Blessed

Since I moved to Wisco most of my posts have been pretty whinny. Last weekend and this week I've realized how blessed I am. Last Friday, I worked with Max and I seriously love this little boy. He's so inspiring just having fun without worrying that he can't do things like everyone else. After that Katie and I met all the other first years (minus Nate) at the Nitty Gritty to celebrate both my and Caitlyn's birthday. It was a blast!!!! We hit Wando's and Brother's later that night and it just got better.
Saturday I had to work with Max again, and luckily I wasn't hungover! After I got off, Katie and I went Christmas shopping; first on State Street and then to West Towne Mall. We had a blast and finished our Christmas shopping. We rented Ocean's 13 (one of my new faves). Sunday was a typical day of church and then studying because I had 3 finals this week, and it wasn't even finals week.
On Monday I was sorta dreading getting my clinical placement for next semester, but I feel as though I got one of the best slots. Next semester I have clinic on Thursday afternoons and I'm with Kim onsite for the first 8 weeks and then with Jon (the new guy) at the CWC the second 8 weeks. I'm SO excited, but a bit nervous at the same time.
I don't want to bore you with every little detail, but here are some more highlights of the week: finishing Calibration class, getting 110% (for real) on my sign language presentation, getting an A not an AB in Hearing Assessment, and finally getting a 98% on my group's presentation for Hearing Science.
I'm really ready for break and there's only 1 final and a practical in my way, plus I get to see Krista D on my way home. YIPPEE!

Hope

I heart the Christmas season! Today I finally had a Sunday off (suck on that Target!) and I finally started my Christmas shopping. I got some really good gifts for some of the kids in my life and I really hope they like them! Plus yesterday we had a sweet snowstorm here in Madison (like the rest of the Midwest) and it feels all Christmas-y now!

I turned 23 on Friday. I don't really feel 23; I keep thinking I should only be like 20 (3 years, big deal right?). Since everyone in my life was busy, my mom did this awesome thing and called the Messmanns. Susan and Kenzie came and took me out to dinner. It was a pretty good night. Next Friday (Dec 7) we first years are going out to celebrate both my and Caitlyn's bdays. It should be pretty fun. I'm getting really excited for it plus Katie said she'd come so it'll be amazing!

Merry Christmas early y'all!

IDK

So besides sucking at life sometimes I seem to be sucking at blogging. Oh well, I guess I'll live. I haven't updated in a long time cuz I haven't been able to sort out my thoughts into words. Tears have unfortunately been common lately as I've been feeling kinda empty. I just feel incomplete and that I cannot live up to my own expectations. Everyone goes through funks and dry times and I'm in that right now.

Some great things have happened in my life recently which it's been good to have some wet and full times in a long period of dry and empty. My beloved Saturn that I've driven since my junior year of high school broke down a few weeks ago. I just couldn't stand putting even more money in it and so I got a new (at least to me) car; a 1998 Toyota Camry XLE. It's sweet and I love driving it. Hopefully it'll last me at least half as long as the Saturn. Plus through that my parents came out and helped me look for a car and cosigned a loan so that I could get one. They are amazing and I hope that someday I can be as good of parents as them.

Other sucky things that have happened (I just need to vent) are that my dog Scooby died and he was my baby and I miss him so much. I've never been that affected by a dog and I feel crazy even writing that here. Also I haven't fricking been on a real date in what seems like forever. I would at least like to experience that kind of love that people experience once in my life. I hear alot of you saying or thinking, "It'll happen someday." but this is what I feel now and I know that it will happen and it'll be great but it's too hard to focus on that right now.

So there you have it.

...

My life has changed a good amount in the past few weeks. One, the babysitting job I had gotten hired for ended up not working out. I had to find another job then so I applied at Target and Old Navy. Luckily I was offered positions at both stores and after a few days of pondering I chose Target. I started Friday and worked all weekend pretty much as a cashier. Sure there have been some moments of sheer chaos and panic, but I actually really like it. When it's busy it seems like I have a puzzle race to finish.

