Oh Yeah! The Big News!

Hey, everyone! All has been pretty well here in the Pollock home.

Megan reminded me of something last post- I totally forgot to update the big news!! I was so used to it being on my other blog and public other places that it seemed to have slipped my mind to mention it here.

So, as all you probably already know, Gary and I are expecting #1! We found out over the summer and we're definitely excited to be first time parents! So far it's been a little rough for me on the nausea and morning sickness aspect, but I'm still pretty happy about the little growing baby inside of me. I think the sickness is worse because of my job and commute everyday- usually the weekends are much easier because I get to sleep more hours and go around the town with Gary.

Anyway, there's that! We are due in May.

We're also going to be moving in January, which will be hard- but it's what's best for us and easiest on Gary. Where are we going? Yup, we're still not sure. We want to be closer to his job (which will be staying in LA, not moving closer like we thought it may have been), and not worry too much about being close to mine since I'll be leaving my job permanently before the little munchkin is born. We're also open to the idea of living walking distance from a subway station so he can do that.

I am also looking forward to the holiday season! Not only do I get 2 weeks off, it'll just be a nice time for us. First, we'll have Gary's work Christmas party in Santa Monica in a super beautiful hotel on the beach. Then a couple of days later, we'll hopefully find out the gender of the baby, depending on the participation. I'm also hoping by then the morning sickness will be gone so we can visit family without too many problems.

Yesterday, Gary took me out shopping in Sherman Oaks and also here in Valencia for my Christmas party attire. It's a dressy event, so he's going to be wearing a nice navy suit (or he might buy a tux if he changes his mind), and I'm going to be wearing a gorgeous navy gown. It's so beautiful! Gary actually found it while we were browsing and he was sure it was going to work on me. And it did! It will also work well with a bump.

We also went to DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) and bought some gorgeous heels to go with it. Another thing Gary picked out. He was just right on the dot yesterday! He was also being smart about the heels not being too high or too narrow because, "you're going to be more pregnant, your balance might be a little different, and your feet might be a little swollen". Good thinking! He did a good job because they look great on me and go well with the gown. Lastly, we hit up Brighton where he bought me a beautiful necklace and earrings to go with the outfit. I'm so spoiled ;) . I picked out the jewelry (we had the dress with us, so the sales associate was great with suggestions), but Gary was a big help too ;) .

Anyway, I'm excited!

Well, it's time to get ready for church and visit our new ward. We recently had a ward boundary change, so we're no longer in V2 (Valencia 2nd), we're in the Stevenson Ranch ward.

Bye folks!

Update on Us

I've gotta say- this is the first time I've updated a blog while eating whipped cream out of the can. Mmm. Okay, I should put this away now. But I'm definitely enjoying this beautiful cooler fall weather! I made some homemade pumpkin pie over the weekend (except I over-spiced it a bit), and there has been lots of reading and snuggling. When I'm not working, of course. But yay for fall!

I just want to mention how grateful I am for my family- my sweet husband especially! I can't believe this December will be our 7th wedding anniversary. Things can't be any better! Everything seems to be falling into place perfectly for us.

As for work, it's meh. Driving an hour and back to work everyday is tough. I'm no longer working at the behavioral academy as mentioned. So, I'm currently working at a few different schools, but mainly at an adult program (PALS- Pasadena Adult Learning Skills) which teaches higher functioning adults how to live independently. It's been fun. And no violence. We get to cook, take community trips so they can work jobs, and learn other adult skills.

Gary's job is going well too. The commute is hard on him too, so the move out of Santa Clarita is highly likely. Though, there's a high possibility his company will be moving much closer- so that would be awesome!

Anyway, Gary and I need more adventure. When we find it, we'll post it!

Now it's time for a nap. But I figured since it's been over a month since an update, I'd post something.

