Student Adventures - 1st year in the books

 

Well, my first year as a graduate student is in the books.   This is an online master's program, so that in itself was a challenge but I managed to meet my goals.  I learned how to do some things online that I had not done before.  I am by no means an expert on the computer, but I am learning and growing and enjoying the process.

I took four classes this year and, for the most part, I enjoyed them all.  The research class was very hard and I wish it had been divided up into two different classes.  But, that's a story for another time.  Still, I am proud to say that I completed each class successfully and made all A's.  So, as a graduate student, I have a 4.0 GPA.  I can live with that!

I also have made some pretty good connections this semester.  We had a lot of group projects and discussions and I thoroughly enjoyed my experiences in those.  Group work seems to be a lot different in grad school than in undergrad.  I feel like we take it more seriously and have more invested in it.  But I have come out of these with some people I know that I will encounter again in my career.

It was a great first year and I am happy that I made the choice to do this.  It's time for me to get registered for next year.  I'm pretty sure I know what I'll be taking in the fall, but I'm doing to keep looking for possible electives that peak my interest.  It will be a good semester, no doubt.  I appreciate everyone's encouragement and support.  Keep sending me that good energy!

The Continuing Adventures of Just a Waiter

 I don't mind helping out at work wherever I'm needed.  If you as most of the people that I work with, they will tell you that is true.  Just last night I helped out in the dining room because they were a little short staffed.  I had a good time, as I always do in the dining room.  I feel like I have a good work ethic.  I understand that the most important thing we can do as a team is to make sure that our residents' lives are as stress free as possible.  That's why I will do almost anything that is asked of me.  I live and work for my residents those 8 hours every day that I am at work.

But I have come to truly realize during this chaotic time in my life that I often spread myself too thin by doing too much.  While I don't think that my overall productivity suffers from that, I do believe that my mental health has.  I really don't know how to define myself at work anymore.  I've gotten myself into a position where, in many ways, I have become irreplaceable.  If they were to hire another CSR to take my place, chances are that person is not going to be asked to do 90% of what I do on a daily basis.  Those tasks would return to the departments where they originated.  

It's definitely a double-edged sword.  While I am honored that those above me trust me with these tasks, I also wonder if I get them because no one else will or wants to do them?  I guess, in the end, it doesn't matter because things need to get done and I see that they do.  It simply makes me ask what about my job now has anything to do with the job I was hired to do.  Is it ok for me to say no?  I know that I have every right to refuse things that are out of my realm, but I rarely do because I know it's for the good of my residents.  Ah, well.

Anyway, this is a good learning experience for me.  I know that wherever I end up next, I am going to keep closer tabs on myself and not become that go to person that is both reliable and yet expendable.  That is all.  

Quote of the Week

 

Close Every Door - Donny Osmond

 I absolutely love the score for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  It's one of those shows that's on my bucket list to see live.  I have seen the film, which is where this version is from, and I think that film is immensely entertaining.  I highly recommend it.  Anyway, this song is so haunting and beautifully sung by Osmond.  If you never heard it before, give it a listen.  I hope you enjoy!

10 Things to Remind Myself Of

There are a lot of things changing in my life right now.  Hopefully, for the better.  But it's easy to get mired down and depressed about things from time to time.  That's natural.  And it's natural to be scared when you're going through change.  So, I thought of a few things that I will remind myself of when I have doubts.

1. Be kind to myself

2.  Don't let myself be undervalued

3.  This time is all about me.  

4.  There is no shame in asking for help

5.  I don't have to say yes to everything

6.  If I'm struggling, let someone know

7.  Rediscover the things I enjoy that I have set aside

8.  If I begin to sell myself short, step back and remember it's not true

9.  Finish projects I start

10.  Do things for myself as often as possible

The quiet

 

Normally, I enjoy the quiet mornings.  I enjoy that peaceful feeling of sitting and drinking my coffee and just enjoying the stillness of it all.  I find it relaxing and, at the same time, motivating.  It is a good way for me to start the day.  This morning, I did not particularly like the quiet.  In fact, the quiet was loudly ringing in my ears.  For so long, the quiet mornings were because I needed to be quiet and I came to enjoy that sensation. I didn't want to disturb anyone.  

This morning's quiet was different.  There was no one for me to worry about disturbing.  There was no need to be quiet, and yet, quiet it was.  As much as I enjoy moments of solitude, this felt different.  I did not feel lonely as much as I felt empty.  I know that I won't always feel like that.  There will be reasons in life to fill that empty space, but for the time being, the quiet is deafening.  I will adjust in time.  I just did not expect something that I enjoy so much to feel so different so quickly.

That is all.  

Recipe of the Week - Orange Dreamsicle Salad

 I came upon this recipe on YouTube from one of my subscriptions.  I thought I would give it a try because it sounded like something I would enjoy.  And I was right!  I made it for my Sunday dinner and really liked it.  It's the perfect side dish for warmer weather.  You can also use it as a dessert.  It's pretty quick and easy to put together as well, which is always a plus.  I hope you enjoy!

Orange Dreamsicle Salad

3 oz box of orange jello

1 cup of boiling water

1/2 cup of cold water

1 small box of instant vanilla pudding

1 15 oz can of mandarin oranges, drained

1 20 oz can of crushed pineapple, drained

1 8 oz carton of cool whip or 8 oz of whipped cream

Dissolve jello in boiling water in your mixing bowl.  Once it's thoroughly dissolved, add cold water and stir.  Place in the fridge for 20 minutes.  The jello will not set but will begin to gel some.  Remove the jello from the fridge and stir in the pudding mix until well blended.  Fold in the drained fruit.  Fold in cool whip until well combined.  Transfer to your serving bowl.  Place back into the fridge for a few hours to let it firm up.  Serve chilled.