While doing research for my paper due Thursday, I cam across this and smiled:

( I'm printed! Well, sort of... )

Sans a few typos, this was the press release I created for my group when I interned last year. I received a lot of calls for it, and ended up with a couple of cool kids in my group. Squee!

The weather's been really cold, so much so that I'm still wearing my winter coats. Very weird. =?

Anyway, I wanted to say "thank you" to those who commented in my last post. I read them, and have yet to respond. The vote of confidence really helps me feel less self-conscious. My Anniebananie, I still have to call you. It'll happen...eventually. =P

Today was a quiet day. I went through the second round of evaluation at my internship. Unlike my first round last sem, I was able to hold myself together more successfully with the criticism. Still a work in progress, but I felt pretty good about how I performed. My super thought so, too. I really feel a sense of peace beginning to form around my life. It feels great. =)

I went to the mall after my internship to find a matching cami for the top my mom gave me, and to find a pressie for my mommy's birthday on Monday. SUCCESS! I found both. =D My mom's pressie is a pink pearl and crystal bracelet with a silver engraved heart from Things Remembered. I think she'll like it. It's shiny. What else does she need? *L* TimThe Hubby saw it. He thinks she'll like it, too. Right now, he's looking over finances and cracking his fingers on his head. Such a weirdo. =P It's funny to look at, though.

Okie dokie. I think it's time I get ready for bed. The Hubby and I have to get up early to take the car in for 90,000 mile checkup. Night, all!

So, my mood has vastly improved. I haven't been much in the mood to post these days, mostly because my life is somewhat dull right now, but also because the weather's gotten so much warmer, and I'd rather spend my days outside or doing much-needed relaxing.

I spent the weekend in Dallas, visiting The Hubby. The weather was gorgeous, despite the forecasts of chance thunderstorms throughout the weekend. =) We did the Tourist Thing on Saturday, walking around Dallas, visiting the place where JFK was shot, and going through the Sixth Floor Museum (dedicated to the JFK assassination). We went to this place called Papadeaux, which had awesome creole/cajun seafood, and had enough left over for a full meal the next day. On Sunday, we mostly relaxed, and took in a flick with Lucas Haas called Who Loves the Sun, one of the many films offered during Dallas' first AFI film festival. Some parts of the movie were good, but not enough to win a high rating from either of us. We got back to the hotel early, so The Hubby could do some laundry, and so we could catch up on some shows. I left Monday morning, and got back in time for my class, but not really because of my dinner outing with Cris and her Jon.

My internship's winding down, and tonight's my final group with my kids. We're going to be doing a little art project/recap, followed by a mini-pizza party. I feel a bit frazzled getting everything together (I was never good with party planning), but I think I have just about everything I need.

Well, need to get ready now. If only there were a place I could have my group outside. It's so gorgeous!

Today was much better than yesterday. Somehow, I felt that today was going to be a good day, and it was. =D

I went to my internship in the new building. After getting lost in the HUGE space, I settled into one of the clinicians' office, where his computer and phone were tucked neatly in the corner. I met briefly with my supervisor and a co-worker, and then waited anxiously for my 10:30 appointment. She told me last week she was going to have dental work, and thus was unsure as to whether she'd be up to coming today. Fortunately, she came. Yay! Even better, she showed up on time! 0.o This is one who's notorious for being late. I was very excited. We had a good session. She's scheduled to come next week. *keeps fingers crossed*

I got my PI pics from Snapfish yesterday, and they came out beautifully. I know I've yet to post those pics here. I will...eventually. =P They look so much better in matte than glossy finish. I think glossy washes out the color. I was able to share my stories of PI with the elderly clients, with these visual aids. =) They seemed to enjoy it.

When I got home, I was able to get homework reading done for class tomorrow, set up some appointments, and prep dinner. The Hubby came home early, so we were able to catch up on Heroes and 24, too. Right now, I'm thinking I'll get ready for bed. I have an early class tomorrow, and I want to get up early enough to do yoga.

I'm trying to stay hopeful and positive, which seem to be paying off right now.

I went to a meeting on campus, explaining all the hoopla surrounding the licensing exam I'll have to take next fall. I was shocked to find out how expensive everything is. There's an application fee, there's the fee to take the license test, then there's the fingerprinting fee, and finally the're's the fee for the actual license itself. 0.0 It was enough to make my head spin, though at least I was able to clarify which fee is for what, and when I can do each step. Hopefully by this time next year, I will be a fully-licensed social worker with a job. *keeps fingers crossed*

After the meeting, I headed straight for my internship, where I made a lot of phone contacts and had my social skills group. I made one fruitful contact, with whom I'll be meeting next week for an assessment. My kids did really well with the group topic today about feelings and understanding social cues. One of them really opened up, which made me feel really happy and excited.

