to not plan it too specifically just yet. But of course I'm kind of cheating. I mean, chestnuts and hazelnuts; apple, plum, and peach; blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry. It's hard not to think it all out! Meanwhile our one neighbor informs up that the owner of the rest/bulk of the field is in talks with someone to sell it off to them so that they can use it to start an alpaca farm! Just thinking, I might have some rather wooly neighbors in in the near future.
Maybe I should take up spinning?
I had a weird yoga class last night. I go to a rather low-key, destress yoga class on Tuesday nights. For the past year now, I've been doing yoga daily (it helps keeps the anxiety in check) and while yes I do the more strenuous stuff, Tuesdays are a treat of really yin style gentle yoga. But the yoga instructor couldn't make it and another one, new to the studio, came in as a last minute substitution.
She was really, really different.
So my usual instructor, (H) has a social work background and started her career by teaching yoga to women who were victims of abuse. She talks in a voice that is almost absurdly calm and quiet. She always ask permission if she's going to touch you (which she rarely does). She suggests you do things. The whole thing feels absurdly hyggely, especially considering we're not always contorting our bodies in the most ideal of situations (that said, she chooses a lot of full body positions that are somehow as delicious as they are straining).
This person was the opposite in just about every way. She came in, spouted her credentials, discusses how she is doing advanced training under some person I (and probably no one else in the the class) ever heard of, gave us a vocab lesson and was generally very instructor-y. She was very specific about how we were supposed to do each position and, as we did it, lectures us on how it was supposed to do what in Chinese medicine. There were few full body moves, and much of what we did didn't flow but had a kind of disjointed feel to it. She used essential oils on us without telling us what was in them (I asked before I let her put any on me) and she also physically adjusted people's pose without asking or even telling us that she was going to do it. Which is something when you're eyes are closed and your trying to breath a certain way and relax/meditate only to find someone suddenly pulling on your shoulders.
Thankfully she's only subbing. But I think I'll not be making it to the classes she'll start teaching next week.
I just started reading Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari. I haven't gotten all that far yet, so I really can't review or even recommend, other than his premise is interesting (especially for me lately) and as of a chapter in, I've found his writing clear, engaging, and easy to follow. I tried reading Pride and Prejudice, but the only copy I had was from my college days and is littered with my notes. I thought that wouldn't be a problem, but I found it too distracting when reading for pleasure. I'll get my hands on a clean copy after I finish Lost Connections.
My husband and I are planning on starting a food forest on about 2.5-3 acres of our property. While we own it, it's been farmed by someone nearby along with the acreage owned by a someone else since well before we've come. But we've been talking about starting a food forest there for some time and decided we'll start actually doing it this year. I'll need to get "before" pictures this week. We're hoping to restore some wildlife and get some food as well. Food forests, once established, are fairly low maintenance, though it won't be that for the first few years. We're going to meet with an expert so I'm trying to not plan it too specifically just yet. But of course I'm kind of cheating. I mean, chestnuts and hazelnuts; apple, plum, and peach; blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry. It's hard not to think it all out! Meanwhile our one neighbor informs up that the owner of the rest/bulk of the field is in talks with someone to sell it off to them so that they can use it to start an alpaca farm! Just thinking, I might have some rather wooly neighbors in in the near future.
Maybe I should take up spinning?
I had a weird yoga class last night. I go to a rather low-key, destress yoga class on Tuesday nights. For the past year now, I've been doing yoga daily (it helps keeps the anxiety in check) and while yes I do the more strenuous stuff, Tuesdays are a treat of really yin style gentle yoga. But the yoga instructor couldn't make it and another one, new to the studio, came in as a last minute substitution.
She was really, really different.
So my usual instructor, (H) has a social work background and started her career by teaching yoga to women who were victims of abuse. She talks in a voice that is almost absurdly calm and quiet. She always ask permission if she's going to touch you (which she rarely does). She suggests you do things. The whole thing feels absurdly hyggely, especially considering we're not always contorting our bodies in the most ideal of situations (that said, she chooses a lot of full body positions that are somehow as delicious as they are straining).
