I absolutely love long weekends. Right now, I'm at my parents' house, celebrating July 4th weekend and my Dad's birthday. We haven't done much but it's been fun. Working with families as I do, and seeing such turbulent relationships, makes me so grateful for the relationship I have, and have pretty much always had, with my parents. We don't agree on everything but they let me be who I am. And I've accepted them (finally) as they are.
Not too much has changed since my previous post. Unlike last summer, I'm actually having a little fun (working at Youth Villages last year didn't allow much time for fun...hard to believe I would have been there 1 year this month if I had stayed). I've been trying to spend as much time with friends as possible because they keep my spirits up when I'm feeling defeated (a common feeling when you work in the mental health field). Speaking of which, things with work are going well. My team welcomed our new member, Jackie, and she's been doing a great job so far. It's amazing how different the atmosphere has been during team meetings in comparison to when my old team member was there. With the previous one, I always felt like I was walking on eggshells but, with my current team, I feel like I can be myself and have a little credibility as a supervisor at the same time. A big improvement. In addition, one of my friends from grad school, Carrie, recently started as a CST lead. It's been nice to have a familiar face in the office. I've been trying to help her out as much as possible because I remember all too well how lost you can feel when you're new.
My social/love life... Sigh. I won't even go there. It's far too complicated.
I'm going to New York City in August with the amazing Ashley Phipps! It was a completely spontaneous decision. When she first asked me, I thought there was no way I could go. Between work and having to pay a ridiculous amount of bills every month (thank you, school loans), I just figured I couldn't do it. But, the more I thought about it, the more I realized WHY NOT? I have the time off and, after Ashley did the calculations, I saw that it wasn't going to cost THAT much, especially considering the fact that we're seeing two (yes, two!) shows while we're there. Did I mention that the beautiful and incredible DANIEL RADCLIFFE is starring in one of these shows??? I vow right now to try everything I can to meet that man. I mean, how many more opportunities will I have? Only a few more weeks to wait!
The summer is shaping up quite nicely :)
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
It's What You Make It
It's Memorial Day and being off of work has afforded me a little time to finally (FINALLY) catch up with my blog. I had considered working today and, honestly, don't know what I was thinking. Yes, I do understand that Memorial Day isn't just a day off...but, truth be told, I hadn't really thought of it that way until at church yesterday (but more about that in a few minutes). It's funny how someone simply reframing something in a different way can change your mind about it. And so, while I don't agree with war, I am grateful for the men and women who have put their own lives on the line so that I can be free and openly disagree with the things in which I don't believe (as well as agree with the things I do believe!). They are in my thoughts and prayers today.
Quite a bit has been going on with me lately. I've been making moves toward becoming healthier - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It's not always easy. In fact, it's pretty darn tough some days. But I'm getting there...mostly because I realize how important it is.
I've been with Triumph for nearly 2 months now, which is hard to believe. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was just an unemployed, aspiring therapist with a Masters degree but no license (hence the unemployment), searching for jobs on CraigsList and becoming more and more discouraged by the day. My job isn't perfect but I am SO grateful to have found it. Since my last entry, I have gotten my provisional license (woo hoo!), which means I was able to keep my job as team lead (umm...thank goodness?). So I'm finally able to count my client contact hours toward full licensure. I have 3 years to get 1000 hours and, with this job, I think it'll be doable. I'm slowly getting to know my co-workers and, for the most part, like them very much. As team lead, I supervise 2 Intensive In-Home Specialists. Almost 2 weeks ago, we had to part ways with one of my team members (long story) so, that's been a little stressful. Until someone steps in to fill the position, my other team member, Cassie, and I are doing all the work. I'm hoping, and have been told, that the position should be filled sooner rather than later. Other than that, the job has been leaps and bounds better than Youth Villages. The families are still challenging but everything else is just so much more manageable. I feel less stressed and less drained at the end of the day, even though my hours are still long. The paperwork isn't as demanding. I feel more able to set limits and boundaries. Honestly though, I think my positive feelings toward the job are due to more than just the job itself. After having 3 months off, to recuperate from YV, I'm just in a better place than I was - even when I started at YV. Also, having such a strong and wonderful support system in my own city has been amazing. And, of course, being closer in proximity to my family, being able to go home for holidays, and talking with them frequently on the phone has helped a ton. I had a training on Friday and, as it turned out, all the team leads from my office were there. It was a good experience because, first of all, I'm weird and actually really like the trainings and, secondly, I had the opportunity to become better aquainted with the other team leads. I was able to see them in a more "human" role and they were able to see me that way. For the first time, I felt like I was part of their team (it's tough when you're the new kid and everyone else has been there for over a year). Now, don't get me wrong, I still get frustrated. I still feel like throwing my hands up sometimes at the end of the day. I still wonder at times how I'm going to make it through the week. BUT I am much more able to keep a positive attitude (the bigger paycheck might help with that a little!).
