Work – Alayon Inspiration

Charge it to the Game

Do you theme your years? I know. What do I mean?

Well, I like to have song of the year or a theme that I can use during the year. So, with the help of a friend, we came up with two songs for me to use and a theme.

Songs: Let it Go from Frozen

Shake it Off from Taylor Swift

Theme: Charge it to the Game

One would think after two years of Covid that people would be able to return to some type of normal. I want to tell you now that there is no normal anymore. I don’t care what the politicians say. Covid, inflation, the Great Resignation or whatever, things have not and will not ever return to where they were before Covid. Too much has happened.

So, why the theme and songs. The Great Resignation has cause a severe employment deficit where I work in addition to those that are of retirement age. Now, this was warned several years ago because baby boomers are now of retiring age. They held the majority of the jobs. Because of this deficit, all the non-instructional staff are being asked to assist with duties that they normally would not be involved with.

I was at first hesitant. But, then you think about the person you are refusing to assist. Is it really about the job? or helping them? I decided it was about helping that other co-worker than standing my ground. Does that mean I am whimp? Maybe I am in some people’s eyes.

It has been amazing at just how mean other people can be. I have never been yelled at so much in my life as this last year. The worst part, is that I am unable to provide answers to these people’s issues. Here comes the theme part:

So, I “Charge it to the Game”. Meaning that life is game and I have to learn to deal with it. At some point, there has to be a swing to the other way with regards to people being mean and the employment situation.

When I am feeling agitated, I try to remind myself to Let it Go or Shake it Off. It depends on the musical mood I am in. This is the only way I (and others) are going to be able to get through this year.

May the New Year coming up bring New Joys to all of us who are struggling.

COVID Update

It has been a while since I have updated you. My last set of labs went very well. Actually, they were the best I have had in 5 years. So, there is a good point to staying at home more often.

I will be honest, I hit a really low point about 3 weeks ago. I felt like my heart was on the ground. I just couldn’t seem to shake it. I realized that I might be suffering from depression. It is understood that my many conditions can cause this, the medication can cause this and also the current economic and virus related scare can cause this reaction. What did I do? Well..

I acknowledged that I was not feeling right.
I reached out to my closest friends and family for assistance.
I reached out for prayer.

It took about three days of sincere praying and coming up with a plan of action to help me out of this well of pity that I had ended in. Three weeks later, I am functioning fine.

Even though staying at home because of the Virus has been good for me health wise, it has not been for me mentally. It is recognized now. I have to remember to keep one hand on the Bible and one hand on staying busy.

In the mean time, knitting a very large project has become my busy work. I have also stepped up to help a charity refit their business for Covid issues. It has helped me keep my secretarial skills honed.

I am scared about returning to work in August. Honestly, I don’t even know how to express myself completely. As a medically fragile employee, I need to make sure that precautions are in place. I was informed that my desk has been measured for a plexi-glass shield which is good news. Then comes the what about the gloves, sanitation wipes, masks, office flow, office capacity, working from home questions, how many days in office, who will supervise parent contact, nursing orders for students when they are in the building for hybrid models, busing for students, etc. It gets really complicated and quite the rabbit hole fast.

Before this current school year ended, I did come up with a guidelines for the office I work in. I tried to use common sense and various guidelines from the CDC and other office related articles. I am sure that the school district will have their own guidelines for office procedure. It will be interesting to see how mine compare to theirs.

I will still continue to wipe down everything each morning. I am hoping that the school system will now provide the supplies for that instead of my wallet. I will wear the masks my sister and I have been making, unless the school provides disposable ones.

I might have to reconsider how my desk is laid out functionality wise. That might mean becoming more organized somehow to get the paperwork off my desk. Maybe a rolling system that I can move around easily for the paperwork I am always needing to have at hand. Something like the below organizer. Since less people will be allowed in my office, I will have room to move it around to have access without cluttering up the desk where the shield will be.

I feel like I am grasping at air for something substantial when there really isn’t anything. What I have decided that would be the most important thing to do is to pray daily to God about my health, work situation, virus protection and safety. When scared, up the communication with God. He has it all under control even when we don’t see anything.

Articles that may be of interest:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/07/us/florida-schools-reopen-august-trnd/index.html

M-DCPS Reopening Plan – Special Board Meeting of July 1, 2020 – SP-1 Presentation

The What If Blues

It has been almost 4 weeks with the Stay at Home shutdown of our country. Returning to work seems like a century away. I wanted to take the time to share with you that if you are feeling down, you are not alone.

