Im still here

Let's see, what has been going on lately? ? ? 

Well my weeks tend to fly by like a whirlwind because everyday is jam-packed and 6/7 days of the week I'm up at 6 and there's a couple days I don't slow down until after 9pm.  Im not always sure how I do it, but I just push through and make things work, I've got to.   I think out of the entire week, Tuesday are my busiest and most hectic days.  I usually have class all day in East Lansing, stop by at the Feister's house for a quick bite and then not soon after that Im off again to the next event - - a teen support group which I facilitate.  

My weeks generally consist of school, facilitating support groups (x2 nights: Monday and Tuesday), work, internship, and homework.  Plus I always try to squeeze in some quality time with Bobby, his family and mine.  Do you see how my week is a whirlwind?

I'm more than ready for May to come, because I know that once may rolls around I will be done with grad school, and I won't have anymore huge paper to write, lengthy assignments to complete, article to critique, discussion's to post, or chapters to read.  Don't get me wrong, I love learning, but I don't like the "busy work" that is attached to school.  Im ready for it to be over, only 1.5 semesters to go. 

I don't know how I would do it all without the support I get from my family. I wouldn't be able to work enough to pay for  rent, and all the other bills, I wouldn't have time for school, and I would have a lot more on my plate then I already do. So here's to my family that is near and dear to my heart... my parents, Bobby and his parents, my sister Tarra, and Bobby's sister Leslie.  I would not be able to do everything I am doing right now without these people. They are MY support system and are always there when I need them the most.   I don't know what I would do without them.

So thank you! 

Where to Begin...

Its has been quite some time since my last post (as usual).  I'm so behind, I don't even know where to start.

Classes at MSU have started back up for the Fall.  Its been interesting.  This semester will be very different from the summer, I think in a good way.  A).The fall is 15 weeks vs. 6 weeks.  B). I'm taking 3 classes vs. 5.  And C). I have one short day, and one day where I am on campus for 6 hours. - - Its gonna be a TON of work but totally worth it in the end!

My internship is going alright... its not exactly what I wanted or hoped it would be, but I am trying to make the best with it. For undergrad I was in the hospital, and I LOVED it. Now I'm at a hospice/bereavement agency.

* This week grief support groups start.  Groups are on Monday and Tuesday night.  Im a little nervous about the groups, but I won't be alone, which is a good thing.

*Aside from the groups, I'm only in the office one day a week.  Right now, I'm doing bereavement work.  Its okay, I make a ton of phone calls to set up appointments, make home visits, and soon I will be helping prepare for a memorial dinner. It's hard to know what to say to people that are grieving.

*I'm hoping to start working more with Lois, a social worker for hospice, she makes visits to patients on hospice in their home, nursing facility or hospital.  I was hoping to do more of that, rather than the bereavement aspect. I'm more of a hands on type of person, I enjoy a fast paced environment, and bereavement work, is slower and a lot of work done in the office.

  - - I've learned that bereavement counseling is Not so much for me. - -
 But I'm trying to make the best of it...

Work at the nursing home/rehab center is going really well. I've learned a lot and the hours have been perfect.  Not to much, but not so overwhelming I can't keep up with things.  I enjoy going and seeing the residents.  I have really enjoyed getting to know them. I'm learning my way around the facility, and all the different routines.  So far, so good.

I guess that's it for now.  Life right now consists of school, work and interning with some fun here and there.

A much needed update

It's been a while since my last post, so I thought I would try to catch up on what's been going on. Not like its all that exciting or all that different, but for the sake of a much needed update I will give in and go for it.

