I GRADUATED! I can't even believe it!!! I thought that Friday would never come and it did! I drove very carefully to ensure proper and SAFE arrival in severe fear that I would end up some tragic story about the girl who "Almost graduated" but got in a car accident instead. The day...the WEEK was perfect!! Finals ended on Tuesday and as I turned in my last final and walked to my car I didn't know if I should scream or cry so I did nothing. Of course, I had a massive breakdown as I was studying for my final so I guess the crying and screaming just came early. I left and promptly went to my friend Kelly's house in order to celebrate. We went to lunch and had a very wonderful meal and a drink to start off the week. Oddly enough, after that I ended up running some errands and doing laundry, not exactly the most exciting thing but a very necessary thing since I had a busy week ahead. On Tuesday night I was actually able to sleep since I took the night off of work which was needed because the rest of the week went a little something like this...
Wednesday morning I woke up and began getting ready for the day. It was early since I was meeting my friends Joyce and Luke for breakfast before I had to go to work. Very inconveniently I ended up with a flood in my bathroom and not enough towels to fix the problem. I ended up having to call my landlord and a plumber in order to get it fixed. This created a lack of shower situation and had to quickly make other plans. My mom was gracious enough to get up at 7AM in order for me to run over to her house and use her shower. The plan was get ready for the WHOLE day since I wouldn't have time later but that didn't happen. All I got was the shower before I had to rush home to meet my friends. We had to wait and hang out until the landlord and plumber showed up and then went to lunch (which was originally supposed to be breakfast). I was able to come home and get ready for the rest of the day since the bathroom was fixed (not necessarily dry, but fixed). I went to work and patiently waited for the time to pass which took FOREVER! My friends from Utah were coming into town and I couldn't WAIT to see them! Taylor got in first since he was driving down. We hung out for about an hour before we had to go pick up Stephen and Derek at the airport. We went straight to their hotel to check in and then spent time in their Bar and Grill which was really good. I LOVE those guys sooooo much! They mean the world to me and I was so blessed to be able to have them in town for this very special celebration. We laughed our asses off till we cried and told story after story of events that we have missed over the years of not living in the same place. We all used to be roommates too so we had plenty of stories to reminisce on. It was GREAT! We went back to my house so I could show it off and then I went to bed.
On Thursday morning I was able to sleep and then got up to begin my day. I was able to have lunch with my friend David and then headed to my mom's to pick up my Grandma and Sister from the airport. Conveniently my friends and family were staying at the same hotel (unplanned by the way!) so after we dropped off my family I just went to my friends room in order to dinner with them. Dinner was fantastic! Again, it could have been the company or the small amount of alcohol but we were having a blast either way! We walked around the mall for a little bit after dinner (the restaurant was just outside the mall) and then headed home since we had to be up early the next morning. Thursday night ended just perfect!
I wasn't able to sleep on Thursday night so I was up all night long (not anything that I haven't done before but probably something I shouldn't have done) When the time rolled around for me to get ready for graduation I did. The plan was to meet at Kelly's for breakfast and coffee and then go from there. We met, had a wonderful breakfast and went on our way. We did find it funny that after all our years of NOT eating breakfast it ended up being the last thing we did as students. I drove (like I said before, very, very carefully!) to ASU and found our place to be. The waiting felt like forever and it was a bit chilly outside. We were finally walking into the arena and it was a feeling I can't quite explain. WE WERE DONE! WE WERE DONE! WE WERE DONE! I walked across the stage, had my name called and if it weren't for pure excitement and lack of sleep I would have cried because WE WERE DONE! My mom was there to give me a hug at the bottom of the stage and the friends that I had traveled through school with were right there to celebrate as our names were called. After we sat down from there it was hard to wait. When the ceremony was all done I met with my friends and family to take pictures and plan the rest of the day. We went to lunch and had a wonderful, wonderful meal! Afterwards we all separated to do our own thing until the party. I was able to take a short nap to give the me energy I needed to keep going! Kelly and I had our party together and it was sooooooooo much fun! I can't even begin to explain it! It was perfect! We had food, drinks, games, and lots of people at the house. The perfect combination for a great party! The night ended and I was soooooooo sad to have it over. I had never felt so amazing! The night was more than what I could have asked for. The only downfall is that the next day was Saturday!
I got up and began the day with my friends from Utah for breakfast before having to take them to the airport. I tried VERY hard to convince them to stay but it didn't work. Clearly I wasn't a communication major of I should have been able to get them to not go home. I wanted them to stay so bad. I miss them so much and all the time. They made my entire week by being here. I am so thankful and so blessed to have them in my life. I was sooooooooo sad when I had to drop them off. I never wanted the week to end. After they were off, I had to get home and get ready for my evening with my mom, sister, and grandma. We went to this FABULOUS pizza restaurant that took 4 hours to get into...that's how good it was, not kidding! We were able to talk, enjoy our bottle of wine and have THE BEST pizza ever! By the time we were done with that I was EXHAUSTED! I was ready to get home and get some sleep. I slept so well and it felt great!!!
