It's been an interesting past month or so. I've been on the go more than anticipated but it's gone incredibly well. However, I better not speak too soon, I'm sitting in the airport in Cleveland waiting to fly back home, through Minneapolis, of course.
First my traveling started with a road trip to eastern Wisconsin for a B-E-A-UTIFUL wedding. It was an adventure through Amish country, cranberry bogs and lots of nothingness (particularly across Minnesota). The parents-of-the-groom do live in Austin, so if I ever need a break while making a trek like that again, I may just give them a call =)
Next was the branding in Lakeview. No surprises there, other than another AMAZING weekend with "family" that I love. No major injuries, just a few bangs and bruises overall. I rode horse, helped sort, wrestled calves and even learned how to give vaccination shots! Some people would like to say that the drive to Rosebud is a drive through nothingness, but I strongly object and say it's a drive right into God's Country!
My previous post was a little bit about my trip to DC. It was a whirlwind, too much conference and not enough tourist time. Blair, Nate and I did get to eat at a couple local places and take the After Dark bus tour of the monuments - I would recommend that tour to anyone. It's crazy how one statue, monument, or building can look so different. My favorite thing was the Marine Memorial (better known as Iwo Jima). I would have loved to stick around for the weekend, but I had to fly back home, do laundry and pack back up for my trip to Cleveland.
On Monday, I flew off to Cleveland, where I now sit, for a conference for the VA Spinal Cord Injury System of Care. It was a pretty good conference and I met some helpful people I will not hesitate to use in the future with questions or concerns that pop up. Networking is all it's about right??? I came to Cleveland not being too excited to come here, to say the least. For the most part, it lived up to my expectations, but there were a few diamonds in the rough. The architecture was striking, especially with all the old churches they have ALL OVER the city. I'm kicking myself for not getting any pictures of that. We had some poor directions of how to get to some places in the city, but stumbled upon it last night and were quite impressed with some of the shops and places to eat. I even rode a mechanical bull - twice! Of course, Lake Erie was a sight to see, but it's still pretty chilly and the area we were by didn't have much of a lake front or Pier, but now I am happy to say I've been to 3 of the great lakes.
Well, I'll have some pictures to follow about the above, but for now, I'm going to wrap this up and work on a crossword puzzle until it's time to board. Once I get home this afternoon, I'll be home for a little while. But I can't get too comfortable, there is always something (near or far) that it seems I need to run to.
PS: Cleveland does NOT rock...
Friday, April 30, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
History
With all that's been going on and the running around that I've been doing, it's been pointed out to me (numerous times) that I'm young. This can be a disadvantage or work in my favor - either way, it can be quite intimidating to present myself to groups and other professionals.
Last week I was in D.C. for the 2010 Social Work Congress. It's a national gathering of social workers from all across the country (and US Territories). This was the 2nd gathering with the first one being held 5 years ago. Each Congress has a mission for the social workers that have been selected to attend. The first one was focused on clinical goals. This year was the year to plan the future of social work. Across the country, a majority of social workers are of the Baby Boomer generation and are nearing retirement. That can be a scary thought when you think about all the knowledge and processes that will be exiting the field.
This year's theme was "Reaffirm, Revisit & Re-imagine the Profession." They also had to get 30 social workers under the age of 30, to help represent the up and coming leaders of the field. I was honored to be one of the 30 (and surprisingly I wasn't the youngest...). But I was the youngest Masters graduate, which I did feel put some pressure on me.
Not to say this is anywhere similar, but I've heard an individual of a race or gender say they feel that they are being heard as the entire race, but it's just their opinion. That is what I felt like. I was say something and as soon as I'd start to speak, everyone within ear shot would stop and listen and say, "say that again, we need to better understand the young people that will be replacing us," whether or not it had anything to do with social work. No pressure. I've just been working for 2.5 years as a Master graduate social worker, and now I'm expected to help form the social work goals and values for the next 10 years...are you kidding me?
