My fire inspection was scheduled for today. I had been a little nervous about it. It's the kinda thing you don't know what to expect, you know? It could be a two minute walk through and "you're good to go" or it could be detailed questions that I may or may not know the answers to. It kinda just depends on the person, I think?
Anyway, this was the two minute and "you're good to go" variety. Score!
I heard back from Sam last night. I have one class I have to retake due to it being expired and one reference letter I'm waiting on and a cultural online class I have to take.
Never before heard of the cultural online class.
I love when I'm told something as a "yep, you're missing this" as if I should know I'm missing it, when in reality I hadn't been told it was needed.
Oh, well. The Fire Inspection is PASSED and all my paperwork is in! I'll get the cultural online class behind me, remind my former Bible study teacher to send in his reference letter, retake the one class that's expired and then I'm ready for a Home Study!
As long as I'm not missing anything else I'm not currently aware I'm missing.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Oh the joys of....paperwork?
The ball really started rolling with my fostering licensing on October 22. I had taken the day off for an appointment, but was able to handle some other things too, namely calling Arrow. Because of that phone call, I went to a training two evenings later that week. The next week Samantha, my Arrow lady, and I began talking or emailing at least once a day.
I was frustrated that the Houston office had not forwarded my file. Samantha moved forward on getting that accomplished. (Something about scanning it in wasn't working...so it had to be mailed.) I knew my Houston paperwork was complete. The only thing we were waiting on, before a home study, was that one training class and I took it October 23 and 25....so I'm golden, right? I mean, I knew I needed a fire inspection, but she had told me the city I live in wouldn't do it and the Arrow employee would need to check that off when they come for the home study.
Then I get an email that she needed me to complete the ENTIRE application all over again simply because my address had changed. Um? Does that scream bureaucracy to anyone else? Seriously? Let's white it out and write the new one. The rest of it is the same! She couldn't create a file on me until she had an application with an address in her area. So, I redid the pages that were affected by the move and faxed those to her.
I know I'm not planning to foster until next summer. I'm giving myself one full school year to learn a new job, transition to a new city, etc. So I haven't really had a fire lit under me about all this paperwork and, at first, was moving kind of slowly. Then, in one of our conversations, she said "It will depend on who is in the position after the 19th." Um, are you leaving? Yes. Yes, she is. And she has been helpful. And actually knows ANSWERS when I ask questions. And actually INITIATES contact and provides valuable information. So, the fire was lit. I have been moving like a banshee (I have no idea if that simile even makes sense. Go with me on it, please. :)
So, I get all the paperwork turned in to her...and believe me, it's a LOT of paperwork. On Tuesday of this week, I receive an email with 9 items and two online trainings that I need to turn in.
WHAT!? I thought I was almost finished! Nope. They need a copy of my college diploma, FBI fingerprints, a fire inspection, a health inspection, reference letters (that were turned in, but somehow lost), two more trainings (both that I've done, one that expires this month and one that they typed the wrong date and so THEY think it expired in January...except I TOOK it in January.
Ok, no matter, I CAN DO THIS! I have a fire inspection scheduled for this coming Tuesday afternoon. (Apparently the city I live in does Fire Inspections. What they do NOT do are health inspections, so the Arrow employee will do that when they arrive. Love being given incorrect information and then facing the consequences of that incorrect information.) I faxed in everything else (I don't work in a job that I need to fax very often. Usually when I do it, I end up pushing a wrong button or something that equally shouts (Um, she doesn't know how to work a simple machine!) but I tell you what, I have become a proficient faxer this week! (I know. You are so proud.)
One of the items I needed to complete is something they call an Autobiography. Um, I'm going to write a book about me? Nope, I'm going to answer a 10 page questionnaire about my childhood, my parents, my parents' marriage, my neighbors and their opinions of my fostering decision, etc. Yep, it was a little over the top, but I think I might be starting to get used to over the top.
My Arrow lady is taking vacation time just before she quits, so she's out of the office until tomorrow. I THINK all the needed paperwork is turned in. I will have to take one class over again. It's on November 29. But I THINK everything else is complete. Here's hoping when she returns to work tomorrow, she agrees with me!
I was frustrated that the Houston office had not forwarded my file. Samantha moved forward on getting that accomplished. (Something about scanning it in wasn't working...so it had to be mailed.) I knew my Houston paperwork was complete. The only thing we were waiting on, before a home study, was that one training class and I took it October 23 and 25....so I'm golden, right? I mean, I knew I needed a fire inspection, but she had told me the city I live in wouldn't do it and the Arrow employee would need to check that off when they come for the home study.
