My neighbors upstairs have been driving me absolutely insane lately. The guy stomps around cursing at his partner and calling her all sorts of vulgar and offensive names. I hear crashes and bangs that I believe could possibly be part of domestic violence, but there is no way to know for sure when you can't see it. I've called the police on two separate occasions because I figure that if I have any reasonable suspicion, it's my responsibility to give her the option to send his ass to jail. Nothing has resulted from any of the visits, so I'm assuming that there was no physical violence and they left, or she lied and chose not to press charges.
It just pisses me off because I hear the terrible things he says to her. Verbal and emotional abuse causes trauma that lasts so much longer than a bruise or a broken bone....but you never see anyone getting arrested for it.
Argh.
I had to go up there a little while ago and ask him to turn his music down as it is ELEVEN PM and I am trying to sleep. The music was so loud that it was literally vibrating my walls. C'mon....you're in your friggin 50's...do you really need to blast music at eleven o'clock at night?
I also asked him to quit stomping when he walked around. Currently, the music is off but the stomping continues. I'm so glad I don't have to get up early tomorrow morning.
I've devised a cease and desist letter to present to him. I've been too afraid to go up and confront him when he is in one of his rages, so I figure the letter is the best way to let him know it's time to shape up or ship the hell out. They are section 8 tenants, which means that if they get evicted, they could potentially lose their voucher from the county, and won't able to pay for housing.
On one hand, I don't want to see someone lose their housing. I work with baterers every day, and I know people are capable of changing their abusive behavior. However, it is absolutely not ok to let this behavior continue just because I don't want them to lose their housing. I'm hoping this letter is enough incentive to make him knock this crap off. If not, it's on him, not me.
Ugh...apartment management sucks ass.
**UPDATE***
So at 1am last night, I was woken up by someone saying "get the fuck off me!" I looked out my window only to see the female tenants practically dragging his sorry ass across the sidewalk because he was too drunk or high to even walk. Then he had apparently lost his keys and they were making all kinds of racket trying to figure their shit out.
Well that explains a whole lot...
Monday, December 14, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Long Time No See...
So, I haven't updated in a while. Oh well...I'm already over it. Ha.
So, I've been working on (and stressing out about) a giant 30 page research paper. I finally got it finished and ready for some peer editing. Once I get those edits back I'll be able to clean it up and get it ready for the final due date. I can't wait to get it out of my hands so I don't have to worry about it any more!
I've also been working both jobs...one as a domestic violence counselor, and one as a clinical case manager for severely mentally ill populations. I'm not too thrilled about the latter. Don't get me wrong, I love my clients, but I'm not so sure I'm thrilled about the environment. My supervisor is often gone, and I typically end up working more as a social worker than an actual therapist. I don't really feel like I'm getting the kind of clinical experience I need to grow as a marriage and family therapist. In any case, I'm still learning a lot, and will move on to a new placement one I graduate in May. I'm hoping I'll feel more comfortable there. :)
I've also been stressing out a bit lately about the future. Once I graduate in May, I'll have my MS in clinical psychology, but I will need to work as an intern (MFTI) to gather my 3,000 hours before I can take the test for my MFT licensure. I really have no idea how much money I'm going to be making as an MFTI, or if it will be enough to support myself. 3k hours takes 2 years if you are working full time, but if I won't be making enough money, I may have to work as an intern part time and take on another job to support myself. This means it could take 3-4 years just to become licensed as an MFT.
Blech. I hate thinking about the uncertian future. Especially when it threatens my ability to start my life with Brian. It's gonna be awfully hard to move out together if I'm not making any decent moeny. Oh well, I suppose we will cross that bridge when we get to it.
On a more positive note, I have a couple more pictures from Nikki's wedding to share. Big thanks to Britt and Cheri for taking such beautiful photos!
So, I've been working on (and stressing out about) a giant 30 page research paper. I finally got it finished and ready for some peer editing. Once I get those edits back I'll be able to clean it up and get it ready for the final due date. I can't wait to get it out of my hands so I don't have to worry about it any more!
I've also been working both jobs...one as a domestic violence counselor, and one as a clinical case manager for severely mentally ill populations. I'm not too thrilled about the latter. Don't get me wrong, I love my clients, but I'm not so sure I'm thrilled about the environment. My supervisor is often gone, and I typically end up working more as a social worker than an actual therapist. I don't really feel like I'm getting the kind of clinical experience I need to grow as a marriage and family therapist. In any case, I'm still learning a lot, and will move on to a new placement one I graduate in May. I'm hoping I'll feel more comfortable there. :)
I've also been stressing out a bit lately about the future. Once I graduate in May, I'll have my MS in clinical psychology, but I will need to work as an intern (MFTI) to gather my 3,000 hours before I can take the test for my MFT licensure. I really have no idea how much money I'm going to be making as an MFTI, or if it will be enough to support myself. 3k hours takes 2 years if you are working full time, but if I won't be making enough money, I may have to work as an intern part time and take on another job to support myself. This means it could take 3-4 years just to become licensed as an MFT.
