What?!?!?

Okay, so perhaps deep down I knew this would happen. I mean, even on NPR I heard an insane amount of people discussing how they were voting for Bush because he is a "good Christian" (whatever that means..). And yes, Mitch Daniels, the new Republican governor-elect (the first Republican Indiana Governor in 16 years) did an excellent job of marketing. A bus tour to local small town festivals is a pretty smart way to connect with the "Everett Man" of Indiana. But despite all the glaring evidence of how this election would end up, I watched in horror into the wee hours of the night- hoping that some mistake would change the electoral numbers....I awoke this morning, dragging myself out of bed to get ready and dragging myself through this day.

Fortunately, I have some wonderful friends and I got to spend the emotional evening with them, drinking Newcastle, snacking away and laughing a lot! There were even a few Bush fans and we all managed to tease with good conscience and no hard feelings.

As Emily, one my close friends and one of last nights participants noted today: "Hopefully by the time our generation and our children compose the majority of voters and politicians, America will have stopped taking its fortune for granted." We truly are a fortunate country and I need to remind myself to not take for granted all the opportunities this country has offered me. However, I also think it is important for us all to be conscious that the opportunities and systems that may be right for us, may not be right for everyone else outside this country...

Now, I'll let it go and move forward with my family, friends, and fellow citizens. I will continue to have faith that those of us who are conscious of a broader world view will eventually shape this nation into one that I can confidently say I am proud of.

Do your civil duty!

Finally, that glorious day is here. Hopefully, it is glorious because it is our chance to get Bush out of the White House! Also, because frankly I am tired of the commercials, the rhetoric, the media coverage and the term "flip-flopping." I have to be honest, I do not feel 100% competent about my vote for John Kerry, but I do feel 100% confident that I want Bush out of office! I am glad that I will be gone for at least the first two years (if not longer) should Bush get reelected, but still I will be in Blair country, which isn't much better! No need to even look down that road yet...tonight I will join my friends with a cake, Ryan's favorite Dank-os, and some beer and watch the coverage....more than anything it will be a good opportunity to see some of those I do not see on a weekly basis, because with our luck the decision will not be official for some time. I'm off to stand in line for a couple hours! To all legal US voters-get to those polls!!!!!!

Hello Old Friend!

Wow, I knew it had been awhile but I didn't realize it had been over a month since I last posted on this blog! From reading the last post on 9/28, it is clear those crises are part of the reason for my absence, but not a valid excuse! October just seem to pass me by...my birthday came and went, along with a few other birthdays of friends and Lecia's wedding over this past weekend. I've written probably 10 entries in my head but have not managed to actually get them on here...The dust is beginning to settle with some of my cases and I am looking to the end of the year to transition out of my job and get on that plane to England! I'm off to a meeting now and feel like I am still recovering from the weekend (when will I learn, wine and rum don't mix!)...but I am documenting the promise to myself to pick up the writing again!

"There's a bad moon on the rise.."

Why is it that full moon always seem to bring out the wackiness in people??? Let me tell you, you may not notice it in your day-to-day, but when you are a social worker it definitely becomes apparent. When you are a social worker who works with a lot of erratic male adolescents, it become even more glaringly (or should I say, glowingly) apparent. I will not go on about the paperwork involved, how I haven't been able to get it done due to crisis after crisis or any other of the goings on of my crazy day today, I will just leave it at this: Damn, I need a drink and cigarette! What I am I going to do when I quit!?!?!? (smoking, that is).

Last stops along the Midwestern way

I had to go to Bloomington today to coordinate a multi-media presentation I am working on with one of my fellas (fellas = clients). It seems like they have done so much to that town since I left oh so long ago (December of 1999)...But,yes, even quaint, historic college towns can be corrupted and likely overrun with strip malls, too. It was a great day to be driving around though! The hints of fall are coming into the air and the sun was shining. I don't what it is, but I can feel it in my bones. As soon as the first hints of Fall hit, I am made aware of it with all of my senses...the smell in the air, that crisp, slightly cool feeling on skin..okay, that's only two out of five...and reading this text my writing once again sounds cliche. But, being in Bloomington adds to those feelings of fall somehow. I think it's the nostalgia of my first couple years on that beautiful campus. Fortunately, my fella was patient with me (and I bought him ice cream) to take him around campus and down a little (appropriate content only) trip down memory lane. Hopefully, I'll make it down there at least once more before I move to England...and hopefully get a little hiking in that time.

