It's almost done. I am two exams down, with one to go, and I really don't know how I feel about that. In my last post I talked about things I've learned and those sorts of things. This post will be a bit of that, and then more of an update I guess.
Shell will be here on Friday night (WOO WOO), which is crazy. I just... I can't believe I'm leaving. I'm really excited to see everyone and to start a new chapter and everything, but honestly: I'm not ready to be done here. I'm just going to have to suck it up and get on with it, eh? Pretty much. Anyways, I'M REALLY EXCITED TO SEE SHELL! :)
More pondering:
Andy Warhol said (or wrote, I'm not totally sure): “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”
I both agree with and reject that sentiment. My rejection is that time really does change things. I mean, this time two years ago I was in a completely different place than I am now, and that is in direct relation to both time and the choices I made. This is something I'm trying to keep in mind lately.
When it comes to emotions and such, I am a pretty private person. I only share my true feelings with a couple of people, and I often like to pretend like I have none. Something that both time--and my decisions--have taught me is that, while this is a great strategy for self-preservation in theory, it really isn't in reality. So since no one really reads this besides my family, I'm going to theorize for a moment. I'm talking about both professional relationships and private relationships, here. For example: pretending you don't care about someone or something may have a result you expect or want and leave you feeling like you have the upper-hand; however, inject into that story you actually sharing how you're feeling--being yourself--and the interaction changes. You sort of become an outsider to this situation you've created through acting untrue to yourself.
If you're a person who likes to talk things out and get over them, frickin' talk things out. If another person is not that sort of person, then how were you ever going to get anything solved anyways?
If you are the type of person who gets wrapped up in good music and really thinking about things, then frickin' do that. If another person prefers to be wrapped up in more materialistic things, then how were you going to have thoughtful interactions anyways?
If you are the type of person who likes to make others feel special and cared for, then frickin' be that person. If another person prefers to take and not provide the same type of care, then how were you ever going to feel special in that relationship?
If you prefer to make certain people a priority, then frickin' do it. If another person sees you as more of an option than a priority, how were you ever going to form a meaningful relationship?
Basically, in both professional and personal relationships, if you aren't being yourself (within reason for the professional ones), then you are fooling the other person. Sometimes two good people are just different, and that has been a tough lesson for me to learn. In contrast to that though, sometimes opposites can work exceptionally well together if they are both willing to put in the effort--effort being the key word there. Things can be easy if you want them to be (and for the most part they should be), but I often find that the things that are always easy are not the things that are worth it. Think going to the gym: you can get into a routine and keep doing it and it gets easier and easier. If you stay in that routine, it will be easy, but not enjoyable. I prefer to mix things up, to accept that even though some days may be more difficult than others, it's worth it. I'm worth it. In relationships, the other person should be worth it to. Through some difficult things come things that are better than we could have thought otherwise. Has anyone sensed that this got away from the "professional" relationship? Oh well lol.
Update time:
I am in the process of packing up my apartment and have now sent two shipments of boxes home. The last shipment was addressed to my family, but not really. I believe the names I used were: La, Hurricane, Fr. Joe, Josephine, Jowdy, and Magglio. :). My landlord is showing my apartment to a few people tomorrow, so hopefully he'll find someone to take it soon.
When we first moved in, he asked us not to put nail holes in the wall if we could avoid it because we live in a very old building. So I, trying to be resourceful and follow his rules at the same time, decided to use those tacky squares you can get. They held things up beautifully and were fine everywhere else in the apartment besides my bedroom. One wall in my bedroom to be exact. The paint started peeling, and I was freaking out a bit, and then I was honest and showed it to him and he was totally fine. He handed me some spackle and told me if I had trouble to let him know. Whew.
I cleaned out my closets (I brought WAY too many clothes out here) and brought the clothes to the middle school that I did my community placement at. One of the kids who made me a card when I left happened to be in the treatment room when I stopped by. I walked in and he goes, "YOU'RE BACK! YOU'RE BACK! Are you back for good!?". I told him I wasn't, but it was nice to feel missed after a few days :). I'll miss those kids and the people at the school.
Well, I have one more exam to go on Friday afternoon. It's my Craniofacial exam, and I think I'll be okay if I study all day tomorrow and the morning. I'll look over the stuff tonight too.
More pondering:
I guess my message for this post is something that I thought I embodied pretty well, but am starting to feel like is a perpetual journey: Live authentically. It's surprising how you can get away from yourself if you don't remember to look at your life and your choices ("LOOK ATCHA LIFE, LOOK ATCHA CHOICES... Sassy Gay Friend... anyone?). You know what, though? It's also nice how quickly you can come back. After all, you're the only you ;). I'll leave you with this.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
This quote always made me think. At first I'd be like, "yea! Exactly!" And then I'd go, "But isn't that boastful?" It's taken me a bit to realize that being everything you can be, and then opening the doors for others to do that too, is probably one of the least boastful things you can do. It's kind of like being, "Yo, you're good with history and sports? I'm awesome with pop culture and music. Let's get together and form one of the most unbeatable groups in the history of bar trivia teams". By acknowledging the gifts you've been given, you can help others do the same; therefore, helping them to get out there and try things they may not have, and vice versa.
