Hi... Bye!

Hi Bye.

Well... sorta. I've got to keep this post short because I'm packing up my computer tonight so that I can move it out to my new apartment tomorrow. The Internet/cable folks are supposed to be out tomorrow morning to hook up my service at my new apartment. Hopefully everything will go okay and I can possibly blog tomorrow night... but if I don't... please don't worry about me... it's just because I don't have computer access. I will post as soon as I am able. (I may also be just working hard on my new apartment, because I plan to spend the night there tomorrow). I have a couple guys coming over tomorrow afternoon to pick up the Big/Heavy stuff to deliver to my apartment. That'll probably take a couple hours... they're coming over at 4.

Other than that... it was a relatively easy day at work today, although I was a little nervous about my first appointment this morning... they have to do an online assessment before we see them (that's REALLY nice... because then we have a good idea what we are dealing with before they even come into the office). Anyway... my first appointment today answered the question "On a scale of 1-10, how much risk of harm are you to yourself or others?" He answered a "10" and said that he wants to kill somebody. YIKES! SO... I got input from one of the Psychiatrist and let her know that I may need her for Medication management. I went out to meet him... didn't feel threatened (thankfully) and later in the session I asked him if I needed to be scared that he would hurt me, and he assured me he would never hurt a woman. (And he wasn't acting intimidating towards me). The session went okay... and hopefully with some medication, he will be okay.

Okay... gotta scoot... I need to go down and pack up my storage locker in addition to packing up my computer stuff.

Aloha until I can get on again!

- Kris

Reason #1 I live in Hawaii

So... one of the things I do almost every morning when I get up, is I go read the Fairbanks Daily Newsminer paper (http://www.newsminer.com/) and I look at the Arctic Cam. The above picture was on the Arctic Cam this morning... BRRRRR! (http://newsminer.com/arcticcam/). And they said the temperature this morning was 31 degrees. Ugh! What's that song... When it's Springtime in Alaska, It's 40 below...

Aloha!

- Kris

Busy, busy day...

Isn't this the life... hanging out... floating in some clear, cool, blue water in the middle of a huge bay? (This was taken Saturday out at Kaneohe Sandbar).

It *was* a busy day... I had six clients, with three of those being "intakes." The Intakes take a LOT longer for paperwork (at least for me). In fact, I got one of my client's paperwork done (an "established" client that I hadn't seen before) during the day... then had 5 to do after work. I had a late appointment at 4 (normally 3 is our latest, but this was an exception), I didn't get done with that until almost 5... and then got to my paperwork. I finished about 7pm. I could have left some of my paperwork for tomorrow morning... but then with my luck, I would have a walk-in to deal with. It's also easier to do the paperwork while the situation/case is fresh in my mind. And then... one of my former clients stopped by today in a crisis situation (I was with a client), so I called her and agreed to meet her for a few minutes over my lunch hour (is that going over & above the call of duty, or what?). She was robbed last night. So... a lot of issues of being violated... of losing things that were VERY sentimental to her... etc have brought up a lot of hopelessness and helplessness. I *did* get permission to see her tomorrow during one of my open slots (so... another busier day).

I asked my head boss if I could take off on Thursday, he said okay as long as my two appts that were scheduled for that day are covered, either by someone else, or rescheduled for me, for another day within the next week. SO... I tried to call one, the number was disconected and with the other one I left a message. I explained to my boss that I didn't feel comfortable just calling in sick (which I could have done), but that I'd rather be proactive. He appreciated that fact about me. (And, yes, that's the way I am. I *very* rarely call IN sick... most of the time I am off, it's scheduled).

Okay... it's already after 8, just got home a little bit ago... I need to start doing at least a LITTLE packing tonight (a little more). I feel like I made good progress last night, I cleaned off the shelving unit in my bedroom, which is something I've had on my "to-do" list for a couple years! [gulp].

Aloha!

- Kris

Lunch anyone???

So...

I had to go into Wahiawa, the town closest to where I work. I pulled up to a corner where some guys were going into the restaurant and I was curious what kind of food they served. OMG! I saw some of the menu items posted in the window... "Pig Stomach" anyone? It's only $5.50...how about "Pig's Feet" that's only $6.50! YIKES! You can click on the picture to see a larger image. I was trying to be as unobtrusive as possible when I took the picture.

Work went okay today... slow day, probably the only one this week (although I do have one other day... the 1st, but I may take it off so I can take a full day to get most of the rest of the stuff moved). After work I dropped off a bunch of stuff to the apartment on my way home. Since getting home, I've been packing and packing and packing.

SO... since it's 9:30 and I'm just now blogging... I'm going to sign off so I can get ready for bed (and figure out what I'm wearing to work tomorrow... figure out what I still HAVE here to wear!).

Aloha!

- Kris

No pics...

Hey...
hello... forgive me for not posting any more pics (I actually have posted quite a few the last couple days... but it's almost 9pm and I'd like to be in bed within 5 mins at least to watch the news... I have a fairly good idea what I'm wearing to work tomorrow, so don't really need to worry about that... but I *do* need a good shower before I go to bed!

I've been packing and moving ALL day. All of my bookcases are packed up, dropped off and re-shelved. I have EVERYTHING out of my kitchen area (except for the food in the fridge) and a couple little things... but all my cupboards are bare (even my food pantry!). I've loaded up a lot of my clothes (those are in my car to take tomorrow)... I dunno... just seems like I've taken a LOT of stuff up to the new apartment... I know I still have a LOT to go. Thankfully I had help today from Michelle & her hubby. I've had to empty the boxes over there at the new apartment so I have them to re-use at my old apt.

Okay... time to sign off...

Aloha!
- Kris

CHICAGO - the band!

So... obviously the above pictures are from tonight's concert. I had a GREAT seat, right on the aisle, on the floor 15 rows back. Towards the end of the concert people started going up to the front of the stage, so I headed up there too... and as you can tell from the pictures, I was up close and personal. It was fantastic!

Anyway... just thought I'd share the pics!

Aloha!

- Kris

Vog & Kaneohe Sandbar

Some of the gang on the way out...

I don't know who these people were with the umbrella, but they had the right idea *smiles*

I took this as I was laying on a "floaty." The sand bar was VERY busy today... look at those hills in the background, you can barely see them!

Hanging out on the boat and around the boat (pontoon boat). (I think it was lunch time).

We headed over to the end with the reef... so I got to try my new camera with some underwater pictures... here's a little puffer fish hidng out! *smiles*

Close-up shot of this eel (taken with the zoom lense)... HE sure didn't like my being there and hanging out... a couple times I thought he might come try to bite me!

Another picture of the eel going from one hiding spot to another, I would guess that he was about 30 inches long.

The ride back... by this time there was some cloud cover (or the VOG just got so bad that it was hiding the sun... a good possibility)... so I was chilly & decided to wrap my towel around me for the ride back.

SO... there's some pictures from today. Time for me to sign off and go get a shower so I can get ready for the "Chicago" concert.

Aloha!

- Kris

Poor view...

So... here are a couple pictures I took from my new apartment this afternoon (after work). I stopped by to drop off a few boxes on my way home. Unfortunately, these pictures don't do the view justice, because it is SO *voggy* out. People say that this is the worst they have ever seen the Vog (kind of like smog, but it comes from the Volcanic ash being released on the Big Island). I noticed that there were black specks on the cover over my motorcycle. By the way, if you click on the picture, it should open up full screen. At least you can see the water in the picture... (barely) but you sure can't see Diamond Head. I'll post another picture (or pictures) on a day when it's clear outside.

Other than that... work went okay, it was an amazingly quiet day (only 2 clients... I had two no-shows). I got home and had problems with my sink, the main line was plugged up or something, causing the water to back up into my sink (because I'm on the bottom floor). Fortunately the property managment was able to contact a plumber to come out. He had to use a snake and go down through my sink to clear it (after looking outside for a line). The Property Management folks are going to pay for it (it wasn't MY sink that was clogged), so fortunately my landlady won't have to deal with the bill.

I've been going through more paperwork, shredding stuff so hopefully I don't have to deal with identity theft. I didn't get as much done as I had hoped though. The process is going kind of slow.

