Overprepared? Nah, just planning ahead...

Although my laundry needs washed and is currently strewn across my room, there is a bag of trash waiting to be taken to the basement, my bed is unmade and piled six blankets high (for some reason, it's been freezing in my room lately), the stinkbugs continue to infest my room, and I am nowhere near packed to go back to school on Wednesday... I'm okay with this.  Life has treating me really well these past few weeks and months.

I mentioned in my last entry that I accepted one of the graduate assistantships I interviewed for earlier this month.  I'm really excited to work with this office, but also can't believe that this semester will be my last semester working for residence life.  It's been a journey, that's for sure.

For the Master's program I'm enrolled in, I have to complete two internships.  One is about 100 hours, the other is 600.  Even though I won't be completing the first of these internship experiences until fall, I met with a school counselor who works at a school 2 traffic lights away from my house.  I can be there in 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic... And I don't have to be there until 8:15 every morning (I'm not a morning person, what can I say?).  I like to plan these things well in advance, thus why I met with her so early.

While meeting with her, I also got to meet and get an autograph from Bryan Trottier, who is a former Pittsburgh Penguin.  Apparently, he lives in the area and also shops where I work part-time.  He's a really nice guy, and very down to earth.  Speaking of the Penguins, two friends and I got to attend the Black and Gold game (which was a free scrimmage game).  We arrived at the door 5 minutes before puck drop, and told it was standing room only.  We didn't mind, as we just wanted to see the game.  Needless to say, we found that the arena decided to open up box/suite seats, and we promptly found ourselves there.  They were fantastic seats, and we had an amazing time.

My last day of work for winter break was yesterday.  Although I woke up 10 minutes before I had to leave, I still made it on time, even stopping at the gas station to fill the tank a bit and get coffee.  (Unfortunately, I bumped the side mirror on a pole at the gas station - you know, the ones that are supposed to prevent people from ramming their car/truck/boat/vehicle of choice into the store?  Oops.  On the plus side, it just has some minor scratches and residual paint.  Nothing noteworthy.  And my mom was very understanding.  Phew.)  Overall, it was a nice last day.  Not too busy, some pretty nice customers, and my managers who I worked with are awesome.

This morning, I woke up at 6:58, waited to schedule summer courses, got into all of them in 15 seconds (record time), shut my computer, and rolled over and went back to bed for another three hours.  I have courses in research, career counseling, psychology of growth and development, and tests/measurements (which I had a course on in undergrad, but that professor has since retired).

I go back to school Wednesday evening after my dad's township supervisor's meeting for the last ever CA training I'll attend.  I can't believe that it's coming to a close, but it's been a great one.

On Thursday night, Vic and I are having dinner together, and I can't wait.  It's been since New Year's Day since we've seen each other.  I can't believe we've been dating for almost a year (it will be in February).  He makes me the happiest girl in the world.  We're also going to DC for a few days over spring break to celebrate our one year and our birthdays, since my birthday is the week before spring break and his is the week after.  We went together in May, and I can't wait to go again.

GA Search, Take II: The End Result

If you read Wednesday's entry, you learned that I had two graduate assistantship interviews at my university on Thursday. Well, needless to say, I received offers for both positions at the close of each interview (!).  After mulling over both offers, talking to Vic and some of my other friends, and weighing my options, I made a decision.  This upcoming summer and fall, I will be working in my university's Peer Mentoring Office.  It was definitely the better match of the two.

It is 20 hours a week, compared to 30, which is wonderful because I can work on the days I will be scheduling classes for; in addition to being much more manageable in the fall when I not only have classes, but also a practicum (basically an abbreviated internship).  I have been a Peer Mentor since 2010 and have had 3 wonderful proteges while in the program.  I felt as though I could not give the other position, my internship, and classes all of the attention they all deserve.  Another great thing about working with this office is that I am able to work between the end of the summer term and the start of the fall term and bank those hours to use in fall, which is awesome.

The director, assistant director, and secretary in the office I'll be working with are, in a word, fantastic.  I'm really looking forward to working with all of them, the peer mentor coordinators, mentors, and proteges.