It was a very informative and interesting process. We were split into work groups where we would come up with a vision for that topic. Each group had 100 people in it, but were broken down into 10 smaller groups. The topics I was assigned to was Leadership Development and Influence. At my tables I had people of various ages, experiences, backgrounds and practice. I really enjoyed and learned a lot. I also feel that some people were able to walk away with some new thoughts or beliefs after hearing my (the younger, more conservative) side of things. Haha, I think it was more eye opening for them to hear the conservative point of view vs. the younger...not many Republican social workers now-a-days...or ever.
With that, I just want to thank people of all ages and walks of life. Everyone has impacted me and my belief system in some way or another. I would not be who I am today. The social work field will feel some great losses with some of my colleagues that will soon retire, but I hope I will do them proud and become a great leader in my profession. And someday, I can help educate young, newer, social workers on the history of social work =)
Last week I was in D.C. for the 2010 Social Work Congress. It's a national gathering of social workers from all across the country (and US Territories). This was the 2nd gathering with the first one being held 5 years ago. Each Congress has a mission for the social workers that have been selected to attend. The first one was focused on clinical goals. This year was the year to plan the future of social work. Across the country, a majority of social workers are of the Baby Boomer generation and are nearing retirement. That can be a scary thought when you think about all the knowledge and processes that will be exiting the field.
This year's theme was "Reaffirm, Revisit & Re-imagine the Profession." They also had to get 30 social workers under the age of 30, to help represent the up and coming leaders of the field. I was honored to be one of the 30 (and surprisingly I wasn't the youngest...). But I was the youngest Masters graduate, which I did feel put some pressure on me.
Not to say this is anywhere similar, but I've heard an individual of a race or gender say they feel that they are being heard as the entire race, but it's just their opinion. That is what I felt like. I was say something and as soon as I'd start to speak, everyone within ear shot would stop and listen and say, "say that again, we need to better understand the young people that will be replacing us," whether or not it had anything to do with social work. No pressure. I've just been working for 2.5 years as a Master graduate social worker, and now I'm expected to help form the social work goals and values for the next 10 years...are you kidding me?
It was a very informative and interesting process. We were split into work groups where we would come up with a vision for that topic. Each group had 100 people in it, but were broken down into 10 smaller groups. The topics I was assigned to was Leadership Development and Influence. At my tables I had people of various ages, experiences, backgrounds and practice. I really enjoyed and learned a lot. I also feel that some people were able to walk away with some new thoughts or beliefs after hearing my (the younger, more conservative) side of things. Haha, I think it was more eye opening for them to hear the conservative point of view vs. the younger...not many Republican social workers now-a-days...or ever.
With that, I just want to thank people of all ages and walks of life. Everyone has impacted me and my belief system in some way or another. I would not be who I am today. The social work field will feel some great losses with some of my colleagues that will soon retire, but I hope I will do them proud and become a great leader in my profession. And someday, I can help educate young, newer, social workers on the history of social work =)
Friday, April 2, 2010
Footprints
Dennis,
I can't believe it's been a year that you've been gone. Even though we hadn't kept in touch as much as I would have liked to, I always will think of you as a very close and wonderful friend. You could captivate an audience of any age with your charisma and stories. I have met few as geniune as you. Before going to our different parts of the country, you gave me a gift. You provided me with "dinosaur dung." I carry it with me every day. It's a small way to hold on to the memories I can never get back.
God placed you in my life. He used you. I can never thank you enough. Your presence and support helped me process and cope with some of the hardest news I've had to process. No one wants to lose a friend, and when I found out that I'd also lost you, I asked myself how I can deal with the loss of you when you're the one that helped me deal in the past. While I had heard the beautiful flute play before, I cannot hear it now without remembering you, and the tribute you played to AJ. I smell sage and my eyes swell with tears. Not always out of sadness, just out of the mix of emotions that you provided me with years ago, when you comforted Lacey and I into the morning hours. We were away from family and the friends we had known. You stepped up and became more of a friend than I ever could have imagined.