Blech. I hate thinking about the uncertian future. Especially when it threatens my ability to start my life with Brian. It's gonna be awfully hard to move out together if I'm not making any decent moeny. Oh well, I suppose we will cross that bridge when we get to it.
On a more positive note, I have a couple more pictures from Nikki's wedding to share. Big thanks to Britt and Cheri for taking such beautiful photos!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Nikki's Wedding 10/24/2009
The wedding went off just beautifully! The view was AMAZING, and everything came together just perfectly. The view from the venue was nothing but the Golden Gate, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and all of SF. It was AMAZING!
After having my makeup done, and on my way to pick up my cousin
Cousins
These are a few of the photos that Brittany has released thus far:
How flipping amazing are these shots?!?! I can't wait to see the rest!
That's all for now!
After having my makeup done, and on my way to pick up my cousin
Cousins
These are a few of the photos that Brittany has released thus far:
How flipping amazing are these shots?!?! I can't wait to see the rest!
That's all for now!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Hair Trouble
Because I know almost nothing about doing formal hair and makeup, I had a girl that I found on craigslist come over yesterday to meet me and do a trial before Nikki's wedding. She did my makeup really really well, but the hair was less than stellar. I can't really blame her. My hair is so short, an entire updo is really not possible, and there are not a lot of options past that. Here is what she did:
BORING!!!
There was no product in my hair at all, and her attempt with a curling iron to give it a bit of a wave just made it look messy. The whole thing was not that impressive. The makeup though was fantastic. She did a great job with that.
I went to the beauty store today and talked to the lady that worked there. I told her that my hair is NOTORIOUS for not holding a curl for more than a minute, and asked her what I could use. She suggested a specific holding spray, and a 3/4" barrel curling iron. I bought the spray and a pretty clip, and then went over to Target to find the curling iron for a cheaper price. I also bought a strong hold mousse.
I took a shower but made sure to use a small amount of cheap suave conditioner. That crap SUCKS, but it was perfect because it didn't weigh my hair down. I know you're supposed to not shower to make curls stay, but I HATE doing that. I had to shower the night before when I had my hair done for Michelle's wedding, and my hair felt dirty the entire day. Blech.
I then put tons of the mousse in and dried my hair with my fingers rather than a brush. I have to say, this messy drying technique gave my hair a lot more volume, and texture. I then heated up the curling iron and went section by section. I sprayed each section with the holding spray before curling, and it helped keep things nice and tight.
I then used the clip I found and voila!
With hair so short and resistant to curling, I really think this is the best I'm going to be able to do. I'll be one of the only bridesmaids without a complete updo, but whatever, I tried growing my hair out and it just didn't grow fast enough!
What have all of you been up to this weekend?
BORING!!!
There was no product in my hair at all, and her attempt with a curling iron to give it a bit of a wave just made it look messy. The whole thing was not that impressive. The makeup though was fantastic. She did a great job with that.
I went to the beauty store today and talked to the lady that worked there. I told her that my hair is NOTORIOUS for not holding a curl for more than a minute, and asked her what I could use. She suggested a specific holding spray, and a 3/4" barrel curling iron. I bought the spray and a pretty clip, and then went over to Target to find the curling iron for a cheaper price. I also bought a strong hold mousse.
I took a shower but made sure to use a small amount of cheap suave conditioner. That crap SUCKS, but it was perfect because it didn't weigh my hair down. I know you're supposed to not shower to make curls stay, but I HATE doing that. I had to shower the night before when I had my hair done for Michelle's wedding, and my hair felt dirty the entire day. Blech.
I then put tons of the mousse in and dried my hair with my fingers rather than a brush. I have to say, this messy drying technique gave my hair a lot more volume, and texture. I then heated up the curling iron and went section by section. I sprayed each section with the holding spray before curling, and it helped keep things nice and tight.
I then used the clip I found and voila!
With hair so short and resistant to curling, I really think this is the best I'm going to be able to do. I'll be one of the only bridesmaids without a complete updo, but whatever, I tried growing my hair out and it just didn't grow fast enough!
What have all of you been up to this weekend?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
My Brag Blog
I didn't realize how negative that last blog was until I read it again. I must have been in a crummy mood when I wrote it, lol. So THIS (as requested by Marni) is my Brag blog. Trust me, I have plenty to brag about...I just managed to overlook it all earlier!