This has been way more deep than I intended. Sheesh. Love, y'all.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Monday, December 2, 2013
APA (almost) style update.
Wow. I feel like I start the majority of my posts with either "wow" or "so". C'est la vie. I have two weeks of grad school left (and two externships), and I will have my Master's degree. What the wha? This is crazy. It has been an insane semester. Clearly, due to my lack of posts. I must be completely honest though: it wasn't as crazy as last year. I think I just reveled in soaking up the time I have here with the people I've been spending time with, and I was just enjoying it all a lot. I apologize--to my family, really--for my lack of updates. Grandma told me a couple of weeks ago that I needed to post again before I left, so I decided to do it. If Gma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy (or something like that). I shudder to think of the guilt that would be laid on me if I didn't update at least once more. So here goes (I'll use bolded titles so you may decide what you want/don't want to read):
Why I don't want to leave. To be completely frank, I'm not sure that I'm ready to leave here yet for a number of reasons. Mainly, I've learned a ton about myself and I'm kind of enjoying that journey.
Friends. I have wonderful friends and people I really care about all in one place. That is never easy to leave. I go away confident, however, that my friendships will be solid. Distance means little when relationships are meaningful--that's what I keep reminding myself of. Things I've learned in regards to friends include: 1) gut instincts are generally correct, 2) you aren't going to be friends with everyone, and 3) people really are put into your life (and you in theirs) for a purpose. I'm going to miss these people dearly.
Sig-O's. I was fortunate while out here to have met a few great guys. Luckily, one of them became a very close friend--and now I'm friends with that group. They are awesome people. The other turned into something much more than I expected. He means a lot to me, and I will miss him when I head home for a few months. If nothing else though, I learned a lot about relationships and myself in them. I take that as a wonderful experience to have had. I will leave it at that.
Landscape. GOSH DARN IT. Wyoming is beautiful. I feel privileged to be able to take day trips to Colorado if I want--or to just drive ten minutes and be in the mountains. Sunsets are unreal (I've taken in a few lately), the vast amount of land is unreal, just everything. It's beautiful.
School. Yea. I'll say it. I'll miss school. I'm ready for a break. I mean, I've been going to school for eighteen years straight (that's kind of disgusting, haha), but I just don't feel like I'm done. I'm going to work for a few years, but my tentative plan is to go back for my PhD in the near future. Might as well, eh? (We'll see if I like working and having free time too much instead ;) ).
College schedule. This may sound crazy, but I'm going to miss my schedule. I worked nearly full-time all through undergrad while taking at least seventeen credits, so I never really had down time to just study, sleep in, and such. I have in grad school, and I love it! I will sincerely miss being able to grocery shop or run and get coffee in the middle of the day if I feel like it. The freedom of not working has not been lost on me.
So now I'll go through some updates about what's been happening in my life, I guess (bolded titles perpetuate):
Thesis research. Well, the research portion is almost done--for the actual thesis, that is... and just in English, but yea. Still more needs to be done for the Spanish portion and the actual paper to be submitted for publishing, but I see the light! I will spend my first few months while at home working on that so I can come back out here and defend it--and then be done!--in the Spring. Woo woo!
ASHA. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA; ie.) our national governing body) annual convention was in Chicago this year. My friend and I had posters that we presented, and it was amazing! I had three people whom I cite in my research stop by and talk to me about everything; the remaining people I cite are either at UW or I met them later in the conference. What an opportunity! It was awesome, and the food was awesome, and it was awesome. Did I say that already? I don't care. It was. :)
School. School is going well. One more day of classes and two more days of my community placement (at a middle school) and then it's just final exams!
Community placement. So my clinical community placement is at a middle school here in Laramie. It's been a rewarding--and at times very funny experience. I have learned a ton, and I was fortunate enough to have an amazing supervisor. All's good on that front, I suppose.
I feel like I've been rambling--in an organized way--and I'm not really quite sure what else to say. Maybe I'll try to post some more in the next couple of weeks. Shell is coming out to help me move home in less than two weeks, and I'm so excited to see her--not so much for the leaving part! It will be great to have her here and to have her see where I've been for the last year and a half. Soon enough I will be home, and then I probably won't know what to do with myself for a while. Such is life... and it's a great one. :)
Why I don't want to leave. To be completely frank, I'm not sure that I'm ready to leave here yet for a number of reasons. Mainly, I've learned a ton about myself and I'm kind of enjoying that journey.