This person was the opposite in just about every way. She came in, spouted her credentials, discusses how she is doing advanced training under some person I (and probably no one else in the the class) ever heard of, gave us a vocab lesson and was generally very instructor-y. She was very specific about how we were supposed to do each position and, as we did it, lectures us on how it was supposed to do what in Chinese medicine. There were few full body moves, and much of what we did didn't flow but had a kind of disjointed feel to it. She used essential oils on us without telling us what was in them (I asked before I let her put any on me) and she also physically adjusted people's pose without asking or even telling us that she was going to do it. Which is something when you're eyes are closed and your trying to breath a certain way and relax/meditate only to find someone suddenly pulling on your shoulders.
Thankfully she's only subbing. But I think I'll not be making it to the classes she'll start teaching next week.
I just started reading Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari. I haven't gotten all that far yet, so I really can't review or even recommend, other than his premise is interesting (especially for me lately) and as of a chapter in, I've found his writing clear, engaging, and easy to follow. I tried reading Pride and Prejudice, but the only copy I had was from my college days and is littered with my notes. I thought that wouldn't be a problem, but I found it too distracting when reading for pleasure. I'll get my hands on a clean copy after I finish Lost Connections.
What Are You Reading Wednesday
Jan. 2nd, 2019 11:06 am Right now: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (still), The Tao of Daily Life by Derek Lin
The important thing is that I might only be reading a bit at a time, but I'm still reading regularly! I am reading the Tao book in the morning every couple of days. I'm reading Sense and Sensibility here and there and whenever I can. I'm enjoying both immensely.
The important thing is that I might only be reading a bit at a time, but I'm still reading regularly! I am reading the Tao book in the morning every couple of days. I'm reading Sense and Sensibility here and there and whenever I can. I'm enjoying both immensely.
What Are You Reading Wednesday
Dec. 19th, 2018 09:41 am Petzi does this every Wednesday. One of the things I've been attempting to do the last 9 months or so is reclaim some time for myself as I think burnout plays a roll in my current issues. Between work and kids, I rarely have time for myself and one way that can be seen is that I've gone from reading 150-200 books a year to reading maybe one or two (for myself, not counting to the kids to which I read a lot too) per year for the last 4-5 years. I'm making an effort.
So, I think I'll start noting what I'm reading/read every week.
Right now: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
For some reason I've recently gotten into a Jane Austen kick. I read some of her works during my college years (I was an English major after all) and never felt very strongly about her, but in the last month I watched both versions of Sense and Sensibility and the '95 version of Pride and Prejudice. Sense and Sensibility is one I had not actually read before and I'm enjoying it quite a bit.
When sisters Elinor and Marianne's father dies, the whole of his fortune passes on to their older half brother leaving them and their mother and younger sister at greatly reduced means. Both fall young ladies fall in love but the situations are complicated. The story is a strong critic to the norms of the day.
So, I think I'll start noting what I'm reading/read every week.
Right now: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
For some reason I've recently gotten into a Jane Austen kick. I read some of her works during my college years (I was an English major after all) and never felt very strongly about her, but in the last month I watched both versions of Sense and Sensibility and the '95 version of Pride and Prejudice. Sense and Sensibility is one I had not actually read before and I'm enjoying it quite a bit.
When sisters Elinor and Marianne's father dies, the whole of his fortune passes on to their older half brother leaving them and their mother and younger sister at greatly reduced means. Both fall young ladies fall in love but the situations are complicated. The story is a strong critic to the norms of the day.
(no subject)
Dec. 17th, 2018 02:04 pm I made it through the weekend! I had a massive panic attack Friday night (barely slept at all), the boys left Saturday morning and I had another panic attack shortly after that. But I did pretty well after that. Amelia got to take some of her own money to the local craft fair where she got to have her first hands on experience with consumerism. She learned she loves spending money. She attempted to pay for the groceries when we went shopping later that day, which was kinda funny.
Then I had a friend come over and we watched Love, Actually (Amelia watched Daniel Tiger in the other room). It was a good time. Shortly after she left I got Amelia into bed and watched three episodes of Leverage. You all were not joking; that show is so good! Stayed up kind of late that night too.