And I'm not going to lie, I'm also really looking forward to getting back to school.  Don't get me wrong, I love the free food, home-cooked meals, laundry, and making $7.50 an hour part-time, but I miss seeing friends and spending time, playing video games, and watching movies with Vic.

There's also the fact that at home I share a bathroom with my 18 year old brother and 60 year old father and I'm the one who gets stuck cleaning it because they really couldn't care less.  Vic, I know you're probably reading this...so, thank you.  Thank you for not leaving my shower/bathroom disgusting at school when you use it.  I appreciate it more than you know.

These are the things I realize when I'm home for break, I suppose. That, and that my parents really need to organize their closet.  Apparently keeping the air mattress pump with the air mattress is a foreign concept.  I am also forever grateful for my mother for always harping on my about dental/oral health (she was a dental hygienist a long time ago, before she and my dad were married).  Apparently my kid brother has to have all sorts of dental work done because of some bone ailment with his teeth?

I don't know all of the details, nor do I care to, because that sort of stuff grosses me out.  The only dental work I've really had done are the extraction of two wisdom teeth a few summers ago and having braces in 4th/5th grade; because having glasses since the age of 5 isn't enough to deal with as a kid.  I joke, but seriously.  My eyes are worse than both of my parents', and I've been told that should I have children, their eyes should be checked starting at three.  Maybe it's a good thing Vic only wants kitties and a puppy, though we've discussed the idea of adoption.  Anyhow.

At least I'll know these things (such as staying organized and other things that probably seem ridiculous to me right now) for when I (officially) move out of my parents' house after graduation and that job search thing.  But I also know I won't be alone.  And that means more to me than anything.  <3

Humming a slightly varied tune

About a year ago, I wrote a post that is interesting to read now, considering what I've done in the time since.  At the time, I was looking at graduate schools that were pretty far from home.  Trying to decide where to apply, what I wanted to do with my life, etc.  As I was telling a friend, I barely remember anything from the first half of my senior year of college.  The second half was much more memorable.

You better believe it's true

You know I do ooh ooh I do

You better believe it's true

You know I do ooh ooh I do

I don't always make bulletin boards about STDs, but
when I do, they ruin childhood memories of Pokemon.

As I sit here today and type this, I have moved onto grad school, although for School Counseling.  The distance I moved for this grad school?  About fifty yards away from last year's residence hall into the one across the street.  And you know what?  I couldn't be happier.

My classes are going really well.  My Foundations class which is really interesting, even if a lot of work. Within a group in the class, we have to build a school counseling curriculum from the ground up.  I had no idea how much work it would be, and though I prefer solo work, it's going pretty well.  Another project we have in the same class is making a tri-fold poster (with a different group, although for this one, it's just me and a partner) for a mini-presentation/conference.  Although the class is more work than most, there aren't any tests in the class (which is wonderful).

Humming a slightly varied tune

Opposite angles of the moon

Buried in layers of ourselves

Leaves room for no one else

Developmental group is still somewhat dull, though it's getting better.  Having friends in the class helps, and we're also working on a presentation for that class.  I'm working with two classmates who I've only met this semester, and while it'll break me away from the comfort zone of working with people I know, it'll be a good thing.

Theory is still interesting, and I can't complain about having a perfect in the class either.  And, hey, the professor feeds us.  Can't ask for better than that.  Special Ed online is interesting, but I have to force myself to actually read the chapters.  In that class, we have to tape ourselves doing a lesson with another person.  The plus side of that project is that the person we do the lesson with doesn't have to be in the class.  Considering I know someone who has taken the class and done the same project... He'll be helping me with the lesson.

I believe it's true
Cause nothing matters when I'm all wrapped up in you
I believe it's true
Cause nothing matters when I'm all wrapped up in you

Badgerkitty and Bearcat

And that friend?  He's the sweetest, funniest, most caring guy in the world.  Yesterday marked seven months of dating, and between the silly nicknames and goofy antics and everything in between, I can't imagine my life without him.

Vic has asked if he could propose with a kitten or puppy instead of a ring on a few occasions.  Considering that neither of us has ever even considered breaking up with the other and we essentially live together, I told him I'd say yes no matter how he asks.