Then I get an email that she needed me to complete the ENTIRE application all over again simply because my address had changed. Um? Does that scream bureaucracy to anyone else? Seriously? Let's white it out and write the new one. The rest of it is the same! She couldn't create a file on me until she had an application with an address in her area. So, I redid the pages that were affected by the move and faxed those to her.
I know I'm not planning to foster until next summer. I'm giving myself one full school year to learn a new job, transition to a new city, etc. So I haven't really had a fire lit under me about all this paperwork and, at first, was moving kind of slowly. Then, in one of our conversations, she said "It will depend on who is in the position after the 19th." Um, are you leaving? Yes. Yes, she is. And she has been helpful. And actually knows ANSWERS when I ask questions. And actually INITIATES contact and provides valuable information. So, the fire was lit. I have been moving like a banshee (I have no idea if that simile even makes sense. Go with me on it, please. :)
So, I get all the paperwork turned in to her...and believe me, it's a LOT of paperwork. On Tuesday of this week, I receive an email with 9 items and two online trainings that I need to turn in.
WHAT!? I thought I was almost finished! Nope. They need a copy of my college diploma, FBI fingerprints, a fire inspection, a health inspection, reference letters (that were turned in, but somehow lost), two more trainings (both that I've done, one that expires this month and one that they typed the wrong date and so THEY think it expired in January...except I TOOK it in January.
Ok, no matter, I CAN DO THIS! I have a fire inspection scheduled for this coming Tuesday afternoon. (Apparently the city I live in does Fire Inspections. What they do NOT do are health inspections, so the Arrow employee will do that when they arrive. Love being given incorrect information and then facing the consequences of that incorrect information.) I faxed in everything else (I don't work in a job that I need to fax very often. Usually when I do it, I end up pushing a wrong button or something that equally shouts (Um, she doesn't know how to work a simple machine!) but I tell you what, I have become a proficient faxer this week! (I know. You are so proud.)
One of the items I needed to complete is something they call an Autobiography. Um, I'm going to write a book about me? Nope, I'm going to answer a 10 page questionnaire about my childhood, my parents, my parents' marriage, my neighbors and their opinions of my fostering decision, etc. Yep, it was a little over the top, but I think I might be starting to get used to over the top.
My Arrow lady is taking vacation time just before she quits, so she's out of the office until tomorrow. I THINK all the needed paperwork is turned in. I will have to take one class over again. It's on November 29. But I THINK everything else is complete. Here's hoping when she returns to work tomorrow, she agrees with me!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Welcome to Medicaid (puke)
I feel like I got a crash course this afternoon in the HORRIBLENESS that is Medicaid.
And then I think back and realize the people I spoke with were helpful (better than the post office) and while the information I was provided was not complete, it as least wasn't wrong.
And I shudder.
Because I realize it could be SO MUCH WORSE!
Arrow (another grumble for another time, because SERIOUSLY people! Do your job!) has only sent a partial file and the lady I'm talking with here (who is fabulous, but (of course...can we say "turn over") is only in this position until November 19) needs my complete and updated application (that she hasn't yet received from the Houston office of the SAME COMPANY).
(Y'all followed all of that rant, right? :))
So I've been madly filling out paperwork today. I need a new pediatrician and pediatric dentist that accepts Medicaid. (You were wondering when I would get back to the title's topic, weren't you? No? Because we're friends and you know I rabbit trail? Oh, ok. :) I called one pediatric dentist, but they don't accept Medicaid. The lady graciously suggested I call Medicaid for a list of dentists. I then googled Medicaid and began the 30 minute long process to find the TEXAS part of the website and then HALLELUJAH a phone number! (Yes, that's all I needed. Yes, it took 30 minutes.) Then called and the automated system wanted my Medicaid pin number. Um, I don't have one. ??
I'll fast forward through the next bit...because as interesting as they are (cough, cough)
I love how the list of four names the lady gave me were not actually pediatric dentists, but oral surgeons and orthodontists, but the MOST HELPFUL PEOPLE EVER were the ladies that answered the phones at all those offices. (Shout out to Morgan from Monarch Dental...You rock!) and I now officially have a pediatric dentist that accepts all 3 forms (Did you know there were three different forms of Medicaid? because I, naively, did not.)
Whoo-hoo!
I also was able to speak with the fire marshal and found out that I need TWO, count them TWO fire extinguishers (one for each level) and they're $50/piece. Joy. Anyone want to sponsor a soon-to-be foster family? How anyone makes money on this process, I have no idea.
And then I think back and realize the people I spoke with were helpful (better than the post office) and while the information I was provided was not complete, it as least wasn't wrong.