Friends. I have wonderful friends and people I really care about all in one place. That is never easy to leave. I go away confident, however, that my friendships will be solid. Distance means little when relationships are meaningful--that's what I keep reminding myself of. Things I've learned in regards to friends include: 1) gut instincts are generally correct, 2) you aren't going to be friends with everyone, and 3) people really are put into your life (and you in theirs) for a purpose. I'm going to miss these people dearly.
Sig-O's. I was fortunate while out here to have met a few great guys. Luckily, one of them became a very close friend--and now I'm friends with that group. They are awesome people. The other turned into something much more than I expected. He means a lot to me, and I will miss him when I head home for a few months. If nothing else though, I learned a lot about relationships and myself in them. I take that as a wonderful experience to have had. I will leave it at that.
Landscape. GOSH DARN IT. Wyoming is beautiful. I feel privileged to be able to take day trips to Colorado if I want--or to just drive ten minutes and be in the mountains. Sunsets are unreal (I've taken in a few lately), the vast amount of land is unreal, just everything. It's beautiful.
School. Yea. I'll say it. I'll miss school. I'm ready for a break. I mean, I've been going to school for eighteen years straight (that's kind of disgusting, haha), but I just don't feel like I'm done. I'm going to work for a few years, but my tentative plan is to go back for my PhD in the near future. Might as well, eh? (We'll see if I like working and having free time too much instead ;) ).
College schedule. This may sound crazy, but I'm going to miss my schedule. I worked nearly full-time all through undergrad while taking at least seventeen credits, so I never really had down time to just study, sleep in, and such. I have in grad school, and I love it! I will sincerely miss being able to grocery shop or run and get coffee in the middle of the day if I feel like it. The freedom of not working has not been lost on me.
So now I'll go through some updates about what's been happening in my life, I guess (bolded titles perpetuate):
Thesis research. Well, the research portion is almost done--for the actual thesis, that is... and just in English, but yea. Still more needs to be done for the Spanish portion and the actual paper to be submitted for publishing, but I see the light! I will spend my first few months while at home working on that so I can come back out here and defend it--and then be done!--in the Spring. Woo woo!
ASHA. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA; ie.) our national governing body) annual convention was in Chicago this year. My friend and I had posters that we presented, and it was amazing! I had three people whom I cite in my research stop by and talk to me about everything; the remaining people I cite are either at UW or I met them later in the conference. What an opportunity! It was awesome, and the food was awesome, and it was awesome. Did I say that already? I don't care. It was. :)
School. School is going well. One more day of classes and two more days of my community placement (at a middle school) and then it's just final exams!
Community placement. So my clinical community placement is at a middle school here in Laramie. It's been a rewarding--and at times very funny experience. I have learned a ton, and I was fortunate enough to have an amazing supervisor. All's good on that front, I suppose.
I feel like I've been rambling--in an organized way--and I'm not really quite sure what else to say. Maybe I'll try to post some more in the next couple of weeks. Shell is coming out to help me move home in less than two weeks, and I'm so excited to see her--not so much for the leaving part! It will be great to have her here and to have her see where I've been for the last year and a half. Soon enough I will be home, and then I probably won't know what to do with myself for a while. Such is life... and it's a great one. :)
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Jubilation!.... and I did good with not laughing at kids today.
I changed my layout and background. Now that that's done:
Well, what has happened recently? Last weekend was Jubilee Days. It's this festival that Laramie throws every year where the downtown streets--AKA: the streets right outside of my apartment--are blocked off for outdoor drinking and festivities. There's rodeos and a carnival and such too. It was mostly a good time. I enjoyed having music when I opened my windows, and I also enjoyed being to walk a block when I got the inevitable "WHERE ARE YOU?! GET DOWN HERE!" texts that seem to come standard with these sorts of events. I love them :).
Anywho, for the most part, Jubilee days was very fun. There was a brewfest, which I was only able to walk around at because wristbands were $35 dollars, it went until 6 pm, and we didn't get out of class until 3 pm. Sigh. I went to the street dance three (or four?) nights. I can't quite remember as that was a very busy week for me. I think it was three. I only drank two of those nights, thank you very much! So, for anyone who was thinking that... ha. At the street dance they had bands, drinks, country swing, and old time silent films/Westerns (1920's-1930's) being projected onto the side of local businesses. It was pretty damn cool. There's a video on my FB for anyone who wishes to check it out. So, that was jubilee days.
We recently found a nice place to hang out in Laramie to play volleyball and such when it gets hot out, which is pretty often. We've been doing it quite a bit, and it's a good time.
NOW ONTO THE GOOD NEWS! So, there's this organization called the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Psht... "this organization", it is THE organization. It's the governing/licensing body for my field. The national conference is in Chicago this year and guess what....?
MY THESIS AND RESEARCH PROJECTS POSTER PROPOSALS WERE ACCEPTED TO BE PRESENTED!!!!!!!!
