Good God...has it really been since forEVER since I've posted??? I couldn't even remember my log-in!
Just letting all of you know that I'm still around; still hoping to post an update soon; still in grad school (on target to graduate in May); still engaged; still DBing; still keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
The problem with being off the board for so long is that I am overwhelmed and can't figure out where to begin. Do I go back to my last postings and try to catch up? Do I begin where I am, and post current, past and future? Where to begin...
Since I only have 15 minutes left on my lunch break, I think the best place to start is right here and now, so here's where things are now:
A funny thing happened on the way to GAL...I actually DID get a life! Huh...imagine that. Must be a little seed of wisdom in that bit of DB advice. Thanks, Michele!
Graduate work -- I am now 1 & 1/2 classes and a research practicum away from obtaining my Masters in Public Administration with a Health & Human Services emphasis. For those of you who have no idea where to begin on your GAL activities, I would highly recommend returning to school. There is nothing like submerging yourself in academic studies to help you move forward. If you don't have your undergraduate degree, get one! If you have an undergrad but not a graduate degree, get one! If you already have both, then consider another graduate degree or some other sort of professional certification program that requires you to study, sit for an exam, and CEU's for recertification. There are plenty, plenty, plenty programs out there that cater to non-traditional students who cannot quit their day jobs. You can do it!
Along with my graduate studies, I obtained two such professional certifcations this fall. Cool beans!
Things are going wonderfully with H2B (Hubby 2 Be). I still have little to no contact with his DD17, but that's still working okay. H2B is on the grand count-down for her H.S. graduation and enrollment in college next fall (probably a junior or community college). He still struggles with the politics with DD17 and his XW, but I have an immense amount of respect for him for sticking with it. His DD17 really has no idea how lucky she is. You may recall that I grew up without a father; what I would have given to have a father half as committed to her as he is! Granted his style can be challenging, but I still think he's incredible for sticking with it for all these years.
Both my DGS's (darling grandsons) are nearly 2 & 1/2 years. I haven't seen the oldest since his 2nd birthday in June (long story for another post), but I still see the younger about every 6 weeks. It's so amazing because they are not babies anymore...they are little boys! Surely my children didn't grow that fast!
