Application Update

This past weekend I finally managed to thoroughly look at that inch-high stack of paperwork they call an application packet. There was so much there that it was difficult to really process the first time through. So, the second time around I decided I had to take some notes. Some of the forms require only information - ie, fill in the blanks. Some forms require a bit more than that. It is the latter, with all the extra tasks, that I really had to pay attention to closely. In the end I did what one of my oh-so-organized friends would be proud of me for doing: I created an Excel spreadsheet to track it all! I listed each form by name and ID number, if any additional tasks were involved, what they were, and ways to mark each completed. I feel a bit nerdy, but I really think it is the only way I'm going to stay organized and allow my feeble mind to process and track it all efficiently.

I've started working more and more on my own checklist of items as well. For example, this week I contacted the school district and found out which school my children would attend. I also contacted the local YMCA for information about their after-school "latchkey" program. The program offers child care, including games, homework help, snacks, etc. from the end of the school day until 6pm all for only $45/week. If you do the math, that is only $3/hr! And, another great feature of the program is that it is conducted in the school itself. The child never has to leave the building and the parent doesn't have to worry about transportation from one place to another. If I can have this program approved by the agency, I think it could be a great fit for me and my work schedule.

Anyway, you may be wondering about those "tasks" I mentioned earlier. Here are some of the tasks:

• Installing smoke & CO2 detectors as prescribed by the agency/state
• Verifying that the hot water from your faucet is below 115 degrees
• Getting a physical and doctor's approval that you are healthy enough to parent
• Getting a TB test
• Collecting financial information such as your budget, pay stubs, and most recent taxes
• Getting copies of pet records to prove they have their proper vaccinations
• Collect References

I don't have my handy dandy little spreadsheet on me currently, so I can't remember them all. But, there is obviously more to do!

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I am behind on my original plan as far as timing goes. Now that I have the application in-hand I am getting a better idea on where the new time table is headed. There is still lots to do around the house, thanks to failing gallbladders. And, there is plenty to do with the application itself. My first dent into the application was purchasing C02 & smoke detectors to be installed according to the agency's instructions. I've also collected my references and made my appointment with the doctor, which is a nice gauge for that time table I mentioned. I will see the Dr. at the very end of this month. So, my application will not be complete until sometime after that date.

So, with all that said, I anticipate to have the application fully completed and schedule my in-home orientation for early October. That gives me more time to work on the house and all of the other tasks that need to be taken care of before then. Hopefully it will all come together smoothly and that, in the end, it will be accepted with grace!