Again, I have completed a semester with a 4.0 I am so excited because it's been a really difficult bit of coursework. Now, I am on to comprehensives and I will have my Master's degree in about 10 weeks.
Having the house to ourselves is wonderful!!! We both enjoy the quiet peace of each other's company.
My car still isn't running...not enough money to fix the problem. Won't be able to do anything with it until mid July. Boohooo.
I am going back to work grooming. I decided that the money I can earn working Thursday, Friday, and Saturday is just what I need to start saving for my trips and conferences which begin in September.
Just a side note about the rapture...didn't think it would happen the way Camping expected, but if anyone thinks there's nothing going on in our world...just watch 5 minutes of the evening news....hell in a hand basket, I say...hell in a handbasket!
Love to all, and will blog a little during my 14 day down time. Later gators!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Trying this once again
Finally - well again, finally...We are in our home by ourselves. After a terrible exchange of words, Melvin has moved out. We feel badly that he claims he has nowhere to go; however, we cannot and will not support someone and provide a home when he has no interest in helping himself out of the muck. I won't go into elaborate detail, but I will say that in the three months he has lived with us, he has made a sum total of 270.00 in contributions...180.00 of that in food stamps. So...if he doesn't want to help himself to a better life, we're not going to present the silver platter at our own expense.
We love our new home. It is perfectly sized for me and Eve. We are enjoying our courtyard and the peace and quiet at our end of the complex. Chris and Amy visit..that's awesome! It's the perfect place for use to get back to the joy of sharing life together...we've been missing that for the last few years.
I am almost done with classes. My Master's will be conferred in August and it's on to my PhD program in September. I am excited and SOOOO ready for it to be over.
Gonna go...got lots of papers. Love to all
We love our new home. It is perfectly sized for me and Eve. We are enjoying our courtyard and the peace and quiet at our end of the complex. Chris and Amy visit..that's awesome! It's the perfect place for use to get back to the joy of sharing life together...we've been missing that for the last few years.
I am almost done with classes. My Master's will be conferred in August and it's on to my PhD program in September. I am excited and SOOOO ready for it to be over.
Gonna go...got lots of papers. Love to all
Monday, April 4, 2011
Back to the beginning
Finally, the countdown to the move has come near a close. The big day is Wednesday. Eve and I take possession of the townhouse on Tuesday at 5pm. It has been a roller coaster ride - that's for sure. From cleaning everything to culling away the unnecessary things we have accumulated over the years has been a real chore. Eve mentioned last nigh, though, that it's interesting that everything we own (besides the furniture) fits into a 10X10 room...I reminded her that everything you NEED in life fits into a 2X3 drawer.
Our lives have once again been in complete disarray. First, there is Melvin...the mooch. He works 15-17 hours a week at Kentucky Fried Chicken and his last paycheck was a whopping $70.00 take home after taxes and child support. Eve discussed with him a second job...he's only looking to appease her and choosing to apply for things he is not qualified to do. (he wants to apply for a secretarial position, but doesn't know how to use Word to create a resume. Melvin has moved boxes from place to place for me, but other than that...he sits on the couch and watches five hours of Ghost Whisperer and Charmed. He sleeps till noon everyday, and this past week..complained about not having gas, but can make it to the bar 3 nights in a row - not returning to the house until 4:30am. Eve and I are done...we refuse to help someone who isn't making the effort to help themselves.
Then...there's Chucky who came to Texas to move in with his friend, but ended up staying with us. Chucky already paid rent...puts gas in Eve's truck (because his truck is at the mechanic's shop getting new head gaskets, spark plugs and wires, heater core hose, and his timing re-set. Within 24 hours of being at our house, Chucky had a job and is looking for more work.
The animals are starting to feel the stress of the move now, too...they're more than a little skitzy..smelling every box...chewing then on occasion. The cats don't venture outside very much, now and Frodo will not leave my side.
So..today is really my last day to attend to packing...the rest of the time will be spent cleaning, touch up painting, and getting everything situated for the movers. Busy day for me.