You better believe it's true

You know I do ooh ooh I do

You better believe it's true

You know I do ooh ooh I do

(PS:  We're going to name a cat we get together Adler.  Just because it's an awesome name for a cat.)

"True Romance," by Motion City Soundtrack from GO | Listen here

(731) Days of Blogging

When I first started this blog two years ago, my very first entry was about CA training.  Who would have thought that I would have a somewhat similar post 731 days later?

CA training has nearly come to a close yet again.  Sessions about mediation, alcohol and drugs, fire extinguisher use, and diversity; making door tags and bulletin boards; having the same thing nearly every day for each meal.

But this year was different, yet so similar.  Not only am I a CA, I'm a graduate assistant.  I have more leadership within the hall, but still have the same duties.  I'm in charge of a few additional things, but still oversee the work studies.  The more things stay the same, the more they change.

Life is changing in a few other ways too.  I never imagined that I would have an opportunity to again work in a field that I absolutely love.  I work with some pretty awesome people, and it's amazing.

My younger brother starts his undergraduate career in a few days when he moves into school on Friday.  My parents are about to be empty-nesters for the first time.  (I honestly don't know what my mother is going to do apart from continuing her job hunt.)

And then there's this guy.  He's sweet, funny, adorable, and amazing in every way.  And he's better than the guy of my dreams...because he's real.  I can't imagine my life without him.  His laugh makes me smile.  Vic, I love you more than words can say, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you.  You're the best.

Life...sometimes it makes me think more than I care to, but right now, it's amazing.  I can't believe that I'm starting grad classes on Monday.  But for the first time, I'm ready for a new challenge.  A new chapter, complete with coordinating binders, color coded calendars, and counseling textbooks.

Life is Beautiful

Sometimes, I want to scream.  Other times, I want to cry.  Then I want to smile.  And it's all because of this thing called life.  For as long as I can remember, I've had a pretty amazing life.

Cutest couple? I think yes.

My parents have supported me through various ventures.  They mean the world to me.  I wouldn't be who I am today without them, cliche as that sounds.

I have great friends.  I've lost some along the way, but the true ones have showed me real friendship.  These past few months have shown me who really cares, and who really doesn't.  I have friends, and then I have other friends.  It seems contradictory, I know.  But there are those who I trust with the world, and those who, well, I don't.

I guess I've realized lately that I'm incredibly fortunate... And, honestly, it scares the living hell out of me.  I will be moving back to campus in exactly a week to start my Master's degree.  I'll have a graduate assistantship that is not only paying for my room, but also my tuition.  I was also contacted the other day with another offer for a graduate assistantship.  While I had to decline the offer, I was amazed that another office on campus provided the one who offered me the position with my resume.

My favorite argyle fan.

I'm in love with my best friend who I've been dating for five months.  It's impossible for me to contain how happy he makes me.  Spending a lifetime together is a dream we share.

I have an incredible support system of family, friends, and people at school.

I never imagined being so fortunate.  I can only hope one day that I'll be able to find the words to express my gratitude to those who have supported me along the way, because they deserve it more than they know.  And that includes all of you.  Thank you.

Packing, take 2 and five months of happiness

Making a list and checking it twice

I've made this list twice now.  Maybe three times.

...I think that's everything.  I hope that's everything.  I hate feeling like I've forgotten something really important, even though I only live 1/2 hour from school.  List making helps me with this fear of forgetting something important.  I have to write things down, otherwise I'll most likely forget them.  (Maybe that's why I prefer hand-writing PowerPoints instead of printing them before classes.)

My room is still a disaster zone mess.  I have bins to still go through from moving out of school in May.  This year, I'm trying to downsize what I bring to school.

On a different note, as of a few days ago (July 25), Vic and I have been together for five months.  These last five months have been the happiest of my life.  I am seriously the luckiest girl in the world.  He's seen me at some very high points in my life and some low ones as well, and he's stuck with me through it all.

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend

I find myself smiling so much and it's an incredible feeling.  Though it's only been five months, we've talked about our future together and being together for a lifetime.  I've never known a happiness like this before, and, well, I don't want this relationship to ever end.  I'm dating my best friend.

His laugh, sense of humor, and every little thing about him makes me love him more every day.  Even though he'll say I am, I know that he's the best.