Oh yea... I bought a curio cabinet today. I got it at the furniture store, it had been marked down from $199 to $23. It's about 60" high, about 20" across. It has a mirror back and has a three sided front (like part of a stop sign... those kind of angles?). The reason I got it so cheap though, was because one of the glass panels on top is missing (I assume it broke) and the mirror is also broken on top. While I was at the furniture store, I called a local glass shop and it sounds like I can get replacement mirror & glass for about $70. SO... it seemed like a good deal. I have to go pick it up tomorow morning.

At 11 I have to be over in Kaneohe, I'm going out with the "Meet In" bunch out on the Pontoon boat (12-4) and then tomorrow night I'm going to the "Chicago" concert. SO... busy day... then it will be back to work packing!

Time to head to bed... I'll take some pictures out at the sandbar tomorrow with my new camera (the one that I can take in the water...).

Aloha!

- Kris

My semi-empty apartment

Looking from the livingroom towards the kitchen (the closet on the right is below).

This is a small storage closet where my washer & dryer are located.

Looking from the storage closet into the kitchen

Master bedroom? Or at least what I'm going to consider the master bedroom.

La Bathroom... with my turtle rug in there temporarily.

The spare bedroom, the guest room... my computer room... etc.

There... I posted some pictures of my new apartment, but they were taken at night without a flash, using existing light, so the quality isn't too good.

Work today was busy! From the moment I got there until about the time I left. I did have 2 hours when I wasn't seeing clients, and used that time to do all the documentation. A couple of the people I saw I had to do some paperwork for that I haven't done before... so it's a continuous learning process.

After work I just came straight home and I've spent several hours cleaning out my desk drawers (did I mention that I am a packrat???). I've had "clean desk drawers" on my to-do list for a couple years... guess it takes a move to make me quit procrastinating.

Okay... now it's 10:30pm... WAY too late... I should have been in bed an hour ago. Oh well... I did get some boxes packed and put in my car to drop off on the way home tomorrow (I got my hummels and some of my glasswear packed).

Aloha!

- Kris

Another office post

So... what do you think????

I thought I would post some more pictures of my office... now that it's pretty much set up with the pictures. I'm still not 100% sure that I want to keep the couch where it is, I may move it back over by the door, where the two chairs are. I find that I have people sit on the couch and then I sit in the chair closest to my door (rather than the chair at my desk).

Today was a busy day... an interesting day. I saw five clients today (they wanted me to see one more, but didn't tell me until about 15 minutes before my next appointment. We had three people in the office out sick today, one of the counselors, the nurse and one of the front office staff. I think I did intakes on every client (which means twice as much paperwork). I ended up working until 5:30pm (an extra hour... which I don't get paid for... so I've got to watch doing THAT too often!). Then I came home and packed up some boxes and ran them up to my new apartment. Michelle & Kaleo followed me so they got to see my new apartment and Michelle helped me take boxes up. Kaleo indoctrinated my bathroom (first to use it! LOL!). Needless to say... I'm tired now. So... will keep this post short.

Aloha!

- Kris

P.S. will post pictures of my apartment tomorrow night possibly (I took some today, but it's of a mostly empty apartment).

I'm moving...

Yep,

I'm moving. I've signed a 1-year lease tonight. (YIKES!). Although... most likely unless something drastic happens, I will probably be there the next couple years. I really like my new landlady & her husband (he owns a small restaurant not too far from the Pearl Harbor area (or stadium area)). They also gave me one of the keys... so I can start moving stuff. The only problem is... I haven't even gotten any boxes yet. My guess is that I won't even try to go up there until Sunday (because Saturday is so full already). But, it also means that I can start taking stuff over there (like drop it off after I get off work... I'll just be making a big circular route to get back to my current apartment).

Work went okay today. I finally got to talk to my supervisor for a little bit. As we talked, I think he was even more grateful that I'm over there (not sure what I said... but *something* that impressed him). I actually went in to talk to him about my first two clients yesterday. The first one went to the hospital... and I guess I kind of skirted the routine (but hey... you put me in the position without the training on the proper way... I'm going to do what I got to do... and it worked out, thankfully).

I *did* make it to the gym tonight, I only did a half hour on the recumbant bike, but at least I still got some exercise in.

Okay... it's after 9, I'm going to sign off and go figure out what I'm going to wear to work tomorrow and then head to bed soon. I think I'm feeling tired just thinking of what is ahead of me over the next couple weeks. And tomorrow I need to notify my landlady that I will be moving and will be completely out of here by the 15th (at the latest).

Ta-ta...

- Kris

I might be moving!

"What... you looking at me????" *smiles*

Well... I talked to the prospective landlady today. I had sent her a bunch of information with my application (which I emailed), and some phone numbers for former supervisors, friends, my current contract contact (read that right!) person, etc. I had emailed most of them and let them know that the prospective landlady might contact them and three responded via email to me (sure! Give her my name and number, I'll tell her what a wonderful person you are... that kind of thing). So... I forwarded the emails to her (might as well forward good comments/references to her, right? *smiles*). This aftenoon I finally got in touch with my current landlady and let her know that she might be getting a call for a reference, that I had looked at a place yesterday. I had to chuckle though... BECAUSE I am so low maintenance as a renter... when I called her, she said "Kris, Kris who?" LOL! I guess that's a good thing. I've only talked to her once in the past year (as far as I can remember), when it's time to pay rent, her Mom cleans around the apartment building and so I just give the check to her mom whenever I see her just after the payday.

SO... when I talked to Karla this afternoon (prospective landlady) she said she felt comfortable with everything I sent her and would like to meet with me tomorrow (after I get off work), so I can give her a deposit and a copy of my ID. SOOOOOO... I'll know for sure tomorrow (she may want to make some calls? But I'm sure that will go okay)... but it looks like I will be moving soon! I am hoping to be completely out of my current apartment by the middle of May. At the moment, I don't even want to think of the work ahead of me over the next couple weeks! YIKES! And I'll be doing it on weekends and evenings. I'm sure I can get SOME help with moving... I'll need to rent a U-Haul. I mentioned that I might be moving to one of the women that work at the gym... she offered her help and that of her husband! (wow... aren't people nice??? *smiles*). I'll keep you posted on the moving experience (there may be some days I don't have computer access as I get my services transferred over).

Other than that... DANG... work was something else today. My very first appt had to be sent to the hospital (because they had hurt themselves in a suicidal attempt last night), and the 2nd appt was also suicidal and didn't want to contract for safety! I'll see the 2nd one on Friday again. I've been assured that it isn't normally like this. Guess if I start off with the worst case scenario, then things can only get easier, right? *smiles* I *did* go to the gym after work and did an hour on the Elliptic machine. I'm planning to go to the gym tomorrow as well, but will probably only do a half an hour or so of exercise.

Okay... time to sign off.

Aloha!
- Kris

Apartment hunting...

So... I didn't make it to Hanauma Bay today. I saw an ad on Craigslist for an apartment up in the Kunia area (7 miles from where I work), so I thought I'd go check it out. There were actually a couple apartment complexes that were advertising. The first one I went to had a LOT of apartment vacancies (it's a LARGE complex, similar to the above), but the first one they showed me, the carpet was stained and it looked kind of junky. The 2nd place was nice and you could actually (barely) see the ocean from one of the windows. It was a 2 bedroom, and at least it was quiet. But then she said it would be $1650 to rent, which is really more than I want to pay... but took the paperwork and told the woman I would get back to her later.

I had also printed out another ad, here's what it said "Second Floor unit w/ lanai, beautiful view of pearl Harbor & Diamond Head. Gated security entry w/ video. Unit features great floor plan, spacious kitchen, 2 window ac, ceiling fans, washer/dryer in unit, extra storage, and open lanai. close to shopping center, golf course, jogging route, community park, and nearby Walmart, Times market, resturants and more. Plus EZ access to H1 Freeway & bus stops. Approx. 5 miles to Scholfield/Wheeler and about 5 min. away from Waikele Outlet Stores!."

