This past weekend I took a little jaunt over to the Soo for my best friend's bridal shower. Her colors are navy blue and fuchsia and as would be expected, everything was pink (and white)! She's adorable. It was her spring break from med school this past week, and she was in Marquette looking for an apartment for her clinical rotations beginning this June. I got to spend Sunday and Monday with her! It was nice. Then, as I mentioned, I had her bridal shower. It's the most I've seen her in that short of a period of time since we lived in the same city I think! I've missed her lots.
Anywho, the bridal shower was very cute. Her maid of honor did a great job organizing it, and we all had a wonderful time. A group of us went out Saturday night and had more fun, so it was a successful weekend all in all!
I can't believe I only have two and a half weeks left at my Marquette externship! I'm REALLY going to miss it. A lot of funny things happen at the preschool, but I've come to understand both that I find things funny that others may not, and also that context is pretty important for a lot of the things that happen. Additionally, I need to keep them anonymous and some of the humor in the situations comes from which kids have done these things--if that makes sense. Anyways, here are a couple of cute things that have happened at the preschool:
Young girl (same one who is the "girlfriend" from the last story): UGH. It's just SO hot in this bra I'm wearing. (Looks to see if I'm paying attention... I don't look at her). UGH. This BRA is just SO HOT. (I nod and walk away. That girl, haha).
Young enthusiastic boy who asked a question about Tooter in the last post. This also happened during show and tell: (To child who brought show and tell) I WOULD LIKE TO TOUCH IT.
Teacher: I don't think you need to. It's not yours.
YEB: (Turns to teacher) I wasn't asking you.
The previously mentioned child is just SO good at reasoning and talking his way out of things, that sometimes you can't do anything but giggle.
I'm sure there's more, but I've forgotten. OH! I have a young one who is now insisting on calling me "Peanut Butter". Hilarity usually ensues and the kids in the class love it, but he's the only one who is calling me that (so far). You, too, may call me "Peanut Butter" if you want now I guess.
Also! Someone special is coming to visit me in less than three weeks, and I am SO excited!!
Anyways, I need to go order shoes for my friend's wedding in June. Love y'all!
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Nautical nonsense and preschoolers.
Just so that I give credit where credit is due, the print I found to use as my new background is from: bespokeprints.com. Additionally, I should probably give credit to a quote that has been inspiring me lately, which also has to do with my new background. It is as follows:
“A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.” — John A. Shedd.
I love all things nautical (including anchors)--much to the bemusement of my family probably, considering I REALLY don't care for, or even like, Lake State. In fact, when I came home with a blue phone case that had an anchor on the back, I didn't hear the end of it. I bought a new case, naturally. It is now sparkly silver and gold and has been deemed the "porn star phone case" by one of my best friend's cousins. C'est la vie. Anyways, I just love my new background simply for the fact that it has chevron, a nautical feel, and NO anchor. Everyone's happy.
I have been thinking about the quote I mentioned a lot lately. Growing up in the U.P., we are in a nautical environment ALL the time. I never really realized it until I moved out West though. I'm proud of being from Michigan--more specifically, the U.P.. It's an amazing area.
SIDEBAR: I'm going to be like everyone else and just say, THIS WINTER IS BULLSHIT. Like, seriously. Okay, if we're going to get a bunch of snow, fine. Whatever. I would prefer cold to snow, but NOT BOTH. It's March this weekend and our 10-day forecast does not have us getting above zero--not including wind chill. I'm just done with it.
So the U.P. is great. In the summer, Michigan is the most incredible place in the country to be--in my not-so-unbiased opinion. This winter has kind of solidified my desire to look for my CFY (9 month clinical fellowship all SLPs are required to do) in southern states. So I've started doing that. I can't wait to be WARM, provided that I get a job down there. If I end up hating it, then hey, it's only for one school year. I've left the harbor once for the Wild West and loved it, might as well do it again in a different direction!
For a quick update, I've been working at a preschool in Marquette. It's wonderful. I had no desire to work with the preschool population, but now being in one that is inclusive (as in, we provide speech-language services to the kids in their classroom) it's making me consider doing this for a job. I'm a little wary that I haven't yet worked in a skilled nursing facility or hospital. Those are the environments I was, and still am, most interested in working in; however, there's something to be said for truly looking forward to going to your job every day. Here are a few reasons I love the preschool:
1. The kids are FREAKIN' hilarious. Like, I crack up almost daily.
2. The people I am working with are awesome and they make going there everyday enjoyable.
3. The kids are FREAKIN' adorable. Like, I just want to pick them up and squeeze them sometimes.
4. THE KIDS.
5. THE KIDS.
6. THE KIDS.
7. It's actually a big challenge. I thought that being at a preschool would become kind of routine and wouldn't be super challenging. I've been proven wrong. I've had to learn a ton about behavior management and strategy. I also always have to be on my feet thinking about what each child's goals are and how I can incorporate them into the classroom activities we are doing. The evaluations I've been doing are great too.