AHHHHHHHHH. I'm so FREAKIN' excited (think of me saying that in the same voice as Kristen Wiig does in that SNL skit about the surprise party--that's not an exaggeration of how excited I am). I mean, THIS IS ASHA. Woo woo! My friend's proposal, which I'm a part of, was also accepted. We are pretty pumped. So that happened. :)
My said friend and I were asked to help out with some screenings for the local kindergartner's this week by one of our professors. I forgot how funny little kids are. We are often told that normal kids will look like geniuses when you've been around a lot who have impairments/delays, and they were not exaggerating. I will talk about two little boys and two little girls. Here are a few funny things that happened:
1. There was a little boy--the second one I grabbed. He came into the hallway with me. Here is how the exchange went. B (boy) M (me/Mia).
B (in a very confidential tone): "You know, I can change into lots of different things. I just be myself at school because I don't want to scare people."
M (intrigued): Really? That's awesome, and probably a good idea. What sorts of things do you change into?
B: OH, LOTS OF THINGS. I mean, I can be Dash and run super fast (The Incredibles), I can be the Hulk from The Avengers (I was later told this is because he's the toughest one), I can be a HUGE lizard.
M (Under a time crunch): That's so cool! Let's get started, though.
B: AND I CAN TURN INTO A HUGE FLUFFY TEDDY BEAR.
M (all I can think about is Ted at that point): Wow. That is something. Let's get started. (I begin the story), "One day, Scott"
B: MY DAD'S NAME IS SCOTT!
This is how that exchange went. I don't think I got through one story without commentary. Alas, the kid was pretty cool. Now onto the next one.
I go in and grab this little boy who has a very feminine name. He is from another country. We head into the hallway, and this is what happens (keep in mind that every time I put *wave*, it means he is waving to someone that may all the way down the hallway):
M: I'm going to tell you a story, when I'm finished, I want you to tell me that story. Are you ready?
B: *wave*
M: I tell the story, and he waves/points probably twelve times. Okay, now you tell me that story.
B: *wave* Story.
M: Just tell me what you remember.
B: Nods.
M: Do you remember anything?
B: Nods.
M: Okay, tell me what you remember!
B: *waves* What I remember.
M: Yep! What you remember. Go ahead.
B: Nods. *waves* *points*
M: Just do your best.
B: Smiles.
M: Do you remember anything?
B: Nods. *waves*
M: Okay! Just tell me whatever you remember...
B: What you remember.
M: Want to move on?
B: Nods.
That is how that went. After the first story, I realized he didn't speak English.
Onto the ladies. I had one little girl who was AMAZING at retelling the stories; however, she wanted to refer to each character as a different name. She called the first character "Scott", which is actually his name. She insisted on calling "Jessi" (this was an edit I made for my best friend, Chess) "Sara", and was adamant that "Kwan" needed to be called "Prince Eric". She was cute.
The next girl seemed to be pretty cool, but she was a little hellion (actually, in the scheme of things, she wasn't too bad). Here is how the exchange went. We didn't talk really until we sat down at the table for testing:
M: So, how are you today.
G (in a perfect unintentional impression of the Cookie Monster's voice): GOOD.
M (a little startled): Awesome!
G: WHAT ARE WE DOING?
M: Well, we are going to do some stories, are you ready?
We do the first story.
M: Now you tell me that story.
G: YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL VOICE.
SIDEBAR: clearly, this is akward. This little five year old girl sounded like the Cookie Monster (Google it if you must--that is not an exaggeration). Generally, you would compliment someone back in the same manner. After a pause I said.
M: Thank you so much! You have a beautiful..... dress. I really like the color.
G (this seemed to satiate her): OH, THANK YOU!
M: Let's keep going.
Halfway through the second story she interrupts me.
G: I REALLLLLY LIKE YOUR SHOES.
M: Oh, thanks. Let's keep going though.
G (gets a devilish gleam in her eye): NO, I REEAAALLLY LIKE THEM.
M (realizing this girl is coming onto my purple suede shoes): Well, thanks! Let's keep going.
G: I WISH I HAD THEM.
M: Maybe you will someday. Anyways....
I continue the story. After all three stories, I tell her it's time to go to the classroom. She keeps refusing and won't leave the chair. I try to be kind, to be patient, to be nice, but she is not having it. She is glued to that little blue kindergarten chair. So I turn on the angry voice (which I've only had to use once or twice with my clinic kids), and it goes like this:
M (the picture of calm, poise, authority, and I've had enough of this shit hovering over her with my hands on my hips): You need to get up now, or I will need to get your teacher to bring you back in the room. I don't think you'd like that very much.
G (wide eyed, as Cookie Monster as ever, and jumping out of her chair): OKAY!
So, it was a pretty good day all in all. Now I have to go study for the quiz tomorrow that I've been avoiding. I also have to do some more kindergarten testing and research stuff, so maybe I'll have some more stories. Also, I'll be home in less than two weeks!!!!!!
Night, y'all.