So, I called that woman and had to wait around for a couple hours to meet up with her. (I went to Walmart and then to Denny's for lunch). Then I went to see the place. It's nice. And I *would* like to live there. It's not a really BIG 2 bedroom, but it's good enough for me. I'd lose some of the storage space I have now... but I'd just have to deal with that. I could use the 2nd bedroom as a computer room/guest room. Anyway... I'm going to submit an application and keep my fingers crossed (it may take me an extra month to pay off my car). She said that she has several other applications to consider... but she seemed to like me and the fact that I would most likely stay put there for a couple years. I *really* like it because I can see the ocean out of both bedroom windows (and the bathroom has the best view!). The only negative thing is that the neighbors next door and below the next door neighbor both seem to have quite a few (little) kids. I hate to say it, but I feel old enough to move into a quieter senior citizen's place where kids aren't allowed (except for short visits). The picture above is a picture of the apartment unit that I'm submitting the application for).

Anyway... so that's been the focus of my day. I need to run down to Kinko's and fax my apartment application before I call it a night. I'm going to sign off now and go watch the news.

Aloha!
- Kris

New Camera... The Olympus 1030SW

After I posted the previous blog, I realized that I had forgotten to talk more about my latest, newest camera (new toy!). For those counting... I now have four digital cameras. This new one is one I've been wanting for quite awhile. I'll post an online commentary about it here:

Among the coolest of Olympus' compact cameras are their rugged, waterproof, dustproof, Stylus models. This year, the company is updating both of their go-anywhere cameras, offering the all-metal chassis 10.1-megapixel Stylus 1030 SW and the slightly more stylish 8-megapixel Stylus 850 SW. Both models include face detection for autofocus and auto exposure, ISO-boost Digital Image Stabilization instead of the more-effective mechanical stabilization found in some of Olympus' other Stylus models, and a handful of in-camera editing functions, including red-eye removal, panorama stitching of up to three shots and more. Like all of their compact cameras this year, these two will come with adapters so you can use MicroSD cards with the cameras' xD Picture Card slots.
The more hard-core of the two tough cameras is the Stylus 1030 SW. It can bounce right back from a drop of 6.6 feet and withstand up to 220 pounds of pressure. You can take pictures with it down to 33 feet underwater and it's made to operate at temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Conveniently, the 1030 SW has a 3.6X optical 28-102mm f/3.5-5.0 zoom lens. While I always like a wide zoom on a compact camera, it's especially helpful when shooting underwater, so it makes even more sense to include it here. As you might expect, Olympus includes multiple underwater scene modes in the 1030 SW, as well as scene modes for use in snow and beach conditions. The 1030 SW also includes a 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD screen. Olympus says that this new update to their old HyperCrystal LCDs can yield a higher contrast ratio and more accurate color reproduction.

In a nutshell I can swim with it to 33' deep, I can freeze it in a block of ice, I can stand on it (it withstands 220 pounds of pressure), and I can drop it from over 6 1/2'! It's a pretty amazing camera. I had wanted to get an earlier version, but this one is actually tougher, so I'm glad I waited. All of the photos below (in the earlier post from tonight) were taken with this camera. And yes... I've got the one with the green shell.

So... for now anyway... I've VERY content with my camera selection. For intensive photography, I can use my Digital Pentax SLR camera, for everyday use, I'll most likely use my Canon SD1000, for going to the beach, I'll probably take my Olympus 1030SW, and if all my batteries are dead in my Canon & Olympus (both are pocket cameras), then I'll probably turn to my Sony Discman (which was my cheapest camera... and you get what you pay for...).

Okay... time to sign off and go hop in the shower.

Aloha!
- Kris
P.S. My neighbor Michelle came through her shoulder procedure okay. The doctor knocked her out and numbed the arm and then proceeded to manipulate the heck out of it (since her shoulder surgery she'd had limited use of it). She said it was weird though, her whole arm was numb on the evening of her surgery, she had no control over it, it just kind of flopped around on it's own... she said it was *really* weird!

Changing Offices...

I thought I would post some pictures of my "offices." As you walk into my "old" office, this is what it has looked like (until I moved stuff out today). In the photo (below) I have the overhead light on, normally I just use the laps for a more toned down lighting situation.

This rug is 5X7, fairly good size. I'm hoping this picture gives you a better idea about how large my "old" office was. (these pictures were taken before I moved anything out of it).

This photo (above) was taken looking from my desk towards the door. You can kind of see my tall bookcase (which was about 7' tall), it's a gun metal gray color (not the color I would necessarily choose for myself, but it was free). I have my Alaskan pictures on the long wall, then my "Storybook" people on the small wall behind the chair.

This is how my "new" office looked when I moved in. This photo was taken from the corner near behind where the door shuts (so I could get a larger view). I had to do a lot of cleaning (wiping down the furniture).

This is standing in the corner behind where my purse is in the above picture (or in the one-foot space on the left of my printer in the below picture). This shows the couch in my room and the chairs that were there (heck... I could do a "group" in my office... I had four chairs & the couch!).

So... the above photo was taken at the end of the day. Gone is the little table that was where the chair is now (there are actually two chairs there) and I've brought over my personal stuff to put on my desk.

Another view of my desk, this was taken from the doorway of my office. I don't like having my back to the door. My plan is to put a file cabinet in the space to the left of my desk (not visible in the picture immediately above, but kind of over behind where the wooden chair is in the picture before that) and then I'm going to put the printer on top of the file cabinet to get it out of my way and off the desktop! See the little bouquet of flowers on my desk? Those came from one of my clients yesterday... awwww.... (sad smile).

So... for now I've rearranged this side of the room... I'm not sure I like it this way (the bookcase is fine because when the door is open, it totally blocks the bookcase... some of those shelves have 2 sets of books on them). I may move the couch against the wall by the bookcase, I don't know... I'll look at it this weekend. I still need to go over to my old office and get the pictures off the wall. I don't have room to put them all up in this office. So... what I may do is just put one of my "Seasons of Alaska" pictures up (just put the "Spring" one up now) and then rotate out each season as they occur. Hopefully when I go in Monday things will be all set and I'll be ready to boogie. My (former?) supervisor will be surprised when he comes in and sees my office empty. He's been out for the last two days). But... since it sounds like I will be over at the new clinic for awhile, and I had offers to help me move... I figured I might as well get as much moved as I could.

So... how did my day go... well, besides moving furniture, I did see one "walk-in." Sad situation and unfortunately, I think things are beyond the guy's control at this point. I won't go into details (in order to protect the innocent *smiles*). I'm scheduled for at least three intakes on Monday (yikes!) and an "established" patient. It's going to get VERY busy fast! And I have quite a bit to learn about the military system (and the benefits of having a psychiatrist and a nurse that can prescribe, on the unit!).

Tonight I went to an "Open House" up at the School of Social Work. It was for the DSW program (Doctorate in Social Welfare). There's a part of me that would absolutely LOVE to get a doctorate degree. And there's no doubt in my mind that I could do it and be successful. But... it does take a commitment and means a career change (I would become a "college professor" or a researcher... of the two, I'd rather teach). The main reason I would love to get a doctorate though, is just so that people can call me "Dr. Jenkins." *smiles* That would be so cool. But, as my ABD (all but dissertation) daughter tells me... that's the wrong reason to pursue the degree. They did say that because I have the "Clinical" experience, it makes having the Doctorate degree more marketable because I could teach "practice" courses. Anyway... I just went to see what they had to say... and to think about my options. It was also nice to see some of my former professors and the Dean as well. (And the food wasn't bad! *smiles*).

Okay... I'm going to sign off... maybe go read a little bit before I head to bed.

Aloha!
- Kris

Sad...

Another turtle pic from this past weekend.

Well... It still doesn't feel real that it was my last day in my current clinic. I only saw two clients today (a 3rd was a no-show). One of the clients brought me a small bouquet of flowers in a mug. She's been through some very tough times. Her older sister died in January from cancer, and an older brother died in March from a chronic illness. She was showing her appreciation for my helping her through a dark time. The other client was one of my favorites... has mood swings and some psychotic behavior. She's the one that no one else wants to touch with a 10' pole, but when I met her, the very first session was awesome and trust was established. Of course she's hurt because I'm leaving (and would like to go stab the person responsible for my moving with a pencil! *sad smiles*), it's hard when you keep changing therapists. She's one that would benefit from a consistent long-term therapeutic relationship. Argh... it's so frustrating. I *really* do care for my clients, they aren't just "cases" or a case number.