And I shudder.
Because I realize it could be SO MUCH WORSE!
Arrow (another grumble for another time, because SERIOUSLY people! Do your job!) has only sent a partial file and the lady I'm talking with here (who is fabulous, but (of course...can we say "turn over") is only in this position until November 19) needs my complete and updated application (that she hasn't yet received from the Houston office of the SAME COMPANY).
(Y'all followed all of that rant, right? :))
So I've been madly filling out paperwork today. I need a new pediatrician and pediatric dentist that accepts Medicaid. (You were wondering when I would get back to the title's topic, weren't you? No? Because we're friends and you know I rabbit trail? Oh, ok. :) I called one pediatric dentist, but they don't accept Medicaid. The lady graciously suggested I call Medicaid for a list of dentists. I then googled Medicaid and began the 30 minute long process to find the TEXAS part of the website and then HALLELUJAH a phone number! (Yes, that's all I needed. Yes, it took 30 minutes.) Then called and the automated system wanted my Medicaid pin number. Um, I don't have one. ??
I'll fast forward through the next bit...because as interesting as they are (cough, cough)
I love how the list of four names the lady gave me were not actually pediatric dentists, but oral surgeons and orthodontists, but the MOST HELPFUL PEOPLE EVER were the ladies that answered the phones at all those offices. (Shout out to Morgan from Monarch Dental...You rock!) and I now officially have a pediatric dentist that accepts all 3 forms (Did you know there were three different forms of Medicaid? because I, naively, did not.)
Whoo-hoo!
I also was able to speak with the fire marshal and found out that I need TWO, count them TWO fire extinguishers (one for each level) and they're $50/piece. Joy. Anyone want to sponsor a soon-to-be foster family? How anyone makes money on this process, I have no idea.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
All Training Classes Finished!
Thursday night marked the final class of the foster parent licensing process. Arrow isn't fabulous with communication (cough, understatement, cough, cough), so I'm not really sure of the next step in the process. But....I have ALL THE REQUIRED TRAININGS COMPLETED!
Whoo-hooo!
Whoo-hooo!
Monday, October 22, 2012
This is HOME!
Moving day went far better than I could have ever imagined! We picked up the uhaul first thing Saturday morning and 12 friends helped us load it! I am loved! (And man, oh, man, do I appreciate it!)
Dad and I were on the road before noon and arrived at the new place at 3:30. I hired a couple of homeless men to unload the truck. (By the way, I totally recommend this! My dad knew the men, so there was no concern there. It blessed them with a job and a meal. It blessed me with a HUGE amount of help for a good price. Win-Win!)
Lots of family was there to help and each person claimed a job. Candice took care of the patio. Greg and Dad installed shelving. Andrea and her friend Bailey put together the girls' room and painted the dresser. Vicki unpacked and organized the kitchen. Aunt Barbara unpacked all the decorative items. Rhonda hung curtains and all the pictures. Angela ran up and down stairs with whatever we needed. Madeline organized the cleaning products under the sinks and in the utility closet. Emma and Kaden kept Andrea and Bailey company. Mom and I flitted between everybody else's jobs as they needed decisions and answers to "Is this straight? Does this go here? Where do you want this to go? and my favorite "This doesn't fit/work, so what next?" :)
I'm painting drawer pulls to go with the dresser Andrea and Bailey painted. So cute!
I'm just loving the black and white theme with pink accents! It will be easy to change the pink to something else if a little one doesn't like pink. Towels and sheets aren't that expensive and black and white is super adorable, but "neutral" enough that it's easy to pull together with any color! Love!
Aunt Barbara thought ahead and brought several items for the half bath. She had talked with Mom and Mom knew I wanted a statement bathroom, so Aunt B was already on the right track! She's MUCH better at decorating than I will ever be. She found the cutest things! LOVE IT! She and Mom really pulled this all together and it's perfect!
We had known for awhile that the apartment complex would paint an accent wall in several rooms. Mom and I just weren't sure of the color we would want. (Mom's better at knowing what colors go with what, so I defer to her opinion a lot in this department). We decided to only do a wall (ok, two) in the kitchen with this Tupelo Hut green. I really like it! I'm also loving all the black appliances!
The extended family left Sunday at 4:00 and at that point, there was only one box left to unpack. ONE BOX LEFT! Whew! My family is awesome!
The only thing left is a bathroom cabinet in the master bathroom because there is no storage really. (And the contents in that ONE BOX LEFT need somewhere to go, right?) We shopped around and decided on one from Seconds and Surplus. Mom is painting it and Dad will install it. Hopefully that will be finished this weekend.
