I've been drifting a bit when it comes to school lately, mainly because my job right now is changing. I just got a promotion from a Substitute in the residential program at Arc to a full-time staff member in what is soon going to be called Assisted Living. It's going to be nice especially since I already have a good relationship with the individuals in the program. When I went for my interview both me and the manager figured out that I've known most of the individuals since 1993.

Yea, 1993, and here's why. My mom used to work for Arc starting in 1991 and she introduced both me and my sister to them at a young age. Her philosophy was that she wanted us to see that people like them were as normal as us, that they just needed help. I credit her really for not only my experience when it comes to working, but showing me that everyone is the same, it just a matter of getting help and etc when needed.

When I first substituted at the Assisted Living program, all of the residents recognized me immediately and were thrilled that I was working with them. They opened up to me and came to me before most of the staff there, which is something that both management and the director saw and questioned me about. When I told them about my mom, they immediately knew the name and were thrilled that I was working there. They were even more thrilled when, five months later, I asked about working full time with them.

Many of the regular staff that I worked with said that I have a gift with individuals like them. That it takes a strong heart to not get stressed when they can't do something, a trait that is very hard to come by. When I told them during my interview with them that I believe that my job is not to help them and wait on them hand and foot, but to teach them and assist them, they said that is exactly what we're here for. Many misconceptions about developmentally disabled persons is that sometimes they need help with everything. Well, one thing that I learned from working with them is that I can learn a lot from them and they can teach me things that I should know.

It's going to be nice working full time (once approved) and finally getting a decent paycheck and health benefits after not having any for so long.

On that note, I spent this morning going with my family for portrait shots of the family and individual shots as well. When the photographer took mine he was really thrilled because I was really photogenic. That shocked me really because I hate having my photo taken lol. Usually when I do take one is cus I'm bored or my friends take it. When my parents and sister left he pulled me aside and told me that he could tell I have self-image problems by the way I was carrying myself during the whole shoot, and I told him that yea, it's something I've been working on but it's hard. He said that I'm a fine young man and would probably make anyone happy to be with me. I smiled telling him that it's easier to say then to believe and he said that he used to do the same thing at my age but now he's happy with the way he is.

That inspired me a little bit to start talking to my doctor about it. I've gotten a lot under control of late, and I think it's really time I start looking into fixing this flaw with myself. I get complimented all the time, but it's really hard for me to accept it, I always find something wrong with myself, even though It's mostly self-esteem issues that are really affecting me. So today when I'm done writing this and getting some bills paid at home, I'm going to go and get some things done as well, including working on getting my gym membership renewed because it's something I let slide lately.

Now an update on my living situation. My parents picked a moving date, well month and year really. They're wanting to move in May 2011, about a month before my dad starts his new job. In the mean time I got a lot to do before I can really live on my own, including getting serious about sticking to my budget and getting a car. I was looking at cars recently and I saw a Scion xA that I was thinking about getting. It's an older one (2005 or 2006 I forget which) and it was pretty decently priced. Also since I'm starting my job soon, I figured I'll be able to afford a car loan and pay off a good chunk of it before the rents move.

Finally about me. I'm still single but it's not bothering me as much as it used to. I'm finding that I'm enjoying my time more being with my friends and talking to people more then putting myself out there to date. I still don't think I'm ready after my whole thing with breaking up with Matt, but time will soon tell... meanwhile I'll be gawking at the boys

Well off to get things done and enjoy my time off before I go back to work on Tuesday.... laters!