Things with my new roomie, Jamie, have been great. At first, she stayed to herself quite a bit but we've been talking and hanging out a lot more. I've introduced her to several of my friends and I've gotten to the point that I'm comfortable calling her a "friend" too. Sam was in town this past weekend and the 3 of us spent the better part of Saturday just sitting around my dining room table, experimenting with make-up, and talking. Afterward, Sam commented on how much she liked Jamie and I agreed. It was then that I realized how lucky I was to have found such a great roommate, especially seeing as how we met on CraigsList (yeah, I know). Also, the apartment has really come together and I think I'm pretty much finished decorating. I really, really like our space and I enjoy spending time here.
I've recently returned to Journey Church and it was a good decision. I'd taken a little break...not so much on purpose but because I'd been out of town nearly every Sunday. Since returning, I've actually gotten baptized. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time but was afraid for some reason...maybe because I've always been a little intimidated about how much I don't know about God, church, and the Bible. But I took a leap and did it...it meant a lot to me to go public with my faith. Mom and Dad came to see it, which also meant a lot to me. I'd been prepared to do it alone, especially since few of my friends are involved in church, but to have my parents there made it that much more special. And they were proud of me for doing it.
I've said it before and I'll say it again...I LOVE being so close to my friends. Just being aware of how much I would have probably missed out on over the last few weeks solidifies that feeling. We've been keeping up with our weekly potluck tradition. Sara is in New Hampshire for the summer (miss you!) but Molly, Tim, and I are planning to keep it going in her absence. I had a few friends over on Friday night for Sam's Mary Kay party and, again, I realized how difficult it would be to do things like that if I was in Greenville or Wilmington or New Bern or wherever other than here. I know that things may not always be as they are now and I can't say that I'll never move out of the Raleigh area but I do intend to enjoy and take advantage of the time that I, and so many of my friends, are here and can share moments with one another.
Until next time... :) <3
Quite a bit has been going on with me lately. I've been making moves toward becoming healthier - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It's not always easy. In fact, it's pretty darn tough some days. But I'm getting there...mostly because I realize how important it is.
I've been with Triumph for nearly 2 months now, which is hard to believe. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was just an unemployed, aspiring therapist with a Masters degree but no license (hence the unemployment), searching for jobs on CraigsList and becoming more and more discouraged by the day. My job isn't perfect but I am SO grateful to have found it. Since my last entry, I have gotten my provisional license (woo hoo!), which means I was able to keep my job as team lead (umm...thank goodness?). So I'm finally able to count my client contact hours toward full licensure. I have 3 years to get 1000 hours and, with this job, I think it'll be doable. I'm slowly getting to know my co-workers and, for the most part, like them very much. As team lead, I supervise 2 Intensive In-Home Specialists. Almost 2 weeks ago, we had to part ways with one of my team members (long story) so, that's been a little stressful. Until someone steps in to fill the position, my other team member, Cassie, and I are doing all the work. I'm hoping, and have been told, that the position should be filled sooner rather than later. Other than that, the job has been leaps and bounds better than Youth Villages. The families are still challenging but everything else is just so much more manageable. I feel less stressed and less drained at the end of the day, even though my hours are still long. The paperwork isn't as demanding. I feel more able to set limits and boundaries. Honestly though, I think my positive feelings toward the job are due to more than just the job itself. After having 3 months off, to recuperate from YV, I'm just in a better place than I was - even when I started at YV. Also, having such a strong and wonderful support system in my own city has been amazing. And, of course, being closer in proximity to my family, being able to go home for holidays, and talking with them frequently on the phone has helped a ton. I had a training on Friday and, as it turned out, all the team leads from my office were there. It was a good experience because, first of all, I'm weird and actually really like the trainings and, secondly, I had the opportunity to become better aquainted with the other team leads. I was able to see them in a more "human" role and they were able to see me that way. For the first time, I felt like I was part of their team (it's tough when you're the new kid and everyone else has been there for over a year). Now, don't get me wrong, I still get frustrated. I still feel like throwing my hands up sometimes at the end of the day. I still wonder at times how I'm going to make it through the week. BUT I am much more able to keep a positive attitude (the bigger paycheck might help with that a little!).