So... yea... sad day... and I didn't do much to prepare for starting in the new position tomorrow. I did have to go to a short training this afternoon as part of the new position (but people in my current clinic would have benefitted from the training as well). I introduced myself to the doctor in charge of the clinic where I'm going (he's a major), and he said he's really looking forward to having me on board tomorrow (I was sort of hoping he would say that they might have to re-think my coming now... but alas, that didn't happen). I *did* go see my new office, it's about 1/2 the size of my current office and definitely not as nice! I should be grateful though - it DOES have a window. Part of me would like to go in this weekend & completely clean out my old office and move over what I can to the new office, but then another part of me realizes that might be a little presumptive at this point.

Please pray that I will go in tomorrow with a positive attitude. I'm reminded of the Bible verse from Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." And the verse... "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." from Romans 8:28. It's funny how scriptures come back when seems like they are in turmoil and challenges loom.

Then there is the Kanji symbol for "Crisis." It is actually made up of two kanji symbols, one that stands for "danger" and the other which stands for "opportunity." Basically it means that any situation that is a crisis, has the potential for danger (you can let it drag you down) or opportunity (you can use it as an opportunity for growth).

So again... please say a prayer for me tomorrow... or send positive thoughts, whichever you feel more comfortable with.

Also... Lora didn't make it today. I guess she didn't get on the plane. She's back at home with her husband. Not sure if she will still decide to come over to Hawaii at some point in the near future or not... I'll cross that bridge when and if it happens.

Okay... I'm going to go have a bowl of Rocky Road Ice Cream (comfort food... what can I say???). I *did* do an hour on the treadmill after work... hopefully that'll take care of the calories I'll eat in ice cream (I'll have a moderate portion).

Hugs & Aloha!
- Kris

Screwy day...

A close-up picture of the turtle from Ali'i beach this past weekend.

Things here have been screwy today. I’ve been calling & seeing my clients and letting them all know that I have to move over to the Active Duty side. I’ve made spread sheets to transition my clients (who will go) to my co-workers. Well… today one of those co-workers let us know that she’s giving her notice & will be starting her own private practice. She’s leaving in 2 weeks. She had let me know about mid-morning, but had me promise not to tell anyone. So… when the three of us counselors met with our supervisor at lunchtime, the supervisor proceeded to let me divvy up my clients, even knowing that one of those co-workers wasn’t going to be here long enough to see my clients. I don’t know… maybe he was in denial? Who knows. Anyway… the co-worker finally said she didn’t know what to do about taking my clients for the long-term, and at that point my supervisor had her tell us that she was leaving. I asked how and if that affected my going over to the Active Duty side… and he said that as of today I’m still expected to go over there on Friday. Even though that just leaves him (the supervisor) and one male counselor (to see a primarily female population). He did send his supervisor an email giving him the update, but then he (my supervisor) left right after that and will now be gone for the next two days. So… things are VERY much up in the air about that. My plan right now is still to go over on Friday and take it from there. I'll just do what I've been asked to do and try to do the best job that I can.

I found out this morning that the 18 year old son of a good friend up in Alaska died on April 6th. The obituary just said that he died suddenly. I'm going to call her office tomorrow, not sure if I can find out any more about what happened, but would like to get her home address so I can send her a sympathy card.

Then... this afternoon I had a friend call me. His daughter is in dire straits in Arizona (recent marriage, and things have gone downhill). Anyway, he's flying her over to Hawaii tomorrow to get her out of the situation and asked if she could stay on my couch til a) either she gets a job and an apartment (he's promised me it wouldn't be too long... maybe a month at the longest), or b) she decides that her marriage is worth salvaging and she will move back home. It's almost deja vue for what MY youngest daughter went through a few months ago, and I was SO thankful that my family was able to step up and help HER out. This young lady is 24. Anyway... so I'm going to help her out. Should be interesting. For those who have seen my apartment, you know it's VERY small... but I *do* have a comfortable couch! *smiles* It's another one of those things where you take it one day at a time... and do the best you can.

So... I guess that's the news for today... it's been a somewhat tumultuous day and my guess is that the next couple days will be similar.

Oh yea! I got some good news today. My sailboat friend, Bob, got married this past weekend to a woman he met in New Zealand (where he's been for the past six months or so in his sailboat). They are planning to head back up to the South Pacific the end of the month, and then they are planning to head towards Hawaii next year sometime. Hopefully this time he'll stop at the island of OAHU so I can say hello and meet his new wife!

Ta-ta... hugs & love to you all!

- Kris

Busy (Tax) Tuesday...

Looking down over Mokapu'u beach on Oahu's windward side

Aloha!
It was a busy day today as I met with clients and called clients to discuss transitioning them to the two other counselors. I have two clients that are on the mainland and due back next week, I was able to contact them on the mainland to let them know I won't be there next week. It was hard for some of my clients... for example one Gastric Bypass patient for which I'm the only Gastric Bypass support she has (because she had her surgery on the mainland, the clinic here won't give her any support... which sucks), and another one that has major mood swings and some psychotic behavior at times... when she came in, our first session was awesome and we instantly created a great bond... she refuses to see either of the other counselors (which is too bad... she *could* use the support... but even as I talked to one of my co-workers about taking her on as a client, that counselor was reluctant, due to the psychotic behavior she displays at times). I guess my time at my old position helped me work with some of the worst of the worst clients (i.e. schizophrenic ice addicts). I cared about each and every one of them.

Anyway... the only ones I haven't contacted are basically the ones I still need to see this week. I'll see 3 tomorrow and 3 on Thursday (I think... maybe 4?). I'd rather talk to them in person if possible... I have at least one yet that will be a difficult one to transfer, she's very insecure and has been great about opening up with me.

Ah... the struggles.

Oh yea... and I got to work on time (as usual)... the front door was locked... so as I was going around the back, I saw one of our front office staff. Apparently she had broken her key off in the door (she wasn't in yesterday to know her key wouldn't work). Luckily we were able to get in the back door. Then she forgot her card at home that allows us to get on the computer... so I got her into the computer with my card. Then we had to wait around to get into our office. Fortunately someone from "Logistics" stopped by about 7:45 and had keys... so she got us into our offices, our supervisor got there about 8. (One of my co-workers didn't get there until about 9. Interestingly... my supervisor will have to sign her timesheet tomorrow and he KNOWS what time she came in yesterday and today... will he still sign off that she came in at 7:30?) Then I have to remember... it's not my kuliana (or however that is spelled...it's not my problem).

I did make it to the gym after work. I did about 50 minutes on the Elliptic machine. Before I left the office I ordered a pizza from Papa John's because they had a tax day special... $10.40 for a large pizza. Sure was good! *smiles* I'll have enough for lunch for a couple days.

Tonight I've been watching "The Biggest Loser." It's the last show of the season. Good show... it's motivating! And a WOMAN finally won! YEA!

So... did you all get your taxes done? I got mine done early last month, although I have to PAY state taxes (again) this year... so last night I went online and paid them online. (they're not due until the 21st or something like that). Hopefully that will be the LAST time I have to PAY taxes... I *should* be having enough taken out NOW! (GRRR... a sore subject for me).

Okay... it's after 9, I'm going to go crawl into bed and read a little. I'm reading two books right now... the one about the deaths at the Grand Canyon and the one by a guy named Yalom that he wrote to new therapists (kind of a "tips for new therapists" book). I'll probably read the Grand Canyon book... I had been doing good on it, but as I've gotten to the middle, the action seems to have slowed down and thus... my interest.

Aloha!
- Kris

Dog days...

YODA!

Yoda on the beach behind Jim's house.

Yoda tormenting me and playing with me.

Posing for a picture!

