August 27th my Mom and I took off from Tucson, AZ for the 6 hour drive to San Diego. My car was packed! I had decided that after all the moving expenses I had already incurred this summer that I was going to take what would fit in the cars and get more when I was back at my parent's house. My Dad drove out August 30th with another car full.
This summer my Dad and I laid plywood in our attic in Arizona to store some of my stuff there for now. I also have an attic above the studio I am living in where I am storing some of my stuff. I am living in a cute studio about 20 minutes from school. There is a pool in the backyard which I unfortunately have not had much time to enjoy. Visitors are always welcome :) Here is a picture of the outside:
This was our first meal eating at my new place. I have my own outdoor table.
And this is one picture of the inside (more to come as I'm still unpacking). Love this saying from Heather Karlson...definitely a true friend! And of course Ava will be all over my studio soon enough :)
Being a Tourist
After unpacking my parents and I had some time to see some of the sights of San Diego. There is so much to see and do but with school my time is limited. But we saw a lot in the few days they were both here.
These 2 pictures are of La Jolla which is probably the wealthiest town around. La Jolla Cove in the 2nd picture is gorgeous! Sometimes there are sea lions there but the water was too warm when we visited.
We went to the Hanglider Port near Torrey Pines to watch them in action. The 2nd picture is of the beach below.
My Dad and I also took some time to visit the US Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. It is one of 3 training centers in the US and the only one open year round. The first picture is of the track and in the foreground is a replica of the BMX track from the 2012 London Olympics. They are actually having a world competition here in 2 weeks.
After my parents left, I am still trying to do some fun things every weekend. I went rock climbing one weekend which I love and have missed but my arms are so out of shape.
And I went to Belmont Park in Mission Beach to play miniature golf and watch the "pros" on the Wavebarrel. The 2nd picture is of what I have to start out on before I can try the barrel.
Graduate School: It is definitely not all play...
This week is already my third week of graduate school classes. It's quite a different schedule than I'm used to with working the typical 8-5 job. I've learned that I really have to establish a schedule for how I'm going to get all of my work done. It's more time that I spend doing work for my classes outside of class than the time I'm actually in class. The amount of reading is hard to keep up with. I really don't have much time to do social activities but Saturdays I do not do any schoolwork as I have mentor training in the morning so that is the one day I am intentional about taking off. I am in training for 12 weeks to become a mentor next year to women coming out of human trafficking. But so far I'm loving graduate school! I love all my classmates, the professors, the small class sizes and I don't feel like the content will be too overwhelming (except maybe one class, can you guess which one?). For this first semester I am actually in 5 classes and for those of you that are wondering which ones I'll list them below and include a brief excerpt from the course description:
1. Intro to Clinical: Basic Skills (Tuesdays 4-6:30)
"This course introduces the student to basic skills in attending behavior, clinical interviewing and clinical intervention. It is designed to stimulate self-awareness as related to the therapeutic relationship, as well as the integration of spirituality and the interpersonal process."
2. Theories of Psychotherapy (Tuesdays 7:00-9:30)
"This course develops an understanding of the major theoretical orientations used by current practitioners, focusing on systemic approaches."
3. Psychopathology (Thursdays 4:00-6:30)
"This course reviews the role and categories of psychotherapy utilized in the assessment and treatment of individual, marital and family dysfunction. Students develop their diagnostic skills through a mastery of the concepts in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V)"
4. Advanced Developmental Psychology (Thursdays 7:00-9:30)
"This purpose of this course is to help students learn to utilize a lifespan perspective in their work as marriage and family therapists. The course will focus on the important developmental issues and milestones for each stage of the lifespan, paying particular attention to the aspects of context, culture and environmental issues."
5. Career Development Theories/Techniques (online)
"This course provides a comprehensive review of career development theory, as well as resources and techniques utilized in assisting individuals to make informed educational and career choices. A focus on the relationship of career to other issues in counseling will be addressed."
How Am I Really Doing?
It's been an interesting summer of transitions and I think I'm still adjusting to life in California and as a graduate student. I've only been here 3 weeks so it's still fairly new. There are times where I feel lonely because the majority of my time is spent alone doing schoolwork. All of my classmates are from California so are already connected here. It's hard to get connected to a small group one night a week because I know that my schedule will change next semester and I'd have to switch groups. I'm not sure how to fit this in but I know I need to figure out a way to start making some friends out here. This is something you can be praying for. The amount of work I have to do makes it hard to commit to anything like a small group but I hope to figure out something soon. I also would really like to join a gym but again it's hard to find time and with no income now I am not sure if I can justify paying for it. Thanks to my faithful readers and I will do my best to keep you updated as much as I can. This is a busy season but I want to stay connected to many of you who don't live here but care very much about me and this new journey I've begun.
The joy of my life...my niece...Ava Faith...:)
