When I was at SLU, I got heavily involved with Relay For Life. With a group of about 40 college students, we planned an over-night event each year for the SLU students/community to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Cancer has been a horrible word that I have known for a long time. When I was in 2nd grade, we had two close family friends lose their battles to cancer, and that's when I knew I hated that disease. Later in my childhood, my dad was diagnosed with skin cancer. Thankfully, it was caught early, and it was able to be removed. He has a crazy looking scar down his nose that is a constant reminder to us all that we are lucky he is here. My grandfather has had prostate cancer twice. About 2 years ago, one of my childhood friends was diagnosed with lymphoma. Thankfully they have both also beaten cancer.
Yesterday I went to a visitation for a 37 year old who lost his fight. He was my boss at my first full-time job, and I learned A LOT from him. He was extremely supportive of me going back to school, and I know he was a great reference when I applied. A lot changed for that man in the two years I was in school, and that is heartbreaking. Not only was he a great boss, he was a genuinely good person. He was a licensed clinical social worker who cared about the boys in the rehab center a lot. He volunteered each summer at a camp for kids whose lives had been affected by cancer. He was engaged to a woman who has two young kids, and from what I know, he loved those kids like they were his own.
Life REALLY isn't fair. I am heartbroken for his family.
People should not be dying of cancer. Especially at age 37. My involvement in Relay has faltered since I graduated from SLU, but I am getting involved more fully again. It is time to end the fight. I want to live in a world with more birthdays and less cancer!
If you could send up a prayer for his family, I would really appreciate it!
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
no more classes!
Today was my last class for my Specialist in School Psych Degree. In December, I got my MS, but now it really feels over! Beginning in about 3.5 weeks, I will be an intern for a district just across the river. The year of supervision is the last step (minus a few tests) that I need before being licensed as a school psychologist. I am so excited and so ready for this next chapter - I will basically be working, which means no more homework! Though I am sure I will have to bring home work from time to time, I am definitely going to be gaining a lot more free time, and I am so happy about that!
As classes have ended, I thought I would summarize what I have learned over the past 2 years. Grad school is kind of crazy in that it is intense instruction in basically one area. I left undergrad feeling like I had the same knowledge as basically everyone else, and though I am far from an expert, it is kind of cool explaining things to Dan (for instance) that he has never learned. It is strange trying to remember back what what I DIDN'T know when I started this process. Here is what I think I have learned:
-I have learned a lot about typical child development (motor, language, emotional development). Along with that, I have learned what atypical development can look like.
-I have learned about different disabilities, both DSM diagnostic criteria and special ed eligibility criteria.
-I have learned about the importance of collecting data and evaluating whether instruction techniques are effective for individual students.
-I have learned skills to use in consultation with teachers.
-I have learned about Response to Intervention, and I have learned about a lot of interventions that I can implement or help teachers implement to help reduce the need for special education services.
-I have learned how to do a full evaluation and to work with a team to determine if a student meets eligibility for special education services.
-I have learned a lot about autism.
-I have learned more about our brain and the effects our physiology can have on our functioning.
-I have learned about behavior and how reinforcement and punishment can affect what people choose to do.
Plus probably a lot more. It's hard to summarize two years of school work ;)
All I know is that I know I have gained a lot of knowledge, and I can't wait to be out in the field using that knowledge!
As classes have ended, I thought I would summarize what I have learned over the past 2 years. Grad school is kind of crazy in that it is intense instruction in basically one area. I left undergrad feeling like I had the same knowledge as basically everyone else, and though I am far from an expert, it is kind of cool explaining things to Dan (for instance) that he has never learned. It is strange trying to remember back what what I DIDN'T know when I started this process. Here is what I think I have learned:
-I have learned a lot about typical child development (motor, language, emotional development). Along with that, I have learned what atypical development can look like.
-I have learned about different disabilities, both DSM diagnostic criteria and special ed eligibility criteria.
-I have learned about the importance of collecting data and evaluating whether instruction techniques are effective for individual students.
-I have learned skills to use in consultation with teachers.