•  I had my first MSU class in Flint.  The class covered Grief & Loss which will be very helpful for my next internship that I will start in July. It was a 2 day class, and I got a lot out of it. But I still need to write a reflection paper about what I learned... that's due on Saturday (yikes!)
• I attended a beautiful wedding reception almost 2 weeks ago. It was for someone very special to me, my godmother, Julie (Pictures to hopefully come later this week).
• I had an 'interview' for a new nanny job... it is looking promising! :) ...
•  I have 5 more days with Olivia, it is going to be hard to leave that little girl. So hard that I am almost dreading it. 
• Car Repairs Galore! My little 2002 Sunfire has been in need of some attention... first my diver's side mirror got broken ( again that's another post in itself), my driver's side window wasn't working anymore, and it is in need of a transmission flush. My sweet mother has gotten my car all fixed up and ready to travel to Iowa. 
• On that note, my mom will be going to Iowa to see my sister and will be bringing  my 4 nieces to michigan for about 10 days. I only wish I was going to be able to see them more... I will only see them about 4 days while they are here. 
• I am in the process of moving. Holy Cow did I collect a ton of 'stuff'' while staying with my aunt. I cannot believe all the stuff I have in my little room/bathroom. I took a car load last weekend, and I plan on taking some more things back this upcoming weekend as well.
• Speaking of packing... I will only be living with my dear old aunt for another week and a half! I have been here for 2 years... it sure doesn't feel like it now that Im looking back at everything.  When I first moved here it felt as if I would be living her FOREVER... and now Im packing and getting ready to move out.
• Today was my last day at my BSW internship at the hospital. It was a bittersweet day. More details/pictures to come later.
• I'm at the home stretch for my classes... I have 2 more days of 'class time' which all of my BIG projects/papers/presentations/portfolio's are due. Then next week all I have is a final. Then I am free... well free for about a week anyway!! 

Alright, enough for now. Check back this week for pictures! 

{3}

I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel ... I only have about 3 weeks left of classes at Oakland University. Although with that, I have been extremely busy with the class work. It seems as though because it is the last semester of the program, the professors have just piled on the work.  I have 4 big paper due, one being a portfolio, and the other are 10-15 page papers. Needless to say, I am keeping busy, mainly with school work.

The weather here has been absolutely wonderful. Unfortunately, I have not been able to enjoy much of the nice weather. I have been inside... writing...

 *Are you getting the picture of why I haven't blogged much lately?*I have been able to enjoy some of my weekend...  

Mainly Saturday... Bobby and I went to the outlet stores and I was able to find a few great deals, mainly at J. Crew, and that night we had dinner with some friends, Karen and Chip. We grilled out at their house and then walked to a wonderful little Gellato Cafe. It was a nice way to spend a Saturday! 

Hopefully once I get through the next couple of weeks I can enjoy myself a little more.

Busy, But Nice

As usual, my weekend seemed busy, but I still enjoyed the weekend none the less.

I ended up not having to work on friday, which in its own way was a blessing. It started snowing as I was getting ready to leave for my parent's house, which is about 100 miles away.  The roads were not so good, but I eventually made it.   I stopped and had a visit with Bobby's mom. And was going to meet The Collin's for Friday fish, but the weather was so crappy as were the roads that I decided it might be best just to stay home for the night.  Turns out, that was the same thing Leslie was thinking too. Although I was disappointed to miss out on fish... hopefully I will be able to go another week.

Saturday I went ice skating with Leslie, Reyna and Bobby. That was a lot of fun. Reyna kept saying, "Let's keep moving" and she kept her eye on Uncle Bobby the entire time. She just adores him.  Reyna skated like a champ, and she didn't want anybody's help. She didn't really need too much help, just a little help turning, otherwise she was pretty independent.  (Sorry...but I don't have any pics seeing that I forgot my camera in the car.)

Later that afternoon/evening I spent some time with Reyna and Ruby, which was nice. They are getting soo big and its unbelievable the things Reyna is saying... she is one smart little cookie.

Sunday, as always goes by way too fast.  I hungout with Bobby for a bit and then met my parents for our usual Sunday dinner out. It was nice to be able to spend some time with them.  My mom works on the weekend, so I don't see her a whole lot when I am there.  So Sunday dinner is always nice. 

Well that's pretty much my weekend in a nutshell. 

This week is going to be busy ... I have things I need to get done for school, plus work, plus my internship. So I better be going to bed!

More to come tomorrow....

A Blurr

Its already Friday night. This week has been a complete blur. I honestly can't believe that its Friday and that winter classes have started. It almost does not feel real.

Its been a busy week...

• Started my Social Work internship with Orientation, Monday and Tuesday
• Classes started... MWF @ 8am, Tuesday, and Thursday in the evening.
• We got a bunch of snow... about 4 inches
• I worked today, and will work tomorrow.

It doesn't seem like all that much, but it feels like a ton. Partly because I haven't worked my regular hours, and because I have been getting up around 5:30 every morning. So by the time its dinner time, I can't remember what I did or didn't do this morning.   Plus to top things off, its my first week of school, and I already have a to-do list and things due next week.