Sunday morning I got up and prepared for the day once again. I met my family for breakfast at this wonderful little place called Palette and I have never tasted breakfast that good before. I had Banana Rum Cake French Toast...made your mouth water now didn't I?! My mom always finds the little "hole in the wall" restaurants that are just perfect! Afterwards I spent the day Christmas shopping and spending time with friends just relaxing. Now I'm at work sooooooo tired but NOT complaining! Tomorrow (well, I guess technically today) I get to sleep like I have never slept before on a Monday since I don't have to be at the pool working my 2nd job. I think that my Monday overnight is going to be just fantastic since I will be well rested for the first time all semester. I CAN'T WAIT!
I don't know where or what I'm going to do from here but for now, I'm going to enjoy the fact that I can go to the gym when I want, grocery shop when I need to, read a book for fun, and SLEEP! For now, that's what I'm going to do. I'm so happy to have it all be over!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
BRANDED
It has been quite the week (and a while since I have posted anything). I don't actually know where my week ends and my week begins but either way...
I volunteer for a group called Branded: A movement against the sexual exploitation of children (http://brandedphx.com/). I'm learning alot and for the first time in a really long time I have felt completely drawn to something that I can't convince myself to leave. It would be so easy to walk away and shield myself, my heart, and my mind from the things that I have seen, the things that I have heard, and the things that I will inevitably come across. But turning away is exactly what we need to not do. It's selfish. The entire thing is incredible!
On Monday there was a court hearing that involved a young girl who had spent time on the streets, forced to do the things we can't imagine and shouldn't have to imagine. Unlike most girls who are in her situation she was taken off the streets, given a place to stay, people to protect her, and the chance to overcome the fear so she would give her pimps name and location so he could be prosecuted. This is not something that happens often because it takes on average 30 days for a girl to give this information and there just isn't the time and resources (YET!) for her to feel safe enough to relinquish that information.
So the day finally came for his sentencing and although I think that the death sentence would have been appropriate, the law states otherwise and justice was served: 18 years of hard time and 5 years of intense probation. It is exciting to see this process all the way through and to see that these people can be taken off the streets and to see that justice can be served.
I am proud to be involved with this group and can't wait to see the future work that can be done. I am impressed that this organization is supported and works together within the community and works with VICE (often times the first contact with these young girls) all the way to those of us sitting around a table brainstorming new ways and new ideas to education and protect.
This is only the success story of one girl. There are many more who are out there, waiting...
I volunteer for a group called Branded: A movement against the sexual exploitation of children (http://brandedphx.com/). I'm learning alot and for the first time in a really long time I have felt completely drawn to something that I can't convince myself to leave. It would be so easy to walk away and shield myself, my heart, and my mind from the things that I have seen, the things that I have heard, and the things that I will inevitably come across. But turning away is exactly what we need to not do. It's selfish. The entire thing is incredible!
On Monday there was a court hearing that involved a young girl who had spent time on the streets, forced to do the things we can't imagine and shouldn't have to imagine. Unlike most girls who are in her situation she was taken off the streets, given a place to stay, people to protect her, and the chance to overcome the fear so she would give her pimps name and location so he could be prosecuted. This is not something that happens often because it takes on average 30 days for a girl to give this information and there just isn't the time and resources (YET!) for her to feel safe enough to relinquish that information.
So the day finally came for his sentencing and although I think that the death sentence would have been appropriate, the law states otherwise and justice was served: 18 years of hard time and 5 years of intense probation. It is exciting to see this process all the way through and to see that these people can be taken off the streets and to see that justice can be served.
I am proud to be involved with this group and can't wait to see the future work that can be done. I am impressed that this organization is supported and works together within the community and works with VICE (often times the first contact with these young girls) all the way to those of us sitting around a table brainstorming new ways and new ideas to education and protect.
This is only the success story of one girl. There are many more who are out there, waiting...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A day OFF!
I have always been a fan of Veteran's Day and not just because that means that I don't have to go to school. Especially since I have been a "grown up", I have understood more and more the meaning of the day and why it is so important. I am so thankful to our troops and all that have ever served our country.
I would be lying however, if this particular Veteran's Day I said I wasn't very happy that I didn't have school! This semester has been so hard and so long and I was so excited that today I was allowed to sleep and relax.
My car has been broken and today was the perfect day to drop it off at the shop to get fixed. After dropping it off I was able to talk to my BFF Lacy who I haven't talked to in WEEKS since the cross country move away from me!!! It was a rather incoherent conversation as I was tired after my over night shift but I was so happy to hear her and talk for a bit. I can't wait till next week when we can actually talk and have a more in depth conversation. After that I had a wonderful breakfast of eggs and toast (a meal I rarely have) and then I was off to bed for a few hours. SLEEP on a TUESDAY! I was so excited I almost couldn't sleep! Wouldn't that have been a bummer?? I slept until the shop called me and told me my car was fixed and then I was up and in the shower (another gift on a Tuesday!) Showering on a Tuesday usually doesn't happen until 9PM if at all depending on if I was able to go to sleep at 4PM or 6PM (since I have to go to work at 10PM I have been known to skip the shower in order get a full 3 hours of sleep). After getting my car I made dinner with a friend which ended in a smokey kitchen due to burnt cheese but a delicious meal anyway. I played Tetris for a few hours with him until I had to go to work (in which I totally WON!).
