Tag Archives: Colleagues

A gRaTiTuDe & CoMpLaInInG pOsT

Posted on by Gertie

Good Evening, World!!!! It has been a week and two days since I last blogged. I found out that my employer will be no longer a mental health agency much longer. The board let us know on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. It came to a surprise to everyone including to the CEO. Needless to say we are all going through grief especially for our clients. I am still in shock one week and two days later. On top of that I found out six days before my birthday and my vacation.

On to the gratitude part of this post is at least I’ve had the support of my friends, family and colleague who have become family. I think all this has brought my colleagues closer together. As far as the clients go most of them are taking better than I thought they would. I am grateful for my colleagues and clients. They are the reason I do what I do and be a peer support specialist. I will miss working with my clients and colleagues. Oh, the supervisors are amazing.

I do not not have much more to say in this blog post. I do want to thank you for reading my blog. If it was not for you the reader, reading my blog, I would not be writing my blog. Again thank you from the bottom of my reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end. Peace Out, World!!!

Before Going into the Office Post

Posted on by Gertie

Happy Friday, Morning, World!!! As much as I really don’t want to work today, I am looking forward to it. In fact Fridays is one of the days I actually work from the actual office and not from home. There are pros and cons from working from both the office and from home.

The plus side of working from the office is that it appears that I am more productive. Another plus to working in the office is I get to see a half dozen or so colleagues in person. Plus, the cool thing is I get to have a couple of in person sessions with clients.

As far as working as working from home I enjoy it but sadly, I am not as productive. I do have to say working from home remotely has made my colleagues and I more closer as co-workers because we make an effort to have “get togethers” even if its only once or twice a week via Zoom after work hours. I another reason why I like working from home is I get to sleep in a bit longer and wear comfortable clothing from the waist down. My “professional” clothing is mostly comfortable. The best part from working from home is have my cat be my colleague. With that being said, my cat, Billie Dean, is sometimes the reason why I get so distracted working from home. Another plus is if I’m working from home and having a virtual appointment, sometimes my cat makes an appearance which helps build a positive rapport with clients.

Even though I haven’t met all my colleagues in person yet, I am grateful that I have become friends with them. In fact I have become close friends with three of my colleagues which is cool. I love the people I work with and love my job.

I have to get going and finish getting ready for work since I go into the office today which is why I don’t have much more to say in this particular blog post. I do want to thank you for reading my blog. It is is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you the reader, read my blog. If it wasn’t for you the reader, reading my blog I would not be writing my blog. I hope everyone has a beyond awesome weekend ahead of you. Happy Friday and Peace Out, World!!!

Having a Tough Day at Work

Posted on by Gertie

Good Afternoon, World!!! I am currently having a tough day a work. Part of it is because I didn’t get much sleep last night due various reasons which included my neighbors being dickwads during a time where most people actually sleep or at least try to sleep.

Today is just one of them days. I have two clients schedule which I had a session with one of them already and will see my next one at 2:00pm; Seattle time. Today has been primarily being in meetings all day as well as dealing with clients in crisis as I am apart of the Thursday crisis coverage team.

Anyway, some of the crisis calls I have taken today have been triggering for me. I think it is partly due to the lack of sleep last night. Anyway, I am grateful for my colleagues as I have been able to do check-in’s with a couple of them after a couple of rough crisis calls from clients.

I have amazing colleagues and an awesome supervisor. I love my employer and feel supported by everyone including the leadership team. Having an awesome employer and colleagues is super helpful everyday especially and challenging days like today.

And of course I am working from home today so I can’t forget to mention how supportive of a colleague my cat Billie Dean has been today. I know for fact he knows I am needing the extra cuddles and love he is giving me. Animals including my cat, Billie have unconditional love especially for their humans.

I do not have much more to say in in this particular blog post. I do want to thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you the reader, read my blog. If it was not for you the reader, reading my blog, I would not be writing my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. Peace Out, World!!!

Still Can’t F*cking Sleep

Posted on by Gertie

Good Morning from Seattle!!! I still have not be to sleep and it is fucking pissing me off. And I really don’t care if this post isn’t G rated. Part of me is wondering if I am unable to sleep because of depression but I am not having my typical signs of depression but it’s something to think about.

On the plus side of things, my family, friends and colleagues are worried about me. In fact they all have been checking in on me which makes me feel love and appreciated. I have some pretty awesome people in my life including my colleagues. My colleagues really seem to care about each other. Of course I know my friends and family love me and care about me.

And of course my precious kitty cat, Billie Dean loves me so very much. He has been following me around all day as well as cuddling with me. He is my baby and I don’t care what others think as Billie in part of my family. I am so glad that he picked me in the shelter. Being picked by any animal is a precious thing especially when it’s a cat or bird.