PS- Gary has trimmed his beard big time. He looks SO handsome, especially with all the weight he's lost- including his beard ;)

Some Days I'm Crazy; But I'm Still Alive

Hey, all. So some more updates. First of all, I apologize for the text background. I really don't know what's going on, but just go with it. You'll be okay. I promise.

My job can definitely be stressful at times. Most days are good, but others I'm dying to go home and forget about it. My biggest challenge? Going home and forgetting about it.
I recently read a book written by a special education teacher called "What Do I Do With These Kids? How to Teach Emotionally Disturbed and Behaviorally Disordered Students".  One of the key points mentioned in the book is having the ability to leave work at work. It's also important we don't treat our families like we treat our students (constantly using interventions, working on behaviors, etc).

When I learn the stories of these kids and talk to them about their trials, it's difficult to not think about it when I get home. When I see a student have a mental breakdown and find out the next day they're being institutionalized, it's hard not to think about it. When a kid comes to me crying because their drug-addicted parents never showed an ounce of interest in visiting them in the group home, it's hard to go home and forget about it. Some of these kids have lived in the streets, starving. Some of them have family members who have died in gang-related violence. They all have severe behavioral disturbances- but for some, it's just that. For others, it's mental illness that only medication and maybe therapy can help. Some days I feel useless, other days I feel like I had at least a little success.

On an average day, I hear screaming in the hallways as kids are being restrained and dragged to a room in the back of the building. Fights are a regular thing, sometimes big, sometimes small. Luckily I haven't had the chance to jump in and restrain. We're talking big high school boys here. Have I had to restrain? Yes. But never alone, and I've never been hurt.

Anyway, I've been switched to a different classroom and the students are much more behaved than the first classroom I was in. The teacher had requested a BI in his classroom, so I volunteered. The first time I was asked, I turned it down because I was enjoying my current students at the time. However, I eventually agreed and moved. Some of the kids from the previous class were actually upset with me, but after a long talk with them about my job and how I'm open to help all kids, not just the ones in my new classroom, they forgave me. So we're good.

I ran into my supervisor in the hallway last week, who mentioned the possibility of me making a decision to stay or go district-wide. She didn't force a response out of me, just casually mentioned we might talk about it. I sat down that evening and thought, "should I stay or go?" Yesterday, she ran into me again and told me I don't have too much longer at the school (I'm thinking next week is my last), and we have a major meeting this upcoming Monday where I will possibly receive my actual assignment.

However, I still had to sit down and think. Do I really want to stay? A part of me doesn't- heck, the job can be pretty stressful sometimes (I've been called every name in the book, insulted, sexually harassed, verbally attacked, and threatened on an average day), but at the same time, I'm learning so much- plus, let's not forget the bonds and bridges I've already built just in these first few weeks. Just for the record, I learned it's important to never take attacks personally. Most kids in this situation have been betrayed by an authoritative figure- so when they attack me, they're not making it personal. They're attacking my authority. That's why it's also important I not be a pushover. Anyway, that's a different topic.

Let's also not forget my experience revolves around developmentally disabled- not emotionally disturbed. I can use my skills being district-wide, all the skills I've learned in this field. Sometimes I feel helpless at this school and feel I can't fully do my "job". But again...

I over-analyze way too much. I think too much. I do my best to keep my emotions out of it (I'm doing a good job), but it's hard to just- forget about them. Can I actually make a difference and help? Or is it hopeless for these guys? I'm a white girl who grew up with a good, strong family, so it's also hard to relate. But again, that's on a personal level. I work with them on a professional level.

Okay, I'm done. I just thought I'd throw it out there. Now I can actually forget about it. The day is over, I can move on and worry about it later. When Gary comes home in a bit, I can talk about other things than my job.

Other things than my job: beach day tomorrow! We're going to Zuma with the ward. Should be fun! Speaking of fun, my new calling is going well (got called as the Primary secretary a couple months back). Lots of things to do, but it's all good. Gary and I are also getting over colds/something/whatever-the-heck-hit-us. Not fun. But good it's leaving our bodies!

