Always a ____, Never a ____...

I would like to quiz all (four) of you that read this blog to please fill in the blanks above. I know some of you think you are so smart and quickly assumed the answers to be always a "bridesmaid," never a "bride"...do you all think I would make my quiz so easy? Although those two words fit quite perfectly actually, that is not where I feel like going with this blog tonight-we will save that sappy post for later. I am feeling more reflective on another also appropriate, but not so common phrase. Actually, I made it up myself.

"Always an 'INTERN', Never a 'full-time paid employee with benefits that counts...'-long blank I know."

Today, while enjoying, of course, my third internship, I was thinking man, this is my third internship. Now, I am trying not to complain too much because I did choose this discipline, and I also know that an internship is something that probably almost all college graduates experienced one of. BUT, THREE...come on! I know that all three of these internships have taught me valuable social work, life, and reality lessons-and I am grateful I had the opportunity to pay (borrow) thousands of dollars to work for others!

I have a philosophy where I think that the social work profession requires so many hours of internship experience to prepare all members of the profession to work their tails off, with little monetary compensation in the end. I have mastered the art of an intern. I don't know how smoothly I will transition into the 'full-time paid employee' position...
I will be like, oh I don't need my check this month, how about I pay ya'll for letting me work here instead. My parents love supporting their 20 something year old master level degreed daughter-really I want to stay an intern!

Well, I will probably actually frame the checks...well, that might be considered loving money, so maybe I will frame just one;) I am sure the checks will still not be too impressive, but I will be grateful for seeing the fruits of my labor-monetarily atleast.


Aside from all my funny talk, I really think I have been so blessed to gain such powerful experience in my field before I am even really in the field. I have seen the power and faith of a small, non-profit, faith-based agency while an intern at FaithWorks in Abilene. I have witnessed the amazing family dynamics and seen the hard-working parents and precious kids while an intern at Head Start. And I am currently learning all about the inner-workings of a school district and the role of a school social worker in my internship with Aledo ISD, where I will be until May.

So, even if I am always an intern and never a full-time paid employee...I have been a social worker. God has shown me my gifts and given me strength to show His light even in an often liberal secular field. I am kind of like His intern...and that is just fine with me.

The "Kylea's" in My LIFE...

I dedicate this blog to my special friend Kylea, and others in my life who have been a Kylea to me. Friendship is such a treasured gift, and I feel confident that I have had some of the most amazing friendships in the world!I have never been the girl to have a great click of friends, but each one of my friends individually brings so much to my life! In joking with Kylea, I told her I would create a blog all for her-and I don't think she bought it-but I also don't think she understands how great of a friend she has been! man, I wish that girl would get a blog-talk about hilarious-always!
The special friends that have impacted my life are too numerous to mention...they have each in their own special ways taught me such valuable lessons, made me laugh hysterically, been completely honest with me, listened, and let me sometimes just cry...

Kylea you're the one that is sure to make me smile,
When we are together I know there will be no sleep for a long while.
Cassie you are the one with creative touch,
You live so far away and I miss you so much.
Jena you are my girl that always has a quote...
and always the one to send the sweetest note.
Haylee you are my gal from way out west-
sharing a room with you was by far the best!
Anslee you are the one that married the cowboy,
being around you always brings me joy!
Bria you are my friend with all the style...
I am so glad you will live here in a short while!
Big sis, Tine, your friendship is by far my best...
having you as my sister has left me so blessed!
Seeing all these girls feels me with glee...
and I totally forget the boyfriend dumped me!
This is enough of my corny friend rhyme,
Not because I have run out of friends, but simply out of time!


Man, am I cheesy, huh? Well, I do love all my friends, and I am so sure that these friendships will last me a lifetime! Kylea...this blog's for you, and thanks to all of the "kylea's" in my life...

Since Blog #1...

I am excited about returning back to the blog. The time-lapse has mostly been due to the fact I forgot my password...I have only had one entry, but I feel that is my duty to get into a bloggin habit. I feel that this is my duty because I read many of your blogs, but yet I don't let you into my life in return. Well, if you want to know more about my so interesting life here is your chance!
It is kind of interesting to reflect on the time that has passed since blog numero uno. In only the span of a few short months, my life has changed in numerous ways.This is my life...Since #1:

1) I did graduate, and I am almost two thirds of the way through with graduating again! Graduate school has been quite the experience. My little Christian school bubble has been busted, but no worries I remain as naive as ever!I am enjoying my graduate work at UTA, but man am I pumped this will only last one year. My third and final graduation is planned for May 2006.

2)I am also an intern in Aledo, TX as the school social worker. I am definitely learning a lot-I am getting a taste of the real workforce-minus the pay...

3)I have moved home with mom and dad-big change, but I am so grateful that my parents have tried to make this transition easier on me-they only tuck me in on week nights-j/k! Really, they have been great and rent free.

4)I had and quit my first and most likely only retail job...I loved my time at Ann Taylor, but I pretty much bought all of the cute tops and slacks I need to be a budding professional-so who needs the discount anymore? Ann and I will always have great memories-I still hold the ever so dangerous Ann Taylor credit card (that should probably be cancelled)

5)I am single after a long...long relationship. I thought I knew what was best for my life, but I have learned that only God knows. This is a huge transition, but God has provided peace and blessings-I pray that those continue. I always thought single after college was a scary phrase for an ACU alumni...but I have been so blessed by family, friends, and fun-this could be fun!

6)No more workouts...in the last few months I have been crazy busy with school, work, and broken hearts-I decided it would be a good idea to just forgo the gym-well, not a good plan...I have a membership, but that alone does not burn the calories. Hopefully-five more months from now that will be a different story

7)I got to be a bridesmaid two more times-I am never one to brag, but I am pretty much a pro! Anslee and Jena both had beautiful weddings. I think married people may just flock to me...or at least engaged. I have four precious married friends now, and my best friend and sister-also married and pretty much the best little mama ever!

Well, a lot has taken place since #1...a lot! When being a loser in the library five months ago, I did not foresee all of these life changes and events-but I have survived them! God has been so gracious-who knows what the next five months will hold?!?! I will try and blog before next February-but no promises. One thing that I will promise is that I will continue reading all of your blogs, oh and I haven't been to the library since blog #1 with either!