Our lives have once again been in complete disarray. First, there is Melvin...the mooch. He works 15-17 hours a week at Kentucky Fried Chicken and his last paycheck was a whopping $70.00 take home after taxes and child support. Eve discussed with him a second job...he's only looking to appease her and choosing to apply for things he is not qualified to do. (he wants to apply for a secretarial position, but doesn't know how to use Word to create a resume. Melvin has moved boxes from place to place for me, but other than that...he sits on the couch and watches five hours of Ghost Whisperer and Charmed. He sleeps till noon everyday, and this past week..complained about not having gas, but can make it to the bar 3 nights in a row - not returning to the house until 4:30am. Eve and I are done...we refuse to help someone who isn't making the effort to help themselves.
Then...there's Chucky who came to Texas to move in with his friend, but ended up staying with us. Chucky already paid rent...puts gas in Eve's truck (because his truck is at the mechanic's shop getting new head gaskets, spark plugs and wires, heater core hose, and his timing re-set. Within 24 hours of being at our house, Chucky had a job and is looking for more work.
The animals are starting to feel the stress of the move now, too...they're more than a little skitzy..smelling every box...chewing then on occasion. The cats don't venture outside very much, now and Frodo will not leave my side.
So..today is really my last day to attend to packing...the rest of the time will be spent cleaning, touch up painting, and getting everything situated for the movers. Busy day for me.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Packing, packing, and more packing
Well, I have been packing like a mad woman for the last 10 or 11 days...Seems to be a never ending task. Just how much stuff does two people need??? I learned many years ago that everything I need in life fits into a 2X3 drawer and all the rest is just icing on the cake. Well, no wonder I am so heavy...I have ALOT of icing.
Finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel. All of the rooms are packed and ready with incidentals and immediate needs items left out for use. The only room left to pack is mine and Eve's room and that's just the clothing...I will be working on that today. There is the backyard, and the garage left to handle, but a lot of that has been packed or stored, as well.
We're getting close now. Our move is slated for April 7th, but if the unit is available before that date, we're ready. Our garage sale was not a complete bust (155.50), but there really wasn't much traffic that day. I figured it had more to do with being the last weekend of the rodeo than anything. Hopefully, this Saturday will be more lucrative.
School starts again tomorrow..Neuropsyc assessment and neuropsych..hard stuff. I am ready, though.
Gonna go now and get busy packing again...Til Next time
Finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel. All of the rooms are packed and ready with incidentals and immediate needs items left out for use. The only room left to pack is mine and Eve's room and that's just the clothing...I will be working on that today. There is the backyard, and the garage left to handle, but a lot of that has been packed or stored, as well.
We're getting close now. Our move is slated for April 7th, but if the unit is available before that date, we're ready. Our garage sale was not a complete bust (155.50), but there really wasn't much traffic that day. I figured it had more to do with being the last weekend of the rodeo than anything. Hopefully, this Saturday will be more lucrative.
School starts again tomorrow..Neuropsyc assessment and neuropsych..hard stuff. I am ready, though.
Gonna go now and get busy packing again...Til Next time
Monday, March 14, 2011
Downsizing
Well, Eve and I have made some pretty big decisions in the last couple of weeks....We're moving - AGAIN. We decided that my PhD. endeavor will be pretty costly, and we have to consider that at any given time, only one of us will be able to cover the living expenses of our home. So...we made a decision to move to a townhome where the costs per month equal less than the total income of only one of us.
Right now, I am not earning any money. The first 16 weeks of my work at MCC will be an unpaid volunteer position. We're living only on Eve's salary and that's tough. She earns just enough to pay all of the bills and there's no margin for error. By moving, we reduce our expenses enough to give us opportunity to put money away and feel secure that rainy days will not end up causing a flood from which we cannot recover.
Melvin will be moving to the new place with us..Not optimal, but we committed to helping our friend get past his current station and reach for more in his life. It'll be okay...for the short time we have allotted him. His magic move out date is September 10, 2011. That's the day I have to leave for Santa Barbara to start my program, so the date may be moved backwards or forwards a week or so. I don't want Eve to feel the pressure of my absence and the discomfort of Melvin's dilemma.
I played mechanic this past week. Eve and I did our rat killing the week before and my car's expansion tank (part of the radiator system) cracked spewing fluid everywhere. I ordered the part to fix the problem and once it came in, I installed it in about 35 minutes. Then, I decided to take a look at what was going on with my driver's side window. It seemed to be off track. Well, I get the door panel off and realize that the window regulator slider is broken and that's an easy 2.39$ fix. I order the piece (with a BMW...seems everything has to be ordered). I went back out into the garage to close the driver's side door until the part came in...In a weird, and freakish, occurrence, the window shattered. It was crazy....Anyway, I ended up having to buy a window pane (60$) and Eve and I installed it ourselves. It's actually, pretty easy. Got the window in, needed another slider so had to order that...got it installed, and wouldn't ya know...that's not the problem after all...apparently, the window regulator itself is not feeling well. So...100$ later, we realize I will still have to take my car to have the window fixed. Oh pooh...