Too lazy/tired to keep going. More uplifting post next time, promise! Bye!

Job Update and My Clumsiness

I survived the first week! So, how did it go? Here's the update/details.


Tuesday I went to an orientation/training day. There are 5 days of district training to teach us the ropes of how we operate within the district. We are also required to attend all 5 days of training. However, I started on the last day of training, meaning I still have 4 days I need to take.

My supervisor, who will be doing another 5-day training session, is waiting until a few more staff members are cleared through the district to start working (took me a week to clear- fingerprints, medical tests, etc). Then I am to attend the first 4 days since I already went to the 5th. Until then, I'm on a temporary assignment at an indoor educational academy in Altadena.

It's been- interesting, but not bad. I'm currently working with high school boys. The academy is a place for the severely emotionally disturbed and teaches elementary through high school. Most of these children come from group homes and have pretty traumatic lives/pasts. My goal during the week was to build a good rapport with the kids without too much intervention just yet. It takes time. But I have developed a good standing with them and I actually enjoy being around them. The teacher for the classroom is great.  Gary has expressed concerned for my safety (the first day a boy smashed a glass vase over his arm and the ambulance had to come), but I'm not concerned at all. There are many male aides and some male workers from the mental health department who regularly hang out and assist. I have another interventionist in the classroom with me as well. So nothing to worry about. I occasionally take the boys out of the classroom and chat with them (never completely alone- there are always people around), just to see how they are doing. This especially happens when they're feeling stressed and/or upset and need a break. But this assignment is definitely a new thing as my experience mostly revolves around developmental disorders, primarily autism- not so much ED (emotionally disturbed). I did have a regular ED case with my respite job, but he's young and it's mild since he has an amazing life with a great family, so it's not as bad.

Anyway, I have been assigned as a district-wide interventionist. This means that once the permanent staff to work at the academy are cleared to work and I finish the other 4 days of training, I'll be sent out to work at different schools. I will have 2-3 students at each school, and will provide 30-45 minute sessions with each student- including group exercises, 1:1 social building skills, consulting, Discrete Trial Training, etc-as well as tons of data collection. Between the travel and data collecting, I'll be filling in my 6 hours each day. Even if I don't fill in the 6 hours, I still get paid salary. Which is nice.

So, that's basically it for now, and it really has been great. Traffic to Altadena hasn't been all that bad- it only gets a little congested when there's been an accident. Otherwise, it takes me 30-40 minutes to get there.

Any more updates? Gary and I still haven't made a decision about where to move, but Glendale and Burbank are high on the list, including Studio City.  Also, Gary's job has still been going well and I'm super proud of all he does!

We also had a mini vacation and took a trip recently to Orange County. We visited Knotts Berry Farm, went to the Pirate's Dinner Adventure, and a couple weeks before took a trip to the Getty Villa. But that's a different post. Until then, enjoy this photo of my head injury. I was swimming in a friend's pool with a large rock waterfall/slide. Anyway, some of the rocks hover over the pool, forming a little cave. I had been swimming under them (didn't know I was that close), then came up for air- and SLAM. Luckily I didn't knock myself out, though I do believe I'm suffering from a minor concussion.

Change of Plans

 Remember on my last post how I mentioned there was basically no reason NOT to move to OC? Funny things really happen sometimes.

After we made that decision, we prayed together we would receive confirmation this was the correct choice- and that we'd receive a sign. Well, that week, a school district in Pasadena had contacted me, asking if I'd be interested in a personal interview. I didn't get back to them right away because I didn't know what to think. But I decided I'd see what would happen and went ahead with the interview.

Here's the back story: several weeks ago, or months I'd say, I applied for a position within a school district in Pasadena. Every now and then I'd miss working for the schools and would see what was available. That's when I came across this specific one. It seemed out of my reach, considering the salary, the benefits, and qualifications- more money than I've ever made, and the qualifications were more strict. But I thought, "why not?" and applied anyway. This happened shortly after I had been suddenly removed from a case I had been working on for almost a year- and I was seeking stability within normal school hours. 