No Bullshittin'! I mean it this time.

Yes, no more "I have to do a little bit of this, little bit of that.."! I am actually done and it is in the mail!!! I have my documents verified, incredibly complimentary reccomendations, personal statement complete and it's all in the mail for a measily $17.95. GSCC here I come!

Do you want me to strip for you???

Well, ol' W. just keeps trying, doesn't he? My mother and I discovered this morning as we attempted to fly home from Florida (And no, we were not directly effected by the hurricanes- although many of my family on the gulf side were.) that they now not only want you to remove your shoes when going through security, they now want you to strip down and do a little dance. Ooh, you like that do you???. . . Not at all!!! I felt completely uncomfortable and very pissed off. The lady gave me shit because I didn't have my legs spread wide enough for her as she stuck her "metal detector" between them...Truth of the matter is I happen to have thick thighs and she did not need to be getting that close to my crotch, thank you very much! Then she proceeded to pad me down all around my torso including the lining of my bra! I mean come on, just ask me to take off my shirt. This was a total invasion of privacy and completely absurd, especially given I was dressed minimally for the early morning flight with just a t-shirt, shorts and none of the usual jewelry or flair. I really don't think all this Big Brother shit is necessary...I mean do you think those evil terrorists are always going to be seeking a plane to do their dirty work? Is that old man in a wheel chair really all that much of a threat? Or that stressed out mom and her toddler? Let's be sensible, now! As, my mother said, they'll probably lay off after the election.
Well, hopefully I won't have to fly to Florida for the holidays this winter! That way I won't have to worry about it until I fly over seas to live for two years...They'll love me then!

Damn those hurricanes!

Headed to Florida at the end of the week....It looks like Ivan is going for the gulf/panhandle area of Florida right now, but whose to say? That could all change quickly! Being a "midwesterner" originally from Florida, I don't think these land-locked folks get it when they joke about all of Florida being wiped out! That's basically my entire family you're talking about! It looks like most of my folks won't be to heavily effected, though some on the gulf side might just miss it. I guess we'll find out when we fly in Thursday for a weekend of baby shower madness!

And I thought I was done with the hard part!

Well, looks like I have a little more work to do on my GSCC before I can actually claim it is done! Three more little essays/personal statements to be exact! But, hopefully, with some guidance, I will have it in the mail to TTM by next Friday. Once it is actually in the mail it will all be downhill from there!

A weekend celebrating the fruits of our labors

Ah, Labor day. All I can say is I'm glad this weekend is just about over! While fun, having my brother, sister-in-law and kids in town for the Labor Day weekend, plus, getting wasted two nights in a row with various work colleagues and good friends....was a little much. I am getting too old to drink cocktail after cocktail and survive the next day happily. But over all, it was a memorable weekend (to say the least).

Lack of detail exacerbates anxiety....

Okay, so I know where I am going and have a general time (between end of November and beginning of January) but I don't know exactly when and exactly how much I will be making. I think the unknown details creates an absurd paranoia; so much so that I had nightmares last night I didn't really get the job and had to jump through all these hoops to get there (not literally, of course). Which actually is somewhat true; I do have to get my GSCC all together and get approved/registered before I can get my work permit and come over... I think I am also a little over anxious because I feel like there is so much to be done but I can plan in out in a timely manner when I don't know exactly when I'll be flying over. When to tell my boss? When to quit? How to make sure I see my family, especially my soon to be born nephew and ensure I get some quality time with them? All of these are little things that will easily be coordinated but I hate not having a plan!! Plus, I am already getting sick of telling everyone, "Yes, I am definitely going but I am not sure exactly when-sometime between November and January....No, I don't know exactly how much I will be making...No, I don't know how many other North Americans will be going over with me or anything about who they are...No, I don't know exactly where I am going to live..." In due time, I suppose, in due time.

It's official!

