Settling in

     Well...  Had my first meeting with my caseworker today.  Interesting.  I need 3 forms of documentation that prove I was not receiving income upon entering the compass center.  From worksource (those of you from Texas will know it better as the Workforce Commission), DSHS, and Social Security.  I will probably end up getting the letter from DSHS tomorrow since the one from Social Security will prove to be a pain and I have a meeting with a substance abuse counselor tomorrow at 1:00.  Yes, so many hoops to jump through my first week.  However; I've come WAY too far to stop now.  I was assured that it sounds much more painful than it actually is.  Lets hope that is the case.
     On the brighter side; I have started arrangements to get an appointment to see the dentists. I hate the idea of the long needle; but, I know that it needs to come out.  It's not hurting right now; but, will eventually.  I will brave my fear of needles and do what I need to do.  Also; I caught a bit of flak last night for using my own phone number.  Since I am coming in after cerfew hours I have to tell them where I'm going yadda yaddda ya.  Should be eased up on tomorrow though when I submit my school schedule.

     On the even brighter side, you are now looking at the new employee of the First Presbyterian Church of Seattle.  It all started last Sunday when I helped out in the kitchen.  The Holy Spirit told me I needed to check out what was going on; so I did.  Turned out there were two ladies, one of their husbands, and a new member; woking their tails off woefully behind schedule.  For details refer to http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6338136428812215737#editor/target=post;postID=63839147127919324;onPublishedMenu=overview;onClosedMenu=overview;postNum=3;src=postname .  Anyways; the head of operations was extremely impressed to say the least.  He also has many of my views towards food service and plans to make some changes, some more dramatic than others, that I actually like.
     Just Finished writing chapter 3 in Illegal Refugees and should start typing it soon.  Those of you that don't know; it's being released chapter by chapter at anglasia.blogspot.com .  I will try to make this the last complication of the story; but, I've heard no complaints yet.

Firtst Wakeup

     Well...  First morning at the Compass Center.  Getting used to the new environment.  Hell; getting used to being crodial before my first cup of coffee.
     Pretty nice people so far.  Welcoming.  They give me my space; but, not too much.  And yes; I'm writing this while working on my morning coffee.
     Woke up around 8:30-9:00.  Apparently my body is just used to waking up early.  I gotta work on that--  or not.  Haven't decided yet.
     My whole body actually wasn't hurting when I got up.  That's a VERY nice change of pace.  Also forgot to make the bed.  Oh well; I really do have to work on that.

Finally! The bed!

     Well....  I'm in!  I am now a member of the Compass Center Pioneer Square Men's Program!  And yes, I'm still trying to absorb all that.  Bed, dresser, all that!  Movin' on up!

Catch up time

     It's been awhile since I've written an entry; so, I guess it's about time.  Apologies.  Just been busy busy busy.
     The biggest thing I guess is that my transitiopnal housing has finaly pushed through.  I report to The Compass Center at 1:00 on monday (tomorrow) for intake.  I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that I will be in a bed tomorrow evening.  People say that I'm not excited.  It's just surreal.  This conseidering that I've been homeless as of April of last year.  Granted, I had to charge up my caseworker essentially to get it.  I don't feel to good about that part; but, at least I got it.
     I almost hate to leave my camp mates.  They're actually the cream of the crop.  When the bible speaks of the world not being worthy of people; I'm prwetty sure these were the ones it was speaking of.  I'll probably leave them my bedding.  They need it more than me.
     I was informed two days ago that I am somewhat unapproachable.  Thinking hard, this may actually be true.  It's something I need to work on.  Been through a lot.  The hard shell needs to soften, if just a bit.
     I got to work in the kitchen today with two of the most talented ladies I have ever had the benefit of working with.  Man, these ladies did the work that it normally takes about 4 full grown men to do!  Mansour's wife and some other lady did an awesome job!  Spaghetti and meat with a twist!  All I did was help set up the Wentworth Room (Fellowship Hall) and tear it down.  they did the rest, and stuffed a very hungry southern boy.
     Well...  It's been awhile.I will try to make more entries.  Been busy busy busy.  With school and keeping my head above water, it's amazing I even have time to breathe!
     Until next time.