It was a wonderful day and exactly what I needed. Of course now I am at work and waiting for the morning to come so I can go home and get more sleep but that is the true cycle of my life. Only 5 weeks left! Today was a true blessing in the semester!
I would be lying however, if this particular Veteran's Day I said I wasn't very happy that I didn't have school! This semester has been so hard and so long and I was so excited that today I was allowed to sleep and relax.
My car has been broken and today was the perfect day to drop it off at the shop to get fixed. After dropping it off I was able to talk to my BFF Lacy who I haven't talked to in WEEKS since the cross country move away from me!!! It was a rather incoherent conversation as I was tired after my over night shift but I was so happy to hear her and talk for a bit. I can't wait till next week when we can actually talk and have a more in depth conversation. After that I had a wonderful breakfast of eggs and toast (a meal I rarely have) and then I was off to bed for a few hours. SLEEP on a TUESDAY! I was so excited I almost couldn't sleep! Wouldn't that have been a bummer?? I slept until the shop called me and told me my car was fixed and then I was up and in the shower (another gift on a Tuesday!) Showering on a Tuesday usually doesn't happen until 9PM if at all depending on if I was able to go to sleep at 4PM or 6PM (since I have to go to work at 10PM I have been known to skip the shower in order get a full 3 hours of sleep). After getting my car I made dinner with a friend which ended in a smokey kitchen due to burnt cheese but a delicious meal anyway. I played Tetris for a few hours with him until I had to go to work (in which I totally WON!).
It was a wonderful day and exactly what I needed. Of course now I am at work and waiting for the morning to come so I can go home and get more sleep but that is the true cycle of my life. Only 5 weeks left! Today was a true blessing in the semester!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
What I thought was next, isn't.
Well I don't need to tell you that I'M TIRED! That is a constant so let's talk about something new!
I just spent last Friday in California at a conference for Child Life Interns. The idea was to prepare for everything from interviews and resumes to the national exam for certification. I was really excited to go and desperately needed a night away more than anything. Luckily one of my best friends, Kelly, was able to go with me which helped very, very much! We stayed in some cheap dump of a hotel that allowed me to have the greatest night sleep I have had in a very long time. I don't know if it was just because it was night time or because the room was dark, or what it was but I slept like a baby on the hardest mattress I have ever slept on. I woke up in aches and pains from it but I didn't know the difference when my eyes were closed. After spending all day Friday at UC Irvine Medical Center I became more discouraged than I was going into the conference. I thought it was supposed to give me hope, answer questions, and give me confidence in what I wanted to do. Instead I came out of it with the realization that I may not be able to reach my goal after all. When I complete my current internship I would have to apply for the competitive internship...things I already knew! (but seriously, who has to do an internship before the internship?? Oh well...)What I didn't know is that what "competitive" really means is IMPOSSIBLE! In all the hospitals in the COUNTRY there are only about 50 opportunities for this internship and about 600 applicants. It would require me to move for sure (considering in Arizona there are only 2 spots open for the internship a YEAR!) That really isn't in my financial means but would be really exciting if I could afford to pay my bills here and live in another state for 4 months. More than anything it would be really neat if I could get ACCEPTED in the first place for one of the internships. Which much to my surprise it can take on average 3 years, and that's applying twice a year, to get accepted for one of the positions. As good as the conference was it was highly discouraging. So I came home and have pondered, "What should I do with the rest of my life?" all over again. People are pretty supportive by saying things like, "something will come up!" which doesn't actually help as much because I still have be looking for the "something" in order for it to come up in the first place. Luckily with my degree there are lots of options in the field, I just need to find out what I want to do. So I think that while I try and figure it out I will substitute teach. What do you think? The application process is pretty easy (once I graduate in December) and I don't know how long it will take or how often I will be asked to teach but it can't hurt to have it on hand. Who knows?!?!
I think that if I don't become a Child Life Specialist then I would really like to work for an adoption/foster care agency or run a children's shelter or something like that (you know, the total MONEY makers in human services...that was a joke by the way). But opportunities for that may not be readily available immediately following graduation. I will start applying to different places next month but I think that the substitute teaching will give me something to do that I would really enjoy while I'm searching for my new dream job. At this point, these are all just random thoughts and I may change my mind completely tomorrow but for now, it sounds good.
Anyway, now that I have talked about all the possible jobs I could end up with, I should probably focus on the job that I currently have. Time to check on the girls and see whose baby I hear.