So... I said I would post pictures of "Yoda." Doesn't he LOOK like a Yoda? I think he does. Such a silly dog... knows I don't like my face licked, so kept tormenting me by licking my face (whenever I would hold him). It was his way of trying to get attention. I think if I got a dog, it would be a little one like this. (And nevermind the "bad hair" day! *smiles*)

SOOOOOO... today. I got there and the front door was locked and my key wouldn't unlock it. Usually our front office staff get there first thing (the old timer usually is there by about 7:15 and is already got the computer up and running by the time I get there at 7:30 or so). Anyway... they've been re-keying the doors. I figured if my key didn't open the front door, it wouldn't open the back door (but I didn't check that door). I went over to the office that is above us in the organizational chart (because they also open at 7:30) to see if anyone there might have a key for our building (they are kind of over us). Nope. Only my supervisor has a master key. They suggested I check with the Child & Adolescent center to see if they might have a key... nope. But, when I went back to our (upstairs) building, the lights were on. One of my co-workers had come in the back door. So... I got in, but then neither of us could get into our offices. (GRRR!). Anyway... my supervisor didn't get there til 8am (I had at least come in and gotten logged into the front office computer, thankfully no one had an 8am appt scheduled. But then he had to unlock my co-workers' office as they came in... so he knew what time people came in (we are paid to work 7:30am-4:30pm). I asked him before I left today, what we do about tomorrow, he assured me he would be in early (read: on time).

The other BIG thing that came up today is that on Friday, I'm going to be moving over (indefinitely) to work with the Active duty people. (Originally it was only supposed to be a month or so). I have to give up my case load to my co-workers. I have many mixed feelings. I'm going to be busting my rear-end! I'll be working my tail off... (however you want to say it!). I'll definitely be putting in a full 8 hour day. It's kind of like going into the frying pan. I know *I* need to watch MY attitude so that I remain positive but it's a challenge. I struggle with feeling like I'm being punished for "being there" for always being present when I am expected to be there... because I *am* punctual, because I *am* dependable, because I *am* organized. We had a staff meeting today and one of my co-workers complained and basically said he wouldn't see more than 5 clients a day, that he couldn't handle it. The other co-worker already gets stressed and had to take time off because she couldn't handle the work... and will probably be leaving this summer to start her own private practice. SO... I have to transfer all my clients... to one of them. That's going to be hard... especially for about a half dozen of my clients. One of them that I saw today, asked if I could be her friend if I won't be her therapist *smiles*... that's a boundary violation. She's a neat person, about my age and reminds me of Susanne that move to Texas last year. Oh well.

SO... I keep telling myself that things happen for a reason and there's a reason I'm supposed to go work with the Active Duty. And I try to keep telling myself that things will work out the way they are supposed to and to trust the process. I know things will work out... I just don't know right now how. And... if I get over there and things feel too overwhelming... I can always look for another place to work. Although... as I have said before... my goal is to become a Civil Service employee and then in a year or two, look at taking an assignment over in Europe for 3 years (or so). And then... if worse-comes-to-worse... the one company that has asked me about working in Alaska said that the position up there is coming open again this summer and they've asked me again, to consider it.

For now... I'll be moving over to a new office on Friday for an indefinite period of time. In the meantime, I've got to work with my clients to figure out who to transfer to whom.

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers, so that I can be wise and maintain a positive frame of mind and that I will learn everything I need to learn in this process.

Aloha!
- Kris

Flowers & Beach

I thought you might like these flower pictures, if you click on them, they should open up to be bigger picture. They were beautiful. I took these pictures outside of the Hawaii Humane Society building. Since the weather wasn't the greatest this morning, I thought I would go check out the cats and dogs. I saw some *real* mellow cats (they put cats who get along with each other in a "common" room, and the ones who don't do well with other cats are in their own cages). In some ways I would love to have a cat... but living where I do is just not conducive to having an animal.

And I got to see my friend Jim's dog named "Yoda" yesterday and that makes me kind of want to have a small doggy (although there *weren't* any small dogs at the Humane Society... thankfully!). Anyway... the flower pictures were taken there.

Then I did make it to the beach, the top picture was taken when I first got there, and the bottom was taken shortly before I left. The weather cleared up a lot while I was there (thankfully), so I got to spend a couple hours basking in the sun (and rejuvinating my mental health). Ahhhh... that's SO relaxing!

On the way home I stopped by the store, picked up some strawberries, plums & bananas. Got a little steak and a piece of salmon to grill in the oven for dinner tonight. (And a salad mix).

In a little bit I'm going to head downtown to the Hawaii Theater... I'm going to go see the "Menopause Musical." It should be funny. One of my clients mentioned it and invited me to come see it with her & her husband... but that's ethically not appropriate for me, so I'm going this week (she's going next week). I wish Susanne or Janis were here... oh well.

Okay... gotta go finish dinner so I can get a quick shower before I head downtown.

Aloha!
- Kris

Wish You Were Here!

How cool is this! This is the "3rd" turtle I found today! It was up at my favorite spot at Ali'i beach. I met some Japanese women there, they were as pleased as I was to find a turtle. So... of course... I offered to take their picture with the turtle (I am NOT as close as I look to the turtle... I'm actually several feet behind it). As the Japanese (tourists) women watched me take pictures, they asked if I was a photographer. *smiles*

(Sunset at Ali'i beach...) Turtle #1, just outside of Haleiwa, not sure of the name of this beach, but if I can't find a turtle at Ali'i beach, I can generally find one or two (or three) turtles on the beach here. They are usually roped off (so my challenge is to get a good shot of the turtle, without having the rope show up in the picture!).

Turtle # 2... same beach as the above... He's about to be washed over with a wave!

Turtle #2 with the water around him as it came up on the beach.

Sunset with the turtle at Ali'i beach (Turtle #3). I should have taken a picture of her other side, because she had a cracked shell... maybe a shark rammed her?).

Anyway... any day I can see (or swim with) a turtle is a good day. I *didn't* make it to the beach for sunbathing, it was rather windy out and cloudy... so I opted to drive around the island, and stopped to wish a friend happy birthday up in Laie. It's my friend Jim (he dated Janis for awhile and Janis' boyfriend Tom started working for Jim in December... getting the job with Jim was what allowed Tom & Janis to return to Hawaii). I'll post a picture or two tomorrow of Jim's little puppy... Yoda and pictures of his beach. He asked me to take a couple pictures of him (not the dog), so that he can use them for passport pictures... so I did and emailed him some close up shots of his face. *smiles*

Okay... gotta scoot. I'm going to go see the movie "Juno" tonight. It's in the dollar theater and I want to see it on the Big screen.

Aloha!
- Kris

TGIF

(Doesn't this picture just make you wish you were here... walking along the beach with me?... *smiles*... yea... I wish you were here too!

Hey! It's Friday! Yea!

Work went fine today (only one appt... had another that was a no-show... but half-way expected her to no-show because she had come in because her husband thought she needed to be on some medication to help her sleep... only problem with that... is that we *don't* prescribe medication in our clinic!). SO... I spent quite a bit of time researching marital therapy information (because my supervisor is chomping at the bits to have me start providing marital counseling).

After work I went down to "Rumours." I haven't been there in quite awhile. It was nice to see old familiar faces and to dance a little. Donna came down (she's another social worker friend) , Dan was there (he's Tom's brother), Sarah, Karen, Priscilla, Teru and quite a few others that I know by face, not by name. I left there about 9pm (it starts getting more rowdy and the music becomes more hip-hop after that) and headed over to the Hilton Hawaiian Village to listen to Jerry Santos (Olamana). Man... that guy can sing me to sleep any time! *grin* Actually... I was kind of tired while I was listening to his music and found myself wanting to doze. They've moved him from where he used to sing though and he sings for an hour less. I guess the HHV has been taken over by an investment firm and they're letting the place go to crap. I guess they had gotten rid of all the entertainers at one point, but have subsequently hired a few back. And it used to be that as long as you bought a couple drinks (even soda) that you could get your parking validated and not have to pay for parking. Now they will still validate your parking, but you still have to pay $6! (and their drinks are cheap, watered down... smaller than they used to be... etc).