8. THE KIDS.
9. I get to play with Legos, Playdough, blocks, etc. It's great.
10. THE KIDS.
I'm starting to think that maybe it would be fun to have a job where you see so much progress in your clients. It also is great to be there during the times they are learning a ton to provide them with the best possible intervention and language learning you can. Preschoolers are at this crazy age and some of them have more negative things going on in their life than you or I do. It's extremely rewarding to be that person there telling them you care about them and making them feel good about themselves--and hopefully providing a good base for the future. It's pretty neat. To finish off, I'll provide a few anonymous things my kids have said to me:
1. (There will be a few in one number for this kid). While staring longingly into my eyes, "you're hands are so soft."
"Look at your cheekies, your beautiful little cheekies" (then pinches my cheeks).
"I just LOVE your beautiful hair" (then pets my hair).
"We're going to play house. You be the mommy, and I'll be the doctor" (I shut this one down quickly).
"Ms. Mia, do you want to know something? You're beautiful." (I say "thank you").
Later, child turns around and says, "Ms. Mia, do you still want to be beautiful?" Um.... yes?
2. Child brings show and tell stuffed animals: an elephant and a seal. We ask their names. They were Porky and Tooter, respectively. Spunky young child bounces in seat raising a hand to ask a question of the child who brought show and tell like an interviewer at a press conference: "Umm, yes, thanks. First, I'd like to ask a question about Tooter...". Proceeds with Tooter having his 15 minutes of fame and Porky being swept to the side.
3. One of my favorites so far, while talking to my supervisor and I: "I don't know if you know this, but you're going to die. You're going to get old, and you're going to die. I won't, I want to stay little, so I won't die. But you will. You're going to meet our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, up there. But don't worry, he's a pretty nice guy. And Slipknot is the devil's music." We just stared at each other.
4. Same child as #3 with another child, sitting on bean bags. I think, awesome! Perfect opportunity for some language treatment! I'll read this one like a dialogue:
Me (M): Hey, guys! What are ya up to? (Both stare at me like I'm nuts).
Boy (B): Just talking.
Girl (G): Yea, just talking.
M: Can I sit with you, or would you rather be alone?
G: We'd rather be alone.
B: Yea, and she's my girlfriend and we're gonna get married. We'd rather be alone.
M: Okay.... well, see ya. (Walk away with head down. I am not the cool kid in class).
Later that day:
B: Ms. Mia! Look what I drew!
M: (Trying to interpret scribbles) Oh, nice! What is it?
B: Me and G up on top of a hill swinging in the sunset because we're in love. Isn't that nice?!
M: Umm...
B: (To girl) Would you like that? We'll take a picnic and walk up a hill and lay on a blanket and eat the picnic and watch the sunrise! Does that sound fun?
G: (This actually happened. Girl exasperatedly puts her head in her hands and says) Not now, we're coloring.
I'll try to update more with anonymous silly stories, because there have been many I've forgotten.
Love, y'all!
“A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.” — John A. Shedd.
I love all things nautical (including anchors)--much to the bemusement of my family probably, considering I REALLY don't care for, or even like, Lake State. In fact, when I came home with a blue phone case that had an anchor on the back, I didn't hear the end of it. I bought a new case, naturally. It is now sparkly silver and gold and has been deemed the "porn star phone case" by one of my best friend's cousins. C'est la vie. Anyways, I just love my new background simply for the fact that it has chevron, a nautical feel, and NO anchor. Everyone's happy.
I have been thinking about the quote I mentioned a lot lately. Growing up in the U.P., we are in a nautical environment ALL the time. I never really realized it until I moved out West though. I'm proud of being from Michigan--more specifically, the U.P.. It's an amazing area.
SIDEBAR: I'm going to be like everyone else and just say, THIS WINTER IS BULLSHIT. Like, seriously. Okay, if we're going to get a bunch of snow, fine. Whatever. I would prefer cold to snow, but NOT BOTH. It's March this weekend and our 10-day forecast does not have us getting above zero--not including wind chill. I'm just done with it.