I just spent last Friday in California at a conference for Child Life Interns. The idea was to prepare for everything from interviews and resumes to the national exam for certification. I was really excited to go and desperately needed a night away more than anything. Luckily one of my best friends, Kelly, was able to go with me which helped very, very much! We stayed in some cheap dump of a hotel that allowed me to have the greatest night sleep I have had in a very long time. I don't know if it was just because it was night time or because the room was dark, or what it was but I slept like a baby on the hardest mattress I have ever slept on. I woke up in aches and pains from it but I didn't know the difference when my eyes were closed. After spending all day Friday at UC Irvine Medical Center I became more discouraged than I was going into the conference. I thought it was supposed to give me hope, answer questions, and give me confidence in what I wanted to do. Instead I came out of it with the realization that I may not be able to reach my goal after all. When I complete my current internship I would have to apply for the competitive internship...things I already knew! (but seriously, who has to do an internship before the internship?? Oh well...)What I didn't know is that what "competitive" really means is IMPOSSIBLE! In all the hospitals in the COUNTRY there are only about 50 opportunities for this internship and about 600 applicants. It would require me to move for sure (considering in Arizona there are only 2 spots open for the internship a YEAR!) That really isn't in my financial means but would be really exciting if I could afford to pay my bills here and live in another state for 4 months. More than anything it would be really neat if I could get ACCEPTED in the first place for one of the internships. Which much to my surprise it can take on average 3 years, and that's applying twice a year, to get accepted for one of the positions. As good as the conference was it was highly discouraging. So I came home and have pondered, "What should I do with the rest of my life?" all over again. People are pretty supportive by saying things like, "something will come up!" which doesn't actually help as much because I still have be looking for the "something" in order for it to come up in the first place. Luckily with my degree there are lots of options in the field, I just need to find out what I want to do. So I think that while I try and figure it out I will substitute teach. What do you think? The application process is pretty easy (once I graduate in December) and I don't know how long it will take or how often I will be asked to teach but it can't hurt to have it on hand. Who knows?!?!
I think that if I don't become a Child Life Specialist then I would really like to work for an adoption/foster care agency or run a children's shelter or something like that (you know, the total MONEY makers in human services...that was a joke by the way). But opportunities for that may not be readily available immediately following graduation. I will start applying to different places next month but I think that the substitute teaching will give me something to do that I would really enjoy while I'm searching for my new dream job. At this point, these are all just random thoughts and I may change my mind completely tomorrow but for now, it sounds good.
Anyway, now that I have talked about all the possible jobs I could end up with, I should probably focus on the job that I currently have. Time to check on the girls and see whose baby I hear.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
I think I was tagged :-)
Tag-aroonie
If Mallory didn't tag me then there is a different Jess B and therefore I blame my parefnts for naming me the same name as everyone else...but I'm doing the Tag anyway! :-)
My 8 obsessions.....8 things that I am passionate about...
1. My internship
2. My friends
3. Sleep
4. My mom
5. TiVo...DID YOU KNOW THAT I CAN WATCH MY TiVo PROGRAMS ON MY COMPUTER??? YIPEE!!
6. Sleep
7. Swimming
8. Sleep
8 words or phrases I use often...
1. seriously?
2. Whatever
3. Hello
4. 'I KNOW!'
5. Really?
6. I can't wait!
7. I'm SOOOO tired.
8. AHHHHHHHHHHHhhh!
8 things I want to do before I die...
1. Graduate
2. go on a cruise
3. get in shape
4. Have the career I have ALWAYS wanted
5. Travel the United States...why leave the country when I haven't seen everything here yet??
6. Have the fairy tale
7. Not worry about money
8. Buy a house
8 things I have learned from my past..
1. The Fairy tale is a lie but it sounds good
2. My mom was ALWAYS right
3. Trust yourself more than others
4. Friends are important
5. The sacrafice is worth it
6. Take time for yourself
7. Pretend
8. Ask questions
8 places I would love to go or see..
1. New York
2. Chicago
3. Seattle
4. Austin
5. North Carolina
6. Florida
7. Rhode Island
8. Hawaii
8 things I currently need or want...
1. Sleep
2. To take the trash out
3. Time to go by really really fast
4. Money
5. Sleep
6. Fast food to be diet food
7. Ice
8. Love
8 people i tag..
1. Lacy
2. Jody
3. Georgia
4. Mandy
5. Melissa
6. Rhea
7. Sherida
8. Jen
If Mallory didn't tag me then there is a different Jess B and therefore I blame my parefnts for naming me the same name as everyone else...but I'm doing the Tag anyway! :-)
My 8 obsessions.....8 things that I am passionate about...
1. My internship
2. My friends
3. Sleep
4. My mom
5. TiVo...DID YOU KNOW THAT I CAN WATCH MY TiVo PROGRAMS ON MY COMPUTER??? YIPEE!!
6. Sleep
7. Swimming
8. Sleep
8 words or phrases I use often...
