Work and stress (synonymous?)

Again, I find that work is kicking my butt. One of my trouble teens ran away on Monday, and in the midst of that, the mother's attorney wants to have an emergency hearing. The motion requesting a hearing basically bashes me, as the social worker, and the work that I have done, or as she would probably put it, lack thereof. It makes me sound like I don't do anything for this family, and perhaps go get pedicures during lunchtime. To clear this up, I wrote up an interim report for the Court, disputing most of her claims, but none of the ones about me. I cleared up misconceptions about the youth going to school, getting therapeutic services, and the things that I am working on, such as meetings, placements, and appointments. I don't directly dispute the attorney's claim that "Ms. [social worker] told the mother, 'She is in your care, so now it's your problem.'" Wouldn't that have been a great statement for me to have made? Ah, if it were only true. (And for the record, I have never gotten a pedicure during lunchtime, either, just in case it comes up at the emergency hearing.)

So, today, amidst the stress, drama, lies, and late nights at work this week, I took a mental health day. I figured the world won't stop if I don't go to work today, and everyone will survive without hearing my melodic voice and seeing my shining face today. I didn't even check my voicemail, which I often do even when I'm sick. If anything blew up, someone else could handle it today, or it could just wait until Monday. So, in honor of my attempt to destress, I thought I would make a list of things I did today that were NOT stressful.

1. I slept late. Actually, I slept ridiculously late, until like 11 something.
2. I read a book. I finished one, The Notebook, and started another, Unnatural Exposure. Neither of these are books that require much thought.
3. I fell asleep on the couch. Now, I know you must be thinking, she slept until 11. How could she possibly fall asleep again?? All I can say in explanation is, it's in my genes. Moien girls have that amazing capability.
4. I took a nice long hot shower.
5. I ate Double Stuf Oreos.
6. I watched Under the Tuscan Sun.
7. I downloaded a few songs onto my mp3 player (shh, don't tell anyone!).
8. I listened to the rain.
9. I lit smelly candles all over the apartment.
10. I sang along with the radio.

I know, it sounds really boring. But, it was relaxing, and I needed it. Maybe, after today and this weekend, I will be prepared for the three Court hearings I have next week, the two reports that have to get written, and dealing with crazy teenagers. Just maybe.

For sale by owner

It's crazy how stressful house buying can be. And I'm not even seriously looking yet. We met with a loan officer yesterday who threw out all of these really high expenses associated with buying a house - insane down payments, insane closing costs, etc. So then we went and looked a a really really nice house in old Greenbelt. Houses in old Greenbelt aren't all that big, but this one had an addition and a beautiful yard. It was really nice, and just slightly out of our price range. If we stopped eating, we could probably swing it. When I bought my house five years ago, it was amazing how cheap it was. That same house has appreciated in value for three times what we paid for it. If I could only get James to sell it and get the profits from it, it would be great!

But, back to buying a house...I just don't know how real people afford houses these days. A house that would have gone for about $90K five years ago is now selling for $250K, which means that those that were selling for $250K are up to like $450K! And as a social worker, I just can't afford to live in something much more than $250K (truth be told, I don't know if I can afford to live in something that is $250K). So, in spite of telling myself not to stress and not to worry yet about finding a house, because we have time, I'm getting stressed that I'm never going to find anywhere to live! We keep saying we don't want a condo because we want a yard so we can get a dog, but I may need to reevaluate that and may have to get a condo for a little while. Even those are going for crazy prices!

Anyway, maybe I'll get off the house issue for a little while and try to think about something good...hmm... I watched The Notebook on Friday. Can I just say that I fell in love with that movie! My mom didn't really like it so much. But I just loved it. It sort of felt like my life (although I'm not at the Alzheimer's stage yet, thank goodness!). But, I did really like it.

I really want Memorial Day weekend to get here. For one, with it comes a day off. Two, the pool will open and if I can stand it, I'm going to go and lay in the sun while lots of little hoodlums-in-training try to drown each other in the pool. I really need a tan, plus I have a new bathing suit that is waiting to be worn :)

How old do I act?

You Are 30 Years Old

30 Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

How many blogs does someone need??

Eddy told me that I needed to make a blog on Xanga, so I did. It's more fun - it's got smileys, I was able to customize all of the colors and fonts and stuff. So I can't decide where to blog from now on. Look at the new one...any suggestions?