Survived the first day...barely...

So I made it through my first day back and while it sucked, I'm so glad that I DON'T EVER have to do the first day again. I was so lucky to have some wonderful people around me that were supportive. Missy made me cupcakes (Katie helped, of course!), I had a girl offer her desk to me in my old office (which is a much coveted spot) and I had many shoulders to cry on....literally!

I had my first home visit and it all came rushing back to me. Some of the noticeable differences in doing home studies and CHBS home visits: 1) home studies, you don't have to sit on the very edge of the couch due to fear of what is on/in the couch. 2) home studies, they are EXCITED to see you and want you to be there. 3) home study families don't usually curse at their children in your presence. 4) I've never seen a roach during a home study visit. 5) I feel uplifted after leaving a home study. 6) I'm not worried that a home study person is going to call me at midnight just because they can. 7) home study families don't typically have random men coming in and out of the home. I could list about 100 more but I think you get the idea. I think the main difference for me is doing a home study I don't have to worry that I'm not picking up on child abuse signals and always worrying about the children in the home. As much as I always say "I'm not going to worry"...I always worry.

Some of the good things: flexible hours (but I'm also on call 24-7 and am expected to work evenings), I know the job, you have the opportunity to help people (them accepting the help is a WHOLE other thing).

Okay, I think I've had my pity party long enough. It was so nice to come home to Addie playing with Grandma E and as happy as she could be. And I'm pretty sure that my house looks better when I got home then when I left it!

On to day two.....