Even though we didn't visit frequently, I always treasured our conversations. You would leave me feeling spiritually and emotionally filled. I can only hope I can have a similar impact on the people I interact with.
In the pictures, writings and communication I have with Terah, I can see you in the hearts, minds and souls of Teah, Nolan and Nakai. I can imagine you looking down and smiling, proud of your children and the legacy you left behind.
I miss you, Dennis. I want to thank you for the impact that you had on my life. You left your footprints on my heart, and they will stay there forever.
I can't believe it's been a year that you've been gone. Even though we hadn't kept in touch as much as I would have liked to, I always will think of you as a very close and wonderful friend. You could captivate an audience of any age with your charisma and stories. I have met few as geniune as you. Before going to our different parts of the country, you gave me a gift. You provided me with "dinosaur dung." I carry it with me every day. It's a small way to hold on to the memories I can never get back.
God placed you in my life. He used you. I can never thank you enough. Your presence and support helped me process and cope with some of the hardest news I've had to process. No one wants to lose a friend, and when I found out that I'd also lost you, I asked myself how I can deal with the loss of you when you're the one that helped me deal in the past. While I had heard the beautiful flute play before, I cannot hear it now without remembering you, and the tribute you played to AJ. I smell sage and my eyes swell with tears. Not always out of sadness, just out of the mix of emotions that you provided me with years ago, when you comforted Lacey and I into the morning hours. We were away from family and the friends we had known. You stepped up and became more of a friend than I ever could have imagined.
Even though we didn't visit frequently, I always treasured our conversations. You would leave me feeling spiritually and emotionally filled. I can only hope I can have a similar impact on the people I interact with.
In the pictures, writings and communication I have with Terah, I can see you in the hearts, minds and souls of Teah, Nolan and Nakai. I can imagine you looking down and smiling, proud of your children and the legacy you left behind.
I miss you, Dennis. I want to thank you for the impact that you had on my life. You left your footprints on my heart, and they will stay there forever.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Politician? Possibly...
It has been a long time, I always mean to update, but when I do - I can't. I sit down to start typing and all my words escape me. It's been a whirlwind of time the last few months and I just pray that continues. I'm not one that wishes time fly by (usually) but that's all I'm hoping and praying for right now...and until fall.
My mind has been so full of thoughts and emotions that I don't even know where to begin. Too many changes have taken place but yet I'm waiting on more. Work has been stressful and keeping me more than busy. There have been and will continue to be a lot of manager type positions that are being vacated and filled. With that looming, all of us worker bee's just keep doing our job and hoping that the new individuals of authority are fair and understanding of their role and the impact of that role. With any job and business there are politics - I've experienced them with every job I've worked. However, I've never felt politics like that of the federal government until now. I have a much better understanding of why our country has had such great victories and yet, such tragic losses. During some discussions with co-workers/friends - they often end with one of us saying, "If we just ruled the world..." After that had been said enough times, it sparked a thought. What if I had taken a different career path and used my determination and drive on an alternate route. I like to think there are good, honest politicians out there. We've all heard about the deals made to get legislators, senators, representatives to sign a policy in support. That is not what representing your country is about. It's not about "me" it's about helping decide and determine what is the best for the country as a whole. Again, I like to think there are honest politicians that stand up for what's right and don't do behind the scene deals...but do they?
