Life Enrichment Director

I GOT THE JOB! I am the new Life Enrichment Director aka Activities Director. I am so excited! I start Monday. It is a big step and I am so nervous. All of the employees and residents have been so supportive to me, I am lucky!! They have ideas up the wazoo... I am just glad I all ready have a relationship of trust built up with them so they know they can come and talk to me and give me their ideas. Next Thursday (Halloween) we have a big wine and cheese party... uhm yes, WINE... the family member that usually helps with wine and cheese came up to me and said, "Don't worry! I know your standards. I know you don't drink, I'll talk care of the alcohol!" I was greatful for that too! Anyways, my mind is all scattered right now, there is a lot of changes all for the good.

The Lord truly has been spoiling me!

Job Interview

I had a job interview yesterday at work. it was for the Life Enrichment Director, AKA Activities Director. The interview went great! I was so nervous but I think I held my nerves well. I got a call back for a second interview. It is on Monday. During my interview my boss talked about stepping outside the activities box. He worked at a place where during the winter they bought a truck load of snow and dropped it off at the facility so the residents could play in the snow. He also had a grape stomping part and then a wine and spaghetti dinner afterwards. I need to think of some great "out of the box" activities. If you have any ideas, let me know! Here is the list of "in the box" activities I would want to include if I get the job:

Spiritual

Contact Local Churches and have more religions involved on Sundays.

Physical

“Fit and Fall Proof”, More walks at the park (Soos Creek Trail), Mall, an Indoor Track, Water Aerobics (Fundraising), Play more physical games that use more concentration like done at The Inn, (Bean Bag Toss, Ring Toss, Clothes Pin Drop), Dance Lessons

Intellectual

Discussion Groups (Current Events, Reminisce, Travel/ Geography, “Dear Abby”, Chicken Soup Books/Discuss, Books), Baking Classes, Learn a New Language, Poetry/Essay Club (Create a Book from the Residents Work), Contact Local Teachers or Community Experts and see if they would teach residents (bird watching, finances, sewing…), Local Doctors, Nurses, Dentists come in and do health in-services with residents., Painting Lessons, Arts and Crafts, Clay Sculpting, Jewelry making, Visit an Alpaca Farm, learn about local farms

Social

Red Hat Society, Sing Along (locate volunteers), Community Service, humanitarian work, Group Crossword Competitions, Reading Partners, Picnics at Beach or Parks (weather permitted), BUNKO Parties, invite other Assisted Living Facilities, Utilize Kent Senior Center, Fireside Chats

Cultural

Fireside Chat with Employees, learn about their cultures, First Thursday of every month most museums, from 5-8pm, downtown Seattle are free. (Seattle Art Museum, Experience Music Project, Science Fiction Museum, Museum of History and Industry, Burke Museum of natural History and Culture), Visit Local Theaters, Art Studios, Learn a Different Language

Proud Owner of...

I got a text today that I needed to call the lady at our front desk, MY WORK MOM, Laurie. I called and she said she had to tell me something and it couldn't wait until Monday. So, I went into work and she said, " Now that you have this, you will occasionally have to do somethings for me and I don't want to hear any lip about it." I said okay and then she handed me a BIG BOX! I was shaking i had no idea she would do this for me. SHE and her husband, who I call Grandpa (HE also works at Arbor Village) bought me a Cricut. I am so thankful to them. I am always amazed at their generosity and love and support they show for EVERYBODY. I think of them as a major gift and blessing from God! i AM SO SPOILED! I was shaking so bad, who knew I would be so excited!!

Tears...

... We all know I am a cry baby. One of my family members even shared my best crying stories yesterday after my Brother was set apart as a missionary. I only had like two tears last night... HARDLY ANY! This morning I woke up at 4AM to take my parents and Chris to the airport. It was sad! I am so happy for him and the great act of service and sacrificing he is making but I miss that guy already. Even Worse he left his bag of Starburst at home. This bag has some good memories... hard to explain them... I think it is a family thing. I hope Chris knows how proud I am of him and how much I love him. He is going to be a great missionary!

Milan Italy is lucky to have him soon (He is stuck in Provo for the winter, HAHAHA!)