I talked with The Hubby, and we won't be able to do our cross-country trip because of my proposed class schedule and our finances. However, he did say we could try to do a mini-vacation to a closer location, like 8-10 hours drive. My desired class would be on Mondays and Wednesdays, so we could potentially leave on a Thursday morning, and maybe even push it to returning early on a Monday afternoon (the class would start at 6pm). He told me to think about places I'd like to go, which I said I'd do. Right now, the only place I can think of is VA. Any suggestions?

I dunno. That's the song that's stuck in my head. =P

I've been feeling kind of down and stressed lately because I have about 2 1/2 months left to my internship, and I still haven't had a consistent individual client. =? I'm worried that I won't get the experience that I was looking for. I even started to wonder if I was doing something wrong; but, in all likelihood, it has nothing to do with me, and everything to do with whether the contact's ready for therapy. A little part of me still thinks that, but most of me is just hoping for the best now.

On the bright side, I got a good amount done at my internship this week. I completed a lot of paperwork that's been on hold, like closing 2 cases and finishing all my notes, and I made several calls to potential clients. I feel accomplished and hopeful. I even got internship credit hours for volunteering for a homeless outreach program today. I met some nice people, and learned quite a bit from them. =)

Since I was having such a good and productive day, I decided to go to the mall to do a little clothes shopping. I've been wanting to buy a new pair of black work pants and a couple of nice sweaters; and, mission accomplished! I bought a nice pair of slacks, a sweater, and a couple of camis at NY&Co, and a fleece pullover and some dress socks at this place called Uniqlo. The place is pretty cool. They even advertise to alter pants you've purchased! Overall, I saved about $50 on my shopping trip, and got what I needed. W00t!

Tonight's Thursday TV Madness for The Hubby and me, so I will be spending the rest of the night melting my brain with him. Have a great evening!

I've been playing appointment tag with my potential therapist--not because I want to, but because we seem to just miss each other with dates/times we're free. *sigh* This is frustrating, but I'll deal.

I miss my old clients! I think I should write them a little "hello" card. Someone came in yesterday that reminded me of them. He was paranoid as heck, but pleasant overall, once he calmed down from it. =P

Hehe. I just thought of that when I was pondering on what needs to get done today. I'm happy to say that I'm in a more pleasant mood today, and I've accomplished much in the 3 hours I've been in my internship today. I have much more to do, but they will have to be accomplished at home. Yeah! I feel great today! Even my eating habits are so much better.

I think that I was feeling a bit down because The Hubby was away. I was feeling alone and isolated; but, a few visits to my family helped that. I'm still trying to coordinate with counseling services to set up an appointment, but I'm hopeful. So, I'm pretty happy again. =D

Today was a pretty good day. I'm motivated to get to my paper and my internship work. (Keep your fingers crossed that I get it done with time to spare.) The internship didn't stress me out either.

Music with J  was on the schedule today with the clients. He thought the clients would like to do some karaoke, a fun change from his usual keyboard performance and sing-a-long. He brought in his computer and a large speaker, and we set up the blackboard as a white screen. He gave us some background of the art, and then started us off with some fun favorites. Most of the clients seemed to have a great time, and the staff enjoyed it just as much. One client was disappointed because he wanted to dance more. ^_^

Lunch was served shortly afterwards, when I had to regretfully inform the clients that next Tuesday would be my last with them. They were all disappointed, but understood that my internship duties call me elsewhere (back to the office). I told them I would return for one day after my trip to PI, with pictures and stories. They seemed to perk up with that.

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. I got some internship paperwork done, and then got home to lounge for a bit before starting dinner. Making pizza. Turkey, too (leftover from Thanksgiving...extra from my internship). =D

Time to check on the pizza and get some research done.

I'm super-excited to prep things for Thanksgiving. We've finally figured out that Cris and I will do the cooking, and the shindig will be held at my in-laws house. I've already prepped the spinach veggie dip, and I'm going to make a few more things:

• baked mac'n'cheese
• rosemary garlic mashed potatoes and yams
• sauteed corn
• steamed veggies (maybe cheese sauce on the side?)
• vegan, diabetic-friendly brownies (for a friend's bday on Sunday)

I'm so hungry right now. I hope The Hubby finishes whatever he's doing so we can eat. I made corn bread stuffing (with the help of Stove Top) to go with the veggie chili I made last week. I need some comfort food. It's cold here!