I best be going now as I am starting fall asleep as I write this blog. Thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you the reader read my blog. If it wasn’t for you the reader reading my blog I would not be writing my blog. Thank you again from the bottom for my heart for reading my blog. Peace Out, World!!!

Dealing With Some Work Issues

Posted on by Gertie

Good Evening, World!!! It is Thursday evening here in my corner of the world known as Seattle. Seattle weather has be grey and misty like it is typical Seattle weather. The weather isn’t exactly helping my depression but at least I know what to do to take care of myself.

So, yesterday, I finally had it with a colleague that has been bullying me so I went to Human Resources (HR) about it. I’ve been having high anxiety about going to HR about being bullied but on that note yesterday (Wednesday) was the day that broke the camels back. I don’t want my colleague in trouble. I just want my colleague to realize not everyone is going to have the same response to this persons news. Anyway, I made sure HR knew that I don’t want this colleague in trouble. I want this person educated not everyone is going to have the same response and that this persons response to my response was not the best way to react to how I reacted in the way this person wanted. I am worried about retaliation with this person but I am doing what I need to do for self care.

As far as my self care, I am listening to a philosophy podcast as I am doing art work. Specifically, I am coloring as I listen to the philosophy podcast, “Philosophize This.” It seems to be helping me deal with being bullied at work.

Of course, Billie Dean, my cat has been quite helpful with this bullying issue that I have been having with a colleague. He is supporting me emotionally. I love my cat and am happy that Billie gives me the support I need.

I am also grateful that HR is being supportive of the situation which is quite unusual from my personal experience at previous employers. I really hope the person, I narked on doesn’t get officially in trouble. I just want this person to realize that I felt bullied and to be educated on bullying.

I do not have much more to say in this particular blog post. I do want to thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you read my blog. If it wasn’t for you the reader, reading my blog, I would not be writing my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. Have a good night and Peace Out, World!!!

Just a Bunch of Rambling

Posted on by Gertie

Good Evening, World!!! Happy Hanukkah to those who are Jewish and celebrating this miracle holiday. In all honesty I get the feeling this particular blog post will go in all sorts of different directions as I seem scatter brained today.

Surprisingly, as I type this particular blog I am listening Christmas music. I guess it’s the season to do so. At least it is bringing me joy as I type this blog. Listening to Christmas music brought me joy at work as well. No, Christmas music was not playing when I was in session with clients. I guess the Christmas music helped me be productive with work today or at least the note taking part of my job.

Speaking of work, I have some pretty awesome colleagues. My small group team, I am a member of is an amazing group of people. I adore all my colleagues especially the ones that are on my small team. I really do like my supervisor. She is awesome.

After my work shift ended I decided to continue to listen to Christmas music while doing art work. My cat, Billie Dean wanted to help. So, some of my artwork is quite a bit more unusual than normal. I really love my cat and his “helpfulness” with the art work.

My depression has been acting up which is why I’ve been making some art work while listening to Christmas music. I am planning on giving my art work away as gifts during this holiday season to my friends and family.

I am grateful for the friends and family I have in my life. They truly do love and care about me. Billie, my cat is now trying to help me type this particular blog post. I feel the love from my colleagues, friends, family and my cat Billie.

I don’t have much more to say in this particular blog post. I do want to thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things. If it wasn’t for you the reader reading my blog, I would not be writing my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. Happy Hanukkah to those of you who are celebrating it. Peace Out, World!!!

Too Early to be Awake Even for a Work Day

Posted on by Gertie

Good Morning, World!!! It is four o’clock in the morning, Seattle time which is way too early for me to be awake especially since I do not start work till eight o’clock in morning, Seattle time. I am blaming the treatment resistant insomnia I have. I am missing my cat Billie right now but he is on my grandpa’s and will see both Billie and my grandpa tomorrow for Thanksgiving.

At least it is only a four hour work day at my job today and I get paid for a full eight hours which I am happy about. I love my job and how I feel supported my by supervisors and colleagues. I work with some amazing people.

I am not sure what else to discuss in this blog post. I do want to thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you the reader read my blog. If it wasn’t for you the reader reading my blog, I wouldn’t be writing my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart fro reading my blog. Peace Out, World!!!

The Comfort of My Cat, Billie Sitting in My Lap

Posted on by Gertie

Good Evening, World!!! Today has been not one of my best days at work. It also hasn’t been one of my worst days at work. The type of day I had at work is like riding a rollercoaster that goes upside down on three different occasions. Not get me wrong I love riding rollercoasters for fun. I just don’t like when my work day feels like a rollercoaster. I hope I am making sense with what I am trying to convey.

Anyway, I had an uncomfortable interaction with a colleague today. Not meaning to offend this colleague because I admire this person. So, long story short, I was able to check in with my supervisor who validated my experience and informed me that I didn’t do anything wrong. My direct supervisor is finally back from FMLA and she is awesome. My temporary supervisor is awesome as well. Hell, all the supervisors are amazing and feel supported by them as well as the clinical director.