School has definitely gotten more time consuming in the past few weeks as well. I had my first test and I completely bombed it. PTL for not having grades follow you throughout the rest of your life. School is good though. I'm really loving my sign class. Honestly it's probably my favorite class. Clinic is stressful or at least when I'm pulled from clinic to do Head Start screenings. It's not the kids or anything that make it stressful, but rather the supervisor. I'm not going to go into further detail here. Regular clinic is great, I've gotten to use some sign that I'm learning and do two hearing evals because my second year wasn't there.

Other than work and school, my life is okay. I've really been sucking at my faith life lately. I just get so overwhelmed with things and doubts that it's hard to believe sometimes. Plus it doesn't help that I haven't been able to talk with my main supports or even my roommate lately as we have different schedules. At least there's Blackhawk in my life, I don't know what'd I would do without having that amazing church to go to and remind me what an amazing God I have. It's also been two months since I've seen my family and it's really starting to hit me now. Unfortunately I don't know when I'll get to see them next and it's really hitting me hard. I really need a mom figure to vent to face to face and get advice from. Right now my mantra has been "Life is good, eternal life is better" from Stellarkart.

Boy-crazy rantings and more

BOY-CRAZY RANTINGS:
So I'm very boy-crazy if you don't know. My roommate, Katie loves to point it out to me. I feel as though I'm going nuts here in Madison, because I haven't met any available guys. The one guy in my program is married (plus he's 30 so he's out of the age range). Plus I feel bad going to church and meeting guys because I'm there to worship God and not boys. I did meet an attractive guy at ACCESS (a 20-something ministry at Blackhawk), but going back to the church thing. Uggggg, I know someday the guy for me will come along, but I hate waiting. I'm so not a patient person when it comes to waiting.

AND MORE:
Now that that's out of my system, here's some about my life since my last post. I'm starting my 3rd week of school and thus far all is well. The homework hasn't piled up too much, but I am reading and practicing more. In my sign class I now have a sign name which is pretty sweet. I'm learning a lot more about audiology and I'm so glad I took all of the audiology courses offered at USD because they've given me a great base to build upon. I started clinic this last week and it's pretty cool; I'm still nervous and a bit tentative, but I'm really hoping to grow more confident as I get more and more experience.

Roommate things are great. Living with Katie is amazing and I don't know what I'd do without her!

Some things to be praying about: that I can wait patiently for my guy, for good study skills, for my job to start soon, for diligence in maintaining my faith life, and in general for the ministries and the big move of Blackhawk Church.

One step closer

This week, well okay Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I had orientation for grad school. It was good. There are 7 AuD students that I will be spending the next 3 years with and they seem pretty great. As great as they are they don't compare to my amazing DCOM friends like Lauren, Maria, and Danielle. I'm very excited for the program even though I'll be basically taking 2 classes from my undergrad again. BLECK! I have to take Hearing Assessment over, just because I didn't take it at the grad level, but luckily I don't have to buy a new book for it, because the book I used last year is the one I need. I also have a class called Hearing Science I and it looks similar to my Hearing Science course at the U. as it uses the newer edition of the textbook. My schedule is pretty nice as I have one class late Monday afternoons, Tuesdays are off or Head Start Screening days, Wednesdays are jam-packed with classes from 7 am til 7:30 pm, Thursdays I have clinic in the afternoon, and Fridays I am completely free from the clutches of Goodnight Hall.

With a schedule like that I am hoping to get a job so that maybe I can have some money. I applied for a baby-sitting job for 2 young boys. The mom called me today and I have an interview next Thursday at 2 (because clinic doesn't start until Sept 7). So if you are the praying kind and even if you're not, please pray for me because I really want this job as it fits my schedule rather nicely (2-3 mornings a week and occasional nights and weekends) and it pays well too.

Nervousness is setting in...

I start orientation for my AuD program tomorrow and I'm starting to get really nervous. I wasn't this nervous two years ago when I started at USD. The thing that I'm most nervous about isn't classes or clinic but the people that I'll be spending the next few years with. Will they like me? Will I like them? Will they think I'm too cocky about what I know? Is this the right choice? I did have 2 other offers. I don't know if I'll be able to find amazing friends here like I did at USD! I know that after tomorrow I'll feel better, but my emotions are true for right now.