So here we go again for another crazy busy semester!

Weekend Update

I'm staying at my aunt's house this weekend because I have to work on Monday. So instead of driving home friday, coming back monday, working and then driving back the almost 2 hour drive. I decided to just stay. There's no point in doing a ton of driving, plus I really didn't want to take the day off work. I want to be a reliable person to the C's, so this weekend I am laying low.
Here's my weekend, bullet style:

• Bobby and I took Olivia to Somerset mall on Friday. We did a little Christmas shopping. Afterwards, Bobby came back to work with me, we hung out, ate dinner and played. Olivia loved Bobby. She wanted to sit on his lap, play, and ready books with him. It was so cute. He attracks kids.
• Later Friday night, I went to Bobby's hockey game. They tied 1-1.
• Saturday I worked on a special project all afternoon. I even forgot about dinner. I worked from about 2 until 8. Realized it was way past dinner time, ate, and then started working some more. It was a pretty productive day.
• Today I have been laying low, and relaxing. I helped my aunt with some insurance stuff, helped her with the paper work, and then I ran errands. Later on, my aunt and I are going to dinner. She's taking me out, since I was so nice and helped her with all the confusing  insurance stuff.  
• Tonight I plan on finishing my top secret project. =)

So there's my weekend in a nutshell.

Moving On.

Moving on from the previous post about my friend that I do not hear from. I realize it was kind of a sad and rather depressing post, at least for me anyway, but I just felt like I needed to get it off my chest.

So moving on to a better topic.

I got my final grades for the semester, and I am very pleased with myself. I passed all my classes ( I knew I would) and actually in 2 of the 4 classes, I got better grades then I thought I would. I surprised myself.  I guess working hard paid off. I am very happy.

I'm really looking forward for today. Im going to work, and Liv and I are meeting Bobby at Somerset mall to finish our Christmas shopping. Im excited to go to Somerset and see all the pretty decorations and Santa.   Later on tonight, I am going to Bobby's hockey game, so I think it will be a good day!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Fall 2009 Semester - - - CHECK!

Just a short and sweet post for today:


As of this week, I have finished the Fall 2009 semester. I only have 2 more semesters to go until I will graduate with a bachelor's degree! Yay!

Since I haven't had to worry about classes, papers and tests this week, I have been enjoying my time off and taking it easy. And let me tell ya, it has been wonderful!

Because I don't have homework or a paper due I am going out tonight! My friend Nicole and I are going to go see a movie. I have complete intentions of indulging a huge bowl of popcorn and enjoying a movie! We are going to see The Blind Side. I am really looking forward to it, and have heard great things about this movie.

Babysitting

On Saturday, Leslie and Jade had an alumni dinner to attend. So I offered to watch the girls while they went out for a quiet dinner with other adults. Later on, Bobby ended up joining me to help with babysitting and to see the girls of course.

We played, and painted, the girls took a nice little nap, and then we played somemore.

It was so nice to see them! Since Thanksgiving they have grown and changed so much that it amazes me.

Bobby even helped Leslie put the their tree up... and Reyna wanted to sleep under the tree. It was so cute, we put the tree skirt down and she must have thought it made a nice bed.

It was great to see the girls and to spend time with them. I miss being closer to them, and I cannot wait until July when I will only be 20 minutes away!  

  (It was nice to see you too Les!)

A little of this, and a little bit of that.

I am happy to say that this is my official last day of class for this semester! I have a presentation to give and then all I have to get done are finals!  After next week, I will be able to start my winter break.

With the break comes a little bit of nerves and fear. I start my internship January 4th. So I know that once break comes, and goes, I will be starting something new and different. Which I am excited for, don't get me wrong.

Not a lot has been going on this week.  (Who am I kidding???) A ton has been going on this week. I have had project, and papers and school work galore! I swear, teachers try to pack on a ton of work/assignments the last week of classes right before finals. That drives me nuts! Like I don't have enough to do already.

But I am slowly but surely making my way through the work load. I will be happy when I give this presentation this morning. Once that is done, it is all downhill from there. 

Although... I do have 2 papers due, a portfolio, and 2 exams. So its not like I will be done after this morning. But the end is near, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel for this semester.

Oops!

SO I blew my post everyday goal. I was so busy yesterday that I didn't really have a chance to post.

