I find a person who wants to share an apartment with me. Unfortunately, my next housemate is a male, but I know him since we like to hang out together every weekend. He is doing co-op in Cedar Rapids right now, but he will back to school on January 2008 and need a living place.
I feel good because I can save at least $300 both for rent and utilities costs. I know it is a little bit weird, but my goal is to save money. Hehehe...
My current housemate will back to Ames next Tuesday. I know this weekend is a big day for her family, so I pray for her that everything goes well. I will miss her when she leaves for Jakarta at the end of this year. :(
OOh, I had a dinner with my ex college friend yesterday. We ate Italian food, and I loved it. Right before I left her car, she gave me a scarf from Bolivia as a birthday gift. :) I felt sad that I had to work last night, and it was a tough night for me at shelter. I couldn't sleep well after that because things didn't go right, and once again, I was failed. I accidentally opened my daily prayer book this morning, read one prayer, and the words on that particular prayer reminded me of why I chose to come to shelter. So, I said to myself that I would try once again. I don't want to be defeated. I want to show my best effort until at the end of my contract.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
bla..bla..bla...
Hoh..
For some reason, I really want to attend my friend's wedding on November. However, I can't go home....
*sigh..
I don't have any specific topic to write on.. so, please excuse me, if you find today's blog is kind of unstructured.
I haven't found a person who wants to be my housemate. Therefore, I need to save a lot of money to cover the apartment fee. :(
Oh, I cut my hair two days ago. My hair is short now, and I like it!
How's my shelter?
One girl is leaving this morning,so I wish her luck w/ her new placement.
Last night we had one boy who made a lot of trouble. We couldn't control him, and as a result, we couldn't let him go to elevate meeting in YSS main office. He was upset and threw his tantrum to us. We led him alone, so he asked if he could sit in the office. We said yes to him. Surprisingly, he was able to calm himself by chatting with us. He liked Tokyo Drift movie, and I said that I liked that movie, too. He mentioned that he wished he could go to Tokyo. We chatted about places we would like to go when we have a lot of money. My partner said that she wanted to go to Bahama, or a place that allows her to do water sport (I can't remember the name..).
I then told them that I wanted to go to French, Europe, eat various dessert and drink coffee. hahahahaha...
I then shared my high school stories, told them the manner that I had to use when I talked or met older people. Now, my partner and I know how to handle this particular boy. We will just let him alone for a while, in hoping that he will let his anger down.
We also expect another boy to leave shelter soon. He teaches his peers to not comply w/ staff. He basically tries to get his peers in trouble. He will have last evaluation next monday and we hope that he would go to another placement soon.
I am still learning w/ the whole situation. I borrow several books from public library to help me handle moody-troubled-youths. I had read a book about the life story of four troubled youths who were sent to a therapeutic school in Massachusets. I learn how the counselors handle these youths and what situation they encountered throughout the program. I was able to relate the reading with my own workplace because we experienced the same issues, too.
Now, I have three books in my hand. One is about how to cope when you live in a dysfuntional family, and the next one is a book about how adolescents fall to drugs, and the last one is a book to prevent adolescents from committing suicide. I know that these three books equal to reading assignments back when I was in college. However, I need to learn as I will hold a new role. My role is not easy considering that I only have seven months experience in this field and language barrier. As I mentioned last time, youths that come to shelter are from various background. Each of them speaks in different accent, and I need to adjust myself w/ their language styles. They also have to familiarize themselves w/ my accent, so that takes time, too.
Okay, I better to get going..
I work today..
see ya..
For some reason, I really want to attend my friend's wedding on November. However, I can't go home....
*sigh..
I don't have any specific topic to write on.. so, please excuse me, if you find today's blog is kind of unstructured.
I haven't found a person who wants to be my housemate. Therefore, I need to save a lot of money to cover the apartment fee. :(
Oh, I cut my hair two days ago. My hair is short now, and I like it!
How's my shelter?
One girl is leaving this morning,so I wish her luck w/ her new placement.
Last night we had one boy who made a lot of trouble. We couldn't control him, and as a result, we couldn't let him go to elevate meeting in YSS main office. He was upset and threw his tantrum to us. We led him alone, so he asked if he could sit in the office. We said yes to him. Surprisingly, he was able to calm himself by chatting with us. He liked Tokyo Drift movie, and I said that I liked that movie, too. He mentioned that he wished he could go to Tokyo. We chatted about places we would like to go when we have a lot of money. My partner said that she wanted to go to Bahama, or a place that allows her to do water sport (I can't remember the name..).