I got the call around 11:50 today as I walked to my car to deliver some paperwork and get my teeth scraped by the dental hygienist. Richard told me that the team "loved me and my answers" and wanted to offer the position. All I could say was EXCELLENT! I was pretty confident that I would be able to get a position but you never want to be too cocky! So I will be moving to Dudley, England sometime between November and January for TWO years. I have to admit the two years intimidates me a little bit, but I think it will go by fast once I get acclimated. Shit, this time last year I had become a part of a team I thought I would be with for a long time, but we were dissolved three months later and I joined a new team and here I am! It seems like all that was so long ago because of the new friends I've made, things I've learned and just how crazy the situation was. I think this is my new chance to learn a lot and I have this feeling (as silly and cliche as it sounds) that I will find something spectacular for myself in England.

This week will be just enjoying the acknowledgement that I have secured a position...next week I will know a lot more about when I am going and gradually more and more specifics will come. I have to give props to my gal Michelle for forwarding me the interview in the first place...without her I'd still be waiting! What would I do without that woman!? Or perhaps I should say, what would I do without a close friend who is also a graduate of U of C?

Mission completed

Well, it's over with, now I have to wait to hear tomorrow. Mom woke me up to some Starbucks and a little mutual moaning and groaning over the most recent propaganda expelled by the Republican party...then I got ready and headed to meet my recruiter, Richard in the lobby. He was a very nice man, not at all what I expected him to look like from his voice. I finished my written portion of the interview...those written components always make me nervous; I always feel like I am back in college taking an essay exam in those ever so fun little blue books....and headed up to the "tower lounge" for my interview with the team. The three ladies were very organized as to what they would ask and who would ask it. I liked that, the structure for some reason put me at ease (perhaps because I am an obsessive compulsive at heart). The interview I thought went very well. I really liked all three of the women that interviewed me and I felt as comfortable as one (who tends to get nervous easy) probably can feel in the interview. I think I knew it would be fairly comfortable (because,come on, they're English), but you now how your mind creates weird little scenarios....I could have been brought to a small dark room and interrogated with the assumptions I was some Bush supporting, conservative American about why the hell would I want to come to the UK to work. (just kidding....)

Anyway, all in all I think it went fairly well and the one interviewer that walked me out said she looked forward to talking to me again soon...So that's a good sign right? Mom and I checked out straight after and headed down to the nearby tourist site of Navy Pier. We had some surprisingly awesome Mexican food and headed towards home....of course we missed the exit for 65S and ended up taking the "scenic route" through miles of corn fields and a few small country towns. It will be interesting to compare the English countryside to good ol' indianer midwest. Although the ride was a little longer than it needed to be coming home, I tried to appreciate the small little towns, interesting signs, the big Miller High Life emblem on the side of a cylo, and all the other treasures of corn bred folk.

Tomorrow, I will get the yes or no call as to whether they want to offer me the job...so I get to be anxious for just a bit longer.

Headed to Chi-town

Today my mom and I head to Chicago to check into the same hotel where I will be interviewing tomorrow. It's finally here, my chance at England. It feels a bit surreal though that I am actually interviewing tomorrow. Tonight should be a casual evening; my mom and I are having dinner with Chelle and then try to get a good night's sleep for tomorrow. Hopefully all goes well!

4 days, 13 hours, 2 minutes.....5 seconds

Yes, I figured out how long til my interview and I am noting it here on my blog. Yes, I have little else to do with my time...Actually, that's not true. I could be working on my five reports or my progress notes for the last two days while I sit here at my side job. But, given that I drank way to many Newcastles last night-self medicating due to the crappy day I had- I prefer at this point to sit in front of the computer feeling incredibly tired and wishing I was in bed. So, to ignore my hangover and accentuate the positive....I continue to plan for my interview and hopefully upcoming move to good ol' Dudley. I've been googling about the internet trying to find some good insight on what to take with me when I move but there appears to be no definitive checklist for me. So I worked on my wishlist instead...hopefully I can get a camera soon so I can get some pics on here. I feel like I am writing about absolutely nothing so I'm off now. tata

Too tired to be articulate...

I feel the need to write and have a lot of thoughts, but it is 9:30p and I am ready to be done with work for the night! Only one week to go though...I will have an interview and should I get an offer- my fate for the next couple years will be sealed! There is so much waiting! I can't stand it! I'll be able to plan so much more once I know if and when I am actually moving. More thoughtful words to come at a better time....

