Psycho-Babble Psychology Thread 767212

Shown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

my first day of work

Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 2, 2007, at 16:29:17

I'm volunteering at a homeless shelter tonight (until 10 pm)

I hope everyone has a good attitude, I don't care much about the rest. I put on some extra perfume, in case things get too tough I'll just sniff my wrist. Maybe people will think I'm weird. Well, I am.

-Ll

p.s. I think psychobabble is some pretty damned good training for being supportive of all kinds of folks...

p.p.s. I ate montmorency cherries as one of my fruit servings today. Have only had one and a half "bad days" since starting my diet 3 weeks ago. Maybe I've lost 5 lbs, dunno 'cause my scale is in a box somewhere.

that's all from pond woebehere

 

Re: my first day of work » LlurpsieNoodle

Posted by Dinah on July 2, 2007, at 21:14:07

In reply to my first day of work, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 2, 2007, at 16:29:17

I so admire you! Not only are you doing something good for others, but you also took care of yourself, since if I remember correctly inactivity was driving you up the wall?

 

Re: my first day of work

Posted by muffled on July 2, 2007, at 22:03:06

In reply to my first day of work, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 2, 2007, at 16:29:17

aawwww, good for you LL.
Just unconditional acceptance.....
Any open wounds you have should be well protected(gloves until healed if on hands)
Have you had twinrix? Thats hep shots?
Also come fall you might wanto get flu vaccine, and poss meningitiis as well.
These people, if they street people have lotsa 'stuff'.
But don't be afraid to hug.
When you cleaning up, don't just grab lumps of stuff, shake and check for needles first.
Don't make too long eye contact.
Always be alert.
Be ready to duck! LOL.
Stay away from fights or arguments, let staff handle them.
Etc etc.
I think you'll find many amazing moments...
Also, NEVER lend money.
If you want to pass out occ treats, buy a deck of smokes and DISCRETELY pass them out (or you'll cponstantly get asked....).
hmmm
goto go
M

 

Re: my first day of work » LlurpsieNoodle

Posted by OzLand on July 2, 2007, at 22:13:10

In reply to my first day of work, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 2, 2007, at 16:29:17

That's great. Congrats. It's how I got back into the workforce before. Working on letters to send out for jobs??? Take it easy. Transition is not easy, but it sounds like you can tell when you need to move on. Take care. OzLand

 

Re: my first day of work » LlurpsieNoodle

Posted by scratchpad on July 3, 2007, at 7:27:47

In reply to my first day of work, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 2, 2007, at 16:29:17

How was it, Llurpsie?
Tell us about your evening's experiences.

I enjoy my volunteer time at our local science centre, especially on Fridays when the kids get to fire off the rockets they built during the week. Very cool.

sp

 

Re: my first day of work

Posted by Angela2 on July 3, 2007, at 11:05:00

In reply to my first day of work, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 2, 2007, at 16:29:17

LlurpsieNoodle, that sounds like fun. Next week I am volunteering in a kitchen serving meals to the homeless. I've never done it before and hope I like it. I hope you have a good time.

 

Re: my first day of work

Posted by Honore on July 3, 2007, at 11:52:11

In reply to Re: my first day of work, posted by Angela2 on July 3, 2007, at 11:05:00

Glad you're getting out, taking action-- not mouldering by the lake, trying to figure out what you should do.

I imagine they'll be really glad to see you--

but mainly, what this shows is that you're getting out there-- doing things for yourself (and others)--and are not letting the transition disrupt all the great things you've done (even if you don't feel them as that) this year.

Let me know how it goes (has gone).

Honore

 

How it went

Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 3, 2007, at 13:19:10

In reply to Re: my first day of work, posted by Honore on July 3, 2007, at 11:52:11

Well, it started out with a long lecture from an experienced police officer who told us some (common sense) things about working with (potentially) desperate, disturbed, dangerous folks. Then a woman who's been running the soup kitchen for 18 years took us into the kitchen and gave us jobs to do- scramble eggs, pass out chocolate milk, make lemonade, make popcorn, make soup. Basically, whatever wasn't labelled in the fridge was handed out to whoever was taking it.

Mainly I stood by the kitchen window and asked everyone what they'd like. A whole bunch of people came up as soon as the doors opened, that was stressful (but nowhere near the stress of hearing the policeman's horror stories...)