Unfortunately, Sunday I started down the depression aisle of What If. It took me a few days to get out of that funk. There is just so much uncertainty about work, health, medications and cabin fever.

As a person with immunity issues, going out to the store is whole endeavor now. Now, understand that when I was diagnosed over 3 years ago with my health issues, I had already adjusted my social distancing. I had stopped going to the stores when they were crowded. I stayed away from concerts and any other large gatherings. Now, because I cough uncontrollably and without any warning, I am sure I will be wearing a mask everywhere for the next year.

Back to the What Ifs…

What if…

I have to get tested to return to work?

I test negative for the antigens?

How will I control the social distancing in my small office?

Will they let me return to work with my problems even though I had been wiping down my office every morning previously and will continue?

Will this virus prevent me from getting timely refills of my immunity medications?

Will my spouse drive me crazy?

Will I have to wear a mask in my office all of next year?

Should I wear a mask all of next year even if it isn’t required?

Will I even get to finish the work I left undone? Or will it be back logged to next year?

No one really has answers for all of this. Everyone is winging it.

I got on my knees Sunday and Monday night and prayed for all my acquaintances, friends and family. I didn’t ask God any of the above questions. I know He has an answer. He will reveal each truth in turn and help me do what I need to survive. Each morning He has allowed me to live another day. He has allowed me to help a charity I hadn’t been able to commit more time to in the past.

The biggest part is that I recognized that I was not feeling totally emotionally stable. I admitted it to those around me and continued to push through. I have stayed busy cooking, cutting mask patterns and working for the charity. I am still not to where I like to be cheery and upbeat. But, I am in a better place than Monday.

God has me in his hands. He has all of us in his hands.

A friend sent me the below picture of flowers that were picked at a local farm.

How could you not look at that and smile.

I am grateful to all of you. It is okay to feel blue. Just don’t stay in that color for too long.

Back to school Blues

It has been a month since school resumed where I work. I do not remember a more abusive start of school. I have never seen an extremely sad incident used to intimidate other people so much. I have spoken to other personnel across my school and school district. All have experienced the same thing. I have only the following to say…

A school shooting in another school district does not give you the right to be verbally abusive to school personnel.
This shooting does not give you the authority to ask personnel to override procedures to get your child extra services that you have made up.
Due to this sad incident, more procedures and regulations have to be followed. Stop trying to go around them when they are in place for your child and your protection.
Stop using this incident to intimidate me. The following may be how I take your conversation. So ask yourself the following…
1. Am I using this incident to imply that I have a gun?
2. My child has a gun?
3. My child or I am seriously mentally ill?

Please understand that this is just my view on the opening of the school year. I am hoping that next 9 months go smoother. I am still there to help the students and parents I serve the best I can.

Just understand that I am unable to help you if you are loudly verbalizing your displeasure at regulations that I have no control over.

Verbalizing your requests loudly will just get you a meeting with the security guard outside my office.

I have spent a lot of time with God in the last four weeks asking for Him to paste my tongue to the roof of my mouth. Blessings for those parents who have verbally attacked me. Requested for inner peace for myself and those supervisors who are also under attack. May He keep us all safe.

Parents – Get your meeting times right

Dear Parents:

When you agree to go to a meeting at a school, please put it in your calendar on your phone, your post its and on your refrigerator.

Don’t show up two hours late and then get mad because the person who showed up on time for their appointment is taken before you. If you are running late, pick up the phone you paid an outrageous amount for and call!!!!!! It takes two minutes.

Most of all, don’t sit there and tell me and the teachers how bright your child is when a team (as in more than 3) of teachers explain to you 5 or more times that your child is operating on a kindergarten level for writing, reading and math in high school. Face reality. Your child has some problems and allow us to help the child.

Also, do not expect gratitude that you showed up late or really early. Your appointment was scheduled so that the teacher could work with you during their non-instructional time. When you arrive late/early without notice, special arrangements have to be made to accommodate you. If your meeting has to be rescheduled because those accommodation can not be made, either give consent to proceed without or live with it. This is your child we are trying to help.

Most of all, let your child grow up and face reality. It is an ugly world full of ugly people. Learning to deal with that is necessary. In the process of dealing with the ugly, the child will also discover the beauty that is also there. You will not always be there to help your child.

Sincerely,

A public servant of the education system

Where do I go from here

As I was working on my homework tonight, it saddened me. One part of the assignment was to discuss any axieties and fears that we may have about the virtual internship and the final project. I have to admit that it was very hard not to cry.