I recently watched Evan Almighty with my family (while stranded in my parent's home over Christmas). It's a great movie that can really make you think about situations. He was an ordinary man with a wife and children. He was spoken to by God himself. God gave him a job. With much hesitation at first, Evan agreed. Would I agree? I'd like to think yes...but like Evan, would I need God to prove himself to me - prove that it's really God talking to me? I'm not sure. Then you put in that Evan was also a politician - a very public role. He took the task that God gave him above the job that the country appointed. He stuck with it. Many people crumble to that pressure; the pressure of the media and the scrutiny that is sure to follow. If I were in such a position, I pray that I would be able to keep my values, morals and judgement. With the legislation and policies back up for debate, I pray for our country. I pray that God be with them and help guide them to a decision that really is the best option for all - that the decisions are made for the country and not for individual favors. At work, a lot of my co-workers have already raised their own children and they speak of how different things are; how their children have to worry about things regarding their grandchildren that my co-workers never had to consider in their child-rearing days. Reading the history books and listening to family, friends and strangers, I think our country needs to put their faith and trust back on the one that really matters. The forefathers our America founded this country on a unity of beliefs, and that was God. I believe Ronald Reagan said it well when he stated, "If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under."
People are given the choice to believe. But Christians are also given the choice to share and spread the word. I pray that I do a better job in my every day life: at work, at the gym at church, at home, with co-workers, with friends, with clients, with strangers - to spread the word of God.
Recently I bought a book of bible verses that has a verse for each day. I'll end this posting with today's reading:
"You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." Leviticus 19:2b
Prayer for the day: Today I am in complete unity with God the Good.
My mind has been so full of thoughts and emotions that I don't even know where to begin. Too many changes have taken place but yet I'm waiting on more. Work has been stressful and keeping me more than busy. There have been and will continue to be a lot of manager type positions that are being vacated and filled. With that looming, all of us worker bee's just keep doing our job and hoping that the new individuals of authority are fair and understanding of their role and the impact of that role. With any job and business there are politics - I've experienced them with every job I've worked. However, I've never felt politics like that of the federal government until now. I have a much better understanding of why our country has had such great victories and yet, such tragic losses. During some discussions with co-workers/friends - they often end with one of us saying, "If we just ruled the world..." After that had been said enough times, it sparked a thought. What if I had taken a different career path and used my determination and drive on an alternate route. I like to think there are good, honest politicians out there. We've all heard about the deals made to get legislators, senators, representatives to sign a policy in support. That is not what representing your country is about. It's not about "me" it's about helping decide and determine what is the best for the country as a whole. Again, I like to think there are honest politicians that stand up for what's right and don't do behind the scene deals...but do they?
I recently watched Evan Almighty with my family (while stranded in my parent's home over Christmas). It's a great movie that can really make you think about situations. He was an ordinary man with a wife and children. He was spoken to by God himself. God gave him a job. With much hesitation at first, Evan agreed. Would I agree? I'd like to think yes...but like Evan, would I need God to prove himself to me - prove that it's really God talking to me? I'm not sure. Then you put in that Evan was also a politician - a very public role. He took the task that God gave him above the job that the country appointed. He stuck with it. Many people crumble to that pressure; the pressure of the media and the scrutiny that is sure to follow. If I were in such a position, I pray that I would be able to keep my values, morals and judgement. With the legislation and policies back up for debate, I pray for our country. I pray that God be with them and help guide them to a decision that really is the best option for all - that the decisions are made for the country and not for individual favors. At work, a lot of my co-workers have already raised their own children and they speak of how different things are; how their children have to worry about things regarding their grandchildren that my co-workers never had to consider in their child-rearing days. Reading the history books and listening to family, friends and strangers, I think our country needs to put their faith and trust back on the one that really matters. The forefathers our America founded this country on a unity of beliefs, and that was God. I believe Ronald Reagan said it well when he stated, "If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under."
People are given the choice to believe. But Christians are also given the choice to share and spread the word. I pray that I do a better job in my every day life: at work, at the gym at church, at home, with co-workers, with friends, with clients, with strangers - to spread the word of God.