Most of the people were quiet, or grateful, and polite. Definitely some folks who were a little slow, tired. One who was very agitated and pacing (had been in the police station earlier that evening after supposed encounter with dangerous foe who existed only in his head). The lady in charge pointed out some of the regulars, including a guy with schizophrenia (very nice and sociable) and a couple who have jobs by day but can't afford to live at their own place. About 50 people total.

I was on kitchen duty the whole time, and it was nice.

When I came home, I got lost and ended up having to back up a narrow winding lane for about 300feet because I made a wrong turn and no way out. I HATE backing up in the car. so dark. couldn't see my hand in front of my face.

Then we watched an episode of X-files and my mind was really really busy and I tried to fall asleep but I had too much on my mind. The last thing I wanted to do was take a pill. But after 2 hours That's what I did. :(

I think I go back next weekend. They need people to work in the evenings on weekends.

That's all
Good luck Angela- hope you have as positive experience as I did (minus the getting lost in scary dark neighborhood)

-Ll

 

Re: How it went » LlurpsieNoodle

Posted by muffled on July 3, 2007, at 23:44:08

In reply to How it went, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 3, 2007, at 13:19:10


> Mainly I stood by the kitchen window and asked everyone what they'd like. A whole bunch of people came up as soon as the doors opened, that was stressful (but nowhere near the stress of hearing the policeman's horror stories...)

**LOL, you should see me get mobbed when I bring goodies out!!! I feel like the most popular girl in the WORLD!!!!!!
People try and say its the treats, but I ever insist its just ME! they want!
Maybe you can make a play on that with the initial rush, they rushing cuz they know you got good cookin good lookin!
Its the same when we open doors at 7 a.m., esp in winter. There's lineup, the doors open and wham! in they come, powdered creamer fills the air.....as do certain other aromas...
But mostly i love to look people in the eye, smile, and say good morning! I get the most lovely responses back.
>
> Most of the people were quiet, or grateful, and polite. Definitely some folks who were a little slow, tired. One who was very agitated and pacing (had been in the police station earlier that evening after supposed encounter with dangerous foe who existed only in his head). The lady in charge pointed out some of the regulars, including a guy with schizophrenia (very nice and sociable) and a couple who have jobs by day but can't afford to live at their own place. About 50 people total.

**If you keep at it, its rewarding to see people and help them feel they somebody, not just crap on the street. Its nice for the people to be able to recognize a familiar face as well.
>
> I was on kitchen duty the whole time, and it was nice.

**are you able to chat or at least greet people and stuff?
>
> When I came home, I got lost and ended up having to back up a narrow winding lane for about 300feet because I made a wrong turn and no way out. I HATE backing up in the car. so dark. couldn't see my hand in front of my face.

**BUMMER :-( But ya DID it!
>
> Then we watched an episode of X-files and my mind was really really busy and I tried to fall asleep but I had too much on my mind. The last thing I wanted to do was take a pill. But after 2 hours That's what I did. :(
>
> I think I go back next weekend. They need people to work in the evenings on weekends.

**serving supper or just snax and coffee?
>
> That's all
> Good luck Angela- hope you have as positive experience as I did (minus the getting lost in scary dark neighborhood)

**Guess the only other thing to be prepared for is death. We lose a person or so at least every month it seems like...
And seeing pregnant users :-(
And little kids :-(
And young people :-(
Hearing their stories can be interesting (if you can beleive any of what some say....), but its fun to listen, and people like to be listened to.
Good for you and Angela for doing this work.
One last thing....try and stay out of 'workplace' politics...dunno how well run your places are, but the one I go to has some serious probs....and the 'political' backbiting and crap just takes any shine away...
I also assume there's a bathroom for staff and volunteer use thats separate...?
Its a minefield..
But rewarding too.

 

Re: How it went

Posted by Phillipa on July 4, 2007, at 23:04:20

In reply to Re: How it went » LlurpsieNoodle, posted by muffled on July 3, 2007, at 23:44:08

Lurpsie good for you my ex Mother in law did it for years and they are millionaires and she never had any trouble at all. The people are so grateful. And schizophrenics have always been my favorite patients. I'll probably do hospital cause of the nursing. Love Phillipa ps and don't fear them.


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