-I have learned about Response to Intervention, and I have learned about a lot of interventions that I can implement or help teachers implement to help reduce the need for special education services.
-I have learned how to do a full evaluation and to work with a team to determine if a student meets eligibility for special education services.
-I have learned a lot about autism.
-I have learned more about our brain and the effects our physiology can have on our functioning.
-I have learned about behavior and how reinforcement and punishment can affect what people choose to do.
Plus probably a lot more. It's hard to summarize two years of school work ;)
All I know is that I know I have gained a lot of knowledge, and I can't wait to be out in the field using that knowledge!
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Sarge's Funeral
On May 18th, my grandfather (paternal) passed away. We knew it was coming, but it was still hard to see my dad so upset.
I am writing this so that I can remember these details later.
Sarge, as he was known, was a retired Marine and Army Reserves man. He met my grandmother while on embassy duty in Ireland. Apparently, while on embassy duty, you have to be single, so immediately following his time at the embassy, him and my grandmother (Cora) married in Dublin. She came back with him to the states, and they lived around the country. My father and some of his siblings were born in California. My aunt was born in one of the Carolina's. During the time their family was growing, my grandfather served three tours in Vietnam. At one point, my grandmother moved back to Ireland, while he was in Vietnam, so she could be with family with all of her children. My father actually started school in Ireland, which I think is really cool.
Anyway...the story isn't all butterflies and roses. As it did to many people, Vietnam changed my grandfather. He became an alcoholic, probably suffering from undiagnosed PTSD. My grandparents divorced, and there was a lot of familiar tension during that part of my father's life.
Fast forward to when I came around -- my grandfather lived about 45 minutes away from us, while we were growing up, but I didn't see him much. He spent a lot of his time at the bar. When we were with him, he did not frequently talk about his experiences in the war, but occasionally we would get a snippet of what he experienced while he was there.
One story that I vividly remember is a time that he was supposed to be flying in a plane, but for whatever reason, him and his buddy decided to switch jobs that day. His friend took his place riding in the plane, and the plane was shot down. I don't think my grandfather ever forgave himself for that. I also heard stories about him being attacked and stabbed multiple times before he was able to get away. But that's about all I know from his time there.
I do know that his last tour states he was in Oakinawa, but he states he wasn't...they were apparently doing something top secret. I also know he fought to be sent back for a 4th time, but they wouldn't send him. Due to medical issues, he was forced to retire from the active duty Marines before he wanted to, so he joined the Army Reserves. Many years later, he was forced to retired from the reserves for more health issues.
Sarge was a solider. That's all he knew, and that's all he ever wanted to do. He dedicated over 30 years of his life to our country, and his family suffered for it.
On June 16th, he was laid to rest at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.
We had a funeral mass in Peoria, where he lived, and then the Patriot Guard, along with my daddy (a bunch of motorcycles) escorted us to Camp Butler. While there, they lined the area with flags. The ceremony was fairly short, but they honored my grandfather as he deserved to be honored. The gun salute was amazing, and they allowed us to each keep a brass from the shot. Then they folded up the flag and gave it to my father.
Though I was not close with my grandfather, I know he did the best he could given his life experiences. He deserved all the honor he received on that day. I pray he is finally at peace.
I am writing this so that I can remember these details later.
Sarge, as he was known, was a retired Marine and Army Reserves man. He met my grandmother while on embassy duty in Ireland. Apparently, while on embassy duty, you have to be single, so immediately following his time at the embassy, him and my grandmother (Cora) married in Dublin. She came back with him to the states, and they lived around the country. My father and some of his siblings were born in California. My aunt was born in one of the Carolina's. During the time their family was growing, my grandfather served three tours in Vietnam. At one point, my grandmother moved back to Ireland, while he was in Vietnam, so she could be with family with all of her children. My father actually started school in Ireland, which I think is really cool.
Anyway...the story isn't all butterflies and roses. As it did to many people, Vietnam changed my grandfather. He became an alcoholic, probably suffering from undiagnosed PTSD. My grandparents divorced, and there was a lot of familiar tension during that part of my father's life.
