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.