October 4th was my 2 year dating anniversary with Brian. Unfortunately, I was down with a cold so we didn't really get to do much, but he surprised me by telling me that he is going to take me to DISNEYLAND for Halloween! This wonderful man remembered a comment I made about the fact that I have never made it out to Disneyland to see it all decked out for Halloween, and decided to surprise me with a weekend trip ON Halloween. How sweet is this man?!?
It really has been the best two years of my life. I don't have to change one single bit of myself around him and can be my silly, slightly crazy, not always ladylike self. He loves me for it, and I love him even more for that. The relationship never feels like work to me, even when we don't see eye to eye. I love being with him, I love everything about him, and this two year marker felt really great. Like I've said before, I can't wait for life to hurry up and happen so I can say "goodnight" to him in person every single night for the rest of my life. :)
KITTIES!!
Layla is adjusting really well, and is getting along much better with Tawny. It was a little iffy at first, but now they even like each other enough to cuddle with one another. They still fight from time to time, but who doesn't? We are both really glad that we brought her into the home, and feel like Tawny is opening up more now that she has another kitty to play with in the house. They chase each other all over the place and get into all sorts of trouble, but it's cute to watch and we love every minute of it.
So hopefully this helps to balance things out from yesterday's post. I have plenty of good things going on and it will probably be helpful to focus more on these things than the craziness that is my life. I've been really really good on my weight watchers and am looking forward to seeing more movement on the scale. It isn't going as fast as I would like, but it IS going which is the most important thing. Worst case scenario I can take the dress in to hopefully have it altered a bit, but I'm hoping that if I stay strong for the next 2 weeks that this won't have to happen.
Only time will tell!
October 4th was my 2 year dating anniversary with Brian. Unfortunately, I was down with a cold so we didn't really get to do much, but he surprised me by telling me that he is going to take me to DISNEYLAND for Halloween! This wonderful man remembered a comment I made about the fact that I have never made it out to Disneyland to see it all decked out for Halloween, and decided to surprise me with a weekend trip ON Halloween. How sweet is this man?!?
It really has been the best two years of my life. I don't have to change one single bit of myself around him and can be my silly, slightly crazy, not always ladylike self. He loves me for it, and I love him even more for that. The relationship never feels like work to me, even when we don't see eye to eye. I love being with him, I love everything about him, and this two year marker felt really great. Like I've said before, I can't wait for life to hurry up and happen so I can say "goodnight" to him in person every single night for the rest of my life. :)
KITTIES!!
Layla is adjusting really well, and is getting along much better with Tawny. It was a little iffy at first, but now they even like each other enough to cuddle with one another. They still fight from time to time, but who doesn't? We are both really glad that we brought her into the home, and feel like Tawny is opening up more now that she has another kitty to play with in the house. They chase each other all over the place and get into all sorts of trouble, but it's cute to watch and we love every minute of it.
So hopefully this helps to balance things out from yesterday's post. I have plenty of good things going on and it will probably be helpful to focus more on these things than the craziness that is my life. I've been really really good on my weight watchers and am looking forward to seeing more movement on the scale. It isn't going as fast as I would like, but it IS going which is the most important thing. Worst case scenario I can take the dress in to hopefully have it altered a bit, but I'm hoping that if I stay strong for the next 2 weeks that this won't have to happen.
Only time will tell!
Monday, October 12, 2009
An Update
Thanks to Columbus day, I have the morning off from my placement, and time to write a little update before I have to go to class. I got to sleep in until 8:30 this morning, and it felt fantastic!
Here is what my schedule is looking like nowadays:
Monday: Placement 8-12, School 1:30-7:15
Tuesday: Placement 8-12, School 1:30-4:15, Work 5:15-10pm
Wednesday: Placement 8-4
Thursday: Meetings 8:30-12, School 3-8:45pm
Friday: Work 6:30-9pm
I usually get to see Brian for dinner on Wednesday nights since I only work a regular day and have time to cook after, and on the weekends. It sucks not seeing him more, and I'm really looking forward to the day when we are living together so I don't have to go so long in between!
My placement is working out ok, but it has been full of a lot of stress. This is their first time having MFT Trainees with real caseloads of clients, and they don't quite understand how to balance the workload with the fact that we are only there 16 hours a week. I finally had to put my foot down and draw the line at 6 clients. Fortunately, my boss is good at listening to what we need, and is very flexible. It has just been very stressful in the meantime while waiting for a more realistic workload.
I feel like the placement is taking up all of my energy, and not giving me the time I need to put into the 5 classes I'm currently taking. I am so behind on my reading that it isn't even funny. I don't see myself catching up anytime soon either. I mean damn, when I've been working from 8am-10pm between the various locations, and have an hour or two before bed, the last thing I want to do is academic reading.
blech. I guess I'm just still waiting for all the dust to settle. I'm hoping to see it all settle soon.
