Hello and Texas-sized greetings from PA! 2 weeks of work have gone by and here we are gearing up for a 3rd week starting all too soon. I'm gonna give you a 2-week roundup.
But first I shall explain the title.
This area along the coastline from Houston over towards Louisiana is called the Carcinogen Corridor (learned this last night from co-workers) due to the high pollution from the refineries, plants, factories- whatever. I don't know if I will see a completely clear night sky while I'm here in Port Arthur. I think it goes without saying that chemically-caused cancer is very prevalent in this area. The refineries are kind of fascinating to look at as I see them en route to either work site.
Also, I drive by at least THREE prisons within the same half mile or so on the way to work. It kind of progresses nicely though- there is juvie, county prison, and then a state prison. It looks like one or two of the complexes though are closed as a result of Harvey (for those of you unaware- the hurricane hit this area very hard).
Last week, I hit overtime at work by about 3-5 hours due to the nature of catching up on A LOT of paperwork that only I as an OTR can do and just getting my shit together at a new job. It's kind of hard trying to figure out the most effective plan for work that day in terms of buildings- do I start at which building and where do I have the most to do? I go between buildings daily (about 15 minutes from each other) and so does one of my COTA's. So I have two DOR's (director of rehab) to communicate and coordinate with as well as two sets of therapists basically- though others float too.
The facilities are much smaller than I'm used to and mainly long-term residents who are not exactly good rehab potential. Unfortunately for them, they are not equipped as well as they would like to be but that really isn't their fault. Things like extra wheelchairs, positioning devices, ADL equipment, etc. just can't seem to be fit into any budget (the age-old therapy question). I can't say that this is the best nursing care I've ever seen but there are good and bad staff everywhere you go. I've found that pretty much everywhere the therapy team is great and communicates well- there is good everywhere in this world, I suppose.
Last weekend, Bella and I went to Sea Rim State Park in Sabine Pass, TX- right on the coast and hit hard by Harvey- pretty much the whole town and all the houses are raised on stilts- it is kind of fascinating to see a church and a high school (parking garage under) raise. It seems like the mentality has always been to stay strong, rebuild, and hope you've done enough before the next hurricane comes through.
Sea Rim is small but has a nature trail on a boardwalk over the marsh and a beach for fishing. I still cant' get over how everyone parks their cars right on the beach. Weird. Most people fish from the beach- if you're fishing from the beach you don't need a fishing license (I think).
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| Driving through the carcinogens to the coast. |
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| Gambushia Nature Trail |
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| It was a nice day and there was as good breeze. |
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| Due to the possibility of gators, a rickety boardwalk, and a senior dog.... |
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| I made a sling for BJL out of a sarong. |
By the way, gambusia are a genus of fish more commonly known as mosquitofish. They live in freshwater habitats and are most richly located in Mexico, Texas, and the Greater Antilles. Thanks Wikipedia.
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| Dog was ok with the sand. |
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| Not interested in the water. |
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| The boardwalk in in the distance was destroyed by Harvey. |
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| Always looking for a good spot to #1 and #2. |
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| Showers/baths for both after the beach. |
Plans to do something this next weekend but not sure what yet.. I try to think of places I can bring my dog. My dream store is like a glorious combination of a Wal Mart, Target, Old Navy, and a Hobby Lobby BUT it is guest-list only and the most important part is you can bring your dog.
Peace, love, and G-codes,
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