A different kind of compliment

Ok, so how about this. The other day at work, a bunch of us were yakking in the office about all sorts of stuff. And, as is now the usual for me, I was the only white person of all the staff. I've fit myself right in now, and don't even think of it until someone points it out or whatever. So, one of the other staff said something like "Nicole isn't white, her skin pigments just haven't kicked in yet. She's got some black in her." I LOL'd hysterically, as everyone agreed. It's an odd kind of compliment, and some people might not even see it as one, but it made me happy. Cuz I'm usually aware that for once in my life, I'm the minority and try not to act "too white"; if there is such a thing. It's great to have a staff that see things like that, I just wish the kids could see it too. They're forever trying to claim people favor one over the other for their skin color. We try so hard to lead by example, but some people are just always going to take that path to make excuses, I guess. Anywho.. it made me smile. I've officially been "ghetto-fied" by the Children's Home. Similarly related, tonight we went out to CiCi's for pizza.. the girls and all the staff on duty, treated by the Pastor. Once again, I was the only white female (of leagal age) out of the 4 of us that were there. We sat somewhat near this group of guys, who happend to all be black, African American, whichever term you want to use. I noticed them watching me (and later on saying something as I walked past) and not so much any of the other same age female staff in attendance. One of the girls said something to me about it later, more so just "those hot guys were so checking you out!" kind of thing (which they were, btw, however as is the problem with guys, they'll make it quite obvious they're checking you out, but are too chicken to do a damn thing about it!). So, I'm trying to figure out how to use this theme in a group for all the girls. A lot of them have this misconstrued concept of who they will or won't date, or how they should act if they want to attract a certain type or race of guy. It facinates me. More of the "you want what you don't have" phenomenom. A lot of the white girls we have will say to your face, "I'm black on the inside". What does that mean?! And a lot of them have made comments to me about being white, (like it's an insult) and act shocked when they point out someone of another race, saying "ooh, he's cute" and I agree. Their minds amaze me. If they only knew the secret life of Nicole! lol. Anywho, if I can get it approved and get money for it, my idea for a group was to take them all to see "Guess Who" and then have that lead into a discussion later. I think it'd make for a good discussion, if everyone would take it seriously. However, that rarely happens at TCH. Ok, enough.

ANother funny story.. the other night one of the girls was on a rampage tantrum again, and said something smart to me and I came right back with a smart ass comment to her and pissed her off even more.. Tina had said to me earlier in the day "Give it right back to her when she directly attacks you, don't just turn and walk away". So, I did and then kept going and Tina pulls me aside and says "Ok Nicole, I think you need a time out before you are the one getting escalated". Then later says "well damn, I didn't think you'd actually give it right back to her like that!!" I surprise them every day. This particular client was just flat out being a bitch and having a tantrum. She was complaining about the food, not having privacy, blah blah blah.. so I said to her "well, if it's so bad, why are you still here. Leave. OH, wait, you tried that already and had to sneak back into another cottage because you couldn't hack it out on your own!" Oh, I pissed her off! It was great. Maybe not 100% therapeutic, but oh well. Sometimes you need a harsh dose of reality smacked in your face. We keep saying we're going to do it one day, but it's yet to happen.

Aight, my tired self must go to bed, so I can get up for staff meeting AND a retarded OSHA training in the am. Woo hoo, lots o overtime for me tomorrow! Wheeeeeee!