I then told them that I wanted to go to French, Europe, eat various dessert and drink coffee. hahahahaha...
I then shared my high school stories, told them the manner that I had to use when I talked or met older people. Now, my partner and I know how to handle this particular boy. We will just let him alone for a while, in hoping that he will let his anger down.
We also expect another boy to leave shelter soon. He teaches his peers to not comply w/ staff. He basically tries to get his peers in trouble. He will have last evaluation next monday and we hope that he would go to another placement soon.
I am still learning w/ the whole situation. I borrow several books from public library to help me handle moody-troubled-youths. I had read a book about the life story of four troubled youths who were sent to a therapeutic school in Massachusets. I learn how the counselors handle these youths and what situation they encountered throughout the program. I was able to relate the reading with my own workplace because we experienced the same issues, too.
Now, I have three books in my hand. One is about how to cope when you live in a dysfuntional family, and the next one is a book about how adolescents fall to drugs, and the last one is a book to prevent adolescents from committing suicide. I know that these three books equal to reading assignments back when I was in college. However, I need to learn as I will hold a new role. My role is not easy considering that I only have seven months experience in this field and language barrier. As I mentioned last time, youths that come to shelter are from various background. Each of them speaks in different accent, and I need to adjust myself w/ their language styles. They also have to familiarize themselves w/ my accent, so that takes time, too.
Okay, I better to get going..
I work today..
see ya..
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Trying to solve my problems..
I get one day off, so I use this time to take care of my apartment lease. As I mentioned long time ago, I was planned to leave US on December, but the plan was changed. I got a job offer last week from shelter where I work, which means I will have to stay up till May 2008.
The property sent us a renewal contract, and they offered 5 mths to 12 mths lease. I decide to take 5 mths lease ($600/mth) by myself because I don't want to move again, and the rent cost is roughly same. I'll just have to use my money wisely from Jan-May 08. *SIgh... At least, I solve half of my problem.
Anyway, yesterday was my last morning shift since my kitchen manager has come back already. My full-time position will start on next Wednesday, Oct 3, but this week I fill some of the hours (Thursday-3-7pm; Friday-1-6pm; Saturday-??)I am half excited, half nervous carry out a new role as a youth specialist. For sure, I don't want to dissapoint both my coordinator and director since they are so kind to me. I also don't want to distress my partner, and fortunately I have known her for a while..
I feel relieved after all. I don't need to do job hunting, or I should say job-hotel-hunting because I have one in my hand. The next plan is to work hard and continue finishing my grad essays. I have one essay done and still need to finish one more. I can't predict what will happen to my life after May 08, but I look forward to going home for break. I do need a break and want to meet my old high school friends. :)
I guess, I will do these things if I can go back to Indonesia next summer:
1. rearrange my new bedroom. (yes, I have my new bedroom, but my mom still use the old furniture.. that's fine with me)
2. see other parts of the house like kitchen, living room, my sister's room, and etc.
3. cut my hair
4. call my high school friends
5. go to my elementary school. This time I have to go there
6. go to my high school.
7. eat my yummy traditional food (I like to eat food that use glutinous rice)
8. visit my English teacher
9. ask my parents if they allow me to take a vacation
10. go to facial treatment
hahahaha... that's way too much...
Okay..
I have things to do..
See yaa..
The property sent us a renewal contract, and they offered 5 mths to 12 mths lease. I decide to take 5 mths lease ($600/mth) by myself because I don't want to move again, and the rent cost is roughly same. I'll just have to use my money wisely from Jan-May 08. *SIgh... At least, I solve half of my problem.
Anyway, yesterday was my last morning shift since my kitchen manager has come back already. My full-time position will start on next Wednesday, Oct 3, but this week I fill some of the hours (Thursday-3-7pm; Friday-1-6pm; Saturday-??)I am half excited, half nervous carry out a new role as a youth specialist. For sure, I don't want to dissapoint both my coordinator and director since they are so kind to me. I also don't want to distress my partner, and fortunately I have known her for a while..
I feel relieved after all. I don't need to do job hunting, or I should say job-hotel-hunting because I have one in my hand. The next plan is to work hard and continue finishing my grad essays. I have one essay done and still need to finish one more. I can't predict what will happen to my life after May 08, but I look forward to going home for break. I do need a break and want to meet my old high school friends. :)
I guess, I will do these things if I can go back to Indonesia next summer:
1. rearrange my new bedroom. (yes, I have my new bedroom, but my mom still use the old furniture.. that's fine with me)
2. see other parts of the house like kitchen, living room, my sister's room, and etc.