We're having a huge garage sale...that's a lot of work. We were going to have it this past weekend, but two birthday parties, and a migraine kept me from making it happen. We're going to have it this coming weekend, and the following weekend until we're able to get rid of most of what we don't need in the apartment. I think the hardest thing to get rid of will be my piano. Don't know what I will do if I am unable to get rid of it....it's too big for the new place, and we have nowhere to store it. Hmmm...that may be problematic and I may end up having to donate it...I would hate to do that...It's an 1874 H.G. Wagner made of rosewood. It's worth about 56,000$....it needs strings replaced (maybe even the whole soundboard) and some minor aesthetic, cosmetic repairs, but the ivories are all in perfect shape and all the original components are still in place. I hate that I won't have room for it anymore.
If anyone knows of someone who would love to have this...don't hesitate to let me know.
Right now, I am not earning any money. The first 16 weeks of my work at MCC will be an unpaid volunteer position. We're living only on Eve's salary and that's tough. She earns just enough to pay all of the bills and there's no margin for error. By moving, we reduce our expenses enough to give us opportunity to put money away and feel secure that rainy days will not end up causing a flood from which we cannot recover.
Melvin will be moving to the new place with us..Not optimal, but we committed to helping our friend get past his current station and reach for more in his life. It'll be okay...for the short time we have allotted him. His magic move out date is September 10, 2011. That's the day I have to leave for Santa Barbara to start my program, so the date may be moved backwards or forwards a week or so. I don't want Eve to feel the pressure of my absence and the discomfort of Melvin's dilemma.
I played mechanic this past week. Eve and I did our rat killing the week before and my car's expansion tank (part of the radiator system) cracked spewing fluid everywhere. I ordered the part to fix the problem and once it came in, I installed it in about 35 minutes. Then, I decided to take a look at what was going on with my driver's side window. It seemed to be off track. Well, I get the door panel off and realize that the window regulator slider is broken and that's an easy 2.39$ fix. I order the piece (with a BMW...seems everything has to be ordered). I went back out into the garage to close the driver's side door until the part came in...In a weird, and freakish, occurrence, the window shattered. It was crazy....Anyway, I ended up having to buy a window pane (60$) and Eve and I installed it ourselves. It's actually, pretty easy. Got the window in, needed another slider so had to order that...got it installed, and wouldn't ya know...that's not the problem after all...apparently, the window regulator itself is not feeling well. So...100$ later, we realize I will still have to take my car to have the window fixed. Oh pooh...
We're having a huge garage sale...that's a lot of work. We were going to have it this past weekend, but two birthday parties, and a migraine kept me from making it happen. We're going to have it this coming weekend, and the following weekend until we're able to get rid of most of what we don't need in the apartment. I think the hardest thing to get rid of will be my piano. Don't know what I will do if I am unable to get rid of it....it's too big for the new place, and we have nowhere to store it. Hmmm...that may be problematic and I may end up having to donate it...I would hate to do that...It's an 1874 H.G. Wagner made of rosewood. It's worth about 56,000$....it needs strings replaced (maybe even the whole soundboard) and some minor aesthetic, cosmetic repairs, but the ivories are all in perfect shape and all the original components are still in place. I hate that I won't have room for it anymore.
If anyone knows of someone who would love to have this...don't hesitate to let me know.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Finally knowing for sure
Well...if I ever needed confirmation that I have been pursuing the correct degree; I finally know for sure. I am!! Yesterday was my first training session at the counseling center. I spent 10 hours learning what kind of clients we serve and what services we provide. It was so encouraging to know that I knew so much about the different topics. Ya know...I sometimes wonder if my "book smarts" would be enough toward the practical application of professional psychology. Apparently, I DID learn everything I was supposed to learn. weeehoooo!!!!