Fast forward to when I came around -- my grandfather lived about 45 minutes away from us, while we were growing up, but I didn't see him much. He spent a lot of his time at the bar. When we were with him, he did not frequently talk about his experiences in the war, but occasionally we would get a snippet of what he experienced while he was there.
One story that I vividly remember is a time that he was supposed to be flying in a plane, but for whatever reason, him and his buddy decided to switch jobs that day. His friend took his place riding in the plane, and the plane was shot down. I don't think my grandfather ever forgave himself for that. I also heard stories about him being attacked and stabbed multiple times before he was able to get away. But that's about all I know from his time there.
I do know that his last tour states he was in Oakinawa, but he states he wasn't...they were apparently doing something top secret. I also know he fought to be sent back for a 4th time, but they wouldn't send him. Due to medical issues, he was forced to retire from the active duty Marines before he wanted to, so he joined the Army Reserves. Many years later, he was forced to retired from the reserves for more health issues.
Sarge was a solider. That's all he knew, and that's all he ever wanted to do. He dedicated over 30 years of his life to our country, and his family suffered for it.
On June 16th, he was laid to rest at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.
We had a funeral mass in Peoria, where he lived, and then the Patriot Guard, along with my daddy (a bunch of motorcycles) escorted us to Camp Butler. While there, they lined the area with flags. The ceremony was fairly short, but they honored my grandfather as he deserved to be honored. The gun salute was amazing, and they allowed us to each keep a brass from the shot. Then they folded up the flag and gave it to my father.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Our First Anniversary
In November, I'll have been with Dan for 10 years. We don't have a whole lotta "firsts" that happen regularly anymore, but on Sunday, we celebrated our FIRST wedding anniversary! And it was a great day!
I gave Dan his card that explained his "traditional" gift of paper was in the mail (cards against humanity). He looked at me with confusion. Typical Dan to forget ;)
(He claims he didn't...claims he didn't want to get me flowers before we went to blono b/c they would be dead when we got back...claims he didn't want to get me flowers IN blono b/c they would die on the car ride back...said he has no idea why he didn't get a card. hahaha! men.)
We started the day at mass at the church we were married in. As luck would have it, we were home, and it was pretty great to be back there thinking about how we had said our vows in the very spot 365 days ago.
Then we had some breakfast with my fam, and cut our anniversary cake! We didn't save the top layer...my cake lady said she would just make a replica, and I am glad we did it! Butterfinger flavored cake is one of the best things on the planet.
After running some errands around blono and getting our doggies from his dad's we hit the road for STL. As soon as we got back, we changed, and headed to Grafton to our favorite winery! It was a great day for it. Sitting in the shade, it felt fabulous. We had a bottle of peach wine, some dinner, and then a bottle of strawberry wine. I love sweet wine.
When the winery closed, we headed to Edwardsville to drive around our dream neighborhood. I want a new house. But then we went to Orange Leaf...b/c I obviously use ANY excuse possible for anything in the ice cream family. Dessert was delicious, and I was happy!
Once home, we broke open our first guestbook bottle! I already don't want to wait another 4 years to see the 5th anniversary one. The notes were adorable, and there were pictures drawn by friends that cracked me up. I will be putting them all together in a little book. I am so happy we did it this way. I think it made it more fun for the guests to write crazy things instead of just "congratulations" and their names!
Overall, it was a success. I love that husband of mine.
Oh...and the day later, he got me a perfect card, pretty flowers, and tickets (paper) to Jason Aldean! I think I'll keep him.
I gave Dan his card that explained his "traditional" gift of paper was in the mail (cards against humanity). He looked at me with confusion. Typical Dan to forget ;)
(He claims he didn't...claims he didn't want to get me flowers before we went to blono b/c they would be dead when we got back...claims he didn't want to get me flowers IN blono b/c they would die on the car ride back...said he has no idea why he didn't get a card. hahaha! men.)
We started the day at mass at the church we were married in. As luck would have it, we were home, and it was pretty great to be back there thinking about how we had said our vows in the very spot 365 days ago.
