Alright guys, this one's going to be a trek. Are you in for the long haul? Yes? Excellent!
1. First things first, lets talk about Valentine's Day. This was the first year since I can remember where my boyfriend and I actually did something together on V-Day, and not only that but it was something we both enjoyed and could do together outside. Rafy took me to the OKC Zoo and I LOVED IT! Of course, I didn't see all of it because it's huge (seriously, I thought 3 hours would be plenty of time to see it because at the Dallas Zoo that would suffice, but no) and it closes at 5. However, it was absolutely beautiful! The enclosures were gorgeous and the animals looked healthy and well cared for. Plus, the weather was spectacular! It was 75ish and sunny with a slight breeze, the perfect zoo weather (even if Oklahoma's bipolar nature-it was in the 30s the next day-has given me some of the worst allergies ever). While we were there we made sure to check out the elephant enclosure and can I just say, WOW! It is so cool! I enjoyed every bit of that zoo and can't wait to go back and spend a whole day getting some exercise in while viewing and learning about some of Earth's coolest creatures. Can you tell i'm a zoo nerd? Zoos and aquariums are just my thing. I dig them.
This is my "Excited to go to the Zoo" face!
Rafy and me while we checked out the elephant exhibit
This giant alligator snapping turtle blew my mind. It was so huge! Also, it looked like a dinosaur that could and would bite my hand off with no problem.
Anyway, after the zoo we went to Buffalo Wild Wings for some super unhealthy, but delicious none-the-less wings and some gushing about how awesome the zoo was before going to his apartment to hang out with his roommate and smoke some hookah. It was so wonderful and I am so lucky to be in such a healthy relationship with someone who I truly see as my equal and my partner in crime.
2. There have been a lot of changes with my practicum lately and admittedly, I was not pleased with them. I was upset and felt like I was getting screwed out of some great learning opportunities (I am a really driven person and I really do have a NEED to learn and improve). I also felt like the people at my practicum site didn't want me there. Sure, they wanted an intern, but I felt like they wished it wasn't me. My dedication to Calm Waters was questioned, my ability to be professional was questioned, and a conflict was caused between my field instructor/mentor and my practicum site (which she does not work at-it's kind of complicated). I was really down about it and struggling to get up and go to work at Calm Waters because I didn't want to be where I wasn't wanted. However, today I met with my supervisors at Calm Waters and we talked about how they no longer questioned my dedication, my hours and making sure I was on track to complete them (all 306 of them), how my support groups were going, my performance in group, and learning opportunities coming up later this semester. It was really great and I got to ask lots of questions and get lots of feedback. They said I was doing excellent in my divorce group (where I work with children ages 8-11) and that I had a great ability to listen in to what is being said underneath the person's literal statement as well as the ability to veer off script and lead discussion into deeper processing when the kids are really sharing and opening up. I love my divorce group. Those kids are so smart, so articulate, and so willing to share. They really do some great processing and are very accepting of each other. I am so impressed with them and so honored that they feel like they can share their stories and feelings with me.
Children Are...
/mushy gushy talk
3. I'm starting to freak out a little about my capstone paper. I know I can do it, and I know one of my strengths is writing, but i'm pretty scared. This paper is so heavily weighted and if I mess up, I don't graduate. Talk about pressure!
I just have to remember that diamonds are made under intense pressure. I can do this!
found on Brendon Ritz's blog about tech-focused marketing
4. Tonight the Dallas Mavs face off against the OKC Thunder! This may not matter to some of you, but I have been a Mavs fan for, gosh, going on 8 years now and have been with them through many ups and downs (including some truly disappointing seasons). The Thunder are my second favorite team, but they are my best friend Michael's and my boyfriend Rafy's favorite team. So we talk a lot of crap and joke around all the time, and when it comes time for these teams to play each other, stuff gets real! We get so into the game, but remain good sports (mostly). Tonight Rafy, Michael, Rafy's roomie Tyler, and myself are all going to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the game. It should be a good one. Say hi if you're there and recognize me! I'd love to meet some of y'all in person! GO MAVS!
Dallas Mavericks Logo
© 2015 NBA Media Ventures, LLC
Found on National Sports Beat
GET IT DONE, DIRK!
Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki,
posted by Simon Mounsey and found on The Guardian
4. Last one, I promise! I'm excited about the Take Root Conference this Friday and Saturday. It's a two-day conference to discuss red state perspectives on female equality and reproductive rights, specifically, how those perspectives are negatively affecting women and our state(s). There are going to be a ton of great speakers talking about some really interesting topics. I think it's going to be a lot of fun and i'm going to learn a lot. If you'd like to register to attend, you can do so HERE. If you'd like to learn more about the conference or what's going to be discussed, check out the Take Root Website! Also, here's the conference schedule which lists the speakers and their topics.
Take Root Website Banner
Found on take-root.org
I trust that you will do great on your capstone. You're definitely a wonderful writer, that's for sure!!
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