Well, what has happened recently? Last weekend was Jubilee Days. It's this festival that Laramie throws every year where the downtown streets--AKA: the streets right outside of my apartment--are blocked off for outdoor drinking and festivities. There's rodeos and a carnival and such too. It was mostly a good time. I enjoyed having music when I opened my windows, and I also enjoyed being to walk a block when I got the inevitable "WHERE ARE YOU?! GET DOWN HERE!" texts that seem to come standard with these sorts of events. I love them :).
Anywho, for the most part, Jubilee days was very fun. There was a brewfest, which I was only able to walk around at because wristbands were $35 dollars, it went until 6 pm, and we didn't get out of class until 3 pm. Sigh. I went to the street dance three (or four?) nights. I can't quite remember as that was a very busy week for me. I think it was three. I only drank two of those nights, thank you very much! So, for anyone who was thinking that... ha. At the street dance they had bands, drinks, country swing, and old time silent films/Westerns (1920's-1930's) being projected onto the side of local businesses. It was pretty damn cool. There's a video on my FB for anyone who wishes to check it out. So, that was jubilee days.
We recently found a nice place to hang out in Laramie to play volleyball and such when it gets hot out, which is pretty often. We've been doing it quite a bit, and it's a good time.
NOW ONTO THE GOOD NEWS! So, there's this organization called the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Psht... "this organization", it is THE organization. It's the governing/licensing body for my field. The national conference is in Chicago this year and guess what....?
MY THESIS AND RESEARCH PROJECTS POSTER PROPOSALS WERE ACCEPTED TO BE PRESENTED!!!!!!!!
AHHHHHHHHH. I'm so FREAKIN' excited (think of me saying that in the same voice as Kristen Wiig does in that SNL skit about the surprise party--that's not an exaggeration of how excited I am). I mean, THIS IS ASHA. Woo woo! My friend's proposal, which I'm a part of, was also accepted. We are pretty pumped. So that happened. :)
My said friend and I were asked to help out with some screenings for the local kindergartner's this week by one of our professors. I forgot how funny little kids are. We are often told that normal kids will look like geniuses when you've been around a lot who have impairments/delays, and they were not exaggerating. I will talk about two little boys and two little girls. Here are a few funny things that happened:
1. There was a little boy--the second one I grabbed. He came into the hallway with me. Here is how the exchange went. B (boy) M (me/Mia).
B (in a very confidential tone): "You know, I can change into lots of different things. I just be myself at school because I don't want to scare people."
M (intrigued): Really? That's awesome, and probably a good idea. What sorts of things do you change into?
B: OH, LOTS OF THINGS. I mean, I can be Dash and run super fast (The Incredibles), I can be the Hulk from The Avengers (I was later told this is because he's the toughest one), I can be a HUGE lizard.
M (Under a time crunch): That's so cool! Let's get started, though.
B: AND I CAN TURN INTO A HUGE FLUFFY TEDDY BEAR.
M (all I can think about is Ted at that point): Wow. That is something. Let's get started. (I begin the story), "One day, Scott"
B: MY DAD'S NAME IS SCOTT!
This is how that exchange went. I don't think I got through one story without commentary. Alas, the kid was pretty cool. Now onto the next one.
I go in and grab this little boy who has a very feminine name. He is from another country. We head into the hallway, and this is what happens (keep in mind that every time I put *wave*, it means he is waving to someone that may all the way down the hallway):
M: I'm going to tell you a story, when I'm finished, I want you to tell me that story. Are you ready?
B: *wave*
M: I tell the story, and he waves/points probably twelve times. Okay, now you tell me that story.
B: *wave* Story.
M: Just tell me what you remember.
B: Nods.
M: Do you remember anything?
B: Nods.
M: Okay, tell me what you remember!
B: *waves* What I remember.
M: Yep! What you remember. Go ahead.
B: Nods. *waves* *points*
M: Just do your best.
B: Smiles.
M: Do you remember anything?
B: Nods. *waves*
M: Okay! Just tell me whatever you remember...
B: What you remember.
M: Want to move on?
B: Nods.
That is how that went. After the first story, I realized he didn't speak English.
Onto the ladies. I had one little girl who was AMAZING at retelling the stories; however, she wanted to refer to each character as a different name. She called the first character "Scott", which is actually his name. She insisted on calling "Jessi" (this was an edit I made for my best friend, Chess) "Sara", and was adamant that "Kwan" needed to be called "Prince Eric". She was cute.
The next girl seemed to be pretty cool, but she was a little hellion (actually, in the scheme of things, she wasn't too bad). Here is how the exchange went. We didn't talk really until we sat down at the table for testing:
M: So, how are you today.
G (in a perfect unintentional impression of the Cookie Monster's voice): GOOD.
M (a little startled): Awesome!
G: WHAT ARE WE DOING?
M: Well, we are going to do some stories, are you ready?