*I wrote this in July, but finally took pictures in October. FYI :)
Dad and I were on the road before noon and arrived at the new place at 3:30. I hired a couple of homeless men to unload the truck. (By the way, I totally recommend this! My dad knew the men, so there was no concern there. It blessed them with a job and a meal. It blessed me with a HUGE amount of help for a good price. Win-Win!)
I'm just loving the black and white theme with pink accents! It will be easy to change the pink to something else if a little one doesn't like pink. Towels and sheets aren't that expensive and black and white is super adorable, but "neutral" enough that it's easy to pull together with any color! Love!
We had known for awhile that the apartment complex would paint an accent wall in several rooms. Mom and I just weren't sure of the color we would want. (Mom's better at knowing what colors go with what, so I defer to her opinion a lot in this department). We decided to only do a wall (ok, two) in the kitchen with this Tupelo Hut green. I really like it! I'm also loving all the black appliances!
The extended family left Sunday at 4:00 and at that point, there was only one box left to unpack. ONE BOX LEFT! Whew! My family is awesome!
The only thing left is a bathroom cabinet in the master bathroom because there is no storage really. (And the contents in that ONE BOX LEFT need somewhere to go, right?) We shopped around and decided on one from Seconds and Surplus. Mom is painting it and Dad will install it. Hopefully that will be finished this weekend.
*I wrote this in July, but finally took pictures in October. FYI :)
Friday, July 27, 2012
Life's Like a Novel, with the End Ripped Out
I went to a Rascal Flatts concert with Veronica the Friday after I moved to Plano. We took a blanket and caught up on life since she moved here a year and a half before I did. It was a lot of fun! Once the sun went down, it was a beautiful evening. I absolutely LOVE evenings outdoors with a slight breeze and it's just cool enough to be timeless.
One of the songs Rascal Flatts sings has this post's title in it. Life's like a novel, with the end ripped out. I've always loved the song, but for some reason, this hearing of it hit me differently. Anyone that knows me, knows I love reading. And I'm a romantic, so I love reading stories that end happily ever after. However I don't look at my life that way. I'm not talking about romance. I'm talking about my life being a story. It is a BEAUTIFUL story that my Lord has woven and is weaving together. I'm excited to see what He has in store. I know He has called me to fostering. I know there are trials and heartache and tears ahead. I know I can't even begin to fathom how He is going to draw me closer to Him through this process. And let's be honest, I draw closer when things are rough. I see what is coming. And yes, I'm nervous. Beyond nervous. There are days I'm terrified...no, petrified...of what is coming. Change has already come this summer. Change will continue coming as I begin a new job, at a new school, on a new team, with two other new team members. As I look for the church body that Christ has for me to serve Him and His body faithfully. Change is here. Change will continue.
But, isn't that the best part of a story? Who wants to read a story in which every chapter is repetitive of the last? Not me. That would be boring. The best stories are the ones with curve balls that the reader didn't see coming. Well, I'm the main character in the story of Alyssa's Life and I can't wait for the next pitch! Come on, Jesus! Bring it!
One of the songs Rascal Flatts sings has this post's title in it. Life's like a novel, with the end ripped out. I've always loved the song, but for some reason, this hearing of it hit me differently. Anyone that knows me, knows I love reading. And I'm a romantic, so I love reading stories that end happily ever after. However I don't look at my life that way. I'm not talking about romance. I'm talking about my life being a story. It is a BEAUTIFUL story that my Lord has woven and is weaving together. I'm excited to see what He has in store. I know He has called me to fostering. I know there are trials and heartache and tears ahead. I know I can't even begin to fathom how He is going to draw me closer to Him through this process. And let's be honest, I draw closer when things are rough. I see what is coming. And yes, I'm nervous. Beyond nervous. There are days I'm terrified...no, petrified...of what is coming. Change has already come this summer. Change will continue coming as I begin a new job, at a new school, on a new team, with two other new team members. As I look for the church body that Christ has for me to serve Him and His body faithfully. Change is here. Change will continue.
But, isn't that the best part of a story? Who wants to read a story in which every chapter is repetitive of the last? Not me. That would be boring. The best stories are the ones with curve balls that the reader didn't see coming. Well, I'm the main character in the story of Alyssa's Life and I can't wait for the next pitch! Come on, Jesus! Bring it!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Beginning of a New Life
I am moving to Plano in 3 days for the specific purpose of living closer to family and fostering little ones. I thought this blog would be a good place to chronicle what that looks like. I look forward to what God is going to do!
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