I have BIG news!

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 10:07 pm

Sorry for the teaser subject line-- But I didn't want to give it all away!

I have a job!

Some of you may know that since my triplets went off to Kindergarten last year I have been experiencing terrible "empty nest" syndrome and depression. For the past 16 years I have had small children or a baby to care for. I had Alax when I was 21. (A mere child myself!) I just turned 38. My life has been "momming"...

I have been doing some substitute teaching... I have been toying with the idea of opening a store that sold high end kitchen small appliances and gadgets and offering cooking classes and fancy luncheons. (ZZZZ)

I was applying for jobs before my mother was ill over the summer and just after Christmas I began again. I had some interviews-- I used them as learning experiences!

Last week and the first part of this week I was offered 3 positions!

1)- Floating School Psychologist for 4 area schools through the local area education agency.

2)- Inmate Advocate for non English speaking people in county jails for 3 surrounding counties. This would entail working for a consortium of defense lawyers and an agency devoted to helping minorities. The responsibilities in this job would be translating to inmates both their rights and responsibilities while in jail awaiting trial. Being with them when they meet with their lawyers or appear before judges and helping them when dealing with jail staff. I would assist their spouses and children to find assistance for food, shelter, etc while the family breadwinner is incarcerated. I would mainly be working with Hispanic inmates, but could also work with those who speak French, Italian, German and the hearing impaired who use Sign Language.

3)- Executive Director/CEO for a charitable organization serving women and children in crisis. This agency provides residential services, intervention programs and family/abuse counseling. My job would entail in financial procurement and grant writing as well as administrative and supervisory duties. Lots of fund raising parties and socializing!

Can you guess which one I took?

#2

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 1:41 am

Congrats! You have just such a sparkle of a positive nature about you, I think you will bring light into people's lives!

Did you pick #2? Was that your little mark, #2, there at the bottom of your post?

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 1:48 am

Thank you dear Kat.... What a darling you are. I am feeling a bit of the old fashioned self doubt and I needed that shot in the arm!

Yes, I did pick #2. I am really excited about it. It is .75 time. About 32 hours per week and my schedule can be as flexible as I need it to be. I started today! I appeared in court with a man charged with simple assault. I visited the county jail and was given a tour-- The next time they send up a vote for a new jail I will make Thayne vote "YES" for it-- deplorable conditions!

Yes... They hoot and make cat calls to me... I was speaking with one of them today who was being not so appropriate-- I flat out told him-- I will treat you with respect if you treat me with the same-- if you want to act like this-- fine. I will help someone who wants it. He stopped! I know what I am up against. I still wanted the job. Some of these guys really need someone on their side!

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 1:50 am

Audrey...you are totally amazing. AND...you speak five languages !!!! Congrats on the new job. You will be Godsend to the inmates.

Tracy...

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 4:38 am

And prison reform! Just like Martha!!
YAY!

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 9:51 pm

Day two was fun... I got into my office! I have 2 decent sized rooms and a bathroom "upstairs" across from the courthouse in the town I will be in the most... They are bright and airy and the last tennant left some file cabinents I can keep for my use. I get to pick out my desk and some other office furniture. This is a newly created position. I spent today dealing with the phone company, the office supply store, etc. The second room is perfect for files, storage and even a small kitchen area. Thayne has some office stuff in a storage locker I can snitch and donate to my office-- he will be glad to be able to get rid of the storage space and I will be happy to have some "waiting room" chairs and tables, etc. I am going to buy myself a small microwave, coffeepot, tea maker--etc at Walmart.

I also think I need all new clothes... All my skirts are social length... Thayne claims not to understand this and thinks it is just an excuse to get new clothes-- but you women know what I mean!

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 3:16 pm

This sounds wonderful!
And yes you need new clothes, And Shoes!

Nancie · Post by **Nancie** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 7:26 pm

Good Luck Audrey! Do they give you a good computer? What is a "social length" skirt? (i don't
get out much) Best of luck!

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 10:14 pm

I do get a computer! I get to pick it out-- I have never done that before. For home use we always have one of Thayne'e year old (already outdated--but wonderful for personal use) computers. I think I will have internet access and email there as well.. But it also looks like I am going to be swamped!

Social length skirts-- just above the knee. I don't think I want to prance into the county jail in a short skirt!

I want below the knee length and even some longer ones!

Shoes??? OH YEAH!