1. seriously?
2. Whatever
3. Hello
4. 'I KNOW!'
5. Really?
6. I can't wait!
7. I'm SOOOO tired.
8. AHHHHHHHHHHHhhh!
8 things I want to do before I die...
1. Graduate
2. go on a cruise
3. get in shape
4. Have the career I have ALWAYS wanted
5. Travel the United States...why leave the country when I haven't seen everything here yet??
6. Have the fairy tale
7. Not worry about money
8. Buy a house
8 things I have learned from my past..
1. The Fairy tale is a lie but it sounds good
2. My mom was ALWAYS right
3. Trust yourself more than others
4. Friends are important
5. The sacrafice is worth it
6. Take time for yourself
7. Pretend
8. Ask questions
8 places I would love to go or see..
1. New York
2. Chicago
3. Seattle
4. Austin
5. North Carolina
6. Florida
7. Rhode Island
8. Hawaii
8 things I currently need or want...
1. Sleep
2. To take the trash out
3. Time to go by really really fast
4. Money
5. Sleep
6. Fast food to be diet food
7. Ice
8. Love
8 people i tag..
1. Lacy
2. Jody
3. Georgia
4. Mandy
5. Melissa
6. Rhea
7. Sherida
8. Jen
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
NO SLEEPING!
I won't try and get any sympathy since I did this to myself but...I'M TIRED! The hardest day of my week is Tuesday. I sleep Monday's from 7AM-12:30PM then I'm up till Tuesday night at 6PM....that's right UP...as in AWAKE...as in NO SLEEPING! I'll do the quick math for you: 29.5 HOURS without night night time! Oh and to make it better - I sleep from 6PM-9PM on Tuesday (that's only 3 hours) and then I'm back at work at 10PM-7AM. Those are very precious 3 hours.
I'm aware, very aware, that this is the schedule I chose to some extent. With the pieces that I had presented to me between the job offers, school, and my internship, this is the best that I could come up with. Surprisingly I do very well on Tuesday's. I'm not the best company by Tuesday afternoon but I'm in class and I participate and I haven't fallen asleep in class yet. It's really the overnight on Tuesday that kills me. I tease my body with a few hours of sleep then I'm up for 9 more hours. I'll do okay till about 4AM and then I end up walking around till 5 just to keep myself up. Once the girls at the house and their babies are up I have a rush of energy. I'm all over the place in the morning so I have just enough energy to get me home before I crash for a few hours and then head to my other job.
Really, the point is...I'm tired! But only a 2.5 months of this and then I'm done!
Hope you're all having a wonderful night! Sleep well :-)
I'm aware, very aware, that this is the schedule I chose to some extent. With the pieces that I had presented to me between the job offers, school, and my internship, this is the best that I could come up with. Surprisingly I do very well on Tuesday's. I'm not the best company by Tuesday afternoon but I'm in class and I participate and I haven't fallen asleep in class yet. It's really the overnight on Tuesday that kills me. I tease my body with a few hours of sleep then I'm up for 9 more hours. I'll do okay till about 4AM and then I end up walking around till 5 just to keep myself up. Once the girls at the house and their babies are up I have a rush of energy. I'm all over the place in the morning so I have just enough energy to get me home before I crash for a few hours and then head to my other job.
Really, the point is...I'm tired! But only a 2.5 months of this and then I'm done!
Hope you're all having a wonderful night! Sleep well :-)
Sunday, September 21, 2008
THREE months to go!
My mom seems to be more on top of it than I am...I received a text message on Friday that said, 'ONLY 3 MONTHS LEFT!" Which means graduation is nearing! It can feel like time is standing still and moving so fast all at the same time. The weeks go by so fast but there are moments, even hours, when I think time forgot to move.
This next month is going to just go by so fast...or so I hope! I have lots going on...
Wednesday I apply for graduation :-)
Next Sunday I'm doing a day trip with my best friend Lacy. I'm so sad that her family is moving far, far away but I am happy for her all at the same time. I'm going to miss her and her little boys like crazy!!!!!!! But Sunday will be a Super Duper JLCC day-extended version and I'm so excited!!!
Then on October 16-17 I'm going to be headed to CA with my other best friend Kelly for a conference for Child Life Specialists and I'm totally excited for it! It's a short trip but I'll be with Kelly and the conference should be amazing! Lots of info and workshops that should help me get even further into my career.
Then there is my birthday the week after on the 24th. I have nothing exciting planned and I probably won't plan anything or do anything but I'm going to take the day off of my internship and do nothing! I think I deserve at least that.
The following week is Halloween but I hate that holiday so it's nothing special. I'll be at the hospital though doing my internship and they have lots of fun stuff planned for the kiddos so that will be fun. They get to dress up and do some trick or treating...although they trick and treat for toys usually and not candy...some kids can't have candy so it's only fair. But they say that the kids love it so I'm excited to help out with it.