I am so excited. Last week was an extremely emotional week for me, and I just couldn't put my finger on what was wrong. Sure, we're having financial difficulties; of course, there's a guest in our home (AGAIN); I am in the last two weeks of classes (that's always stressful). Still, I am a relatively non-emotional person (at least outwardly) and I was crying at the drop of a maxwell house commercial. Eve and I talked about it on Friday evening...I think it was relief. The fruition of something I want so much. The beginning of my life (that's how it feels).
My emotions reminded me of the year I wanted an aquarium. I dropped subtle (mom said they weren't so subtle) hints by bringing books home from the library, and talking incessantly about what I learned about fish, and aquariums for nine months. Well, I just knew I was going to get one for my birthday. My parents made it such a special day. They took me out to dinner and Connie attended. I received the most beautiful gifts and had one of the best dinners in my short 12 years of life. I remember that Connie's attendance made such an impact and made me feel SOOOOOO special. BUT...no aquarium. I received a beautiful necklace from Connie, and a bottle of Channel # 19 from Chris. Mom and Dad gave me a great card and a ring. It was a jewelry and perfume evening...what more could any girl ask for???? An aquarium, of course. I assumed I had not given the proper hints and that I would try harder so I would receive the aquarium for Christmas. I was not sad, but I was disappointed with myself for not making my desires more clear. So, we left the restaurant (wish I could remember the name of it - it was located in the hotel across from Wieners and the grocery store on the hill by the 290 & hwy 36 intersection). Anyway, we got back to our house and I headed to my bedroom to get ready for bed. I walk in, and there it was - set up, filled with fish - my aquarium! Mom and Dad had the ranch manager come in and set it up while we were gone to dinner. I cried, I cried, I cried...
That is how I felt yesterday...I did it, I have arrived, I will finally do something that makes me feel fulfilled. Oh, I know I still have three years left until I can say, "That's Dr. Andersen", but right now...I am a counselor. I am going to help people help themselves. For as long as I can remember, this is what I have wanted to do...I first realized I wanted to be a psychologist the same year I got my aquarium..weird, huh. The road to this place has been winding to say the least, but at least I continued to walk...
I am so excited. Last week was an extremely emotional week for me, and I just couldn't put my finger on what was wrong. Sure, we're having financial difficulties; of course, there's a guest in our home (AGAIN); I am in the last two weeks of classes (that's always stressful). Still, I am a relatively non-emotional person (at least outwardly) and I was crying at the drop of a maxwell house commercial. Eve and I talked about it on Friday evening...I think it was relief. The fruition of something I want so much. The beginning of my life (that's how it feels).
My emotions reminded me of the year I wanted an aquarium. I dropped subtle (mom said they weren't so subtle) hints by bringing books home from the library, and talking incessantly about what I learned about fish, and aquariums for nine months. Well, I just knew I was going to get one for my birthday. My parents made it such a special day. They took me out to dinner and Connie attended. I received the most beautiful gifts and had one of the best dinners in my short 12 years of life. I remember that Connie's attendance made such an impact and made me feel SOOOOOO special. BUT...no aquarium. I received a beautiful necklace from Connie, and a bottle of Channel # 19 from Chris. Mom and Dad gave me a great card and a ring. It was a jewelry and perfume evening...what more could any girl ask for???? An aquarium, of course. I assumed I had not given the proper hints and that I would try harder so I would receive the aquarium for Christmas. I was not sad, but I was disappointed with myself for not making my desires more clear. So, we left the restaurant (wish I could remember the name of it - it was located in the hotel across from Wieners and the grocery store on the hill by the 290 & hwy 36 intersection). Anyway, we got back to our house and I headed to my bedroom to get ready for bed. I walk in, and there it was - set up, filled with fish - my aquarium! Mom and Dad had the ranch manager come in and set it up while we were gone to dinner. I cried, I cried, I cried...
That is how I felt yesterday...I did it, I have arrived, I will finally do something that makes me feel fulfilled. Oh, I know I still have three years left until I can say, "That's Dr. Andersen", but right now...I am a counselor. I am going to help people help themselves. For as long as I can remember, this is what I have wanted to do...I first realized I wanted to be a psychologist the same year I got my aquarium..weird, huh. The road to this place has been winding to say the least, but at least I continued to walk...
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Almost done
Well, this semester is almost over and I am down to my last three classes, plus my comprehensive exam. It's been a long haul, to say the least. Once I finish my Master's, I will have five weeks before starting my PhD. Then...it's only three years. I am so excited.