Then we had some breakfast with my fam, and cut our anniversary cake! We didn't save the top layer...my cake lady said she would just make a replica, and I am glad we did it! Butterfinger flavored cake is one of the best things on the planet.
After running some errands around blono and getting our doggies from his dad's we hit the road for STL. As soon as we got back, we changed, and headed to Grafton to our favorite winery! It was a great day for it. Sitting in the shade, it felt fabulous. We had a bottle of peach wine, some dinner, and then a bottle of strawberry wine. I love sweet wine.
When the winery closed, we headed to Edwardsville to drive around our dream neighborhood. I want a new house. But then we went to Orange Leaf...b/c I obviously use ANY excuse possible for anything in the ice cream family. Dessert was delicious, and I was happy!
Once home, we broke open our first guestbook bottle! I already don't want to wait another 4 years to see the 5th anniversary one. The notes were adorable, and there were pictures drawn by friends that cracked me up. I will be putting them all together in a little book. I am so happy we did it this way. I think it made it more fun for the guests to write crazy things instead of just "congratulations" and their names!
Overall, it was a success. I love that husband of mine.
Oh...and the day later, he got me a perfect card, pretty flowers, and tickets (paper) to Jason Aldean! I think I'll keep him.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
hair color.
The other day, Dan and I stopped by Ulta because I decided on a whim while we were out and about that I needed a change. I have been growing my hair out, so I am NOT interested in cutting it. It is finally long enough that curls look good, not awkward. I have been waiting for this for a YEAR! Normally, when I want a change, I chop it off...but not this time.
I have never colored my own hair from a box. Boxed color has been used on my hair, but I always have a girlfriend for assistance. I had no faith in my ability to not miss a huge chunk of hair on the back of my head, and how embarrassing would that be?!
So we are at Ulta, and I am trying to decide what brand/color to try out. I picked one up and was looking at the back where it has the "if your hair is this color, this is how your hair will look after using this" section. I like to think of my natural hair as a beautiful, light, strawberry blonde. Sometimes it needs some help in the strawberry department, though, so I chose a strawberry blonde to put in my hair. Anyway...as I am looking at the back, Dan is all, "well, your hair is this dark blonde, right? so it will look like this."
If looks could kill.
Dark blonde? Are you kidding me! That little box of hair looked UGLY. No life. No real color. I couldn't believe he said that to me! I was in the middle of throwing a fit about how ridiculously wrong he was when I pulled up my hair to SHOW him my hair was clearly more like the center, pretty color displayed. Well, that backfired. My hair blended right into the "dark blonde" category. The satisfaction on his face was sickening.
Men.
I bought the color, though, and came home and put it in, no problem! It turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself!
I have never colored my own hair from a box. Boxed color has been used on my hair, but I always have a girlfriend for assistance. I had no faith in my ability to not miss a huge chunk of hair on the back of my head, and how embarrassing would that be?!
So we are at Ulta, and I am trying to decide what brand/color to try out. I picked one up and was looking at the back where it has the "if your hair is this color, this is how your hair will look after using this" section. I like to think of my natural hair as a beautiful, light, strawberry blonde. Sometimes it needs some help in the strawberry department, though, so I chose a strawberry blonde to put in my hair. Anyway...as I am looking at the back, Dan is all, "well, your hair is this dark blonde, right? so it will look like this."
If looks could kill.
Dark blonde? Are you kidding me! That little box of hair looked UGLY. No life. No real color. I couldn't believe he said that to me! I was in the middle of throwing a fit about how ridiculously wrong he was when I pulled up my hair to SHOW him my hair was clearly more like the center, pretty color displayed. Well, that backfired. My hair blended right into the "dark blonde" category. The satisfaction on his face was sickening.
Men.
I bought the color, though, and came home and put it in, no problem! It turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself!
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| my natural color |
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| post color! (excuse the crazy picture) |
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
current TV obsessions.
School is busy. My life is the same as it always is. Lately I have been living for sneaking in hours of my favorite shows. I wanted to share some of my current obsessions, in case anyone is missing out!