They boys got home before we were even out of bed the next morning. Camping went well, but my husband didn't get much sleep and took a big nap in the morning. I took Amelia out for breakfast with a friend and her mommy and that was pretty fun too.
All and all, the weekend went well.
According to Amelia, she was going to go to the beach with her friend Lexi instead of daycare today. She even wore her beach hat in. I'd rather be at the beach too.
Then I had a friend come over and we watched Love, Actually (Amelia watched Daniel Tiger in the other room). It was a good time. Shortly after she left I got Amelia into bed and watched three episodes of Leverage. You all were not joking; that show is so good! Stayed up kind of late that night too.
They boys got home before we were even out of bed the next morning. Camping went well, but my husband didn't get much sleep and took a big nap in the morning. I took Amelia out for breakfast with a friend and her mommy and that was pretty fun too.
All and all, the weekend went well.
According to Amelia, she was going to go to the beach with her friend Lexi instead of daycare today. She even wore her beach hat in. I'd rather be at the beach too.
(no subject)
Dec. 15th, 2018 11:09 am Panic disorder is so frustrating.
My husband and son are off camping (yes, in the winter) for today into early tomorrow. A year ago having some time just Amelia and I would be pleasant and relaxing but now, thanks to this, I've already had two big panic attacks and I just can't wait until they get back. It's robbed me of something I'd normally enjoy, solo time with my daughter and turned it into something full of fear and anxiety.
I have a friend coming over this afternoon to watch Love, Actually and that will help. I'm planning on combating it at night time by binge watching Leverage, which is a show I've been meaning to try.
I really need to get over this.
My husband and son are off camping (yes, in the winter) for today into early tomorrow. A year ago having some time just Amelia and I would be pleasant and relaxing but now, thanks to this, I've already had two big panic attacks and I just can't wait until they get back. It's robbed me of something I'd normally enjoy, solo time with my daughter and turned it into something full of fear and anxiety.
I have a friend coming over this afternoon to watch Love, Actually and that will help. I'm planning on combating it at night time by binge watching Leverage, which is a show I've been meaning to try.
I really need to get over this.
(no subject)
Dec. 10th, 2018 12:00 pm- Me: I want to make pastries!
- Me: What do you think, Amelia? Do you think Mommy can make pastries?
- Amelia: No.
We took the kids to a work event on Saturday. Every year Santa comes to our college so the kids can see him. Finn, who still believes in Santa (no one can be this anxious about whether or not they are on the "naughty" list can possibly not believe) was delighted. Amelia's opinion of Santa has not changed. He's a terrifyingly giant man who sees you when you're sleeping and knows when you're awake. You are not save from this destructive cryptid, especially in such close proximity. Needless to say, we shall have another picture of Santa where one child is lit up with the spirit and joy and wonder of Christmas and the other is screaming in abject horror.
To complicate matters, the school's mascot has joined the festivities for the first time this year. While Finn was barely fazed, Amelia's nightmare scenario was only worsened by this dancing cat of freakish proportions. At one point I took my clearly overwhelmed 3yo daughter out of the room. She wasn't crying or anything, but she kept hiding against me or my husband so I figured she needed a break.
Sadly the mascot must have felt the same way, as he came out a few minutes after us. After an attempt to be friendly with Amelia that did not go well at all, it exited via the side stairs. After that, whenever anyone went over to use the same set of stairs Amelia would yell to them: "No! There's a tiger down there!"
I went to the dentist today. It did not go well. I had a crown the fell off and broke (put in by the previous dentist) and needed to be replaced right before Thanksgiving. He had done all the work to it before and I was just back to have the permanent crown put on. Now here's the thing, when he worked on it before, he had numbed me and I couldn't even feel half my face. During the last week or so I kept mistaking the tooth (so I thought) for the tooth behind it, then correcting myself. It wasn't that tooth he worked on, it was the one with the broken crown next to it.
Well, the assistant took the temporary out and I had a moment of "huh?" While she worked on something, I put my finger in my mouth.
They took off the wrong crown.
They were replacing the wrong crown.
I was/am really upset. They promised to do the right one for free (which is the least of what they should do). I am going to look for a new dentist after that. I can't believe that they made this mistake.
