Working

i've worked at my job now for almost two weeks. thus far it's just been training, reading, and observing how things tend to go. there are a load of small unwritten rules that you just have to learn by being there for a while. it's fun but frustrating at times. basically my whole role is to just be there and get to know the ten guys living there. they range from private placements from concerned parents to boys with heavy criminal records. fights are pretty common but nothing has happened while i've been working. last time two boys got into it in the morning but i didn't get there until later in the day. the sherif had to be called and charges were filed. interesting stuff.

it's strange to me because it's just like hanging out with normal kids like in youth group or something most of the time. there's a bit more colorful language and the programming is different, but it feels the same. some days it's boring, other days it's pretty fun. some days it feels like and eternal thursday of summer camp and friday will never come. i'm trying to see how success is measured and how i blend in to this program with who i am and what i bring to the table. i have a load to learn before i can really get rolling, though. tomorrow i have to go to a training all day for things like cpr, first aid, and restraints... i've always wanted to know how to successfully restrain someone. i sort of hope i never have to do it though. i already have good stories to bring home, though. funny stuff.