I am loving Madison though. There are two Targets within a few miles of the apartment. Plus, the apartment is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's pretty bare right now, except for my bedroom, but that will change in just a few hours when Katie gets here. God is so good and faithful. All summer I prayed about finding a place to live and to find a Christian roommate to help encourage me. While I was leading day camp in Renwick, IA one of my counselors said something about moving to Madison, WI. It was Katie and we talked and decided that we should live together. I'm so excited for this year and to see what God will do with it!

Becoming an Adult

For those of you who haven't heard yet, I have an apartment:) I move in this weekend and I'm so excited (even if I don't show it) to start this new chapter. I've been so blessed this past year and my dreams are starting to come true! There's only one big one left, but I'll just have to wait and see if it comes true as well.

Done with Okoboji :( or :)

Sorry I haven't updated recently! I just realized it's been two months since my last entry. Camp was great, I can't believe it's over already. Here's a little synopsis of my summer:

Staff training for three weeks: It was great hanging out and getting to know all of the DCL's and counselors! I rode a horse for only the second time in my life and I now don't have a fear of horses! I did get pretty sick, but that's okay, I got some antibiotics and I was better in only a few days.

Week 1: Day Camp in Spencer, Iowa
Spencer was great. I had 90 kids and 8 counselors. It was crazy, but a very good first week back.

Week 2: Day Camp in Bode, Iowa
Bode was great and small. I had 18 kids and 3 counselors. Art fun went very smoothly and we did water fun as well. Great host homes too! The boys stayed at a house (the Zemans) and Melissa Charles and I stayed with the Jacobson's. It was such a great week!

Week 3: Day Camp in Fort Dodge, Iowa
I love Fort Dodge! We had about 70 kids and 6 counselors. Kids were pretty crazy but good. The church was amazing and it was good to see Anna, Terry, and the rest of the staff. I got to stay with Bev again and we had some great bonding time!

Week 4: Family Camp at Okoboji
Fourth of July week:) I got to be with the Messmanns again. Oh I love them a whole lot and I'm so glad that I'll be living near them this year. The fireworks over the lake was amazing! It was such an amazing week!

Week 5: Day Camp in Renwick, Iowa
I was very excited to go to Renwick: 1 because it's close to home and 2 I had heard so many great stories. It proved to be a great week. I loved my host family and got to see Harry Potter and break curfew. Plus I got to go to the famed donkey farm.

Week 6: Day Camp in Lakeville, MN at Hosanna!
Family Camp at Hosanna! really threw me off. It's so different than regular day camp. My counselors were great, but my host family was even greater! It ws a hard week spiritually for me, but I had great people praying for me.

Week 7: Day Camp in Eagan, MN:)
This week was PERFECT! I loved Eagan; I had the best host family ever (the Reinhardts whom I already knew from camp). It was well prepared and my counselors were pretty good. We, well the kids raised money to buy 98 pounds of rice for a local food shelf! It was my smallest day camp at 17 kids, but they were probably the most excited.

Week 8: Kitchen at Okoboji
My last week of camp ever! I quite honestly wasn't too excited to be on kitchen; I really wanted a family. The week was good and I got to hang out with a lot of Eagan families and also my first ever family from summer 2002, the Seiwalds! It was great to hang out with Angie in the kitchen and to observe what goes on at camp.

Now:
I head off for Wyldlife Camp at Castaway Club in Detroit Lakes, MN Sunday morning, but I'm spending time with my former roommate Laura in Vermillion right now. It's so great to be off contract and drink again! After camp I'll be home in H-boldt, preparing for my big move to Wisco!!!!

CAMP:)

So staff training at Ingham Okoboji is in full swing. I've been at Okoboji since May 21 training to be a day camp leader again. I can't believe the awesome-ness that lies in the the other dcl's and in the programming we're doing this summer. Also the counselor at Riverside, Ingham, and Ok seem to be pretty amazing, and we're only one week into training. I'm nervous, excited, and so many other emotions about this summer. It'll be good, but only because God is.
With all the awesome-ness of staff training like listening to Bill Yonker, meeting the staff, and riding horses at Riverside, I got monsterously sick. I'm glad that it's during training and not while I'm out leading a day camp! Went to the doc back home and I don't have strep so that's good, but he put me on some antibiotics so that I won't get anyone else sick. I've got to head out to the Ingham Ice Cream Social!