3. cut my hair
4. call my high school friends
5. go to my elementary school. This time I have to go there
6. go to my high school.
7. eat my yummy traditional food (I like to eat food that use glutinous rice)
8. visit my English teacher
9. ask my parents if they allow me to take a vacation
10. go to facial treatment
hahahaha... that's way too much...
Okay..
I have things to do..
See yaa..
Friday, September 21, 2007
Blessing-
I can't describe how I feel when they offer me a full-time position. I reassure myself that this is it. This is the field that God wants me to work on. There's nothing wrong, and I am doing good. I don't know how many times I try to convince myself that I am all right, that I get what I want at last. Still, I feel weird w/ the news they told me on Wed morning.
This is unbelievable. I tell them that I only can work until May 6, 2008, tell them that I rely on bus schedule, and tell them that I haven't taken my license test yet. They accept my condition without complaint. I don't know how I should thank them for all the opportunities they give to me. I won't forget this moment... I will show my best effort to them, dedicate myself to help youths and carry out shelter's missions.
I understand that I'll have to find a new living place beginning January 2008. I know that I won't be able to hang out w/ my friends on Friday and Saturday, not until midnight I guess.. Huh..
The good thing is I am off on Sunday-Mon-Tuesday. That means I still can go to church on SUnday. Yay! I love it.
I probably will spend my Thanksgiving dinner w/ my kids. I'll be fine. I'll make turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie for them. I'll celebrate my Thanksgiving dinner w/ them.
I'll need to learn all game boards since I will spend more times with them...
This is unbelievable. I tell them that I only can work until May 6, 2008, tell them that I rely on bus schedule, and tell them that I haven't taken my license test yet. They accept my condition without complaint. I don't know how I should thank them for all the opportunities they give to me. I won't forget this moment... I will show my best effort to them, dedicate myself to help youths and carry out shelter's missions.
I understand that I'll have to find a new living place beginning January 2008. I know that I won't be able to hang out w/ my friends on Friday and Saturday, not until midnight I guess.. Huh..
The good thing is I am off on Sunday-Mon-Tuesday. That means I still can go to church on SUnday. Yay! I love it.
I probably will spend my Thanksgiving dinner w/ my kids. I'll be fine. I'll make turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie for them. I'll celebrate my Thanksgiving dinner w/ them.
I'll need to learn all game boards since I will spend more times with them...
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Confused-Tired
Things didn't go well as I expected today. I felt that I made a lot of mistakes, got angry easily, and couldn't finish my works.
I planned to leave at 2:45 pm today so that I could go home and take a short nap before I went to church. Shelter needed me to stay until 4:30pm, and I knew that I had to stay because some staff were gone for training.
The maintenance fixed the racks so they removed the food items out from pantry. About 2:30pm, the maintenance came and said that they planned to put the rack back to the pantry, but they saw that we haven't cleaned the floor yet. I was in the middle of med counting and decided to stop because I would need to clean the floor soon. One intern came and helped me scrubbing the tough stain, but I was still angry. I felt that Z (another staff) didn't do much to help me, and I couldn't finish my med count. The intern and I finally finished cleaning the floor. The maintenance came and put the rack back to the pantry. Next, I asked two clients to help me reorganize the pantry. :( I was tired by that time.
One boy rushed me to call his JCO, while I forgot the additional code number to make a long distance call. I then ran asked Z, but he thought I postponed his phone time. I happened to yell at him, but I was able to manage myself. I raised my voice a little bit when I explained to him that I had to ask questions to Z. However, he didn't want to understand my situation.
The above situation described my day's activity. let's move to my evening time...
About 8 pm, my friend called me, and he made me mad. He told me that he couldn't guarantee that ____ officers would be able to come. I was mad because he couldn't make a decision, while I demanded his action. I told him that I would take my own action and thanked him for his good concern.
Now, I am half sleepy, but I cannot sleep. Many things need to be done, but my brain can't cooperate well. I need a vacation, but I can't leave my job. I force my brain to think, plan, analyze, multitask, and make a decision at the same time. :(
:( :( :(
I am expecting to go home, but it seems that I won't be able to go home until next year. Why? I will tell you when everything is confirmed..
Almost crazy...
@_@
I planned to leave at 2:45 pm today so that I could go home and take a short nap before I went to church. Shelter needed me to stay until 4:30pm, and I knew that I had to stay because some staff were gone for training.