I will start seeing clients in a couple of weeks. That has me excited, too. I will only be case manager at the Montrose Counseling Center, but it's a start. Everyone has to start at the bottom, so I am thrilled just to have the experience.
Things are going pretty good, here. Melvin is a good house guest (better than we have ever had). He's very neat, doesn't drink, doesn't do drugs, respects our space and our 'territorialism'. He found a car and we're excited for him. Our rules have always been that you have to have a job within two weeks of moving in, and you have to arrange for your own transportation. Well, Melvin got a car on Monday, and today he is going for a second interview at Pizza Hut. He also has a friend who is the manager at the local Kentucky Fried Chicken, so he's going there to seek employment, too. I think he will get his life back together quite nicely. His magic move-out date is September 10, 2011. That's enough time to save enough money for a small apartment and the deposits. We want Melvin to experience the independence that he lost as his family shunned him when he came out. He's spent the last five years couch surfing, job surfing, and that has taken a toll on his self-confidence. We're hoping this experience will encourage him and give him the tools to thrive again.
On Tuesday I posted an ad in the Kingwood paper to give Clark G. away. He's so active, a little aggressive, and Frodo was scared of him. Tuesday evening a lovely couple and their 13 or 14 year old son came to meet Clark and they fell in love with him. They took him home with them and the woman called me three times the next day to find out if Clark was housebroken (Yes, but we have a doggie door - he doesn't know how to ask to go out), if he is crate trained (we tried, we failed), and if he's ever been left alone (yes, and he did fine). Well, yesterday, after about 30 hours of having Clark, the family brought him back to us. Apparently, he destroyed shoes, hats, DVDs, and pottied all over their house. I think it was separation anxiety because he's never been terribly destructive. He does the normal puppy stuff like stealing my slippers, or chewing things that he shouldn't, but he's never chewed up the DVDs (and he has access to them). Anyway...I must assume that he is meant to live with us. He is happy, Eddie is happy, and Frodo doesn't act afraid of him now. We love him very much and it was so hard to give him away...guess we weren't supposed to.
So...guess I have carried on long enough. Sometimes I don't have anything important to talk about..just the need to talk. Thanks for listening....
I will start seeing clients in a couple of weeks. That has me excited, too. I will only be case manager at the Montrose Counseling Center, but it's a start. Everyone has to start at the bottom, so I am thrilled just to have the experience.
Things are going pretty good, here. Melvin is a good house guest (better than we have ever had). He's very neat, doesn't drink, doesn't do drugs, respects our space and our 'territorialism'. He found a car and we're excited for him. Our rules have always been that you have to have a job within two weeks of moving in, and you have to arrange for your own transportation. Well, Melvin got a car on Monday, and today he is going for a second interview at Pizza Hut. He also has a friend who is the manager at the local Kentucky Fried Chicken, so he's going there to seek employment, too. I think he will get his life back together quite nicely. His magic move-out date is September 10, 2011. That's enough time to save enough money for a small apartment and the deposits. We want Melvin to experience the independence that he lost as his family shunned him when he came out. He's spent the last five years couch surfing, job surfing, and that has taken a toll on his self-confidence. We're hoping this experience will encourage him and give him the tools to thrive again.
On Tuesday I posted an ad in the Kingwood paper to give Clark G. away. He's so active, a little aggressive, and Frodo was scared of him. Tuesday evening a lovely couple and their 13 or 14 year old son came to meet Clark and they fell in love with him. They took him home with them and the woman called me three times the next day to find out if Clark was housebroken (Yes, but we have a doggie door - he doesn't know how to ask to go out), if he is crate trained (we tried, we failed), and if he's ever been left alone (yes, and he did fine). Well, yesterday, after about 30 hours of having Clark, the family brought him back to us. Apparently, he destroyed shoes, hats, DVDs, and pottied all over their house. I think it was separation anxiety because he's never been terribly destructive. He does the normal puppy stuff like stealing my slippers, or chewing things that he shouldn't, but he's never chewed up the DVDs (and he has access to them). Anyway...I must assume that he is meant to live with us. He is happy, Eddie is happy, and Frodo doesn't act afraid of him now. We love him very much and it was so hard to give him away...guess we weren't supposed to.
So...guess I have carried on long enough. Sometimes I don't have anything important to talk about..just the need to talk. Thanks for listening....