As soon as that is all over it's time to look for jobs and apply. With graduation nearing it's the perfect time to see if I can land something fabulous before graduation...isn't that the goal? Mmmmm...should I stay here....or move?
So I have LOTS going on to keep me busy and on my toes. Hopefully it will just make things fly fly fly fly by!
This next month is going to just go by so fast...or so I hope! I have lots going on...
Wednesday I apply for graduation :-)
Next Sunday I'm doing a day trip with my best friend Lacy. I'm so sad that her family is moving far, far away but I am happy for her all at the same time. I'm going to miss her and her little boys like crazy!!!!!!! But Sunday will be a Super Duper JLCC day-extended version and I'm so excited!!!
Then on October 16-17 I'm going to be headed to CA with my other best friend Kelly for a conference for Child Life Specialists and I'm totally excited for it! It's a short trip but I'll be with Kelly and the conference should be amazing! Lots of info and workshops that should help me get even further into my career.
Then there is my birthday the week after on the 24th. I have nothing exciting planned and I probably won't plan anything or do anything but I'm going to take the day off of my internship and do nothing! I think I deserve at least that.
The following week is Halloween but I hate that holiday so it's nothing special. I'll be at the hospital though doing my internship and they have lots of fun stuff planned for the kiddos so that will be fun. They get to dress up and do some trick or treating...although they trick and treat for toys usually and not candy...some kids can't have candy so it's only fair. But they say that the kids love it so I'm excited to help out with it.
As soon as that is all over it's time to look for jobs and apply. With graduation nearing it's the perfect time to see if I can land something fabulous before graduation...isn't that the goal? Mmmmm...should I stay here....or move?
So I have LOTS going on to keep me busy and on my toes. Hopefully it will just make things fly fly fly fly by!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Tada!!!!!!!!!!!
It has been the most insane month ever!! Of course I say that and then there is always a crazier month right behind. I have spent the past month trying to get my life in order so that I can go into the semester as smoothly as possible. I think I have actually done it!
School starts for me on Tuesday! I can't believe that it's going to be my LAST FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! I GRADUATE in December! I'm so excited!!! I can't believe that it is here. It has been quite the road to get here and I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. I didn't think it was there but I actually see it...or I'm dying...both a possibility but I'm going for the tunnel instead of death.
In order to financially make ends meet during the semester I have opted for 2 part time jobs. One of which is at a girls home for teen moms in which I do overnights and LOVE IT! I'm so lucky to have landed the job there for many many reasons but I just LOVE IT! The second one is at a swim school where I teach little ones how to swim and again, I LOVE IT! I love being in the water and the time goes by so fast!! I love the people I work with at both places and finally am in a position of what I consider "stress free" work. YEA for me!
I also start my internship for school this semester as well. I am going to be doing Child Life at one of the hospitals in their pediatric unit and I can't wait! I start this week but did my "how to" time last week and got to hold a little baby who had no one there with her :-( She was happy just be held and I didn't mind one bit. It is hard to think that it is one more thing I have to fit into the schedule but I'm anxious to do it and think that I will enjoy it very very much!
In addition to it all, school starts on Tuesday like I mentioned earlier. I'm lucky that I have been able to get a Tuesday/Thursday schedule but that means I'm there ALL DAY long. I'm SOOO excited to start though because that means the end is near.
Although there are many exciting things that are happening in my life right now my family did just experience a loss as well. My grandfather just passed away last week. Although it has been anticipated for a while it doesn't make it any easier. My grandpa was the most incredible man. I have some of the greatest memories of my life with him....golf cart rides, movies, Home Improvement episodes, feeding the ducks, "SHUT THE DOOR!", coffee and newspaper in the morning, Golden Corral trips, Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear...the list can go on forever! He led an a fascinating and fulfilling life for 94 years. He will be missed but is finally in a place of peace. There is comfort in that despite the sadness.
So there have been very exciting and very sad things but it has been busy. I'm ready for the semester to start and get into the routine of my life. I just wanted to give a quick post so you can keep up on what I've been up to!
Have a beautiful day!
School starts for me on Tuesday! I can't believe that it's going to be my LAST FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! I GRADUATE in December! I'm so excited!!! I can't believe that it is here. It has been quite the road to get here and I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. I didn't think it was there but I actually see it...or I'm dying...both a possibility but I'm going for the tunnel instead of death.
In order to financially make ends meet during the semester I have opted for 2 part time jobs. One of which is at a girls home for teen moms in which I do overnights and LOVE IT! I'm so lucky to have landed the job there for many many reasons but I just LOVE IT! The second one is at a swim school where I teach little ones how to swim and again, I LOVE IT! I love being in the water and the time goes by so fast!! I love the people I work with at both places and finally am in a position of what I consider "stress free" work. YEA for me!
I also start my internship for school this semester as well. I am going to be doing Child Life at one of the hospitals in their pediatric unit and I can't wait! I start this week but did my "how to" time last week and got to hold a little baby who had no one there with her :-( She was happy just be held and I didn't mind one bit. It is hard to think that it is one more thing I have to fit into the schedule but I'm anxious to do it and think that I will enjoy it very very much!
