Finding my groove...

Well a new semester is here again. It seems like just yesterday that I was starting my very first semester at Ball State. Now I'm 1/4 the way done with my Masters. Crazy. The word that comes to mind that best describes the first 2 days is overwhelming. It is taking every ounce of my soul not to just flip out. But, alas, I have retained my composure. I am very thankful to have such great friends to lean on in the program and outside of the program. We're all going through similar things this semester, and we'll all get through it together.

As for my three week break -- well, it was wonderful. Although the first two weeks were a complete blur, I had an amazing time with my family and catching up with friends. I was able to spend a great deal of time with Craig, Em, and the twins this break, which I am so thankful for. Those boys are growing up so fast, and they are wonderful. It was also nice to just spend some time with Craig and Em who I get to see often, but usually only for a day or so and in the midst of the rest of the family and chaos. Fortunately, the last week of break I finally got some down time. I spent it reading, catching up on TV, and hanging with my favorite furry guy, Toby. It was great. As usual, I was ready to head back to Muncie to get things set up and started there.

This semester is a big deal. I will see my first client, work on continuing research, present research at a national conference, and perhaps even see my first publication come through. I'm set up to do my practicum at the Vocational Rehabilitation Center here in Muncie. I will be doing more VR types of tasks such as assessment and employment placement for my clients with less of a focus on the mental health counseling, but it will be a good experience. I will be taking an advanced practicum in the summer to catch up on the mental health counseling aspect. I am also working through the academic center as a supervisor for the student athletes here at Ball State. It's only part time (about 7 hours a week), but it's right up my ally and will hopefully lead to an assistantship for next year. I'm still babysitting a couple days a week for the Spodek girls, and I'm helping a doctoral student collect data for her dissertation. That involves approaching patients at the family practice clinic to see if they are willing to participate and walk them through the necessary procedures for the study.

So, I'm faced with a very full load, but that's what grad school is all about. I will love it once I recover from the initial shock of this week. I'm excited to see where the wind will blow me. Thanks for keeping up with the journey.

Below are a few pics of some very dear BSU pals of mine at a dinner party before break.

The Sacred Sisterhood's first dinner party!

Trying to take a fun shot on the floor. Harder than it looks.


Me and Ash after a wonderfully delicios meal.

Cheri and I in front of the tree.

After dinner we snuggled up to watch some TV. Katie and I under the blanekets!