To tide me over until dinner, I decided to make myself a mocha latte. No Coffeemate, Katrina. There aren't any interesting flavors here. =P Oh, and this chocolate craving and Liza's post about her weekend, reminded me of something else that happened at the Chocolate Show. We got carded! 0.o They were serving some chai creme liquer, and the guy carded us. *L* It was worth it though. The stuff was good. =P 

Currently, I'm trying to finish my internship paperwork, while also catching up with my f-list. Today was a pretty good day. I got loads done at home and had a few productive sessions. Now, if I can stop myself from procrastinating and finish my paperwork...

There were a lot of them this weekend and today. This Quiet One is very happy. =D



Happy days are here again!

I've been in a weird mood since last week. I've been making cheesy comments everywhere and to everyone, especially The Hubby. Very spastic, moody, and very hungry, too. No. I'm not pregnant. *pokes anyone who thought so*

I just came back from a meeting evaluation with my supervisor and the school liaison. It was going well until I got all hypersensitive about the critiques of my process recordings. Grr. I know it was all constructive, but I also know I get defensive about my work. It's something I'm still working on.

I'm just really mad at myself now for breaking down. I just want to hide...

That's what happens when I don't get enough sleep for a few weeks. *L* I went to bed early last night, sleeping through this morning. I got a full 11 hours. 0.o I really needed it. 

Internship's growing increasingly 'meh', but I'm dealing. Classes are okay.

I know I've been complaining a lot lately, and they're often about minor things. I apologize to those of you who are tired of it. I thank those of you who have been supportive through my ramblings. *hugs you all*

*Edited to go with my current mood. 

Blargh. I just burnt my mouth with my hot chocolate. =P

Today is the first of 5 weeks where I'll be working 4-8pm, right after my internship here from 9-3 on Thursdays. I hope it goes well; otherwise, I'll have to lightly bang my head against the wall...

I so exhausted, I'm numb. *falls over*

I've been sleeping restlessly for the last few days, complete with weird dreams of people I knew and people leaving me. I'm definitely anxious about something, of which I'll figure out eventually. =?

Today I had a really dumb moment: I had the car in reverse when I should've had it in drive. o.0 No one was hurt, thank goodness.

I've been really avoiding my paperwork for my internship. I really should finish it before tomorrow. Maybe I'll finish one tonight, and the rest tomorrow.

I bought new, soft yarn. I have a couple of projects in mind for them. I'm excited! I'd rather be working on these project ideas than my paperwork. *L*

I'm tired. I'm gonna watch Heroes now.

I should really do some paperwork.

I had a pretty good day at my internship. I got a lot of stuff done: made calls to all my potential clients, set up a few appointments, conducted an over-the-phone interview, and closed a case. I'm starting to get into a groove, and it feels great. I even got to leave early! Yay!

My weekend has officially begun. =)

‘If you can be overwhelmed and underwhelmed, can you just be whelmed?’ -Bianca, "10 Things I Hate About You"

I came into my internship this afternoon feeling kind of overwhelmed with my internship. I only have so many hours to meet with clients. I want to help these people, and I feel so frustrated that I can't give them more time. I know I'm only one person, but I feel guilty for turning down their initial requests to meet, especially because some of them have been waiting so long for an appointment. Aarrrrgh. There aren't enough hours in the day. =( 

I talked with The Hubby, which helped some. I'm hoping that increasing my workout days will help too.

I had my 2nd session with my client today. I still felt really nervous, and stumbled over my words a few times. Twice, C changed the subject abruptly. I realize that  something I said or the topic we were on must've made her uncomfortable. Whatever made her uncomfortable, I somehow made her feel at ease again because C wants to come back. Yay!

Last night's intake went much more smoothly than today's session. The client and the family member were very forthcoming with information. The client was also focused enough to answer some of my questions directly. I hope next week's intake interview will be just as fruitful. The goal: get three kids to start a social skills group by the end of October.

This is hard. I hope to be 150 times better at this than how I'm doing now. It's a learning process, I know. I just hope the overwhelmingly nervous feeling goes away at least part of the time.

To try to be on the more positive side, I think we're slowly developing a good professional relationship. I addressed her discomfort, and she didn't yell or shut down. She was able to open up a little more.