Health Day

So, today I took a "health day" not a "sick" day, but a health day. In other words, I took a day off before I got sick, hopefully to prevent said sickness. Working a job by myself which is supposed to have to people has been wearing on me, and so a couple weeks ago I decided I would plan a day to call in sick. Then after last weeks craziness it became even more necessary. The beauty of planning a sick day, is you can plan to have no appointments that day. That way it doesn't screw up things for your clients or your team members and there's no catch up when you get back.

So what did I do for said "health day"? Well it wasn't maybe the most relaxing day ever or anything, but I did get some things accomplished that needed doing, which make me feel like my life is more under control. I got the oil changed on my car, got groceries, did laundry, washed dishes, had a nap (wonderfulness), saw best friend, snuggled with the cats and read an entire book. It was great. Now I'm just hoping I can sleep tonight despite the napping.

I wish workplaces could me more accepting of the need for such "health days". My supervisor was awesome about it. I actually told her what I was doing, so she knew ahead of time we'd be down staff. She's always saying we don't do enough self care, so it seemed like a safe bet she'd be okay with it. At my old job however, at the shelter, I wouldn't have dreamed of doing this. They were a lot stricter about needing doctor's notes and such. Then again, it's a lot easier for my program to run with less staff then it is for the shelter.

So, what's your workplace policy on taking a mental health day or a personal day. Is it an unofficial policy? Or is it totally frowned upon when employees take time off when they're not physically sick to the point of being completely unable to work?

big decisions

This has been the week of big decisions, big changes, and spending big money.

Change number one, is what's lying in bed beside me. No, I didn't buy myself a man, rather, I have acquired a cat named Sophie. At this exact moment she's scratching herself with her foot and shaking the bed.

Sophie is AWESOME! I adopted her from a pet store satellite of our local humane society. The poor thing was there for seven months because no one wanted her. So, I brought home an eight year old, long haired, seriously overweight cat who doesn't like children or other animals. Sophie spends most of her time hiding. Under the bed is her favourite, however she also likes under the futon, and in my closet. She sleeps in my bed with me, which is super cute.

Change two, is where my bed is. I moved on Saturday. Thank goodness for friends, moving sucks. I do like my new apartment though. It's smaller then the old one, but it has plenty of room for Sophie and I. It's a third story walk up, so I'm even getting some extra exercise out of the deal.

The final big change in my life, or rather, the big money grabber, is that I bought a car today. It's a brand new Pontiac wave, and it's definitely the biggest decision I've made in my entire life. Or well, biggest in terms of financialness. I can't believe how much money it's all going to cost! I'm pleased with it, and it gets to come home with me tomorrow. Great gas mileage though.

It's amazing how much something like a car costs, and yet how easy it is to take for granted. Cars are such an integral part of our modern society. Most social work jobs, at least here, require you to have one. At least the kind of social work where you are out on the streets dealing with people. I'm so rich, to be able to afford such a thing, and I by no means got an expensive car (although really, if i'd skipped some of the features, I could have had it cheaper). It just makes you think, about how much we really have.

back in my old stomping grounds

The ASIST course I'm taking is at a hospital a 10 minute walk from my parent's house. This same hospital is a 40 minute bus ride from my house... Guess where I'm staying! It's different being back home. I haven't been home since Christmas. My sister is away, which makes it bearable, seeing as she's not home practicing flute and piano constantly, but it is still really different. My parent's wouldn't let me sleep in her bed. I'm sleeping on a foamy in my old room on the floor instead. My sister's a bit obsessive and my mom's worried she can't make the bed up to her standards if I was to use it and that then my sister will "freak".

There are definitely good things about staying here though. For example, tonight I borrowed the car!!! My best friend and I went shopping and picked her up an apartment dishwasher; this way she didn't have to waste money on bringing it home in a taxi. We also got her a large fan and a mega pack of toilet paper. I bought a watch with a 24 clock so I can write down the times when I'm doing detox intakes. I'm happy.

the other half

Okay, so while my church doesn't look like that, and in-fact doesn't have a building, it is pretty awesome. And this summer, I get to be the summer student intern! I'm very excited although it is a big time commitment on top of my other job. Basically I'm preaching while our minister is away, running an outreach event (I'm really thinking penny garage sale), and taking care of many other things - like children; the part I'm not so sure about.

In any case though, I'm really excited to start. I'm meeting with my minister on Wednesday to start planning for the summer and getting things under way, something which I'm super excited about doing. I'm also thinking about car shopping this week!!! I can't wait to have a car and be able to drive to and fro! Well, except for the fact that driving scares the life out of me and my anxiety levels are ridiculously high already. I'm really hoping they settle once my summer starts to settle into a pattern.

It's snowing, by the way. I'm incredibly annoyed. I know I live in a northern climate, but this is ridiculous, I don't live THAT far north! bah.