Things with my new roomie, Jamie, have been great. At first, she stayed to herself quite a bit but we've been talking and hanging out a lot more. I've introduced her to several of my friends and I've gotten to the point that I'm comfortable calling her a "friend" too. Sam was in town this past weekend and the 3 of us spent the better part of Saturday just sitting around my dining room table, experimenting with make-up, and talking. Afterward, Sam commented on how much she liked Jamie and I agreed. It was then that I realized how lucky I was to have found such a great roommate, especially seeing as how we met on CraigsList (yeah, I know). Also, the apartment has really come together and I think I'm pretty much finished decorating. I really, really like our space and I enjoy spending time here.
I've recently returned to Journey Church and it was a good decision. I'd taken a little break...not so much on purpose but because I'd been out of town nearly every Sunday. Since returning, I've actually gotten baptized. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time but was afraid for some reason...maybe because I've always been a little intimidated about how much I don't know about God, church, and the Bible. But I took a leap and did it...it meant a lot to me to go public with my faith. Mom and Dad came to see it, which also meant a lot to me. I'd been prepared to do it alone, especially since few of my friends are involved in church, but to have my parents there made it that much more special. And they were proud of me for doing it.
I've said it before and I'll say it again...I LOVE being so close to my friends. Just being aware of how much I would have probably missed out on over the last few weeks solidifies that feeling. We've been keeping up with our weekly potluck tradition. Sara is in New Hampshire for the summer (miss you!) but Molly, Tim, and I are planning to keep it going in her absence. I had a few friends over on Friday night for Sam's Mary Kay party and, again, I realized how difficult it would be to do things like that if I was in Greenville or Wilmington or New Bern or wherever other than here. I know that things may not always be as they are now and I can't say that I'll never move out of the Raleigh area but I do intend to enjoy and take advantage of the time that I, and so many of my friends, are here and can share moments with one another.
Until next time... :) <3
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Day 30...I Made It!
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.
Granny (that's my little blonde head in the picture). I never had the opportunity to really get to know her but I miss her and I like to think she'd be really proud of the things I've accomplished. :)
Granny (that's my little blonde head in the picture). I never had the opportunity to really get to know her but I miss her and I like to think she'd be really proud of the things I've accomplished. :)30 DAY PROJECT COMPLETE!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Day 29
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
While things aren't even close to what they were like when this picture was taken, it still never fails to make me smile.
While things aren't even close to what they were like when this picture was taken, it still never fails to make me smile.Thursday, April 21, 2011
Day 28
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
I've always been frightened of tornadoes but, after this past Saturday, I'd say I have a full-blown phobia now.
I've always been frightened of tornadoes but, after this past Saturday, I'd say I have a full-blown phobia now.Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Behind Again...Days 26 & 27
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
This isn't my baby blanket but it resembles it. Yes, my baby blanket STILL means a lot to me. Don't you judge.
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
I realized that my dad has yet to be featured in this 30 day project thingy. So, here we are on Class Day in May 2010.
I realized that my dad has yet to be featured in this 30 day project thingy. So, here we are on Class Day in May 2010.Monday, April 18, 2011
Day 25
Day 25 - A picture of you last year and how you've changed since then.
This picture was taken almost exactly one year ago, in April 2010, before the Meredith Spring Formal. I look very similar physically but the changes I've undergone aren't exactly visible...
This picture was taken almost exactly one year ago, in April 2010, before the Meredith Spring Formal. I look very similar physically but the changes I've undergone aren't exactly visible...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