To quote something he once told me, "Whoever said nothing worth having comes easy obviously never met us."  I couldn't agree more.

The island isn't done with you yet...

A few weeks ago, I got notification that all of my application materials for consideration into graduate school were (finally) in.  Today, I went in for an admissions interview with two of the faculty members (and as always, I was a wreck, because interviews freak me out)...

And I got in!!

They admitted to me that the interview was more of a simple formality, since I'd just missed the GPA requirement by mere decimal points, and to get to know me and what I'm looking to gain from the program. The two I met with seem like incredible people, and very willing to help students.

So, I'd say that today was pretty awesome.  I even got to have lunch with Vic and Shane, which is always a lot of fun.  Now just to hope for the best for the graduate assistantships I've applied for, and deciding on classes.  As soon as I get my formal acceptance letter, I can register for classes.

It's finally starting to sink in that I did, in fact, graduate from college with an undergraduate degree two months ago.  It's an amazing feeling.  I couldn't have done it without the support from all of you, my family and friends, and the best guy a girl could wish for...even if he does make me cry because of the sweet things he says.

Only Fools Rush In

Late January:  I'm the CA on-call and a friend/resident has had a bit much to drink and is acting, in a word, obnoxiously.  The next morning, the aforementioned friend's friend, who I had met the previous night, comes up to me and apologizes for the friend's behavior.  We talk a bit, and then he leaves.  A few days pass.  We see each other a few more times over the next few days, and chat a little more each time. My interest is piqued...

A little under four months ago today, I wrote an entry about how being single isn't the same thing as being alone.  I mentioned how a friend and I had made plans to hang out, just the two of us.  Today, I'm happy to write that said friend and I are now not only friends, but in three days, will have been together for four months.

February 7:  Friend request received (and accepted) on Facebook from the friend who apologized.  We begin to chat and hang out from time to time.

I'm not usually one to write mushy-gushy romantic stuff, but as I once told Vic, "Every girl deserves a Vic... But I'm lucky. I've got the Vic."  Sure, there's been some crazy, but overall, it's been amazing.  (And, of course, there have been some tears.  I never knew until now that a simple, sweet text message conversation could make me cry.  And it takes a lot to do that.)

February 25:  We start dating.  We tell some close friends and family members so it's not a total surprise when we decide to put it on Facebook (because everybody knows it's not totally official unless it's on Facebook, of course).

My friends have told me that they've not seen me this happy in a long time... And they're right.  Knowing that there is someone who cares about you and your well-being as much as you care for them is, well, wonderful.  From the silly SpongeBob references and rooting for the LA Kings to win the Stanley Cup, to taking each other for medical help, watching silly cat videos on YouTube and chasing after stray cats, listening to Elvis, and just being together, I never imagined this kind of happiness in my life.  It's amazing.

Today:  I write this entry as the happiest girl in the world who gets to spend a weekend with an amazing guy... And can't wait.

My favorite person to match in purple with... ♥

Wise men say, only fools rush in...

But I can't help, falling in love with you.

Shall I stay, would it be a sin?

If I can't help ... falling in love with you.

But then... Something changed.

In the nearly 22 years I've been alive, I've taken classes in and out of school, I've tried various sports, and had other experiences that have shaped me into who I am.  However, some of the most important lessons are how important it is to love and be loved.  My parents, of course, have had a big role in this.  They've taught me the importance of being a friend and being the best person I can.

A few weeks ago, if you had told me that in the coming weeks that I'd be happier than I was at the current moment, I probably would have laughed at you.  But then... something changed.  Something clicked.  Even despite that mini-meltdown of sorts... I found happiness in a place I never imagined.

The past week and a half has been a whirlwind of emotion for me.  Fear of the future.  Unease about my upcoming grad school interview.  Annoyance over the work studies I'm in charge of not showing up for their shifts and residents spraying chocolate sauce all over the entryway (which is being cleaned up as I type this).

But mostly... happiness.

To quote a wise friend, "When it comes to relationships, there is one thing I have never been more sure of. Love finds you. Without warning, and without much of a chance to resist. Bar the door, lock the windows, turn out the lights, it doesn't matter. The barriers get torn down."

And right now, I couldn't agree more.