Masters of Scence in Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Intermediate

                 Intermediate
     I started this portion of my program on April 24, 2018, having passed each of the Basic Counseling class with an A-. I can't fall below 80% (B-), if that happens I can be kicked out of the program.
     This new level started with Research methods, and they are not joking about the research part! So far I have worked on assignments that have articles that are assigned and I've also had to find my own topics to research and fill out forms and write papers about. The hardest part so far, finding topics that are interesting and contain the information I need to complete the assignment.
     I still have to work in groups, this time however, I'm working with two people I met during residency, Terrica and Tameka. Both have their stories, like me, both are strong women and they have been great to work with on our group assignments. We have a basic set up for when we need to have our portions posted to the group thread and it's working out pretty well so far. We've had plenty of time to complete our portions, get everything put together and submitted a day before it's due. This group is now in my top two, yup, only two have been good so far, in almost four years of working with groups.
     Time to get some stuff done on at least one of my assignments, they are all due on Monday and I still need to work on participation posts as well. More assignments with these classes, I need a better system to get everything done in a timely manner without feeling overwhelmed.
     Wish me luck :)
   

Arizona Trip Day Ten

     We spent the morning just hanging out. Carmen has been sick for the majority of the trip, bad cough, trouble breathing and sleeping. She has been in an almost full sit up position every night since we got to Phoenix.

     We did manage to get out for a bit though. We went to the Heard Museum, if you have not been, you should go. It's  all about the Native American Indian Tribes. It's a beautiful museum, I'm glad that we had the chance to see it. They offer tours through part of the museum, or you can wander on your own. We did both. It's eye opening. There is also a small room that plays a video on a loop about how pottery is made and how it's a dying art, newer generations are not learning about how to do it to keep it going.
   
     If you are in Phoenix, I highly recommend that you take a trip to this museum. Beautiful and sad stories and beautiful art work and traditions. 

Another Ending, Another Beginning

     Jenyfer has finally finished her second year of college. She spent the last couple of days getting her room packed up. Yesterday we got a car load of stuff moved to the storage unit and then the rest of her stuff packed into the car.
     The drive to and from Greenville, PA is only six hours but it sure feels a lot longer. The drive to Topeka, KS felt shorter! I think it's because I make the drive more often, to Greenville.
     Now, she waits for her final grades to be posted.  Every year I hope that the new year will be better than the last. For Jenyfer and school, I think she did a lot better this school year, she has been happy with the grades that have been posted so far, anxious for the last of them.
     Jenyfer will begin looking for a summer job, fingers crossed that she finds one fast, she has things to take care of this summer. She does have a line on one so far. Her best friend is getting married in August, she'll have to prepare to go back to school in August as well. She is also planning to change her last name, to mine, and then there is her drivers training and license stuff as well. It's going to be a big summer for her, especially if we can get everything done this year.
     Wish us luck, we might need that extra push.