back to the grind

Sleep or no sleep, I'm back to the grind at work.

I returned this week to 69 unread emails, an urgent phone call request, a young person that absconded 3 times, another child that disclosed some serious allegations against a parent, an request for an urgent unscheduled visit, another team requesting I wait another month to transfer my already overdue case, and a foster carer that has put in her 28 day notice to no longer care for a young person.

Now, the majority of these issues, emails, phone calls, and visits all have to do with one client. A client, who I believe, is currently lying to my face and causing me a BIG headache and a lot of paperwork. This was the ONLY case I worried about while I was in Texas.... I guess I had good reason too.

I think people are right when they say you need another vacation shortly after you return from vacation. These past two days have been INTENSE!

I did something that I am super against today ..... I stayed at work until 7 pm tonight. UGH.... I really hate cutting into my self care time, especially since I still need to catch up on sleep due to jet lag.

But, I was in good company at the office since half of the staff was also in the office late. Apparently, my office is known to work late. Who would have known, since I try to leave by 5:30 at the latest everyday.

I did confirm tonight that I can get an eye test paid for by my employer since I have to use the computer so much. I think my eyes are going bad with all this computer and file reading I do....boo.....

Oh...and I also went to the dentist yesterday. The NHS -- "free" dentist. (but you really have to pay). I mean, I was in the chair for maybe 7 minutes total, and she took some x-rays (surprisingly), told me I had one cavity that needs filling, and I learned that they apparently don't clean teeth here in the UK on visits like I am used to in the US. After my NHS dentist visit, I understand why the English are known for having bad teeth. On a positive note, it is relatively really cheap for me to have an "exam" and a filling!

Last thought of the night....why do journalist put themselves in the line of fire to get a good shot and/or story? I just finished looking at the Boston Globe Big Picture blog, and saw all of these pictures from the protests in Bangkok. Some included journalist following around the military or ducking on the ground or behind stuff. I mean WHY? Why is America and the rest of the world so enthralled with good news or stories that journalist think it is necessary to put their lives in danger and get in the way of a HUGE conflict. It doesn't make sense to me.

There's a party at my house this weekend for one of my housemate's birthday. There are a lot of American's coming over. This should be fun and/or interesting!