My anxiety is that I have gotten this degree for nothing. That in the end, when it is all said and done, it was just a bucket list check mark. I orginally wanted it to be a springboard for a nice raise or even to be promoted to work downtown. Then I became ill. I talked to God about continuing. I continued on just to keep myself distracted from my husband and my health issues. Yet right now, I am wondering just what have I done? Have I pursued this just as an escape from my husband? My fear is that my health will continue to decline at a faster rate and it will prevent me from using what I have learned.

Now, please understand, I have had some great intriguing conversations due to my additional education. I really understand economics now (ugh) and the impact our elections in two weeks will have on the global economy. Either way, we are doomed. I have enjoyed learning about strategies, visions, missions and goals. I have had a great time understanding ISO certifications and Sigma Six and don’t forget Kaizan.

The real bottom line is that I have to give it to God again and let Him decide what is to be done with this degree.

So, please pray with me now….

Dear God,

I am coughing hard again. I just want to crawl into a hole. But, You, oh Lord, have a greater plan. I believe that You are going to be able to use me to the very end, including this degree. If there is a special place you would like me to work after December, please let that door be open, obvious and close to home with accommodations for my condition.

I know I prayed earlier this month for a job within 5 miles of home and still in the school system. I just want health insurance to cover my bills and some extra to pay the bills.

I know this is nothing for You. So, I ask believing you will answer me before New Year’s eve.

Should your answer be NO, please give me peace in my heart to accept it.

Amen.

Don’t Grumble over fetching the coffee

One of the things I have learned over the years is the value of a cup of coffee.

My first job in Miami was time and billing for a CPA firm. Due to public transportation scheduling, I either got to work early or late. I opted for early. The head CPA would usually come in early also. He asked if I would be willing to make the first pot of coffee and have his cup ready for him when he came in the morning. I said yes and he taught me how to make an incredible pot of American coffee.

Little did I know what a valuable lesson that was.

As my academics part of my internship stated to use coffee as a networking tool (Chegg Inc., 2016). As an experience, use it as a customer service tool. Nothing diffuses an upset client as a kind gesture of offering a fresh cup of coffee. It does not matter if they accept it or even if they drink it. It matters that you offered it.

In serving coffee to superiors, you are allowing them to stay focused on a task. Also, it puts you in their path (Chegg Inc., 2016). Conversations will start, opinions may be garnered and assignments will eventually be shared.

Become the best at this and other tasks and assignments will follow.

Reference:

Chegg Inc. (2016). Common situations and questions. Retrieved from http://www.internships.com/student/resources/workplace/common-situations-and-questions

Let’s Talk About Accommodations for School

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please excuse me…I have to get this off my chest. It is eating me up inside. So, if it sounds like I am yelling, I am on the inside, I probably should be on the outside.

I got a call today from a counselor. Lovely lady whom I have had the pleasure to work with at another school. She called to tell me (a day after open house) that the parent of soandso was in her office and that the teachers are not giving her daughter the 504 accommodations from the memo I sent out two weeks ago. I asked the counselor to please ask the parent if the student has spoken to the teacher (this is self advocacy) about the issue? Has mom spoken or emailed the teacher? The answer was no.

Now the next part I am going to type is what when through my mind in a flash. This child is not diabetic, nor does she suffer from seizures. She has ADD or some form of it. She is to get extended time on assignments, frequent breaks and extended time on tests. I did the memo, I made sure each teacher, testing chair, counselor and administrators got a copy. I deal with students who can’t even say their name or feed themselves and this child is whining about a break? I have a break for her. Additionally, in the real world, no one cares!!! It is not my job to make the teacher read the memo, nor to check the classroom to see if the teacher is following the suggested accommodations. A 504 case is not worth my effort. I just spent 6 years getting disability on my husband and in the process working so hard that I am now so ill I will probably die before I can enjoy any of his money. And this girl who can walk, talk, eat, drink and go to the bathroom with a normal IQ is worried about her accommodations!! Give me a break. I am not paid enough for that.

I calmly told the counselor that there was a hierarchy of contact that needed to be made. The child must first advocate for herself. Then, when that fails, mom needs to speak to the teacher. When that fails, mom can speak to the counselor or get an administrator involved. This office only provides the 504 and memos.

The counselor said thank you.

I just put my head in my hands and thought, are we raising a bunch of victims? Has the food become so poisoned that everyone is handicapped in some way?

I just spent a year going through the process of trying to find out what is wrong with me(still don’t know completely). I had to apply for a disabled parking pass, buss pass and working accommodations. I had to jump through hoops to get those. Then there are the loops and hoops and red tape I jumped through to help my husband and daughter and still jumping.