One of the best parts of my job, the clinicians come to me for advice on help to help the clients we serve at my employers. It feels good when people come to me to be of help for our clients. It also feels odd at times when the lead peer specialist most likely would be the best bet to go to for advice regarding helping clients. Sadly, the lead peer specialist isn’t my biggest fan which I won’t discuss here but I do admire her. She has some awesome insight on things that I know nothing about. I love learning things from the lead peer specialist despite her not liking me.

On that note my colleagues are quite supportive. My colleagues gave me the encouragement I needed and was not expecting it. I am glad that my colleagues are beyond awesome.

Now that I am off work, I am writing this particular blog post with my cat, Billie Dean, on my lap as I listen to a podcast on philosophy. The podcast of the philosophy I am listening to is “Philosophize This.” I am learning a lot about philosophy from the podcast I am listening to.

Another thing I am learning philosophy from is the book is “The Republic and Other Works” by Pluto. I feel like I am getting a great education about philosophy from the book I am reading. I love learning and educating myself.

As far as my cat Billie Dean, he is still laying curled up in my lap. He knows that my day has had some stress in it so he is trying to get me to be more mindful of the present versus the past even the recent past such as my work day today. I love my cat, Billie so much and that he gives me unconditional love even though I do not deserve the unconditional love he gives me. I so love how is is such a cuddly love but of a a cat.

I do not have much more to say in this particular blog post. I do want to thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you read my blog because if it wasn’t for you the reader, I would not be writing my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my hear for reading my blog. Peace Our, World!!!

A So So Type of Day

Posted on by Gertie

Good Evening, World!!! I have been having a so so type of day. Partly because my anxiety and depression symptoms are acting up. Another part is I went back to work today after taking the last two days off (Monday and Tuesday) from work due to increased symptoms of the anxiety and depression. The HR department at my employer is amazing. They have been working with me since the day I accepted the job offer nearly a year ago. Hell, I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since I accepted this awesome job.

On that note, HR is amazing but sadly, I had a negative interaction with a colleague that many people at my employer admire including myself. Anyway, the interaction I had with this admired colleague put me in a loop. A loop that I feel like is going to spiral in a downward spiral. That’s why I notified HR via email and will hopefully hear back from HR sometime tomorrow since it took me all day to decide if I needed to bring HR into this matter.

Now, that I am off from work for the day, I have decided to not watch television as I could use a different form of background noise so I decided. The background noise I am listening to is something that I actually listen to which is a podcast. I am listening to a podcast about philosophy. In fact the philosophy podcast I am listening to is “Philosophize This.” I am learning so much about philosophy from this podcast and feel like I am getting an education from it.

While listening to this podcast, I am cuddling with my cat, Billie Dean. In fact Billie is making it challenging to do some art work but that is okay. The type of art work I am doing is painting as well as collaging. I’m intertwining the two genre’s together. Usually, it comes out okay but this piece is coming out quite amazingly. As far a Billie, my cat, goes, I am glad he is being cuddly with me today.

I do not have much more to say in this particular blog post. I do want to thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you read my blog. If it was not for you the reader, reading my blog, I would not be writing my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. Peace Out, World!!!

Feeling Supported

Posted on by Gertie

Good Afternoon, World!!! Right now I am feeling supported. I am feeling supported in many different ways by many different people including my cat, Billie Dean. Yes, I realize Billie is a cat and not a human but I feel supported by him.

I feel supported by the various people in my life due to circumstances going on in my life. I was and am on the receiving end of being bullied by a colleague. When it became clear on Thursday that I was being bullied, my supervisor and many of my colleagues have been checking in on me even today, a Saturday. I am thrilled that my colleagues at my new job are backing me up and supporting me.

To add to being bullied, I ended up having to call out sick yesterday (Friday) due to a migraine. Again, my colleagues as well as friends and family checked in on me throughout yesterday and today. My grandpa even brought over groceries today and made me a meal. My grandpa didn’t have to make me lunch but he did. He, a neighbor and myself sat on the community patio of my apartment building and had lunch. It was nice to eat lunch with a friend and my grandpa.

Another way I felt supported today was going to a twelve step meeting. A twelve step meeting my sponsor regularly attends. Of course the meeting was not in person due to Covid-19 but at least I was able to attend one over Zoom. Zoom is a godsend during the pandemic and am grateful for it especially when it comes to attending twelve step meetings. My sponsor checked in with me after the meeting. We discussed how I was doing regarding my first step and how it is a slow process at the moment.

Of course as I mentioned earlier on in this post, I am feeling supported by my cat, Billie Dean. I love my cat, Billie so much. It is amazing how supportive pets can be in peoples lives. My cat has been a great support for me and am grateful for him.

I do not have much more to say in this particular job post. I just want to say thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you do read my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. Peace Out, World!!!