Good times during the long weekend...

As this past weekend was a holiday weekend, I had the good fortune of receiving an extra day off of work. I capitalized on this opportunity and went home to visit my family.

When I arrived Friday night, it was after 10 p.m. Upon settling in and visiting with my family for a short time, they went to bed. I, however, stayed up working on a report for work and waiting for Chris to arrive. As he didn't get in from Springfield until after 2 a.m., the wait was a long one.

Early the next morning...after a few hours of sleep...everyone woke to get ready to travel to visit family. I was able to visit with my grandfathers, my cousins, uncles, and grandmother. I was also given a chance to take Chris out on his first four-wheeler ride ever! It was a great day.

Sunday, after church, Chris and I went to Columbia for the afternoon. We went to the new Myseum (just opened a few weeks ago), went shopping at the mall, and finished up the evening with dinner and drinks at Flatbranch. After a few songs on guitar hero, we cleaned out our cars and headed to Wal-Mart before returning home to watch movies and turn in for the evening.

Yesterday, I helped my mom prepare for a garage sale and loaded up the car to begin the five hour drive back to Lincoln. Even with the extra day, the weekend flew by and seemed much too short.

I value my free time on the weekends so much more now that I am so busy! I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and am counting down the days until I can pack up my belongings and move closer to home. Only three months left and I will be doing just that!

An update...

This weekend, I spent time traveling to and from Springfield. While there, I spent time with friends and enjoyed the weather. Friday night, I made it in time to watch Chris play softball with the Forest softball team. They were beaten pretty badly both games, but looked like they still had alot of fun. Saturday, we went to the movies and saw "21". It was excellent, and sparked some great discussion about gambling afterwards. That night, Chris and I went to see the play "Tick Tick Boom" at the Springfield Little Theatre. We had dinner before the show and the whole night was perfect.

Sunday morning we woke up, went to lunch with friends, and decided to spend some time outdoors. We stumbled across a family fun park half-way between Springfield and Nixa and decided to check it out. We rode go-carts and played miniature golf. The weather was beautiful and it was a fun, relaxing experience. Later that evening, we played some trivia games online and ordered a pizza. Early Monday morning, I woke up and drove back to Lincoln to see clients for the rest of the evening.

As I have said before, I really enjoy time away from the office when I get it. But the tough part is coming back, as I usually have mountains of work to catch up on. This weekend will be no exception. As it is a holiday, we get an extra day off. I am going to Moberly to spend time with my family and friends and am especially looking foward to seeing my grandparents. As it will be the second weekend in a row away from the office, this week will be busy with catching up. I will also be taking stuff with me to work on. Such is life as an intern I guess.

Let the excitement continue...

Last week was incredibly busy...turning 25, visiting with my sister and parents who came to Lincoln for the weekend, and working on getting caught up at work were among the few of many things I accomplished.

So far, it doesn't look like there will be a break in sight anytime soon. I have completed three test batteries today, and a diagnostic assessment, and am preparing to meet with a new client. I also began facilitating domestic violence group last week (for the first time ever) and need to review the material to be presented tomorrow during session.

Despite all this, I have one thing on my mind (and one thing only)...Chris. I haven't seen him in well over a month and am so ready to take a trip to visit this weekend (I am leaving Friday after work and returning in the wee hours of Monday morning). We were supposed to be going to look for apartments in Rolla for me to move into when I begin my residency in September, but when I called the property management company, they informed me I would need to check back in July as they couldn't guarantee me a residence this early in the game. So, it looks like we will be spending a nice, relaxing weekend in Springfield. I am so excited. (Plus, this gives me an excuse for another road trip in July :)

As I am nearing the end of the internship year, I am growing increasingly more excited about graduation and the things to come. I know there will be more challenges in store, but I am growing increasingly more confident in my ability to handle anything life may throw my way. With the love and support of an amazing boyfriend, my faith in God, and great family and friends, I know I can do anything!

A time of reflection...and hope for the future...

On Thursday of this week, I will be facing another milestone in my life, turning 25. As I reflect back on the last 25 years, I am amazed at all I have experienced and accomplished (and thinking to myself I don't know if I could do it again).

I feel very blessed for a number of different things in my life. I have a wonderful family, loving boyfriend, and great friends. I have a good job, and an even better one waiting for me in a few months. I am grateful to soon be graduating with my Psy.D., and am ready for the next chapter of my life.

So, I am forcing myself to take a few minutes to pause, and reflect back on my life thus far, and all of the wonderful dreams and hopes I have for my life journey in the future. As my birthday falls in the middle of the work week, I will be working my typical 12 hour day, but am excited to know my family will be joining me this weekend to celebrate and spend some quality time with each other. In all the chaos that is my life as an intern, I am so thankful for the blessings in my life...family being one of them :)

I know, with 100% confidence, the next 25 years will be even better than the first!