I so wanted to stomp over to the office and tell the girl to put her big panties on and stop whining, and give her a tour of my most special students who REALLY NEED ACCOMMODATIONS. I restrained myself. Also, if the parent was so concerned, why didn’t she ask to speak to the teacher last night at open house.

Parents – teach your children how to talk to teachers nicely. Teach them that the real world is mean and most people don’t care you have a problem. They look on the outside and see a perfectly healthy person. You either accept that or not.

Going SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)

I am feeling a little depressed tonight. I just finished a personal SWOT analysis for one of my management classes to finish my degree. This is a higher level class and part of it will be doing an objective/goal resume that is only one page. Part of this process includes doing this analysis.

I find that through the last several months, as I have done this process several times, is the uncertainty of my health. My health progression has slowed down, but not stopped. So, why bother doing this analysis if I may be on disability in the next year? I keep asking myself that. I guess I am an extreme optimist or self punisher. Mostly, I think it is hope. I don’t want to get my bachelor’s that I have worked my ass off for to have it just sit on the wall and not get used.

Another problem is my lack of spanish. I don’t know about you. Last time I looked, Florida was part of the US and English is the primary language. Who do these immigrants think they are fooling by not learning English? Don’t they realize that they can’t really go anywhere outside of Dade and Broward county if they don’t learn English. Even in Texas and Southern California where more Mexican style of spanish is spoken, the majority of the immigrants speak enough English to communicate their needs. Not here….Most of them assume I speak spanish and that I am from Cuba. I am so Rocky Mountain, you can’t get much more Heinze 57 mix American than me. I don’t even look hispanic. Yet, everyone wonders if I came from Venezuela. Really? Just how much lead did you get as a child? I have learned some key phrases and numbers as needed for my job. But, you came here to have a better life. Learning a new language is part of that change. My phone message isn’t even in spanish.

I personally think that the main office loves it when I cover for the receptionist just so they can hear me tell almost 90% of the phone callers I don’t speak spanish.

Getting back to the point of this post, I find a lot of my goals and objectives revolving around me finishing school. It is done in December. But, some days it seems like an eternity when looking for prospective jobs. Other days, it seems just around the corner and I am excited.

My health is holding me back this very week from applying for a couple of jobs. I don’t know if a new employer would be willing to put up with all my doctor appointments. I know that they have to put up with my disability accommodations, they aren’t extravagant. I can still sit at a desk, type my heart out, organize meetings, arrange calendars and answer the phones while pouring coffee and assisting a customer.

Then there is Daisy. My munchkin. Would a new employer be willling to allow me to bring her to work as an ESA? I know I would just have to ask. But, I get to do that now.

What about the money? I really could use the money. But, would making more really make me happier? Will my husband’s disabilty check make it feasable for me to stay at my current position?

These are all things God and I are going to have work out. Actually, that I am going to have to take His guidance on. May my ears and mind be open to His shepherding.

How Do You Explain your condition without sounding Self-Important

I had a wonderful time today spending time with a colleague at work during our annual African American Luncheon. As usual it was good food with good friends. My usual group of friends wanted me to sit with them. I decided to go out of my box and sit with a different group of people. I ended up at a mixed table of history, science and math teachers. It was wonderful.

While waiting for the function to start, I was discussing with my son’s prior history teacher about how he was doing with cancer. Somehow we ended up talking about me. Conversations take on a life of their own. He asked how I was doing and what was my prognosis. Since I don’t really have anything concrete yet, I explained that it looks like I have Lupus that is attacking my lungs and my heart. He just looked at me. I was trying not to be explicit or get into the details. I was talking to a man who had intestinal cancer 5 years ago and has had 5 back surgeries.

He asked about treatment. I told him I have not started one. I still have two more visits before being allowed to start treatment. He admitted he knew nothing of Lupus. He asked what were the medications usually given. I told him that it is usually steroids or a type of chemo therapy to get the condition stable. He didn’t have a comment.

Because I didn’t want to compare myself to him, I told him that I was continuing to work until I am told I am not to. In the mean time, life goes forward. He wished me luck. I thanked him and stole away as soon as the next part of the function started for professional development.

I mean, how does one explain that you have been afflicted with a condition (can’t really call it a disease because no one is quite sure what causes it) that can kill and may have already put one of my feet in the grave.

Honestly, the last two weeks have been hard. My breathing has been harder to do and coughing fits twice a day no matter what asthma meds I take is really taking a toll on me. I try to be strong. But the tears still come and I worry that my lung function is getting worse.

Some days the next two doctor appointments seem like years away even though it is only a week.