So the U.P. is great. In the summer, Michigan is the most incredible place in the country to be--in my not-so-unbiased opinion. This winter has kind of solidified my desire to look for my CFY (9 month clinical fellowship all SLPs are required to do) in southern states. So I've started doing that. I can't wait to be WARM, provided that I get a job down there. If I end up hating it, then hey, it's only for one school year. I've left the harbor once for the Wild West and loved it, might as well do it again in a different direction!
For a quick update, I've been working at a preschool in Marquette. It's wonderful. I had no desire to work with the preschool population, but now being in one that is inclusive (as in, we provide speech-language services to the kids in their classroom) it's making me consider doing this for a job. I'm a little wary that I haven't yet worked in a skilled nursing facility or hospital. Those are the environments I was, and still am, most interested in working in; however, there's something to be said for truly looking forward to going to your job every day. Here are a few reasons I love the preschool:
1. The kids are FREAKIN' hilarious. Like, I crack up almost daily.
2. The people I am working with are awesome and they make going there everyday enjoyable.
3. The kids are FREAKIN' adorable. Like, I just want to pick them up and squeeze them sometimes.
4. THE KIDS.
5. THE KIDS.
6. THE KIDS.
7. It's actually a big challenge. I thought that being at a preschool would become kind of routine and wouldn't be super challenging. I've been proven wrong. I've had to learn a ton about behavior management and strategy. I also always have to be on my feet thinking about what each child's goals are and how I can incorporate them into the classroom activities we are doing. The evaluations I've been doing are great too.
8. THE KIDS.
9. I get to play with Legos, Playdough, blocks, etc. It's great.
10. THE KIDS.
I'm starting to think that maybe it would be fun to have a job where you see so much progress in your clients. It also is great to be there during the times they are learning a ton to provide them with the best possible intervention and language learning you can. Preschoolers are at this crazy age and some of them have more negative things going on in their life than you or I do. It's extremely rewarding to be that person there telling them you care about them and making them feel good about themselves--and hopefully providing a good base for the future. It's pretty neat. To finish off, I'll provide a few anonymous things my kids have said to me:
1. (There will be a few in one number for this kid). While staring longingly into my eyes, "you're hands are so soft."
"Look at your cheekies, your beautiful little cheekies" (then pinches my cheeks).
"I just LOVE your beautiful hair" (then pets my hair).
"We're going to play house. You be the mommy, and I'll be the doctor" (I shut this one down quickly).
"Ms. Mia, do you want to know something? You're beautiful." (I say "thank you").
Later, child turns around and says, "Ms. Mia, do you still want to be beautiful?" Um.... yes?
2. Child brings show and tell stuffed animals: an elephant and a seal. We ask their names. They were Porky and Tooter, respectively. Spunky young child bounces in seat raising a hand to ask a question of the child who brought show and tell like an interviewer at a press conference: "Umm, yes, thanks. First, I'd like to ask a question about Tooter...". Proceeds with Tooter having his 15 minutes of fame and Porky being swept to the side.
3. One of my favorites so far, while talking to my supervisor and I: "I don't know if you know this, but you're going to die. You're going to get old, and you're going to die. I won't, I want to stay little, so I won't die. But you will. You're going to meet our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, up there. But don't worry, he's a pretty nice guy. And Slipknot is the devil's music." We just stared at each other.
4. Same child as #3 with another child, sitting on bean bags. I think, awesome! Perfect opportunity for some language treatment! I'll read this one like a dialogue:
Me (M): Hey, guys! What are ya up to? (Both stare at me like I'm nuts).
Boy (B): Just talking.
Girl (G): Yea, just talking.
M: Can I sit with you, or would you rather be alone?
G: We'd rather be alone.
B: Yea, and she's my girlfriend and we're gonna get married. We'd rather be alone.
M: Okay.... well, see ya. (Walk away with head down. I am not the cool kid in class).
Later that day:
B: Ms. Mia! Look what I drew!
M: (Trying to interpret scribbles) Oh, nice! What is it?
B: Me and G up on top of a hill swinging in the sunset because we're in love. Isn't that nice?!
M: Umm...
B: (To girl) Would you like that? We'll take a picnic and walk up a hill and lay on a blanket and eat the picnic and watch the sunrise! Does that sound fun?
G: (This actually happened. Girl exasperatedly puts her head in her hands and says) Not now, we're coloring.
I'll try to update more with anonymous silly stories, because there have been many I've forgotten.
Love, y'all!
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Home is where the heat is.
No, I didn't spell that wrong. We have a sauna at my house and with how FREAKIN' COLD it's been lately, I have been taking one every day. It's the only way I can really warm up. I mean, it got to like, -50 degrees in Wyoming, but it's not humid--if you're bundled up, you don't really feel it. Here, it's the exact opposite. When it's -30 degrees, it feels like it no matter what you wrap yourself up in.
