The pros and cons of being a social worker...

The amount of heartache and sadness I see for families and babies can sometimes be overwhelming. I feel as if I should have a private line to Child Protective Services (CPS). It is just amazing how many times I have had to contact them in the past few weeks. Just when I think all is well, something new comes up with one of the families. Anyway, on the brighter side, there was a baby that discharged from the hospital, and was already being followed by CPS, but the family ended up fleeing, or as they said moving, to another state just after discharge from the hospital. The authorities have been looking for them for a bit over a week now and I found out today that baby has been found and is in great condition. What a relief.

Also, recently, we had a surrogate mother deliver a baby at the hospital for 2 fathers from out of the country. I really don't think I have truly seen a couple happier to have a baby. that baby is going to be so loved. It was so nice to help a family that truly wanted help and that was so interested in caring for a baby. Through all the crazy sad stuff I see at work, these are 2 good stories.

In other news, we are trying to be a bit more green. we have a long way to go, but we are doing some little things. when I go to the grocery store or shopping, i am now taking my 3 reusable bags. i love it. everyone kind of looks at me funny, but i don't care, it is a great way not to use those plastic bags. Also, i get 5 cents credit at Kroger for every reusable bag i use. how great is that?

In school news, I was recently nominated for 2 really great associations. I was nominated to be a part of phi kappa phi, which is the "oldest and largest collegiate honor society dedicated to the recognition and promotion of academic excellence in all disciplines". I have turned in the nomination application and now i just wait to see if I get accepted. Also, i was just nominated for the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges Award for the 2008-09 academic year. "This award recognizes undergraduate and graduate students who are outstanding in such areas as academic achievement, co-curricular involvement, campus leadership, and community service". I have to fill out this pretty long and intensive application, but if i am accepted, that would be pretty great. I am not quite sure who on campus is nominating me for these positions, but i guess someone likes me. :)

so, the election is about 13 days away. early voting started last week, so there is no excuse for you not to vote. there is plenty of time. No matter who you choose to vote for, please make sure and vote. America is not perfect, by any means, but having the right to elect our president is a luxury we should not take for granted. ok, I am stepping off my soap box right now.

No other major news going on. I think michael and I have opted against celebrating Halloween this year. Last year, we only had about 3 families knock on our door, so we are going to buy a small bag of candy and pass out candy while we study. I don't even think we are going to carve a pumpkin this year. All that to say, I am looking forward to thanksgiving and christmas. :) well, I am off.

Good News!!

I don't have time to write much today, but I did want to post about my great day yesterday. I have officially lost more than 40 pounds!!! I got a 98 on my statistics homework and a 100 on the midterm. I actually set the curve, how great is that?! Michael is also doing well, he got a 98 on his last test. Even though this semester is crazy hard, at least we are doing well, that makes it all worth while. have a great day everyone. It is hump day!!

A whirlwind!!

I can say that it seems that the weeks and months are flying by. No sooner do we start a month or week and it is already on to the next one. I guess that is good in a way, so this craziness will be over sooner than we know it.

Not too much new going on here. We are both still plugging along with school. it is so time consuming and brain numbing, but at least we are both doing well, grade wise. :) we did take some time out this friday to see Religulous. It is a movie by Bill Maher addressing the idea that most organized religions believe the same basic things, yet everyone who believes those religions believes their religion is correct. How is that truly possible? I really enjoyed it. He asks a lot of great questions.

We have put up a lot of new photos in our house. It has been quite a project, but it is done now and they all look great. It is nice to walk around the house and see faces of friends and family.

This is sad, but one of the highlights of this weekend was purchasing a new desk lamp for michael to use in the office and a laptop desk for me to use on the couch. Our respective study spots are Michael in the office and me on the couch. :) the old desk lamp put off a ton of heat and so the office always got very hot, this new one is an LED one and it is much better. My wrist was always hurting from using my laptop and mouse while on the couch, so now I have a new laptop desk that i can put in my lap and it has a spot for me to use my mouse, so hopefully my wrist wont hurt as much.

One thing I do want to talk about are the debates and the presidential election. So, I know most of you know that I am democrat, but this election is really bringing that out. First off, we need a change in this country, things have really gone downhill over the past 8 years. Second, did you see Palin during the debate? do we really want someone from some small town in Alaska who can barely put whole thoughts together possibly running the country? I don't. Now, for Biden, i really like him. I know he is arrogant and such, but i still like him. How can I not like someone who wrote the Violence Against Women Act? I actually wrote my policy analysis paper last semester on that act. We actually thought about getting an Obama/Biden yard sign, but you actually have to pay for them and on principle, I don't think I should pay for something that will help advertise for someone. Anyway, I might actually still purchase one, we will see. :)

Well, I am off my high horse for now. Have a great week everyone.