First - HIMYM. ugh. so not happy with the ending. That's all I will say about that.
Big Bang Theory - ALWAYS makes me laugh. Sheldon may be one of my favorite characters of all time.
Grey's Anatomy - I will admit, like every other fan, it used to be SO MUCH BETTER, but I have been watching for so long, and I am so invested, I can't let it go. I watch every week, and I have been in love with Alex for years. I don't want to hear anything about him being a bad guy. He can't fool me. I remember the skin-to-skin care he gave that preemie. He's a softy! The drama never fails to suck me in!
Game of Thrones - b/c...obviously! I can't get enough of the twists and turns. If you haven't watched it, you really just have to give it a try. I didn't think I would get in to it, but I was sucked in. The characters are so interesting. Not to mention, it makes me HATE some of the characters. I heard myself saying "I hope her throat gets sliced next" during the last episode. Totally not my normal reaction, but I have such strong feelings about these people!
Finally, a new favorite: Silicon Valley - this comes on right after GoT, and I laugh so hard that I cry during the episodes. It's about this geeky guy that created an app/software/something or other, and he is trying to get his company going. The one-liners in this are just too great. Seriously, go watch it. You wan't regret it.
First - HIMYM. ugh. so not happy with the ending. That's all I will say about that.
Big Bang Theory - ALWAYS makes me laugh. Sheldon may be one of my favorite characters of all time.
Game of Thrones - b/c...obviously! I can't get enough of the twists and turns. If you haven't watched it, you really just have to give it a try. I didn't think I would get in to it, but I was sucked in. The characters are so interesting. Not to mention, it makes me HATE some of the characters. I heard myself saying "I hope her throat gets sliced next" during the last episode. Totally not my normal reaction, but I have such strong feelings about these people!
Finally, a new favorite: Silicon Valley - this comes on right after GoT, and I laugh so hard that I cry during the episodes. It's about this geeky guy that created an app/software/something or other, and he is trying to get his company going. The one-liners in this are just too great. Seriously, go watch it. You wan't regret it.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Easter 2014
This weekend Dan and I returned to good ol' BloNo for Easter with the families.
I'll let some pictures do most of the talking:
Friday we stopped by Dan's dad's house, then I headed to my friend's house to catch up and see her cute little girl. I ended the night playing with that handsome boy on the slide! Rylan is my brother's fiance's son, and I love that kid to pieces. He is hilarious, cute, and so sweet! I spent a lot of time with him this weekend, and I am so excited that he is getting more comfortable around me!
Easter included church, lunch with Dan's nana, mom and her kids, and a few more minutes with that sweet boy. We were playing with the windmills, and it was adorable watching him try to make them spin ;)
It was a great time, and I loved every minute of it.
I'll let some pictures do most of the talking:
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And yep, you read that right. My brother's fiance! Saturday morning, my baby brother proposed to his girlfriend. Michele is a great girl, and I know they are going to be so happy together. I am so proud of Josh for accepting Rylan as his own and being a wonderful father to him. It is so cool to see them together.
Saturday my mom, Dan, and I went to the zoo with Lauren and the girls. Cartwheels were done, animals were seen, and Aidan got her face painted to look like a zebra. It was a good time, for sure! Ms. Brenna Bug LOVED the monkeys.
Saturday night we went to dinner. Chinese. Yum. And I finally got a picture of the whole gang ;) I am one lucky aunt, that's for sure!
Saturday night also included Aidan's first motorcycle ride. She absolutely loved it! Bug also loved being pushed on the tricycle. Tongue out = happy Brenna!
Some of our family from Ohio also came by on Saturday night. They made a last minute trip to IL to see my grandfather in Peoria who is not doing well. We stood around all evening telling stories and laughing. I love when we get to see them!
Easter included church, lunch with Dan's nana, mom and her kids, and a few more minutes with that sweet boy. We were playing with the windmills, and it was adorable watching him try to make them spin ;)
It was a great time, and I loved every minute of it.
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