We do the first story.
M: Now you tell me that story.
G: YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL VOICE.
SIDEBAR: clearly, this is akward. This little five year old girl sounded like the Cookie Monster (Google it if you must--that is not an exaggeration). Generally, you would compliment someone back in the same manner. After a pause I said.
M: Thank you so much! You have a beautiful..... dress. I really like the color.
G (this seemed to satiate her): OH, THANK YOU!
M: Let's keep going.
Halfway through the second story she interrupts me.
G: I REALLLLLY LIKE YOUR SHOES.
M: Oh, thanks. Let's keep going though.
G (gets a devilish gleam in her eye): NO, I REEAAALLLY LIKE THEM.
M (realizing this girl is coming onto my purple suede shoes): Well, thanks! Let's keep going.
G: I WISH I HAD THEM.
M: Maybe you will someday. Anyways....
I continue the story. After all three stories, I tell her it's time to go to the classroom. She keeps refusing and won't leave the chair. I try to be kind, to be patient, to be nice, but she is not having it. She is glued to that little blue kindergarten chair. So I turn on the angry voice (which I've only had to use once or twice with my clinic kids), and it goes like this:
M (the picture of calm, poise, authority, and I've had enough of this shit hovering over her with my hands on my hips): You need to get up now, or I will need to get your teacher to bring you back in the room. I don't think you'd like that very much.
G (wide eyed, as Cookie Monster as ever, and jumping out of her chair): OKAY!
So, it was a pretty good day all in all. Now I have to go study for the quiz tomorrow that I've been avoiding. I also have to do some more kindergarten testing and research stuff, so maybe I'll have some more stories. Also, I'll be home in less than two weeks!!!!!!
Night, y'all.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Adddvvventure Time!
Hm. Well, I guess the boring summer I had been experiencing so far just wasn't cutting it. On Sunday I thought it would be fun to take a trip down/over/up to Estes Park (i.e., the place Ray took me for Thanksgiving where The Shining and parts of Dumb and Dumber were filmed, as well as where Rocky Mountain National Park resides). The ride was beautiful. Colorado is gorgeous. Anywho, when going into the Rockies I was pulling over to take some pictures, and my car locked up. It just... locked up. My power steering came on and my brakes tightened up and it just sucked. The person I was with is amazing with cars, so he reset my car after a few minutes and all seemed to be working well. I was wrong.
We began climbing into the "Never Summer" range and were at about 10,000 ft. Thank heavens I had just pulled into a parking lot because right when we began to climb up towards the mountain my car locked up again. As in, my engine completely shut off. My electricity (e.g., radio, lights, etc.) all still worked, but my engine was out. I had to roll backwards for momentum while using my crazy muscles (ha) to substitute for my power steering. I got it into a parking place; between the lines, mind you--I'm nothing if not a parking perfectionist (again, ha). We tried to reset the car again and that did NOT work. THUS, I went up to the little rest area place and tried to find a phone. Luckily, there were a lot of people around. A group of them happened to come up to us and ask if we needed anything. They were very sweet. They kept insisting that we eat their sandwiches and drink their pops. I think at one point the woman even said, "COME ON. YOUR MUM WOULD WANT YOU TO HAVE A SODA. WOULDN'T SHE? YES, SHE WOULD. JUST TAKE A SODA. EAT A SANDWICH. DO IT, DAMNIT!" (Hokay, I may have exaggerated the "Do it, damnit" part, but she was very insistent).
So, I get up to the little rest area and I see a Junior Ranger office. I got very excited and then realized that it is more of an office for summer camp-like activities, so there was no one in it. Luckily (again) there happened to be a maintenance man there. He called a ranger, the ranger called a tow company (who were open on Sundays!!!!), and we sat and waited. When the tow truck came, a woman got out and began to go to work. The gist of this part I suppose is that these people were extremely kind, and I got towed down to the Mercedes dealership (brand new) in Loveland, CO. I left my keys and car there, and we took off to eat.
Now here come the coincidences. The dealership happened to be across the highway from where Ray plays hockey, so I was familiar with the area. That made choosing what restaurant to go to easy. The person I was with called some friends to see if anyone could pick us up. He got ahold of someone and they said they would come down. He happened to call another friend about an hour later and coincidentally that person was in Loveland. We ended up getting a ride with the first person, but it was nice to know that sometimes, things just work out. It reassures me that there really isn't a need to stress about the small stuff--things will be taken care of. You might as well just enjoy the experience and take it for what it's worth.
The next day I got a call from the dealership and we began to figure things out. I got a ride down to Loveland that afternoon and got my car--freshly fixed, oiled up, and washed. We went to eat and then headed back to Laramie. We hit a CRAZY storm. I mean, I've driven through some bad shit, and this was terrible. I think it was mostly the fact that it was on a hilly/windy road and I couldn't see well and I kept hydroplaning. Oh, well. When all is said and done: I'm a few hundred dollars poorer and a few more experiences richer. I think it balances out :). Now I'm off to Walmart. I have some juice and pickles in my fridge--time to restock.
