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.