Recently I bought a book of bible verses that has a verse for each day. I'll end this posting with today's reading:
"You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." Leviticus 19:2b
Prayer for the day: Today I am in complete unity with God the Good.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Alone At War
I've got my gun
I've got my gear
From my face I try
To hide my fear
They sent me to
A place unknown
So different from
Where I've grown
They tell me
I have what I need
Enough to get by
And so we can succeed
While my gun has become
A friend of mine
I treasure the memories
That seem caught in time
The I love you's I hear
Their hugs I still feel
Even though we said goodbye
Until now it didn't feel real
When I get a moment
I sit and hope
If I don't make it back
Ok they'll cope
But every night
I think and pray
How it will be
My homecoming day
To see my family and friends
That I've missed
To see my love
And feel her kiss
Each morning the sun
Rises in the sky
We are told our mission
And don't ask why
In the back of my mind
I put my thoughts
Just as if
Locked in a box
It's so hard for me
To think of home
Because then I realize
That I'm alone
-e.crabtree
I've got my gear
From my face I try
To hide my fear
They sent me to
A place unknown
So different from
Where I've grown
They tell me
I have what I need
Enough to get by
And so we can succeed
While my gun has become
A friend of mine
I treasure the memories
That seem caught in time
The I love you's I hear
Their hugs I still feel
Even though we said goodbye
Until now it didn't feel real
When I get a moment
I sit and hope
If I don't make it back
Ok they'll cope
But every night
I think and pray
How it will be
My homecoming day
To see my family and friends
That I've missed
To see my love
And feel her kiss
Each morning the sun
Rises in the sky
We are told our mission
And don't ask why
In the back of my mind
I put my thoughts
Just as if
Locked in a box
It's so hard for me
To think of home
Because then I realize
That I'm alone
-e.crabtree
FREE
They tell me I'm ready
And it's time for me to go
But I question myself
As I just don't know
They give us our duty
We tie up our boots
We all look the same
In our ACUs
I check our map
Re-clean my gun
And try to hide my eyes
From the glaring sun
Staying alert
As we ride in the truck
Pray we all get through this mission
With any luck
Back home life is different
I'm just treated like a kid
There no one will believe
Here the things that I did
And here I'm all grown
Split decisions I make
With the lives of my unit
Responsibility I take
That weight can get heavy
And the burden much
But the benefits of our task
It doesn't begin to touch
So I wake up in the morning
Put on the same clothes
Often my face is still dirty
When to bed I go
I can't help but think
How different life would be
If I hadn't signed the papers, but
The military has become part of me
If I could take it back
I wouldn't want to
It was my decision
And this is what I do
I wear my name with pride
On the right side of my chest
And when I go to work
For my country I dress
I hear shots get fired
Bombs exploding in the air
For me and my troops safety
I say a quick prayer
It's no longer about the money
I don't do it for me
It started with my family
And to protect their safety
My eyes have been opened
And now I feel and see
That I'm here for a purpose
And the belief to be free
-e. crabtree
And it's time for me to go
But I question myself
As I just don't know
They give us our duty
We tie up our boots
We all look the same
In our ACUs
I check our map
Re-clean my gun
And try to hide my eyes
From the glaring sun
Staying alert
As we ride in the truck
Pray we all get through this mission
With any luck
Back home life is different
I'm just treated like a kid
There no one will believe
Here the things that I did
And here I'm all grown
Split decisions I make
With the lives of my unit
Responsibility I take
That weight can get heavy
And the burden much
But the benefits of our task
It doesn't begin to touch
So I wake up in the morning
Put on the same clothes
Often my face is still dirty
When to bed I go
I can't help but think
How different life would be
If I hadn't signed the papers, but
The military has become part of me
If I could take it back
I wouldn't want to
It was my decision
And this is what I do
I wear my name with pride
On the right side of my chest
And when I go to work
For my country I dress
I hear shots get fired
Bombs exploding in the air
For me and my troops safety
I say a quick prayer
It's no longer about the money
I don't do it for me
It started with my family
And to protect their safety
My eyes have been opened
And now I feel and see
That I'm here for a purpose
And the belief to be free
-e. crabtree
Friday, October 23, 2009
Catching Up
So in the past month a lot has been going on, it's crazy to think that it's almost November already! With the world busy outside my window, here I sit alone in my apartment. Not by choice, by demands...the doctors are saying I have come down with H1N1. Not that any of us would really know, they aren't doing any testing. I have a cough...then I got a fever, so apparently that's enough to say H1N1. What that translates down to me is, I am to remain isolated and not allowed to return to work for 7 days, or longer, depending on when my fever resolves. It's already been a long couple days and I feel myself getting restless, so I hope these books I'm trying to read can hold my attention for another 5 days.