Some weeks later, the district contacted me via e-mail, inviting me to take the written exam at the district building. So, I went. My appointment was the earliest available, which was around 9 am. There were tons of people in the exam room. Not only that, the instructor said we were only the first group- there were going to be several more groups throughout the day and the next. A couple of girls at my table mentioned this was their 2nd or 3rd attempt taking the exam over the course of months/years for the position. The instructor also mentioned that only the top scorers would move on.

So, I took the exam and went on my way. Another few weeks passed and I received another e-mail from the district, inviting me to an oral exam. They would tape record me answering random questions about my qualifications. So, I went. Then I discovered once again there were many other people who were there for that exam. I got it over with and moved on.

Many more weeks passed, and I moved on. Since I hadn't heard anything, I assumed they had made their selection and had basically forgotten about it.

Then the phone call came, that very week Gary and I had prayed for a sign about where to move. I didn't know if I wanted to go through with the interview since I had my heart set on OC. I prayed, then decided just to see what would happen. So, I went with the personal interview. The interviewer said I would hear back in a few weeks on whether I got the position or not, then I went along my way.

The next day was the call. I contacted Gary to tell him the news, then immediately prayed about it. I was still feeling hesitant. Not only that, they wanted me to start in a month- meaning I'd have to give notice to my current job about leaving my cases. But, after receiving comfort, I contacted my employers, my families I work with, and the district about moving on to do the fingerprinting, medical stuff, etc. Everyone was thrilled for me and that made me feel a little better. Now, I'm not leaving my current company. The school position is 9 months, so I'll have backup during the summer if necessary.

Now? Still nervous about the decision in ways, but mostly because of where we're going to move. I wasn't ever sure about Pasadena, but I was told if we stay south of the 210, we'd find really beautiful, safe neighborhoods and places to live. The school districts worry me, but when we have kids, we'll worry about that. In honesty, you really can't beat Santa Clarita. So, now it looks like we'll be moving to South Pasadena or somewhere around that area. It's really close to Gary's job, and we'll be next to my new job.

Now about the job. The position title is Behavioral Interventionist. It's a salaried, 6-hour per day position, Mon-Fri. Just like any school position, I get paid holidays and vacations including 2 weeks off for winter, spring break, etc. I will basically be having DTT  (Discrete Trial Training-Google it) sessions with students throughout a regular day. They send me a student, I give them a session, and move on to the next. There's much more in the job description, so I'll figure it all out as I go. I'm not certain yet which school I will be sent to- I haven't received the site information just yet. It could be a high school, Jr. high, or elementary school. I'll figure that out today.

Anyway, that's the news and that's the update! The more we pray, the more comfortable we feel. I received a fortune on Saturday from a fortune cookie: "You will move to a wonderful new home within the year." Let's hope it's wonderful.

Moving Away

 Hey, everyone. Yes, a blog post!

 Gary and I have been attempting to escape the heat on the weekends. Last weekend, we hit the outlets in Camarillo- which was nice! The weather was in the 80's, which was way better than the 105 degree weather going on back home. We did some shopping where I purchased some jeans (name brand size 6 Levi's- awesome), some chocolate and candies (yum!), and some shirts at Aero for $5 a piece. Love their stuff!

After our shopping trip, we hit Ventura where we did more shopping, then stopped at the harbor for some delicious lunch overlooking the ocean. I had a delicious shrimp and avocado salad while Gary had fish and chips. Then we added on some ice cream at the end while strolling around. I was pretty stuffed. But it was good! Parking was crazy! We got lucky though when someone up front was pulling out- we made it there first and got the spot. But good grief was it busy! But good. 

Fourth of July was fun as well- relaxing, too! We pigged out- like a lot, on ribs, cookies, and other deliciousness. Then we watched the Town Center fireworks show from our complex- great view.