Oh well. I enjoyed listening to Jerry Santos. He's a great singer. I have several of his CD's. When I got there he was on break and then started his second set... I was kind of hoping he would sing a favorite song of mine (that he does), that he wrote because of an experience he had on the island of Molokai... but no such luck tonight.

Okay...it's past my bedtime. I'm praying for some nice warm weather at least *some* time this weekend so I can go get my quality time on the beach!

Aloha!
- Kris

Can Elephants fly?

Well... apparently there is ONE elephant that can PAINT. See the video below:



How cool is that? I hope you watched it!

Hmmm... today was interesting... Typical in some ways... had three appointments scheduled, one was a no-show. Then I was asked if I would take one that had been scheduled to see a co-worker (who has been out sick all week)... I said okay... even though I didn't know if it would be a single person or a couple. As it turned out... they didn't show anyway. But at least I was willing to see them.

I had my supervision today (I meet with my supervisor on a bi-monthly basis). He asked me if I would be willing to go work in another clinic (with active duty clients) temporarily (for a month or so... my guess is that it would end up being a couple months). One of the counselors over there is leaving to take another position and he is their "most productive" worker. There are pros and cons... PROS: maybe I would *like* to work with the military more (having been military in the past), I would increase my skill base and my marketability. I would get to run groups (something I have done in the past and it's nice to have a balance between groups and clients). CONS: they say it would only be a month or so... but I worry that it could drag on to 4-5 months (at least). They might decide that I can handle doing both jobs and take their time in hiring a replacement for the other guy. I'll lose the free time that I have now. I could be working my rear off... while my co-workers coast. (That'd suck!). Anyway... my supervisor is supposed to get more information for me. He says I don't *have* to take it... but on the other hand, it would look good if I do. SO... time will tell. I don't know how soon this would take place either. He's supposed to find that out. He has asked me (versus my co-workers) for several reasons. 1) I'm punctual. I'm there the hours I am supposed to be there. 2) I am dependable. I don't call in sick arbitrarily like several of my co-workers do. 3) I am organized. My charts are complete, my documentation gets done timely. 4) I'm prior military. I've been active duty and I've worked with the military in a civilian (but different) capacity before. (And I've been married to the military for a lifetime). So... he's telling me that I am the most dependable, punctual and organized counselor that he has. Right? *smiles* (but I don't want to be "punished" for that either).

So... that's kind of my day. I did go to the gym after work and worked out on the Elliptic machine for 45 minutes, then I came home and went my next door neighbor Michelle & her son Kaleo to Zippy's for dinner.

Time has subsequently flown by... and now it's almost 9:30 and bedtime for me. One good thing to note... I've been on call since Monday after work and have only had 1 call... someone asking for the location of one of our clinics. So... that part has been a breeze this week, thankfully.

Aloha!
- Kris

Wednesday...

(This is a photo I took of my friends Jim & KK when they were here about 3 years ago... please keep Jim in your prayers... see below).

don't have a whole lot to write about today... work went fine. Probably the highlight of my day was that a representative from the company I am contracted with was on the island and basically I arranged for him to come out and meet three of us that work on the base. (the fourth one was out sick). It was nice to be able to query him and ask questions about the company (like "why can't we get direct deposit?") and about our contracts. The guy was really nice. Not someone that we normally would work with, but a co-worker to the person that oversees our contract. He's from the Lancaster - York area of PA, so of course I had to tell him about my daughter graduating from F&M (and my going through the Commencement exercise with her! *smile*). The person in charge of our contract had emailed me and let me know he was on island and suggested I give him a call... so being the out-going person that I am... I did! He also got to meet our supervisor. Hopefully he (and the person in charge of our contract) will be able to come back out in a couple months and they can sit down and meet with my supervisor (to go over expectations and to talk about contract stuff).

Other than that... I revised my co-worker's resume and I helped my neighbor by editing an appeal letter for her. She's been accepted to the University, but they want to charge her non-resident fees because she hasn't gotten her "green card" yet. She's lived in Hawaii since 1999, her son was born here, she works here and she pays state taxes. You'd think she would be considered a "resident." I guess if she isn't good enough to be considered a "resident" for the State University system... then maybe she shouldn't be bothered with paying her "State" taxes??? Oh well.

I did 50 minutes on the treadmill after work... then had to pick up a couple things from the exchange. On the way home I stopped by the Post Office, I needed to mail a couple things... and then forgot the one thing that prompted me to mail things in the first place! (I had made a CD of Hawaiian music for Guy (with specific songs he likes), so thought while I was mailing his stuff, I would get some other stuff in the mail. I sent a package to my younger brother (with Pro Bowl cups) and then a small package to my friends Jim & KK. Jim is the one that had a stroke last year and they had to remove a palm-sized piece of his skull! He's got to go back in on May 18th for reconstructive surgery. I had gotten him a get well card the other day, but decided to send him a 2008 Hawaiian calendar I had around here, and I sent him a couple boxes of macadamia nut chocolates. I think that will be a nice surprise for them!

Tom (Janis' fiance) called me tonight. I'm glad I had left the phone in the car while I went into the Post Office, because he called me on Janis' phone (to let me know that her phone was being disconnected tomorrow). I talked to him for about a half an hour. I've suggested to both Sarah (Janis' daughter) and to Janis' mom that those who want to should rent kayaks and take Janis' ashes out ourselves and spread them. I'd been meaning to call Tom to suggest it him, but hadn't gotten around to it yet. (Janis' mom is still here on the island and is staying at Tom's (& Janis') apartment), I thought maybe she would mention it. So... Tom is going to consider the suggestion, he seemed to like it. He said that maybe we'll have a barbeque and then "take Janis out." (She'd like that). I'll keep my friends informed here. I did ask him if he is planning to go to the Memorial Service in Antioch (CA) on May 17th. He didn't know, said that he hasn't made any arrangments. I haven't either... I haven't decided. I want to go up to Spokane in July and that ticket is going to be VERY pricey this year... not sure I can afford both. So... I'll think about it for a little bit longer.

Guess that's about it... I'll sign off.

Aloha!

-Kris

Kailua Beach...

One of these days... Janis' ashes will be spread from off shore here. (Around the bend is where the Mokulua islands are located).

There was a LOT of activity at the beach (Kailua Beach) this afternoon/evening... it looks like they had several paddling clubs practicing.

It's been amazingly voggy today. You can see the haze in the above picture (the picture is taken from Kailua beach looking towards Kaneohe Marine Corps Base).

I like this shot looking down the shore (toward Kaneohe side).

Let me go back over my day. First... I get to work and have an 8am appointment scheduled. BUT... when I attempted to unlock my office door... it wouldn't unlock! No reason. It has happened to several of my co-workers, I guess today was my turn. It was just frustrating though because I had emailed some information to myself in preparation for my first appointment. As it turned out... my 8am didn't show (although when I was finally able to get into my office and check my messages, she had called to reschedule). So... I had three appointments scheduled... three no shows. I did talk with one family member in a crisis (involved in a domestic violence situation last night). She was supposed to come in later, but didn't show. To her defense, the Family Advocacy program was supposed to meet with her at 1, my assumption was that it ran late.

So... I updated my resume (our supervisor has asked for updated resumes, to include our current positions) and sent it to my supervisor. And then my one co-worker asked me if I would assist her (she offered to pay me... will she?). Anyway... she didn't have it in electronic form, so I went ahead and typed it into both a Publisher document and a Word document and then emailed it to her. She'll probably add more to it and then I'll hopefully make the final revisions tomorrow. I also helped her design a business card (for her private practice) and get them ordered. Then... my next door neighbor Michelle is doing a rebuttal to her job performance review and asked me to edit/critique it. English is her second language, so some of her wording needed to be fixed. SO... I edited that for her and emailed it back to her. SO... even though I didn't have appointments today, I *did* stay busy.

After work I ran over to where I used to work (on the OPPOSITE side of the island) and signed some documentation for them. I got to see one of my former co-workers (a Residential aide)... that was neat... I *do* miss my former co-workers (but not the hours and the stress!). Since I was over in Kailua, I thought I would take a few extra minutes and go down to the beach there in Kailua. It was nice. I *was* surprised at how much more "voggy" it was on that side of the island!