In other news, I apparently had a GREAT summer, because I am up 8lbs since May. I bought a dress in May for the wedding I am in on the 24th of this month, and found out about 2 weeks ago that it no longer fits. Not only does it not fit, but the last 2-3 inches won't zip at all. That is a bit of a problem.
Since I had a month before the wedding, I figured I'd go on Weight Watchers hardcore to try to lose the weight. 8lbs, 4 weeks, 2 lbs a week....that seems realistic, right?
Boy was I wrong!
I was SO FRIGGIN GOOD on my points, and my body refused to budge an inch. I was drinking all my water, taking my vitamins, getting all my servings of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protiens. It's like I started my diet on a feakin plateau or something. I'm so used to hearing people talk about how the weight melts off at first, and then starts to taper down. Ha! I wish.
I'm pretty sure that the stress from my life has everything to do with this. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot I can do to reduce stress. My schedule is what it is, and I can't really do anything about it if I plan to graduate any time soon.
Anyway, so I finally saw some movement on the scale this past Saturday morning, and am now down 3.2 lbs for the last two weeks. I was hoping it would be at least 4 for the two weeks, but I've got to say, I'm just happy to see any movement at all. I'm hoping that in the remaining 2 weeks, my body will start to lose weight more steadily, and I can lose the remaining 4.8 lbs. Only time will tell I suppose.
That is pretty much my life in a nutshell right now. ..Ready for life to hurry up and happen, Stressful schedule between 2 jobs and 5 classes, Frustrating weight loss adventures.
What's new with all of you?
Here is what my schedule is looking like nowadays:
Monday: Placement 8-12, School 1:30-7:15
Tuesday: Placement 8-12, School 1:30-4:15, Work 5:15-10pm
Wednesday: Placement 8-4
Thursday: Meetings 8:30-12, School 3-8:45pm
Friday: Work 6:30-9pm
I usually get to see Brian for dinner on Wednesday nights since I only work a regular day and have time to cook after, and on the weekends. It sucks not seeing him more, and I'm really looking forward to the day when we are living together so I don't have to go so long in between!
My placement is working out ok, but it has been full of a lot of stress. This is their first time having MFT Trainees with real caseloads of clients, and they don't quite understand how to balance the workload with the fact that we are only there 16 hours a week. I finally had to put my foot down and draw the line at 6 clients. Fortunately, my boss is good at listening to what we need, and is very flexible. It has just been very stressful in the meantime while waiting for a more realistic workload.
I feel like the placement is taking up all of my energy, and not giving me the time I need to put into the 5 classes I'm currently taking. I am so behind on my reading that it isn't even funny. I don't see myself catching up anytime soon either. I mean damn, when I've been working from 8am-10pm between the various locations, and have an hour or two before bed, the last thing I want to do is academic reading.
blech. I guess I'm just still waiting for all the dust to settle. I'm hoping to see it all settle soon.
In other news, I apparently had a GREAT summer, because I am up 8lbs since May. I bought a dress in May for the wedding I am in on the 24th of this month, and found out about 2 weeks ago that it no longer fits. Not only does it not fit, but the last 2-3 inches won't zip at all. That is a bit of a problem.
Since I had a month before the wedding, I figured I'd go on Weight Watchers hardcore to try to lose the weight. 8lbs, 4 weeks, 2 lbs a week....that seems realistic, right?
Boy was I wrong!
I was SO FRIGGIN GOOD on my points, and my body refused to budge an inch. I was drinking all my water, taking my vitamins, getting all my servings of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protiens. It's like I started my diet on a feakin plateau or something. I'm so used to hearing people talk about how the weight melts off at first, and then starts to taper down. Ha! I wish.
I'm pretty sure that the stress from my life has everything to do with this. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot I can do to reduce stress. My schedule is what it is, and I can't really do anything about it if I plan to graduate any time soon.
Anyway, so I finally saw some movement on the scale this past Saturday morning, and am now down 3.2 lbs for the last two weeks. I was hoping it would be at least 4 for the two weeks, but I've got to say, I'm just happy to see any movement at all. I'm hoping that in the remaining 2 weeks, my body will start to lose weight more steadily, and I can lose the remaining 4.8 lbs. Only time will tell I suppose.
That is pretty much my life in a nutshell right now. ..Ready for life to hurry up and happen, Stressful schedule between 2 jobs and 5 classes, Frustrating weight loss adventures.
What's new with all of you?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Introducing Layla!
We are proud to introduce our newest addition to the family:
Her hobbies include:
Meet Layla!
Her hobbies include:
Sleeping:
Helping her mom:
Acting Like a Lady:
More Sleeping:
Playing with water in the sink or shower:
And just being generally cute!
Acting Like a Lady:
More Sleeping:
Playing with water in the sink or shower:
And just being generally cute!
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