In addition to it all, school starts on Tuesday like I mentioned earlier. I'm lucky that I have been able to get a Tuesday/Thursday schedule but that means I'm there ALL DAY long. I'm SOOO excited to start though because that means the end is near.
Although there are many exciting things that are happening in my life right now my family did just experience a loss as well. My grandfather just passed away last week. Although it has been anticipated for a while it doesn't make it any easier. My grandpa was the most incredible man. I have some of the greatest memories of my life with him....golf cart rides, movies, Home Improvement episodes, feeding the ducks, "SHUT THE DOOR!", coffee and newspaper in the morning, Golden Corral trips, Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear...the list can go on forever! He led an a fascinating and fulfilling life for 94 years. He will be missed but is finally in a place of peace. There is comfort in that despite the sadness.
So there have been very exciting and very sad things but it has been busy. I'm ready for the semester to start and get into the routine of my life. I just wanted to give a quick post so you can keep up on what I've been up to!
Have a beautiful day!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
"Call to make your appointment today!" Walkins only.
GOOD NEWS, GOOD NEWS! I have been given a job offer! I'm SOOOOO excited. Not just because I really need a paycheck but because I'm excited to work where I will be working. When I learn all the details I will let you know but for now I can tell you that it's at a girls home that is set up for teen mom's and their babies. I will be working overnights 3 days a week and as much as I am NOT looking forward to that, I think I can make it. I still need another part time job so I'm working on making it all come together and hopefully it will...soon!
Anyway...so yesterday I go to complete paperwork and of course I have to go get a drug test, a TB test (for the 3rd time this week...no need to panic, I'm just in the middle of doing my health screening for my internship as well), and a physical. I leave the HR department and am looking at the map of health clinics that I am allowed to go to and trying to decide if I should go right then or procrastinate and wait till the morning (after all, I only have 24 hours to get this done). I figure out the one closest to me and start to head over there. I notice that it says, "CALL TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!" I think that is just fantastic cause I don't like waiting in health clinics at all! I call and ask to make an appointment and the conversation goes like this:
Health Clinic:"Thank you for calling Concentra how may I direct your call?"
Me: "I am calling to make an appointment for my preemployment health screening."
Health Clinic: "You don't need to make an appointment just come on in."
Me: "Can I make an appointment so I don't have to wait in line as long?"
Health Clinic: "No. We don't make appointments, we are a walk in only clinic."
Me: "Oh. Do you know what clinic does make appointments?"
Health Clinic: "None of them. We are only a walk in clinic. We do not take appointments. Emergencies get first priority."
Me: "Ok. How busy are you right now?"
Health Clinic: "We are really busy right now."
Me: "When is your least busiest time?"
Health Clinic: "We are always busy."
Me: "What are your hours?"
Health Clinic: "We are open 24 hours."
THOUGHTS IN MY HEAD: Really...you're open 24 hours and your totally BUSY ALL THE TIME? Maybe, but doubtful!
Me: "Ok. Thank you!"
Health Clinic: "Anything else I can help you with?
Me: "No. Thank you. Bye."
Health Clinic: "Bye"
So I drive over to the health clinic perplexed by the "Make an appointment" invite only to find out that you can't and when I get to learn that "BUSY" is only ONE other person in the clinic!!!! That's right only ONE! I was a little annoyed that she said that they were busy. She must have thought that I said, "HOW LAZY are you?" not "HOW BUSY are you?"
Anyway...I have now completed 3 TB tests, a full physical, a drug test, and have had to receive an MMR vaccine (NOT my idea of a good time!). I'm as healthy as a horse, drug free, and I don't have TB. GO ME!
Anyway...so yesterday I go to complete paperwork and of course I have to go get a drug test, a TB test (for the 3rd time this week...no need to panic, I'm just in the middle of doing my health screening for my internship as well), and a physical. I leave the HR department and am looking at the map of health clinics that I am allowed to go to and trying to decide if I should go right then or procrastinate and wait till the morning (after all, I only have 24 hours to get this done). I figure out the one closest to me and start to head over there. I notice that it says, "CALL TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!" I think that is just fantastic cause I don't like waiting in health clinics at all! I call and ask to make an appointment and the conversation goes like this:
Health Clinic:"Thank you for calling Concentra how may I direct your call?"
Me: "I am calling to make an appointment for my preemployment health screening."
Health Clinic: "You don't need to make an appointment just come on in."
Me: "Can I make an appointment so I don't have to wait in line as long?"
Health Clinic: "No. We don't make appointments, we are a walk in only clinic."
Me: "Oh. Do you know what clinic does make appointments?"
Health Clinic: "None of them. We are only a walk in clinic. We do not take appointments. Emergencies get first priority."
Me: "Ok. How busy are you right now?"
Health Clinic: "We are really busy right now."
Me: "When is your least busiest time?"
