Fun Day

Today was fun for the most part. The only exception being working on a paper…and my policies with children and youth class probably can’t be considered fun since we watched a video on child maltreatment, but it was interesting. I saw Blue Valentine and it was AMAZING. The romantic pessimist in me was pleased. Anyway, this is quick because I’m leading group therapy tomorrow for the first time at my internship and I need to find an activity for the boys before I go to sleep…and since I have to be up at 7:30, sleep should come soon…

Thanks for All the Visits!

Today, I signed into wordpress and found that I had my busiest day. Thanks guys! I’m touched. I’m currently working on a post that should be really good, but I also have a lot of reading and a huge paper due Thursday, so it will probably have to wait until Friday (sorry, guys).

In other news, I had a fantastic weekend with Stephanie. It was nice and relaxing. I’m now looking forward to watching the SAG awards tonight with my mother and my aunt, judging dresses and winners.

A lot of the reading I’ve been doing has been for my Adolescent Behavior and Development class. I love it. I am fascinated by adolescents. They are so moldable, in positive and negative ways. I want to help them figure out who they are without the influence of society telling them what they “should” be. It’ll be difficult, but I’m up for the challenge (and already facing it in my internship…)

My Amazing Friend Stephanie

Me and Stephanie at my graduation

Today, my friend Stephanie came to visit. Because of this, I will not write a lot today, but I decided to blog about how amazing she is. Stephanie is spectacular. I can have fun with her and talk to her about real life things. When she came this weekend, she told me she came with no expectations except to hang out with me. This is always refreshing to hear because I now know I don’t have to try and entertain. It is great to be able to see her and hang out with her for a while. I love her lots 🙂

Please, No Cell Phones in Line

I work at a video rental store, and I have to say, one of my biggest annoyances is when customers get in line and talk on their phone. I have the tendency to ask questions, as it’s my job to find out certain information and update files on people, and if someone is on their phone they will be annoyed at the fact that I am interrupting their conversation. Really, can’t the call wait until you’re done? This is one of the reasons I think cell phones are ruining our relationships. We suddenly feel the need to connect with people based on our time frame and our needs, thus shutting out those that are near. Please, if you’re using your phone, wait until I’m done talking to you…

A Wonderful Story

A friend of mine posted this story on facebook today. Since I’ve sat in classes for ten hours today and I’m exhausted, I’ll let you guys read that instead. It’s a wonderful story of people being nice.

My Five Favorite Albums

Today’s post a day topic is what album you would bring on a deserted island. As I thought this over, I realized I cannot really pick one. So instead, I bring to you the five albums I would bring on a deserted island.

Transatlanticism by Death Cab for Cutie

I love Death Cab (well, after Transatlanticism things got a little iffy) and this is probably their best album. “Tiny Vessels” is probably one of the most depressing and beautiful songs ever, and as it flows into “Transatlanticism,” my heart is happy. The whole c.d. is beautiful with amazing lyrics. I love it.

Illinois by Sufjan Stevens

Something beautiful and different. Sufjan Stevens originally claimed he would be making an album of every state, but only created Michigan and Illinois. Still, I’m happy with those two. My favorite on this one would have to be “Casimir Pulaski Day.” What can I say? I like depressing songs.

Lungs by Florence and the Machine

A friend of mine introduced me to Florence and the Machine about a month ago and I’ve fallen in love. The album is beautiful and her voice is unique. “Lungs” is probably my favorite (apparently I typically agree with title tracks…)

Alexisonfire by Alexisonfire

If I’m on a deserted island, I definitely need some screaming, and as of right now, this is probably my favorite, if for the cover art alone. However, their lyrics are also awesome, and since they don’t scream through the entire song, I like it when I’m angry.

The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place by Explosions in the Sky

The cover art may not be as exciting as Alexisonfire, but I love this album. Post-rock is my music for thinking, and once again, if I’m on a deserted island, I’ll need some thinking music.

On the Academy Awards

My sister and I have a movie blog, so I wrote in there today about the Academy Award announcements, specifically Christopher Nolan and a comparison to Alfred Hitchcock. In the interest of time, I shall direct you to that post.

Thoughts from a Young Social Worker

In all of my social work classes, there has been one theme that is held as most important: avoiding burnout. Social work is hard because people are difficult. Frankly, there are no easy people, and when you have ones that are in a vulnerable situation, things are just that much harder. After all, you have to work within a system, and that’s never enjoyable. But burnout is common. Everyone needs to take care of themselves, and it’s especially important if other people are depending on you.

I often find myself passionate about helping people and making the system into one where that is easy (as sometimes the system makes it hard to give the best care, whether it’s the legal system or the organizational system). However, I have met many social workers who have been doing this for a long time who have stopped caring as much. They typically find more fault in the client than in the situation surrounding the client. I’m hoping that I never hit that point. I don’t want to ever become so burnt out that I am jaded towards everything about social work. I really and truly want to help.

A Peaceful Sound

I love the sound of water, specifically of waves. It gives me a sense of peace and of beauty. I love oceans, lakes, rivers…basically any body of water. I love the peace you can get from just sitting on a dock or a beach when there isn’t anyone around. And so even just the sound can take me there (the smell can, too). Beautiful.

Devoted Friends

Me with two of my devoted friends, Kerri and Stephanie...I hope I am equally devoted to them

I was trying to figure out how I defined friendship and realized that this is a post that could take a while…and possibly be boring to read. However, there is a short story by Oscar Wilde that I think is a marvelous view of how many see friendship, and how incorrect it is. So, for your reading pleasure, “The Devoted Friend.”