September was a busy month, starting with the sprint triathlon that Matt and I did. I wanted to go as a team, but Matt needed to go individual before he deployed...sadly, that meant I
also had to do it individual if I wanted to compete. However, this tri went quite a bit better than the one I did back in May. While it was extremely difficult and I didn't do very well, I finished. I also had my breathing and heart pain much more under control, so that was reassuring.
also had to do it individual if I wanted to compete. However, this tri went quite a bit better than the one I did back in May. While it was extremely difficult and I didn't do very well, I finished. I also had my breathing and heart pain much more under control, so that was reassuring. As most of 
you could guess by my previous post, the following weekend we had a family reunion for my grandparents 60th anniversary. We had a great turnout that included 4 generations =) Sadly, not everyone was able to make it so hopefully we can have another shot at it before too long. Either way it was great to see the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and all the babies!
you could guess by my previous post, the following weekend we had a family reunion for my grandparents 60th anniversary. We had a great turnout that included 4 generations =) Sadly, not everyone was able to make it so hopefully we can have another shot at it before too long. Either way it was great to see the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and all the babies!The days between the weekends were filled with hanging out with Matt prior to his deployment - it included lots of sushi, big dinners with all the friends and tons of laughter.
Soon after I headed to Dallas, TX for a work conference. It was ok...nothing too exc
iting to report and Dallas didn't really offer a whole lot to encourage a return trip. My co-workers and I did venture out of the hotel to include visits to the House of Blues, Hard Rock Cafe, Gilley's (but they didn't have the mechanical bull, and that was the ONLY reason we went...), Texas State Fair (where we saw mini herefords, pig races, dog freestyle dancing and an 1,100 lb pig), and the 6th Floor Museum (where Kennedy's assassin was positioned). We kept busy but the stay seemed to be overshadowed by the attempted bombing of a gorgeous skyscraper 5 blocks from my hotel...needless to say, after that report hit the news, my sleep was a little more than restless.
iting to report and Dallas didn't really offer a whole lot to encourage a return trip. My co-workers and I did venture out of the hotel to include visits to the House of Blues, Hard Rock Cafe, Gilley's (but they didn't have the mechanical bull, and that was the ONLY reason we went...), Texas State Fair (where we saw mini herefords, pig races, dog freestyle dancing and an 1,100 lb pig), and the 6th Floor Museum (where Kennedy's assassin was positioned). We kept busy but the stay seemed to be overshadowed by the attempted bombing of a gorgeous skyscraper 5 blocks from my hotel...needless to say, after that report hit the news, my sleep was a little more than restless.September was busier than October has been, but where has October gone then? Needless to say it's included lots of meals with friends and even more football. The weeks are filled with work which has been overwhelming at times, but it's going well and the busier it is - the faster it goes. Last weekend was a huge surprise to Miah, Christina and I, as Matt was able to come home on an unexpected pass. Once again, we (not quite all as Matty had his graduation from basic the same weekend) were back together. We ate, drank, played, and laughed while we enjoyed our last time together for quite a while. The time we all shared together didn't make us sad to separate, it just made us more excited to reunite once everyone comes back home.
Now, here I am. H1N1. Home. Alone. It's been ok. Time to rest. Time to reflect. It's been a crazy past couple months. And I'm sure a few insane months will follow. I look forward to see what life will bring. Even though I'm sick, it's been a long time that I've been this happy and content. In some areas, it feels like I've hit rock bottom where it can only go up from here, which I know it will. In other areas, I'm on top of the world and no one can take that away from me.
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