THE SIMPLE LIFE

Hmm…Got my first final tomorrow and I haven’t really started studying. This is not good. I slept in until 12:30 today and now I’m blogging as a means to delay studying. Having a hard time focusing.

But I forgot to tell you guys my final externship assignment. So here’s my schedule for next year:

Summer: Rapid City, South Dakota
Fall: Detroit, Michigan
Winter: West Haven, Connecticut
Spring: Chicago, Illinois

I am soo psyched about this! It’s exactly what I wanted – perhaps even better than Seattle. (Sorry Sam, there was no way I was going to get it cuz my classmate who set up the site got priority for summer. Guess that means you’re going to have to save that ride on your motorcycle for another time).

I was looking up Rapid City and it sounds like the perfect time to be there is in the summer. It’s close to Mount Rushmore and all these different national parks. Now I know I’m not super out-doorsy but maybe it’ll change if I live out there for a while. Either way, I know I can definitely appreciate the beauty of nature.

Detroit – yeah, I’m so excited to be close to everyone. I’m not planning to live in Detroit (so Cam, hopefully I’ll stay alive *grin*); more likely finding a place to stay in Windsor and than just crossing the border to work every day. That what a lot of the previous students did – most ppl who take the Detroit site are Canadian any way. Besides, didn’t you guys say there’s a great outlet mall around? *wink* Perfect excuse! It’ll be great since I’ll actually get to be around for Thanksgiving next year! And I can come back and see everyone more often too. Although now that most people are working, I wonder how often we’d actually get together. Either way, at least I’m closer than ever.

I don't know what West Haven would be like in the winter but I don't particularly care about the city itself because site is at a blind institute and I'm really looking forward to going there for low vision. Apparently you can learn Braille too if you want!

The best part about all this is that all these sites sound like they are amazing learning opportunities. All the student feedbacks have been great – from what you get to see to what the preceptors are willing to teach and I’m eager to find out all the things that I can gain from all of this. The crazy part will be moving every 3 months. I’ve never done the co-op thing so I think it’ll be hard to just start to get settled in and than needing to move again. But it’ll definitely be an experience.

The hard part is enjoying where I am right now. I do…but I don’t think nearly enough. I can’t believe that I’m already halfway done 3rd year. Only 2 more quarters left and we’re all pretty much going our separate ways until graduation. I keep reminding myself to just sit back and enjoy this moment, that I’m not going to have it again: the school atmosphere, the camaraderie, the sleeping in whenever I want.

I was just commenting last night how thankful I need to be because there is absolutely nothing I should ever complain about. I have a roof over my head, a warm bed, plenty of food, a wonderful family, awesome friends and a great education. I’ve never lacked anything. There is no reason to ever be sad, angry or upset. I know I’ve never done or can do anything to deserve it. It’s just been given to me. Just like it’s been given to all of us. How blessed are we! How many people can say that? And how many are completely satisfied, filled with joy and peace? You alone satisfy. You alone are enough.