The maintenance fixed the racks so they removed the food items out from pantry. About 2:30pm, the maintenance came and said that they planned to put the rack back to the pantry, but they saw that we haven't cleaned the floor yet. I was in the middle of med counting and decided to stop because I would need to clean the floor soon. One intern came and helped me scrubbing the tough stain, but I was still angry. I felt that Z (another staff) didn't do much to help me, and I couldn't finish my med count. The intern and I finally finished cleaning the floor. The maintenance came and put the rack back to the pantry. Next, I asked two clients to help me reorganize the pantry. :( I was tired by that time.
One boy rushed me to call his JCO, while I forgot the additional code number to make a long distance call. I then ran asked Z, but he thought I postponed his phone time. I happened to yell at him, but I was able to manage myself. I raised my voice a little bit when I explained to him that I had to ask questions to Z. However, he didn't want to understand my situation.
The above situation described my day's activity. let's move to my evening time...
About 8 pm, my friend called me, and he made me mad. He told me that he couldn't guarantee that ____ officers would be able to come. I was mad because he couldn't make a decision, while I demanded his action. I told him that I would take my own action and thanked him for his good concern.
Now, I am half sleepy, but I cannot sleep. Many things need to be done, but my brain can't cooperate well. I need a vacation, but I can't leave my job. I force my brain to think, plan, analyze, multitask, and make a decision at the same time. :(
:( :( :(
I am expecting to go home, but it seems that I won't be able to go home until next year. Why? I will tell you when everything is confirmed..
Almost crazy...
@_@
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Thank You
I am thankful for:
* my life that God has been given to me up to this point
* my supportive parent and sister
* education that I have been received for nearly 16 years
* all opportunities while I was studying at Iowa State Univ
* my experience at Le Meridien Hotel-Singapore
* my high school friends and teachers
* my lovely friends in Ames
* my professors at Iowa State
* my mentor, Paula
* my English teacher in Semarang, Mr. Subur
* my Mandarin teacher in Semarang
* HD FS 102 class
* my major that helps me to be a semi-professional chef for my friends and kids at shelter
* a youth shelter where I work now
* my current young clients at shelter
* my prog coordinator, day manager, youth specialists, and director that trust me to handle all works at shelter
* my current church here in Ames that help me to keep my faith and control my problem.
* my life that God has been given to me up to this point
* my supportive parent and sister
* education that I have been received for nearly 16 years
* all opportunities while I was studying at Iowa State Univ
* my experience at Le Meridien Hotel-Singapore
* my high school friends and teachers
* my lovely friends in Ames
* my professors at Iowa State
* my mentor, Paula
* my English teacher in Semarang, Mr. Subur
* my Mandarin teacher in Semarang
* HD FS 102 class
* my major that helps me to be a semi-professional chef for my friends and kids at shelter
* a youth shelter where I work now
* my current young clients at shelter
* my prog coordinator, day manager, youth specialists, and director that trust me to handle all works at shelter
* my current church here in Ames that help me to keep my faith and control my problem.
Monday, September 10, 2007
SicK
OOhh...
I had a fever on Thursday night until Friday, then lost my voice over the weekend.
I still managed to come to work this morning because I thought my manager would freak out if I didn't come. It would be difficult to find someone who could work at 7 AM, so I decided to come.
My kids were surprised when they learned that I lost my voice, and one of them said that I should haven't come this morning. and could survive until 3 pm. One girl suggested me to drink a sprite or hot beverage like tea because it will cure the pain. **Sigh...**
I had a fever on Thursday night until Friday, then lost my voice over the weekend.
I still managed to come to work this morning because I thought my manager would freak out if I didn't come. It would be difficult to find someone who could work at 7 AM, so I decided to come.
My kids were surprised when they learned that I lost my voice, and one of them said that I should haven't come this morning. and could survive until 3 pm. One girl suggested me to drink a sprite or hot beverage like tea because it will cure the pain. **Sigh...**
Saturday, September 1, 2007
September..........
Hey!
Nothing special, nothing new other than I have to give my position back to the kitchen manager at the end of September..
:(
What else?
I made a chicken porridge this morning... so far so good
I plan to make a german chocolate cake for my friend tomorrow morning.
I have things that bother me so much, and I don't know how to solve it.
September reminds me of someone..
hahaha
HappY LabOr DaY!
-W-
Nothing special, nothing new other than I have to give my position back to the kitchen manager at the end of September..
:(
What else?
I made a chicken porridge this morning... so far so good
I plan to make a german chocolate cake for my friend tomorrow morning.
I have things that bother me so much, and I don't know how to solve it.
September reminds me of someone..
hahaha
HappY LabOr DaY!
-W-
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