Came home... decided to grill a steak for dinner. I've got the grill on my old (big) round glass table (I decided to take it out of my apartment awhile back to give me more room... I never sat at it and ate dinner anyway). Anyway... I said all that to say that while the steak was grilling, I heard a loud crash... and the tabletop broke in (about) the middle! I guess the heat was too much for it... even though the glass top was about 1/2 inch thick! But... I didn't get hurt... and I didn't start any fires... so everything is okay. I still need to go out and clean up the mess though. I was just a little shook up so didn't want to deal with it tonight.

Since then, I've been watching the Biggest Loser (and had a "strawberry" shortcake for desert to use up the rest of my strawberries!).

Guess that's about it... time to figure out what I'm wearing to work tomorrow... and then start getting ready for bed. I didn't go to the gym after work (since I had to run over to Kailua)... so I don't have to worry about getting my gym stuff together.

Aloha everyone!

- Kris

Hello!

(off shore photo of Tripler Army Hospital. Tripler is celebrating their 60th year anniversary this year).

It's Monday!

Let's see... started by being stuck in traffic. I called the office about 7:15 to let our receptionist know that I would be late... and that at least 5 other clinicians would be affected by the traffic as well (one ended up calling in sick... so there were 4 of us affected). On one side (right side) a motorcycle had bit the dust and then on the left side of the road, some small sedan went up under an SUV in front of her. My guess is both accidents (about 100 yards apart) required ambulances. I would say that my drive to work is affected about 20% of the time. I got to work about 15 minutes late... but was the first Clinician at work.

No scheduled appts, but we had a "walk-in" that my supervisor asked if I would take. (sure). It was a "marathon" session... I spent almost 2.5 hours with her... trying to calm her down and help her to look at options and identify coping skills. Let's just said I did as much as I could... but I'm not sure it was enough (unfortunately). But... she had plans to meet with the Chaplain (and he may be in a position to help her more than I could, because he has more access to intervene with her husband... long story). I told her we were here if she wants to come back in and talk some more, or if she & her husband wanted to come in for marital counseling (although it sounds like her husband will only be in town over the weekend).

I don't know where the time went... but it sure seemed to go by fast today. I didn't go to lunch until about 2, so I'm sure that's part of why it seemed like the day went fast.

After work I only did a little over a 1/2 hour on the treadmill. SOMEONE around me was in desparate need of some personal hygiene... so I decided to limit my time today in the gym. In addition... I'm on call, so I'm always a little paranoid I will somehow miss a call, even though I am wearing the pager.

After the gym I headed down to the mall to get my nails down (thankfully no one called while I was there!). While I was driving I talked at length to one of my former supervisors ("we wish you were still here Kris..."). What can I say... I get paid more and do less... and have a LOT less stress.

Didn't get dinner until after I got my nails done... went next door to Bubba Gumps and got some shrimp to bring home... ate it while I watched the 9pm news.

Time to blog... time to go to bed! *smiles*

BTW... keep my older sister in your prayers... she went into the hospital yesterday (Sunday) and had emergency surgery last night at 11pm for an "incarcerated hernia" (still need to google that!). It sounds like she is doing better, but will probably be in the hospital for a couple days.

Okay... time to say Aloha...

- Kris

Pictures from the Aloha Tower...

So... this is a picture of the Aloha Tower that I took from the "Star of Honolulu" last week when I went out on the Whale Watching cruise. I noticed when I looked at (zoomed in on) the picture that there were people up on the viewing platform. I didn't think it was open anymore (I was under the impression that they had closed it after 9-11 and hadn't reopened it). SO... today I went and checked it out... below are pictures from up on the viewing platform. (which, by the way, is FREE to go up in).

Looking East (toward Magic Island... there's an old boat there in the picture that seems to have a life-long renovation project going on and the maritime museum is there. The green roof at the bottom of the picture is all part of the Aloha Tower area).

Looking out to sea... Sand Island is on the Right side... (looking south - kinda)

Looking NW. YEA! The SUPERFERRY is back! It's been in dry dock for awhile, but since we've had two airlines (ATA & Aloha) go under this past week, they were able to get it out of dry dock a little sooner and are hoping to start cruising between the islands starting tomorrow. Maybe with less transportation to & from Kauai, the few protestors over there will be more appreciative of having the option of a ferry service between Kauai & Oahu.

Another photo looking toward the SuperFerry area & the harbor...

This photo is taken ocean side again (Makai side)... Sand Island Coast Guard Base is right across from the Aloha Tower...

Zooming in on Sand Island and one of the Coast Guard boats...

Your's truly... up 10 stories above Honolulu & the Aloha Tower area!

This is the "Honolulu Star" that I went on last weekend to do the whale watching... looks small from up here. (By the way... all these photos were taken with my phone... I forgot to take my camera with me again today! GRRRR! I have enough camera's (two pocket ones)... you would think I'd remember! LOL.

And... a rainy day in Hawaii... still beats a cold, snowy day in Fairbanks... right? *wink* I got this picture from the Arctic Cam from the Fairbanks Daily Newsminer website (http://www.newsminer.com/). It *was* rainy today... so I didn't get to go spend quality time on the beach (hopefully I won't become grumpy this weekend as a result!).

Other than that... I *finally* got a mirror hung up in my livingroom area (just before you walk out the door). All the work I put into the black framed one... this morning I was nailing the mirror on, and it cracked. So much for that one. So... I said "to heck with it!" and went to Walmart and got a nice mirror, the outside dimensions are about 30x36". Whenever I move, I'm definitely taking that one with me! I had a friend help me put it up on the wall. Let's see... I changed my bedding and did several loads of laundry today, I'm good to go for awhile again now! *smiles* I *finally* made a CD for Guy & Nikki. He likes a certain song and I was able to find it and upload it and put it on a CD with some other Hawaiian songs. Now... I just need to get it into the mail to him! (them). I had meant to do it before they left, but was having difficulty uploading the song... wasn't sure if it was the website or if it was my computer. But... alas... that problem is fixed now and the CD is complete. Whew!

Okay... time to sign off... I need to get my stuff ready for work tomorrow and wind down the evening.

Aloha!
- Kris

Saturday at Sea Life Park

Mokapu'u from Sea Life Park

Some sea bird... at sea life park...

And... Rabbit Island with flowers in the foreground.

Not the best of shots today... took them with my phone. I switched most of my stuff from one purse to another & thought I had a camera with me... alas... I didn't (it was in my backpack... go figure).

So... after some breakfast (more like brunch), I headed out to Sea Life Park to watch the dolphin show. My annual pass expires the end of this month, so I thought I should get some use out of. I did ask how much it would cost to go down in the tank (where there are fish, stingrays, even a small shark) and it's not bad... only about $38. So... I may try to do that in the next couple weeks... I'll see how it goes. I *was* reminded today of little Drew & his family, because the last time I was there (February 17th), it was with them. That was the day we all swam with the dolphins! Drew & his family were there courtesy of the "Make A Wish" foundation.

Afterwards, because it was kind of overcast and not as warm as it usually is, I decided to go spend some time at the Dollar theater. SO... I saw "Untraceable" (glad I saw it during the day at NOT at night)... and then saw "Witless Protection" (good to see humor after Untraceable, too!). Then I wandered around the mall awhile, had some dinner at Bubba Gumps (mmmm!)... came home and spent some time over at my next door neighbor's house (she's going through some work-related stuff right now and needs a shoulder to lean on).

Now... it's the end of the day... I'm tired and about ready to head to bed. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that tomorrow will be a nice, WARM sunny day so that I can get some quality beach time in. *smiles*

Oh... and I talked to Bette today, they are doing good back in Duluth, have been getting sunny weather almost every day. She's supposed to have her computer hooked back up on Tuesday... then we'll get to be in email contact again! YIPPEE!

Time to sign off...

Aloha!

- Kris

Friday night live...