And then this past weekend- let's just say it may have made an impact on our future.

As you know, Gary works in downtown LA. He leaves at 6:30am and gets home close to 9pm. This includes "his" time at the gym for a couple-few hours. It wears the poor guy out. We've had our eyes on places closer to his job, but haven't fallen in love with anything yet. Everything's so- LA and apartment city, know what I mean? Nothing very family-oriented.

Well, his birthday was on Saturday and we went to Medieval Times in Buena Park, something we had been planning for awhile. It was a lot of fun! It was my first time there and although it's something super awesome for kids- I still enjoyed myself. And our team won. :)

Anyway, we were driving around Buena Park/Orange/Anaheim area and doing shopping at their massive outlet center in Orange. I mean big! And gorgeous. We noticed how clean the air was, how family-oriented it was, and how beautiful the homes and neighborhoods were. Then I said, "Too bad we can't move here." Then it hit me- how far were we from his job? I pulled out the map app on my phone and noticed we were only 20 miles away from his work. Valencia is 40 miles away. I told him, "Hey, we're actually pretty close! You'd only have to take the 5."

It gave us something to think about, so we did some research. Here are the perks:

• It's out of Los Angeles County and in Orange County
• Only 20 miles from his job
• 15 miles from the ocean
• Cleaner air
• Cleaner environment/city- just beautiful- the sky is so clear and blue
• It has tons of shopping and things to do, including some of our favorite places we have to travel out of town to visit
• It's next to Knotts Berry Farm and Disneyland
• The apartments are way more affordable, mainly because it's a family oriented city and not a young couple/apartment city where the demand is high
• The homes are about the same price as the homes in Santa Clarita/Valencia- which is more affordable than homes in LA.
• The crime is way low
• My brother lived in OC for a couple of years and is absolutely in love with the area, highly recommending it

In the end, we couldn't find any reasons NOT to move there. So, we decided. That is going to be our next place to live. We're excited!

Sometime next month we're going to spend a weekend there and get to know the areas more. Now, of course the downside would be my job- I'd have to leave my current cases and pick up new ones over there (my company provides services all through Southern Cali, including San Diego, so I'm good).  But it's a bummer because I LOVE the families I work for- well, 2 of them at least ;).

Anyway, that's the update! Things to do today- bye!

Quick Stuff

I wish I had something super exciting to post about, but I don't. But anyway, here are a few things:

Gary's job is going well. The commute and his 14 hour days are getting to him a bit, but he's hanging in there. He really does enjoy spending time at the gym after work with his trainers though. He turns off his phone and calls it "his time"- which I don't blame the guy. Let him unwind and get that workout in! He's looking absolutely great. We recently had to go clothes shopping for him because nothing fits anymore. As for me, you can read a few updates in my fitness blog.

We recently went to the best ramen place ever in Studio City called Jinya Ramen. Delicious! Studio City is likely going to be our next city to live in. It's a nice residential area and much closer to his work. It's a pretty area as well. Toluca Lake is another option.

Let's see, what else? We recently went to a fun wedding last Saturday and watched Jamie and her new husband Joshua tie the knot. Jamie is a long-time friend I've known for years. The wedding itself was nice, and the reception was a lot of fun. It was nice to have the whole gang from high school together again.

 We stopped by my parents house first to hang out before the reception, so this is us before we took off. As for reception pictures, they'll come later. Plus, I was so dumb and forgot to get a picture of the high school gang! Dang!

I definitely had a lot of fun hitting up the dance floor though! We all joked it was like going to the Mormon dances all over again- old, fun times!

Besides that, Gary and I are definitely enjoying the weekends where we actually get to spend time with one another! What a blessing it is to be with him. I especially love when we have no plans- just us and the weekend. Super nice!

Anyway, that was a quick, short update. When I can think of other things, I'll keep you posted!