Tuesday, March 14, 2006

off the road

When I was 8 years old, I rode my first ATV( Back then, they didn't have four wheels, but three). I have wanted one ever since. Then a couple of years ago, we went to Omaha to visit Wah-Wah's uncle and he had a ATV and a lot of land to ride it on. I had the time of my life. I remember it felt like such freedom, to be able to go over any terrain. The truth is, I always love going off roding. Even now I spent my weekends mountain biking for the adventure of it.
Lately I've been strongly considering buying my own ATV. This has to do with the fact that I finally own a car that is strong enough to tow one. Wah- Wah knows that I have always wanted one, so she is being understanding. I've also justified buying one to Wah-Wah because I told her that someday Woogy may want to go with me on one (which kid wouldn't love to go off roding with their dad?). It's pretty "Wild At Heart" (John Eldridge would approve)
Anyway, last Saturday I went shopping for one and found one at a store in Bonner Springs that was exactly the price I was looking for (used, in good shape). The only problem with it was that I didn't know how to ride it since it was a manual. Up till now, I've always rode a automatic. I didn't even know they made manuel's. Once I got on the ATV, it was pretty clear to the salesman that I didn't know what I was doing. He was nice enough to invite me back this weekend to show me how to ride it.
I haven't made a final decision yet if I'm going to actually buy one. I still got to price trailers and gear (helmet). My brother in law has plenty of land and if I had an ATV I would actually look forward to visiting them

Friday, March 03, 2006

Tired all the time

Since I've been working at Comprehensive, I've noticed that I am suffering from ADHD. Lately, when I try sitting down and talking with my client's and their parents, my mind is wondering all over the place. This isn't a good habit for someone who is trying to counsel someone.
I think this is because I am tired all the time. My job is a hourly rate which pays top dollar for my education level in the mental health field. Basically, I get paid for the hours I work. In order to keep my job, I need to bill 60% (26 hrs) of my time. However, I'm welcomed to bill as much as 40 hrs per week (no more since they would have to pay overtime). Since I get no paid vacations, I figure that I need to bill as much as I can. This is pushing me to keep working and is tiring me out. Plus there is so much driving that I do on top of all that.
So far, my supervisor has told me that I'm doing well, but is concerned that I might burn out too. She really doesn't want me doing any work at home (which I do so I can have more billable hours during the day). Even my client's are noticing that I'm tired all the time. One of them is offering me "energy" drinks every time I come over. I even started taking vitamin B pills (which is helping)
Getting up in the mornings is always a struggle. Even after a shower and several cups of coffee, I'm still tired. Back when I supervised CM's I told them that you can't take care of others unless you take care of yourself. Some how I need to find a way to do that