SIDEBAR: Co-capt (Cushman) is coming to visit me in August!! We are flying back together from Mich., so that will be nice. Travel buddies!
Love y'all.
We began climbing into the "Never Summer" range and were at about 10,000 ft. Thank heavens I had just pulled into a parking lot because right when we began to climb up towards the mountain my car locked up again. As in, my engine completely shut off. My electricity (e.g., radio, lights, etc.) all still worked, but my engine was out. I had to roll backwards for momentum while using my crazy muscles (ha) to substitute for my power steering. I got it into a parking place; between the lines, mind you--I'm nothing if not a parking perfectionist (again, ha). We tried to reset the car again and that did NOT work. THUS, I went up to the little rest area place and tried to find a phone. Luckily, there were a lot of people around. A group of them happened to come up to us and ask if we needed anything. They were very sweet. They kept insisting that we eat their sandwiches and drink their pops. I think at one point the woman even said, "COME ON. YOUR MUM WOULD WANT YOU TO HAVE A SODA. WOULDN'T SHE? YES, SHE WOULD. JUST TAKE A SODA. EAT A SANDWICH. DO IT, DAMNIT!" (Hokay, I may have exaggerated the "Do it, damnit" part, but she was very insistent).
So, I get up to the little rest area and I see a Junior Ranger office. I got very excited and then realized that it is more of an office for summer camp-like activities, so there was no one in it. Luckily (again) there happened to be a maintenance man there. He called a ranger, the ranger called a tow company (who were open on Sundays!!!!), and we sat and waited. When the tow truck came, a woman got out and began to go to work. The gist of this part I suppose is that these people were extremely kind, and I got towed down to the Mercedes dealership (brand new) in Loveland, CO. I left my keys and car there, and we took off to eat.
Now here come the coincidences. The dealership happened to be across the highway from where Ray plays hockey, so I was familiar with the area. That made choosing what restaurant to go to easy. The person I was with called some friends to see if anyone could pick us up. He got ahold of someone and they said they would come down. He happened to call another friend about an hour later and coincidentally that person was in Loveland. We ended up getting a ride with the first person, but it was nice to know that sometimes, things just work out. It reassures me that there really isn't a need to stress about the small stuff--things will be taken care of. You might as well just enjoy the experience and take it for what it's worth.
The next day I got a call from the dealership and we began to figure things out. I got a ride down to Loveland that afternoon and got my car--freshly fixed, oiled up, and washed. We went to eat and then headed back to Laramie. We hit a CRAZY storm. I mean, I've driven through some bad shit, and this was terrible. I think it was mostly the fact that it was on a hilly/windy road and I couldn't see well and I kept hydroplaning. Oh, well. When all is said and done: I'm a few hundred dollars poorer and a few more experiences richer. I think it balances out :). Now I'm off to Walmart. I have some juice and pickles in my fridge--time to restock.
SIDEBAR: Co-capt (Cushman) is coming to visit me in August!! We are flying back together from Mich., so that will be nice. Travel buddies!
Love y'all.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Updaaaaaateeeeee.
Wow. So it has been a very long time since I've posted anything. To sum up my last semester, let's do this:
1. It sucked.
2. It sucked.
3. It sucked.
:)
I mean, don't get me wrong; there were some great things that happened. It was just extremely busy, and I really don't remember much of it. Here is a rundown of what I did:
1. Basic classes.
2. An extra class.
3. Clinic.
4. Thesis writing (I think I'm on draft twenty-something).
5. Thesis prospectus meeting ("IT'S APPROVED" in the voice of Kristen Wiig).
6. Lab scheduling, training, and weekly meetings (I had 9 undergrads working in there).
7. Thesis research.
8. Additional research.
9. Went to the bar.
10. Watched hockey.
11. Slept.
12. Ate.
13. Had strep..... AGAIN.
So, that's it. Now, onto more recent events.
I am heading into the final week of my first summer course. We have a Saturday class from 9-3 that runs for eight weeks; we also have two three-week courses that go Monday-Friday. So, this is the last week of the first, then I get a week off (still having to go on Saturday), then I go for another three weeks, then I get to go HOME. HOME HOME HOME HOME HOME. Do you know when I get there it will have been nearly eight months since I'll have been in Michigan. I am more excited than I thought possible. I miss everything and everyone.
Right now I'm really feeling the effects of not having a massive body of water at my disposal. I wish I still had to keep a swim bag in my car so that I could just head to the beach whenever I felt like it. I miss my Coco calling me randomly to go to Presque and being able to do it. I miss Blackrocks A TON. The only microbrewery we have here is a sports bar, and it's currently being moved and renovated.