Dudley...The final frontier?

I spoke with Richard today and I have secured an interview on August 31st in Chicago! If I get the position, which I will know by the end of that week following the interview, I will likely leave for Dudley at the end of November. At this very moment, I am approaching the end of my 13 hour work day so I am feeling too tired to put into words the excitement that I felt this morning. I had so much to do at work but I could barely concentrate on anything but my potential future in England. I've spent the evening at my part-time job (given that there was no kids here tonight)hunting the internet for more info on Dudley and the area....of course I ended up looking at sites about pubs in the area. You know my priorities are straight. Now I need to start preparing for my interview and reading the lovely dry materials regarding social work policy in the UK. woo hoo!

The excitement continues!!

I went to campus today to speak with the professor that assists students with international placements and she was not there!! Of course, I was fifteen minutes late because I blew off a little too much steam last night with a few too many rum and diets, but still! Oh well, I'll just go with what I have and hopefully it will work. Perhaps I'll email her my statement for a critique....I don't think I could handle being on the campus again! It was so strange to be walking around my old school; I feel so removed from those days... On the exciting note, I received a phone call and an email about setting up an interview in Chicago to work in the UK! If I get this job I will be gone in 3 months!!! I am so ready. I do hate to leave before the holidays and with my two new clients here that have so many needs, but as my wise mother and brother say, you gotta do what you gotta do. Bri is a great brother to have on hand because he has done all of this and has a lot of good insight into the logistics and the overall plan.
Hopefully tomorrow I will be writing an entry about my interview!

And, the plans change again!

There seems to be little consistency in this dream/plan of mine to move to the UK, except for the fact that I know it will happen. One of my closest friends (and trusted advisor) continues to send me opportunities to interview for UK jobs in Chicago. There are interviews set for Aug.30 and 31 and I have now sent my application and requested an interview. This means should I actually be offered the position, I would begin working in Dudley, England on November 22! I suppose it is only two months early from my original plan to go in January...but missing the holidays makes me a little nervous! Maybe I'll find some English friends in three days that would want me to cook them an American Thanksgiving feast. I still have not finished my personal statement and I am meeting with a former professor Thursday for her tips so I need to get it done! I have a real deadline now. But, of course, I am also behind in progress notes and other paperwork because I have been so insanely busy with my old kids (clients) getting into new trouble and my new kids with all of their intensive needs. I'll get caught up one of these days! At least I quit working weekends and can have some time to breathe a little once again.
Okay, BACK TO WORK!!!!

A vacation hangover

I just returned this morning from a ten day vacation with my friend Cammie in Florida. I had a great time and now am back in Indiana and already feeling the pressure of all that I need to get done. I began working with a new client right before I left and have another client I am supposed to contact and start working with tommorrow! On top of that I still have not written my personal statement to send with my registration application to practice in the UK, I have a pile of bills to pay and I have to continue to work 60-70 hours a week among my 2-3 jobs. Really, I am just wasting time whining when I should be doing something about all my obligations. ....
But a bit more about my vacation: Cammie and I had a fun time in New Smryna, spending it mostly at the beach and socializing with my aunt and her friends. We then, via other family visits, worked our way to Steinhatchee for scalloping in the gulf. It was great to have Cammie there in Steinhatchee! I had never taken any of my friends to the small little fishing town and she fit in great (like I knew she would). The trip was somewhat stressful due to our tight living quarters which included my brother, his wife and two kids, my aunt and uncle and two friends, Cammie and another family friend, my parents and my aunt, her boyfriend and son. Although most of the family can get a little moody (including myself), especially when our strong personality traits get placed so close together, we survived it and overall had a wonderful time. Coming back this morning, I felt like I had little to look forward too. Aside from all my whining above, I feel like there is little I am coming home to. My parents are still down south and are headed home, Cammie was with me, and aside from that I do not feel a strong connection to this community any more. Yes, I still have Julia, one of my closest friends and many other very good friends here in Indianapolis, but I do not have anything to really look to for myself. It affirms for me that it is time for me to leave Indy and try somewhere new. There is a lot to me that I feel I may begin to lose if I stay in Indiana. My sense of adventure and love of the outdoors for one. ...I've gotten myself into a rut in the last couple years where I do not get outside to hike, kayak, etc. and I have the same routine going to the same bars and talking to the same drunken assholes every week. I'm ready to try other bars and other drunken assholes. :-) But seriously, I feel like the majority of my friends are settling into their future and I still don't know what that is for me yet. I am so ready to come to the UK and see what adventures may be had there! Plus, now all my family knows I am planning on going so I'm commited.
Well, I feel as though I am rambling and I need to get on with my personal statement. I hope to truly have it completed and ready to send by the end of next week! tata for now!