Health Clinic: "We are always busy."
Me: "What are your hours?"
Health Clinic: "We are open 24 hours."
THOUGHTS IN MY HEAD: Really...you're open 24 hours and your totally BUSY ALL THE TIME? Maybe, but doubtful!
Me: "Ok. Thank you!"
Health Clinic: "Anything else I can help you with?
Me: "No. Thank you. Bye."
Health Clinic: "Bye"
So I drive over to the health clinic perplexed by the "Make an appointment" invite only to find out that you can't and when I get to learn that "BUSY" is only ONE other person in the clinic!!!! That's right only ONE! I was a little annoyed that she said that they were busy. She must have thought that I said, "HOW LAZY are you?" not "HOW BUSY are you?"
Anyway...I have now completed 3 TB tests, a full physical, a drug test, and have had to receive an MMR vaccine (NOT my idea of a good time!). I'm as healthy as a horse, drug free, and I don't have TB. GO ME!
Monday, July 28, 2008
I know you want to know!
'Who in the world is Jessica?' may not have the same ring as, 'Where in the world is Carmen San Diego?' but go with it. I do not have pictures of small children to post or fancy photos from far away places. I'm single and stationary but still think that I lead a pretty exciting life...or at least that's what the voices tell me :-)
I recently left my job because of very different ethic and moral values shared between myself and my employer. I think that children should be taken out of a home when the mother wants her 6 year old to roll her cigarette or when a way to cope with anger is to pick up a knife and charge after someone else. I think that children should not be in a home where meals and snacks are optional instead of necessary or where the expense of alcohol or drugs are more important than buying a gallon of milk. And although the following is not a reason to take a child from a home I think that there should be books to read and toys to play with...you spent the money on an XBOX so you wouldn't have to be a parent so you can afford to buy THE CAT IN THE HAT for you child to read! But, the company I worked for seemed to think that this was not a problem or more importantly that this was not "our problem" yet we are working with a family where CPS is trying to figure out if the kids should stay in a safe, loving, foster home or return with their biological mother. To me, this was not only our problem, but our obligation to make sure that they are safe. Since we had different views on this I decided that I needed to find something else and could no longer work there. So, I'm on my new adventure of finding employment...which by the way, SUCKS but I have very high hopes and DO NOT regret my decision.
I also just finished my summer session of school so I have a few weeks before the fall semester starts and I will officially have my last first day of school!!! That's right, I'm DONE in December! It has been the longest road I think I have ever traveled and FINALLY I see just a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. Not only will have my degree but for the first time I won't have to try and find full time employment that fits around a full time school schedule...and let me tell you, that is VERY hard to do! Although this semester I make things just a little bit more complicated by starting an internship (UNPAID) as well. Just one more thing to add the schedule as I search for a job. I am anxiously awaiting the semester and am not only looking forward to it because it's the beginning of the end but because I enjoy the routine of life when school is in session. I am tired, I'm worn out, I'm on the verge of crying almost everyday but I enjoy it. At the same time, I will be very happy when it is ALL over!
Now that you have been caught up on the events that aren't really eventful right now please come back soon! :-)
I recently left my job because of very different ethic and moral values shared between myself and my employer. I think that children should be taken out of a home when the mother wants her 6 year old to roll her cigarette or when a way to cope with anger is to pick up a knife and charge after someone else. I think that children should not be in a home where meals and snacks are optional instead of necessary or where the expense of alcohol or drugs are more important than buying a gallon of milk. And although the following is not a reason to take a child from a home I think that there should be books to read and toys to play with...you spent the money on an XBOX so you wouldn't have to be a parent so you can afford to buy THE CAT IN THE HAT for you child to read! But, the company I worked for seemed to think that this was not a problem or more importantly that this was not "our problem" yet we are working with a family where CPS is trying to figure out if the kids should stay in a safe, loving, foster home or return with their biological mother. To me, this was not only our problem, but our obligation to make sure that they are safe. Since we had different views on this I decided that I needed to find something else and could no longer work there. So, I'm on my new adventure of finding employment...which by the way, SUCKS but I have very high hopes and DO NOT regret my decision.
I also just finished my summer session of school so I have a few weeks before the fall semester starts and I will officially have my last first day of school!!! That's right, I'm DONE in December! It has been the longest road I think I have ever traveled and FINALLY I see just a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. Not only will have my degree but for the first time I won't have to try and find full time employment that fits around a full time school schedule...and let me tell you, that is VERY hard to do! Although this semester I make things just a little bit more complicated by starting an internship (UNPAID) as well. Just one more thing to add the schedule as I search for a job. I am anxiously awaiting the semester and am not only looking forward to it because it's the beginning of the end but because I enjoy the routine of life when school is in session. I am tired, I'm worn out, I'm on the verge of crying almost everyday but I enjoy it. At the same time, I will be very happy when it is ALL over!
Now that you have been caught up on the events that aren't really eventful right now please come back soon! :-)
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