I moved into a new apartment. It's in the most ridiculously awesome location on the corner of the two busiest streets downtown. Soo: think Corner of Ashmun and Portage, I guess. Marquette: think corner of Washington and Third. Anyways, it's great. It's got wood floors and white walls and big windows (even though there's only two of them). It's kind of everything I've ever wanted in an apartment.
Summer in Laramie is beautiful. There's lots of flowers and sunshine. It's been in the 80's every day since I've gotten back from Florida.
SIDEBAR: Oh, yea. I went to Florida. My blood sugar was high the whole time, so I was tired and sick feeling for most of the trip, so that kind of sucked. It was just really nice to be back in the humidity, sun, and heat. Also, being able to be in a pool didn't hurt (I don't really love the ocean).
So anyways, summer here is nice. I've been playing a lot of sand volleyball (as there are no beaches), tennis, walking, cooking, reading, and generally being relaxed. Summer courses haven't been too bad, so I've been able to enjoy it. I think after last semester I just realize that I can, in fact, do this.
I went hiking last weekend and found some water! Granted, it was wayyyyy high up in the mountains and there was still ice in it. I was so ridiculously excited when I saw a collection of H2O larger than a puddle out here that I nearly screamed. I put my feet in it. It was freezing, but glorious. :) I can't WAIT to get back in my lakes.
Other than what I've mentioned, I've just been drinking a lot of beer and hanging out. Typical, eh? I've been struggling a bit with some things, but it's nothing a good rereading of "The Four Agreements", good music, and some Skype dates with home friends can't fix. I'll try to post more regularly now, and maybe include some entertaining stories. Sorry this one was boring, it was more of an update for my family and such.
Sendin' my thoughts from 7220 feet. Love y'all.
1. It sucked.
2. It sucked.
3. It sucked.
:)
I mean, don't get me wrong; there were some great things that happened. It was just extremely busy, and I really don't remember much of it. Here is a rundown of what I did:
1. Basic classes.
2. An extra class.
3. Clinic.
4. Thesis writing (I think I'm on draft twenty-something).
5. Thesis prospectus meeting ("IT'S APPROVED" in the voice of Kristen Wiig).
6. Lab scheduling, training, and weekly meetings (I had 9 undergrads working in there).
7. Thesis research.
8. Additional research.
9. Went to the bar.
10. Watched hockey.
11. Slept.
12. Ate.
13. Had strep..... AGAIN.
So, that's it. Now, onto more recent events.
I am heading into the final week of my first summer course. We have a Saturday class from 9-3 that runs for eight weeks; we also have two three-week courses that go Monday-Friday. So, this is the last week of the first, then I get a week off (still having to go on Saturday), then I go for another three weeks, then I get to go HOME. HOME HOME HOME HOME HOME. Do you know when I get there it will have been nearly eight months since I'll have been in Michigan. I am more excited than I thought possible. I miss everything and everyone.
Right now I'm really feeling the effects of not having a massive body of water at my disposal. I wish I still had to keep a swim bag in my car so that I could just head to the beach whenever I felt like it. I miss my Coco calling me randomly to go to Presque and being able to do it. I miss Blackrocks A TON. The only microbrewery we have here is a sports bar, and it's currently being moved and renovated.
I moved into a new apartment. It's in the most ridiculously awesome location on the corner of the two busiest streets downtown. Soo: think Corner of Ashmun and Portage, I guess. Marquette: think corner of Washington and Third. Anyways, it's great. It's got wood floors and white walls and big windows (even though there's only two of them). It's kind of everything I've ever wanted in an apartment.
Summer in Laramie is beautiful. There's lots of flowers and sunshine. It's been in the 80's every day since I've gotten back from Florida.
SIDEBAR: Oh, yea. I went to Florida. My blood sugar was high the whole time, so I was tired and sick feeling for most of the trip, so that kind of sucked. It was just really nice to be back in the humidity, sun, and heat. Also, being able to be in a pool didn't hurt (I don't really love the ocean).
So anyways, summer here is nice. I've been playing a lot of sand volleyball (as there are no beaches), tennis, walking, cooking, reading, and generally being relaxed. Summer courses haven't been too bad, so I've been able to enjoy it. I think after last semester I just realize that I can, in fact, do this.
I went hiking last weekend and found some water! Granted, it was wayyyyy high up in the mountains and there was still ice in it. I was so ridiculously excited when I saw a collection of H2O larger than a puddle out here that I nearly screamed. I put my feet in it. It was freezing, but glorious. :) I can't WAIT to get back in my lakes.
Other than what I've mentioned, I've just been drinking a lot of beer and hanging out. Typical, eh? I've been struggling a bit with some things, but it's nothing a good rereading of "The Four Agreements", good music, and some Skype dates with home friends can't fix. I'll try to post more regularly now, and maybe include some entertaining stories. Sorry this one was boring, it was more of an update for my family and such.
Sendin' my thoughts from 7220 feet. Love y'all.
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