I'm home. I'm all done with graduate school classes and now just have my two externships and thesis defense before I am officially graduated. CRAZY. I have to admit, I'm really missing Wyoming. That was to be expected though, I suppose. One thing I will say is that it has been a chore fitting an apartment-full of stuff into my small bedroom, but I have somewhat succeeded. Yes, there are books on books on books and we had to buy some new storage shelves, but we figured it out. My friend Shell's sister helped us unpack the car when we got back to my house in Michigan and her comment on the number of books we had to unload--which was drastically reduced as I had shipped eight boxes home already--was, "Geeze, this is like unpacking Rorie Gilmore's car." I took it as a compliment :).
Home has been nice so far. I got to see pretty much all of my family, eat delicious food, relax, spend time with my bestest friends, and spend a lot of time in the car. Like, a lot. My travels over the last three weeks have been as follows:
Laramie > Marquette.
Marquette > Soo.
Soo > Petoskey.
Petoskey > Detroit.
Detroit > Green Bay (via Chicago).
Green Bay > Marquette.
Marquette > Soo.
Soo > Lansing.
Lansing > Kalamazoo.
Kalamazoo > Marquette.
Whew. I think that's it. It's a good thing I love car trips!
Anyways, I am beginning my externship at an early developmental center this week. It was supposed to begin on Monday, but with the "Polar Vortex" sweeping through the nation, we have had triple cold days. I'm hoping to begin on Thursday. Don't get me wrong, I love the extra vacation time. I'm just getting a little bit stir crazy being in the house so much. Now that my room is all organized, I really don't have much to do. Maybe I'll start studying for my board exam...... HA. No, that can wait. Also! I found out that other than IFSP/IEP meetings or professional seminars I am able to wear jeans and casual shirts to work! Seeing as we are on the floor with preschoolers all day, this makes sense. I'm still excited, though.
As I'm no longer out West I'm not sure what kind of updates/posts I'll be doing, or how often I'll be doing them. It will most likely be little stories about my preschoolers and where I'm at with finishing school and such. Hopefully it will pick up more once I begin the job hunt, and then start said job! (Preview: I'll likely be looking down South or on the East Coast). Wish me luck!
Love, y'all!
I'm home. I'm all done with graduate school classes and now just have my two externships and thesis defense before I am officially graduated. CRAZY. I have to admit, I'm really missing Wyoming. That was to be expected though, I suppose. One thing I will say is that it has been a chore fitting an apartment-full of stuff into my small bedroom, but I have somewhat succeeded. Yes, there are books on books on books and we had to buy some new storage shelves, but we figured it out. My friend Shell's sister helped us unpack the car when we got back to my house in Michigan and her comment on the number of books we had to unload--which was drastically reduced as I had shipped eight boxes home already--was, "Geeze, this is like unpacking Rorie Gilmore's car." I took it as a compliment :).
Home has been nice so far. I got to see pretty much all of my family, eat delicious food, relax, spend time with my bestest friends, and spend a lot of time in the car. Like, a lot. My travels over the last three weeks have been as follows:
Laramie > Marquette.
Marquette > Soo.
Soo > Petoskey.
Petoskey > Detroit.
Detroit > Green Bay (via Chicago).
Green Bay > Marquette.
Marquette > Soo.
Soo > Lansing.
Lansing > Kalamazoo.
Kalamazoo > Marquette.
Whew. I think that's it. It's a good thing I love car trips!
Anyways, I am beginning my externship at an early developmental center this week. It was supposed to begin on Monday, but with the "Polar Vortex" sweeping through the nation, we have had triple cold days. I'm hoping to begin on Thursday. Don't get me wrong, I love the extra vacation time. I'm just getting a little bit stir crazy being in the house so much. Now that my room is all organized, I really don't have much to do. Maybe I'll start studying for my board exam...... HA. No, that can wait. Also! I found out that other than IFSP/IEP meetings or professional seminars I am able to wear jeans and casual shirts to work! Seeing as we are on the floor with preschoolers all day, this makes sense. I'm still excited, though.
As I'm no longer out West I'm not sure what kind of updates/posts I'll be doing, or how often I'll be doing them. It will most likely be little stories about my preschoolers and where I'm at with finishing school and such. Hopefully it will pick up more once I begin the job hunt, and then start said job! (Preview: I'll likely be looking down South or on the East Coast). Wish me luck!
Love, y'all!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Live authentically.
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.
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.
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.
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