Eh?

This past week has been glorious. I have done relatively nothing except unpack stuff from South Dakota and sleep late. I went apartment hunting in Madison, WI (a clarification for you SD people), but was pretty unlucky. Some of the people showing the apartments were rude and other apartments that were in my price range were in really crappy neighborhoods. I'd much rather be in debt than dead, but I still don't have housing lined up for the fall. There is hope on the horizon though, so I just have to wait.
One amazing thing is that I got to see the Messmanns. I have been their family counselor for the past three summers and I get to enjoy them again this summer. I can't believe how big Landon and Kenzie are getting so big! Kenzie's going to be in kindergarten next year. Crazy! I'm so excited for Landon; he will be getting a sweet AAC device that will talk for him. It'll open so many more doors for him. Plus it was just great to see Susan and Dave and see that they were doing well. I can't wait for the 4th of July week!
Tis the season for graduations and I got to see some of my dad's family at a graduation party last night. I hadn't seen most of them since Christmas or even before that at Grandpa's birthday party in November.
This is getting long so I'll let you soak in this adventure. Tomorrow I head off for staff training at camp! I can't wait.

Graduation

So yesterday I participated at the 120th Spring Commencement Ceremony at USD. I got to see the first USD AuD student get hooded and graduate and then I graduated myself. It's still pretty surreal to me that I graduated and that I'm completely done with life at USD. I pretty much cried during the entire ceremony and I hate all the pics my mom took of me because my face is all puffy and my eyes are red. I forgot how emotional I can be sometimes:) My name was actually pronounced correctly which was pretty amazing for me.
There were a few sad things about graduation though. My grandpa was in the hospital so him and my grandma weren't able to come watch and Lauren (the best friend anyone could have) would have sat next to me during the ceremony as the person next to me was a Snyder and obviously Smyrak comes before that.
Basically I'm graduated and I'm really on my way to becoming a Doctor of Audiology! It's so crazy.

P.S. I'm tearing up as I write this, I'm that emotional!
P.P.S. I'm still not fully recovered from celebrating on Thursday night! Pictures will probably be up on Facebook soon.
LINK: http://usd.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2029798&l=a5221&id=41302449

Estoy terminado con clases de Espanol:)

For those of you who don't know Spanish the title of this post is I am finished with Spanish classes. That's right I took my final Spanish final today! No more dealing with Jorge (my Spanish prof). Little did I know that I would graduate with a Spanish minor when I took my first Spanish class back at Luther.

My SD apartment is starting to look rather bare as Mom helped me load up about half of my stuff on Saturday. She came Friday night and went to the DCOM Banquet with me. We enjoyed some amazing food and wine (I ended up drinking the whole bottle!) and sat next to some very interesting people from the Scottish Rite, an organization that helps fund both the Vermillion and Sioux Falls Clinics and gives students mucho bucks for scholarships. After the banquet we went to Leo's and joined a bunch of the DCOM students and professors. It was interesting to be drinking in a bar with professors, but we had a good time.

So that was my exciting final weekend in SD. Now I just have to take two more finals. Wish me luck!

My first blog ever!

So many changes are going to be happening in my life rather soon and I want to try to keep you updated on my whereabouts and well-being.

Here's the quick list of changes for you:
1) Graduating from USD with a BA in Communication Disorders and a minor in Spanish on May 12. Only one more week and three or four finals stand in my way!
2) Going back to camp to be a DCL for the second time. This'll be summer number six for me at IOLBC, so it's not that much of a change, but each summer---well, each week is week #1.
3) I'll be moving to Madison, Wisconsin to attend UW. I'm not transferring again, but rather I'll be going to graduate school for audiology. This is a BIG change, but I can't wait.
4) I'm getting married ---- okay, just seeing if you're paying attention, I'm really not getting married or even seeing someone at the moment.

So that's my life right now, check in to see what happens to me next!