I am officially backing out of the Supernatural fandom and I've stopped watching the show. The truth is that it really doesn't help with my anxiety/trauma issues (and that's not even mentioning the amount of wank in that fandom). The truth is I have a lot less issues even with my trauma and h/c of other fandoms (which I'm still treading lightly with). It's a good decision for me at this time. I'm afraid it's going to leave to fanfics that I was writing abandoned. I have reached out to let people know they are up for grabs but I doubt anyone will take them. I might go back to writing Due South or Stargate Atlantis. I have a couple of SGA ideas floating around in my head, maybe one will solidify over Christmas break.
Update on Finn
Nov. 25th, 2018 08:31 pmWhen last I posted about Finn, he had come home with some bruising after a bully attacked him at the after school program and the program lied about what happened and we contacted CPS. (If you missed it, the post is here.)
I had taken pictures, though the bruising was still there when CPS visited. The woman from CPS agreed; that was definitely not a bruise from being hit by someone. When they interviewed the staff, they said they didn't know what happened, they didn't see it. Which is what I suspected really happened all along. So, to point: they weren't paying enough attention to notice one (older) kid tackle my son and grab him by the throat and arm. Said bully (according to my son) also did this to another (even younger) kid as well. Then, to cover their asses, they made up a story where my son was the aggressor.
We are looking for alternative after school childcare. We're finding a real lack of childcare in the area though. There's one woman that runs one from her house nearby. She has room but has a family member who has just been diagnosed with cancer and she's waiting to see if she needs to help them out and if so, when. So we're kinda on hold on that front. Which I'm not crazy about, but it's where we're at.
I had taken pictures, though the bruising was still there when CPS visited. The woman from CPS agreed; that was definitely not a bruise from being hit by someone. When they interviewed the staff, they said they didn't know what happened, they didn't see it. Which is what I suspected really happened all along. So, to point: they weren't paying enough attention to notice one (older) kid tackle my son and grab him by the throat and arm. Said bully (according to my son) also did this to another (even younger) kid as well. Then, to cover their asses, they made up a story where my son was the aggressor.
We are looking for alternative after school childcare. We're finding a real lack of childcare in the area though. There's one woman that runs one from her house nearby. She has room but has a family member who has just been diagnosed with cancer and she's waiting to see if she needs to help them out and if so, when. So we're kinda on hold on that front. Which I'm not crazy about, but it's where we're at.
(no subject)
Nov. 20th, 2018 11:09 amAfter some thought and consideration and angst and guilt and worry, I've decided not to visit my family this year for Thanksgiving. My dad and stepmom are always drunk the whole time anyway (and are generally racist, homophobic Trumpists) and I'm still quite hurt about the whole "hide my nephew's existence from the family, scream at me when I find out and then falsely tell the extended family I screamed at you" bit from my mother.
And quite frankly, I can't deal with the extra stress right now.
And quite frankly, I can't deal with the extra stress right now.
(no subject)
Nov. 13th, 2018 08:43 pm So.
In my last entry I had noted that the kid that was bullying Finn (and his friend) was out of the afterschool program now. Well, I have since learned that on Friday his friend tackled both Finn and his friend and grabbed them both by the neck and arm. And Finn's arm's bruised.
Worse, the daycare never told us what happened. Finn told us. And when I contacted the program they lied to me. They said that Finn hit the kid and the kid hit back. But the bruising on his arm is totally inconsistent with a hit and is consistent with a grab.
I am pissed.
And I contacted CPS and am taking steps to getting some alternative afterschool childcare.
In my last entry I had noted that the kid that was bullying Finn (and his friend) was out of the afterschool program now. Well, I have since learned that on Friday his friend tackled both Finn and his friend and grabbed them both by the neck and arm. And Finn's arm's bruised.
Worse, the daycare never told us what happened. Finn told us. And when I contacted the program they lied to me. They said that Finn hit the kid and the kid hit back. But the bruising on his arm is totally inconsistent with a hit and is consistent with a grab.
I am pissed.
And I contacted CPS and am taking steps to getting some alternative afterschool childcare.
