On Monday, the CMO came over to my office and asked me why I was not the therapist for the unit. I responded that: it was not the intent of the job offer when I came to the unit, it was clearly specified that I would not have this responsibility in addition to administrative work, and it was not in my contract. I also said that doing two different roles, would be a duel relationship with staff and the children, and would be unethical. I then said that if the physician will take over my administrative responsibilities, I would consider the offer. And, I have mixed feelings about what he has done. One, he did this while my boss is on vacation, going over her head and not putting her in the loop. This has been a repeating story here, with both the CEO and the CMO going over her head and coming directly to me. Two, it is exciting to think about being able to better impact the children's lives, and it would be a huge relief to not have the administrative and personnel issues. Also, I am in the "about to retire" mode, so am gearing down. Not sure I want even more change in my life. Never a dull moment.

This is from a link that I found in the Houston Chronicle, dated 6/14/07. I have looked at the names , and none match the names of my ancestors. Still, I continue to be amazed at what DNA research is bringing us. The Lost Colony Center for Science and Research is using primary sources, archaeology, oral histories and satellite technology to uncover the fate of the first English settlers. That path has led to present-day descendants. The Research Center is discovering some of the newest and most interesting findings of what happened to the Lost Colonists of 1587? Begun as The Croatan Group in 1993 with the finding of the capital town of the Croatan Indians, the grass-roots effort raises money for education, archaeology, and scientific research. Instructors, researchers, technicians, and friends have partnered together to unearth the migration of the Lost Colony. A multidisciplinary approach using geography, geology, history, biology, anthropology, and oceanography has been applied to investigate the clues that are still left behind. Prepared with an abundance of findings, the Center is poised for the next stage of discoveries ~ DNA evidence of possible living descendants, and archaeological findings of a presumed relocated English fort. The Center’s mission is to be self-funding to ensure this research continues well into the third millennium.

This week, I was summoned to my boss's office. She will no longer be my boss, the new psychiatrist will. My two managers are being moved off the unit because of their physical issues. Two people will be their temporary replacements. They are about the only people who know what to do on the unit, so of course, it makes sense to send in some random people. The person who has harassed the female staff, who was moved off the unit because of lots in inappropriate behavior with staff and the kids, was ordered back on the unit. And a new person demanded 80 hours of vacation leave, and when she was told she had not accrued that much time, still demanded that she be allowed to take that leave. I am beginning to think that the "stars" are against us, and that the unit is doomed to fail. Oh, and the new psychiatrist is a geriatrics person, not a kid person...so that is another change that makes perfect sense.

Yesterday evening, in walked two people from licensure, accompanied by our CEO. My immediate thought was, "We're in trouble." However, in today's mgt meeting, the report was that they were very impressed. Whew! And yesterday was my mother's 80th birthday. We met for dinner at a steak house (her choice), and will be doing some activities in Sedona with her. She was recently dx with diabetes, so is having to really watch what she eats. She is sounding more and more tired each day, but has a positive attitude. I'm glad she has become more serious about her health. I have worried about her for quite awhile.

I am home today...took a day off. I have finally decided on my retirement date...87 days from now. So, have a bunch of leave I need to "burn". They will only pay me for 320 hours of vacation time, and no sick time, so I will be "burning" a few hours here and there. I am tired of all the administrative drama, and am REALLY looking forward to doing something else (like nothing!).

Attended a "big shot" meeting downtown, by invitation only. They are thinking of doubling my unit, and building another facility. More work for me. I spoke with TX. As I thought, the $ is not great, there is a lot of travel, and when there are vacancies, I would have to fill in. That's a big "No Thanks!" for me. Meanwhile, the real prison is smoozing me. Still, I think the best option is to retire late summer, early fall.