Sunrise over the Grand Canyon

Work went okay today, although my supervisor came in and questioned me about the intake I did yesterday. Now... to clarify... I work in a COUNSELING agency... we do counseling & therapy... we DON'T prescribe medication in our clinic. SO... the intake I had yesterday came in, with a sole complaint that she is restless & has difficulty sleeping. So, after getting the necessary information for the intake (lots of questions), we talked about sleep hygiene issues. She *just* got married 8 months ago, she's *just* been with her husband for about a month and a half, after being a single parent for quite a long time. My best educated guess is that #1, she's not *used* to sleeping with anyone, and #2, she is adjusting to living in a new place (new island, new home, new situation). All of that takes time to adjust to. I won't go into all the other details that came out in the interview... but I don't think she knew the full situation of what she was getting into when she decided to get married... but that's another story. Anyway... as I said... we talked about sleep hygiene issues, I gave her a hand-out about it and set up an appt to see her again next week. (When she was first coming in and just by what she listed on the intake forms, I initially assumed that she would only need the 1 appt... but as more came out, it became evident that she would benefit from at least a few more sessions). SO... back to my supervisor. Apparently the woman's (new) husband called and was upset because we didn't prescribe her some medication. SO... my supervisor came in to find out about the intake. I feel very justified for the way that intake went, I did everything expected/asked of that situation. I think anyone else doing the intake would have handled it similarly. And truthfully... I would question any medical doctor that would prescribe medication for sleep without first trying behavioral modification (sleep hygiene) first. I guess the final outcome is that the guy is trying to get his wife into see a psychiatrist at the main hospital in an effort to get her on some medication. (Whatever...). It will be interesting to see if she comes back in next week... I hope she comes in... and I'm hoping that her husband will come in for some marital therapy. They are just starting off this marriage and there are already a LOT of issues going on.

The rest of the day went okay, although I had an intense intake this morning. The young woman is in an abusive work situation, but feels like if she leaves that position, she is a "quitter." She's gone to her supervisor, and was basically told, "this is Hawaii... get used to it." (WRONG!). Meanwhile she is going to need medication to cope with the situation (most likely) and THAT is sad!

I think I've had three intakes this week (so... I have three new clients). I'm gradually building my caseload. Looking to next week, unless I get an intake on Monday... I don't have any appointments scheduled for that day. Then the rest of the week I have 3-4 appointments each day. I'd almost be tempted to take Monday off... but I start my "on-call" Monday at 4:30, so I need to pick up the "on-call" materials (notebook, phone, pager, etc). And they *have* declared the Friday before Memorial Day weekend as a training holiday, so our clinic *will* be closed. (So... there will be two days in that pay period that I don't get paid for, but at least by being "on-call" I'll earn *something*).

I *did* go to the gym after work and did about 50 minutes on the Elliptic Machine. I don't to the gym very often on Fridays, just 1-2x a month. After the gym though (and after talking to my oldest & youngest daughters a couple times), I decided to stay on post and go to a movie again. I went and saw "Step Up 2." It's a hip-hop movie about street dancing. I'm just amazed at the "moves" they do! Whew! And they are in awesome physical shape! It was good... and not too expensive.

Now I'm home... and think I'll head to bed... I stayed up later last night fighting with my computer, so I'm tired tonight.

Aloha!

- Kris

Almost Friday!

This photo was taken from the Airport Mesa above Sedona, AZ (I can't remember if I have previously posted it or not).

Work went okay today... three appointments, including an intake. I was able to get my documentation done after each appointment. My one co-worker that I mentioned yesterday called in sick today. That's the one I suggested to yesterday that if she could just work a solid month, then she could possibly get on top of things. Her schedule isn't very heavy for the next week... so I hope it helps.

After work I did 50 minutes on the Elliptic machine. I don't know that I can tell the difference with all the exercise... but at least it makes me think that I'm at least heading in the right direction.

This next week I will be on-call... then I'll be on-call again over Memorial Day weekend. I'm also scheduled to be on-call over 4th of July, but I may see if I can swap that one so I can head up to Spokane for a week or so.

Speaking of Memorial Day weekend though... normally when we are on call, it is from 4:30pm until 7:30 the next morning. Then over the weekend we get paid for 24 hours a day. Over THAT particular weekend, I'll get an additional 24 hours on call for Monday's holiday, and then... they are making the Friday before a "training holiday" and right now we are scheduled to be off a 1/2 day, but it looks like we may be off all day (I don't get paid for any days I don't work... so it will be nice that at least that weekend, I will get probably get 4 days straight of on-call... without having to work... or to just deal with an hour here, or an hour there...). So... there will be 2 days I don't get paid my regular salary for, but at least I'll get the on-call rate.

Oh well... nuff of that. I'm spray painting the frame of a black mirror. It's probably not worth the effort (I think the frame is just particle board)... but I'm hoping it will turn out okay and that I can put it up between where my desk is and the front door... on the wall. It'll be at the edge of where my front door opens. I just think it would be nice to have a mirror to look at before I head out the door. I'll have to get a friend to put it up for me though, because it will be going into a concrete wall.

Okay... time to say Aloha... have a GREAT day (or night, as the case may be!).

- Kris

Good Intentions...

I bought this cute little stuffed turtle to take to my daughter Michelle in AZ. I had this cute idea of mimicking the commercial where the daughter sticks in her stuffed animal into her daddy's suitcase and he sends her pictures of it in various places via his cell phone... Unfortunately... he got kind of tucked away after Sedona (hid in his shell? LOL)... so I only have a few pictures of him in various places... thought you might enjoy them. I left Mr. Turtle with my daughter and she took a couple of really cute pictures of him with one of her cats... she found the cat with its paw around the turtle. Cute...

Other than that... work went okay today. Although I had two clients call in sick (one actually just didn't get any sleep last night, the other is coming down with the flu) and I was supposed to have a new intake today, but that person called & cancelled because her kid was sick. Guess if it isn't one thing, it's another... I'm just thankful that my pay isn't affected by client's cancelling appointments. The intake cancellation worked out though, because one of my co-workers had accidentally double-booked her slot... so I was able to take it for her. Ironically, it was just after a staff meeting where we were reminded that Intake slots are supposed to kept open just for intakes... and to make sure that the front office staff are aware of our intake time slots (no problem for me... I highlight those times (and they are consistent daily) and don't schedule clients into those slots. My other two co-workers both have struggled with this (hence, the reason it came up today)... then ironically, the one co-worker was scheduled for an intake... and hadn't let the front office know that she had already scheduled an appt for that time). I feel sorry for this particular co-worker, she's a fantastic person... but I don't know if it's just because she's been out so much (company and being sick)... that she still seems to be playing catch-up. I think if she can spend a solid month at work, she will catch up. She's still struggling to get 5 charts completed so she can give them to our supervisor for auditing (they were due the beginning of last month), and she is still struggling to get her treatment plans done on clients.

We each have our strengths though... I tend to do better in the documentation part (probably because of my background as a Program Monitor). So... for example, with the new intake today... you can pick up her chart now and it's complete. I even got the Treatment Plan done. I know for myself that if I procrastinate, it's harder to get it done. I was also very well trained in my previous position, that you just can't put off paperwork until tomorrow... you never know what's going to happen tomorrow (no guarantees... right?).

Anyway... got through work... then did over an hour on the treadmill and since it was almost 6:30pm by that time, I decided to stay and go to the movies at the theater on post... across the street from the Gym. So... I watched "Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins." It was funny in some parts, and corny in others.

So... now it's after 10... past my bedtime, but wanted to post (Bette should be reading these again by now! *wink*).

Aloha!

- Kris

Windows with a view

These pictures were taken at the East Desert View at the Grand Canyon, I thought the stone windows made great frames for the photos (as I took them out the windows). I thought you might like it if I shared them with you. *smiles*

Work went okay, I saw three clients and had another that cancelled because she was sick, hopefully I will see her on Friday (if she feels better). At lunch time I went and got my car serviced (oil & lube job). That was nice, because the other alternative was to skip my work-out after work and head into town to Jiffy Lube to get it done. (And heaven forbid I give up a Saturday! *smiles*). So... this worked out well... and I did an hour after work on the Elliptic machine (yea!).

Tonight I've just been watching "Biggest Loser" and it's back on now... so I'd better sign off...

Aloha!

- Kris