So perhaps London is not the best choice for me....

I am very fortunate to have a good friend who also happens to be from the UK and is always open to chatting about where I should live, what I should expect, and so forth....I talked over London a bit more to him and after he heard about my slight distaste for New York City he said London would likely not be the place for me. It's not that I do not like New York but after a couple days I'm ready to get out! So after discussing some pros and cons on places to live, accommodation costs, and doing some internet searches...I am now looking toward the Midlands. My friend specifically recommended Derby for a few reasons....After looking at numerous websites and comparing it to other areas, I think it may be a great fit for me. The county also partially represents the first National Park in England and appears to be filled with beautiful natural escapes....
Meanwhile, I have emailed my recruiter twice in the last week and have not heard back yet. I should assume that he is swamped but I am too excited by now to be patient! I mean really, I started this blog a whole six months before I even leave! I've been collecting documents and am now preparing to write my personal statement for my qualification (among the 73 hours that I am working this week in order to save money for this move!).
So, no more procrastination, it's time to get busy!

Advice

I spoke with a former acquaintance today who I was reminded studied in England for her final MSW practicum...I called her hoping to get some insight on completing the GSCC application; instead she left me with some more questions. Do I want to live in London or is there another location in England that is better suited to my tastes?...that is the question of the hour! I attempted to find something on the internet that may guide me on the best town/city to live. But, although the internet may have everything, it is not always easy to find. I've resolved at this moment that an outer borough will suit just fine.

The oh-so-extensive GSCC application

Finally! Eureka!!! I received the General Social Care Council Application when I returned home from my second job last night at 8:30pm. I suppose I should have expected detail, but I did not expect to have to write a personal statement! The way the guide is written compared to the example is pretty confusing! Now I have to find the time between job 1 and job 2 to get it completed and sent out. Man, am I tired!

Freedoms

My mother and I saw Fahrenheit 9/11 last night. It left me feeling angry, sad and very drained. I try to keep in mind, although Michael Moore criticizes the media for their hesitancy to portray the truth, he too is another form of media portraying his truth and ideas through the film medium. However, I agree with his viewpoints and some of the footage in his film just increases my animosity toward George Bush. I suppose in some ways I am not moving toward much better in that I am moving to a country with a prime minister that many parallel to George Bush. But I will be moving to a country in which the media appears to some extent to be more aware of the truth....there is at least a greater world view. One part of the film that really got my blood boiling was when a woman who had lost her son in Iraq was disrespected by what appeared to me an upper-class white woman who probably has had little to do with anyone with significant differences from herself. For this woman to make statements that disregard the extreme significance of this young man's death, is what I view as the over all ignorance of America. She told this mother to blame it on AL-Qaida, expanding upon her ignorance regarding what the war in Iraq is really about. I understand that 9/11 was a horrible tragedy and it often brings tears to my eyes when it was discussed. But, do Americans realize this has been happening to countries and cultures for years? Do you realize that entire cities have been destroyed in Iraq to meet the government's financial gain, at the cost of young men and women's lives lost for no good purpose....I could rant forever so I'll stop there for now. I think I am going to like this blog. It's a great opportunity to vent! :-) Tata for now! Lis

Getting started

I have probably gotten ahead of myself (as I tend to do)...But I figure I will start this blog now in hopes by the time I start using it more actively and people actually look at the darn thing I'll know a little more about what the hell I'm doing. Plus, All my talk seems to be coming to true fruition and I am just too excited about it! I still have no clue what exactly I am going to be doing or where exactly I will be living in London come January 2005, but I am doing it! Hopefully, with the guidance of my recruiter, English friends and new friends I meet along the way I will have a successful adventure......

I hope to get this all set up in the next couple weeks with pics and a little more flair!
Tata for now!
lis