The Past Few Weeks

I've been gone for a while again.

So, let me recap the past few weeks:

On Saturday, December 18th, I participated in a pinning ceremony at UWM.  The ceremony was for graduates of the criminal justice or social work department.  Being from the social work department, I thought it would be fun to get pinned by the Dean of the college.

Sunday, December 19th was my graduation day.  Finally...after four semesters, I am done with Graduate School!  :)  All the hard work paid off.  I ended up just shy of a 3.9 GPA.  Not too shabby!  I'm so so so thankful that it is done.  Granted, at some point in my life, I'm sure I will miss school, but I'm ready to leave my future work at work and enjoy some much needed free time.

In addition to graduation, the Outreach Center has asked me to join their staff full-time.  They are currently working to approve my salary and are deciding exactly what my position will look like.  I feel so blessed to be in the position I am currently (out of school, employed, living at home, and ready for the future).

Okay, so back to the past few weeks...

On Monday, December 20th (at 5:30am mind you), I went to West Allis Memorial Hospital to have my tonsillectomy.  It was my first surgery EVER and I was definitely anxious the day of.  The anesthesiologist, who put in my IV, had to try to get the vein twice (which was a bit traumatizing for me...with a fear of needles and all).  But after that, all I remember is waking up in the recovery room and then eating some popsicles afterward.

Days 1 through 6 were the worst.  I was able to eat soft foods (mashed potatoes, soggy cereal, popsicles, pudding, hard-boiled eggs) and drink lots of fluids, but my ears, tongue, and throat were in pain.  My tongue swelled up to about twice its size.  It is still a bit numb and sore, but is definitely getting better.  My throat is finally feeling only mildly uncomfortable.  No more pain meds for me.

I go to see the doctor tomorrow for my post-op appointment, and I'm hoping I get good news to start back on a general diet.  I did have a "normal" meal tonight, which went well.  Here's to feeling completely back to normal.

Since I did practically nothing for the past two weeks (or so), I still feel a bit loopy and out of sorts (hence my not writing in this blog).

December 25th was Christmas.  Merry (late) Christmas blog readers!  It was a wonderful time with family.  Other than having to cut my food into TINY pieces, Christmas was great this year.  :)

December 26th was my graduation party.  This was another great time with friends and family.  I was so fortunate to get generous gifts that allowed me to send in my social work certification application and fees!  Now, it's just a waiting game to see if I'm approved to take my State and National exams to become an APSW (Advanced Practice Social Worker).

So, that's my update.  I'll be sure to post more as the new year comes.

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The Packers

Yesterday was my dad's Holiday Packers Party.  Each year, the employees are treated to dinner, free drinks, and entertainment.

We watch the Packers game and hang out from about 11am until 4pm.  This year, we were able to meet (previous) Green Bay Packer #71, Santana Dotson. 

I even got a picture with him, which I will put up at some point.  Meeting Santana, however, made me wish I could meet this guy (below) even more!

I have a huge crush on Aaron Rodgers (#12).  AND he's a born again Christian!

I almost asked Santana if he could set up a date for Aaron and me, but obviously decided against mentioning it.

Factoid:  When I purchased my car in 2006, I named it "Rodgers" before I even knew Aaron Rodgers' name.  It is even spelled the same way.  Coincidence?  I think not.  ;)

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And I'll leave you with this:

Just a few pictures from today:

 While I was at the grocery store walking around with my dad, we found this HUGE dog bone.  It's more than half my height.  I thought it was better suited for a horse...

This is my papa.  He got all dressed up in warm clothes to go shovel our snow.

This is the view from our front door.  It's done snowing for now, but hopefully it will start again soon!  I can't wait for the big, fluffy snowflakes!

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First Real Snowfall of Winter 2010

I woke up to snow on the ground and it is still falling!  I am so utterly excited for snow this winter!  Don't hate me for it, but it is just so beautiful and puts me in the Christmas mood!  :)

I can't wait to get dressed in warm clothes and go outside.  I'm expecting it to be nothing short of delightful.  

I hope you are all enjoying your days in whatever weather you are blessed to have.  For me, I am just taking in all the beautiful white snow during this first snowfall. 

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Snow

As I am sitting in my dining room before work, I see a few flurries of snowflakes out the window.  I can honestly say that I'm ready for this:

Maybe we'll get a good snowfall today!  :)

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Almost...

I am almost done with school FOREVER!

I have about three papers left to write to finish off grad school.  

I couldn't be happier that soon I will be done with:

homework

reading for class

essay writing

sitting through 3-hour classes

homework

filling out professor evaluations

driving to campus and paying for parking

homework

Did I mention that I can't wait to be done doing homework?!

For anyone still in school...or just about to finish...good luck ending the semester strong!  :)  Yes, I am looking forward to graduating soon, but I also appreciate the time I have had in college.  Don't take it for granted!  It really will be over before you know it.

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End of November

It is now the end of November and I have barely written in my blog.  

Yes, I had midterms, and finals, and papers, but I have neglected the blog yet again.

And so much has happened since the last time I wrote.

On the job front, God has perfectly coordinated my employment from graduation until I find another position.  I can be hired on full-time at the Outreach Center (at least temporarily).  Being a non-profit, funding is always first priority, so we'll see where we are after six months (if I am still there).

Besides the Outreach Center, a position at my "dream job" was offered to me.  I didn't even apply for the position.  But it is perfect and exactly what I was praying about.  God certainly surprises us when we least expect it.  :)

On a different note, I am scheduled for a tonsillectomy on December 20th (the day after graduation).  I was sick earlier this semester and my tonsils were bugging me then.  After seeing a specialist and talking with my parents, I decided to have the surgery to remove my tonsils altogether.  If I left them alone, I would have the same issues the rest of my life (per my doctor's expertise).  

I'm a bit anxious about the surgery.  This is the first time I'm ever having surgery and an IV.  I never had my wisdom teeth out (I have all four in at the moment).  So, I'm a bit nervous, but I'm pretty sure it will be fine.  A tonsillectomy is such a routine procedure, but I think there is always a bit of apprehension with surgery in general, no matter the type.

So, I think that about catches you up for the moment.  Job news.  And surgery news.  

I'm still plugging along until graduation.  I got my cap, gown, and hood in the mail the other day.  I'm excited for December 19th to come...no more schoolwork for the rest of my life (I hope!).  P.S.  In case you noticed, my surgery is THE DAY AFTER my graduation.  I have to be at the hospital at 5:15am.  No celebrating of graduation on the night of the 19th for me!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I'll try to post again sooner than last time.  :)

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