Yesterday, I met Bobby for breakfast. Then not too long after that, Leslie arrived in my neck of the woods. She brought the girls, and we had a mission to do some Christmas shopping. But that didn't really happen.

We all went to lunch at Max & Erma's. Reyna called the waiter a "the nice man" it was too cute. We ate, and then we hit the mall.

Let me just say, that Reyna was so good while we were out and about the entire day. She was so well  behaved, and a good listener.

Santa was at the mall, and Reyna and I sat on his lap. I do have a picture, which either I or Leslie will post later. ;) Reyna was so brave, and asked santa for "a gift."

I ended up buying some skinny jeans. Bobby and Leslie kinda talked me into it. I think Im really going to like them, once I try them with some different shoes.

It was a fun day, I am so happy Leslie and the girls came out this way to visit.  I hope we can do it again sometime!

It was such a busy day... I was exhusted by the end of the night.

Got a Handle on Things.

I have spent the entire day trying to get a handle on things. I think so far I've got a good start.

I finished a paper that is due on Monday, and I have got another paper almost finished. I also started putting things together for my grad school applications. Its coming along, slow but sure.

I have a long list of things 'to do' and I am slowing starting to cross things off one by one. And let me tell ya, it feel good to get things done.

Everything is coming down to the wire, and I am starting to feel the pressure. I know I will get things done, its just the matter of finding the time to do it. Luckily I had some of the day off yesterday from work on things, and then I had today to get things done as well.

Ahh. I feel better now. I can breathe a little bit easier.

Rental

This week I am driving a rental car while my car is at the dealers getting repairs.

I'm driving a Pontiac G6, and I have to say that I am loving this car. Its a really nice ride. I wish that I could keep it!

I wonder if the dealer would trade me cars ? Well I guess we did trade cars.. for a week at least.  One day I will be able to get a new car.

Im just thankful to have a car that run and can get from place to place.

Crunch Time

I am starting to feel the pressure of the last 3 weeks of classes.

That's right, only 3 weeks. This semester seems like it went by soo quickly. My mom told me the other day that the older you get, the more quickly time goes by. I am begining to believe that more and more.

3 weeks of class left, and finals the following week. I can absolutly say that I feel like crunch time has arrived.

Between papers, projects and finals, I am feeling the pressure.

I will be glad when this semester is over and done. Let alone when finals are done.

Reyna & Ruby

I was able to see Reyna and Ruby a couple times this weekend. They both are so sweet. Reyna is such a ham. I swear, she has learned something new and different ev ery time I see her. Ruby is also getting bigger, smiling a lot and very talkitive. I love being able to see them and spend time with them.

Much Better.

I went home this weekend, and got to see my family.

I am feeling much better about what happened last week, and am ready to start a new week, and its going to be a good week. I've already decided to think positive.

I have pictures from this weekend with Reyna and Ruby, but I will be posting them tomorrow.

Thank You, My Friend.

Today I had a nice surprise.

I was on my way to work, and my friend Lindsey called, and wanted to get together. She knew I had a rough day yesterday, and knew that I was working. She came up my way to see me. It made my day/week so much better. I took Olivia, and we met Lindsey at Great Lakes Crossing.

Not soon after being there, Olivia's dad stopped by and picked Liv up, so Lindsey and I could have "fun" Although Liv is not at all hard to shop with. She just waves at everyone and eats her snack. But I will admit, it was nice to be kid free and not nanny while shopping. It gave Lindsey and I time to catch up.

So Linds and I walked, shopped, talked, and ate. It was very nice,and just what I needed. I was able to rant and vent to her about everything that had been going on, and she listened.

I'm very lucky and thankful to have such a good friend like Lindsey.

Happy its almost Friday.

Im glad this week is just about over with. I've managed to stay busy. I have been sewing all week, and will finish up my project this weekend. :) Its looking sooo good! I can't wait to start my next one.  My aunt told me the other night, that I have put her to shame! Hearing that was a surprise, since she does a lot of sewing. She started to finish something that has been sitting around the house since last winter. Now she works on it when she knows that I am sewing. I think thats kinda funny.

Between my projects, school and work, I have been staying busy. The family I work for have been sick, but I've still gone and helped take care of the baby. She's on the mend now, thank goodness. The past 2 days I've been there, she hasn't done anything except sleep on my chest. I'll be happy when she's back to her normal self.

That's about all for now!