Surviving

Well, we're now about 4 weeks into the semester, and I'm surviving! I'm actually really enjoying the classes I'm in this semester -- they are really challenging me to learn some fun new things.

I'm taking three classes -- first is a counseling practicum, in which I get to work with real clients doing real-life counseling. It's kind of intimidating what with the two-way mirrors and video cameras, but after doing 4 weeks of role plays with my classmates and making up all sorts of ridiculous issues to pretend to work on, I'm over the intimidation and ready to move on to a real person. So, this Wednesday I get my chance and I get to start working with an 11-year-old boy -- it should be exciting! My second class is personality assessment -- I get to figure out what kinds of psychological disorders people have. Not exactly, but kind of. Once again, as with my assessment class last year, being a Mormon and having access to loads of children to practice on is coming in handy (for me and my classmates!). Thirdly is an evidence-based interventions practicum. This is one that I'm really getting excited about. I get to go into a preschool and help them implement interventions for some of their students with behavioral struggles. I know, doesn't that just sound thrilling. Okay, well, it does to me and that's what matters! :)

I'm also surviving my 4-day-a-week drive to Greeley lately quite well because I took up listening to the Stephenie Meyer series (for those of you who don't know, it's this sappy, shallow, yet totally engrossing series about vampires). It's crazy how much difference having a good book to look forward to changes my whole outlook about commuting. I actually can't wait for the weekends to be over some weeks (not many, but some).

This is basically what my drive to Greeley looks like (the whole way!) -->

Other than that, I have to announce that I did get to fulfill one of my hiking dreams a couple of weeks ago! We hiked up to and over the Continental Divide. The peak was just under 13,000 ft -- so I haven't yet met my 14-er goal, but it was still exciting -- I'll post pictures soon.

Jon

Okay, I realized when I went back and looked at that last post that if I'm going to name my blog after me and my husband, I should probably tell you more about what's going on with him, too -- sorry, love, I didn't mean to neglect you!
So, yes, Jon also is going back to school this week -- his last year at CU. This year, he is (fanfare: da da dada) the lead graduate TA for the Chinese department, and he got the wish of his heart -- he gets to TA for the East Asian Civilization course instead of Chinese 1010. That means that he gets to teach about his real love (history) rather than just the language that allows him to access his real interest. He is also continuing to study Japanese -- he will now be in third year. From what I can tell, he's becoming quite proficient (though I wouldn't say my opinion counts for much there). At the very least, I know I'm certainly learning a whole lot of Japanese (i.e. "yes," "no," and "I see" ... very useful phrases). He is taking a class on Shamanism. And in his spare time he's choosing a topic for his thesis, writing his thesis, and applying to doctoral programs. (in other words, that means that we're not sure when, if ever, we get to see each other for the next three months!)
But, really, amidst all that he undertakes, I must say that he continues to be the most wonderfully doting husband that a girl could ask for -- I'm not sure how he manages it, but he does!

Summer's ending

Sigh... The time has come, I'm loathe to admit, that summer is over and we have to return to the grind of school. This coming semester promises to be one of my most hectic and thus challenging, but with faith (and a little bit of blind luck) I'm hoping everything will come together -- and then, I'm glad to say, this graduate school thing is all downhill from there (for me at least).

I will be taking 3 classes, which doesn't sound like much until you realize that it means traveling the lonely road to Greeley 4 days a week. Ah well, as Aretha reminds me often -- I will survive! My books on CD are really my sanity, so if anyone has any suggestions of good ones (meaning ones that are exciting enough to keep me awake) to listen to, please please please let me know.

As far as the summer's summary -- we were able to enjoy several trips and family visits during August. The Averett's got together at Vail for a few days of family fun. It was great to meet in the middle (and even better for us that the middle happened to be in Colorado!), and we were all thrilled to find out that the Averett's are finally going to have a new grandchild to enjoy. (That would be my older brother and wife. They've been so good as to take the brunt of the pressure for grandkids -- I guess that means that we only have a few months before it moves to us ... uh-oh!)

The next week we headed out for the Felt/Peay family gathering near Island Park, ID. On the way we stopped and visited Martin's Cove (see Jon walking the pioneer trail), which was a neat experience. It reminded us how grateful we are for our pioneer ancestors (and how glad we are that we don't have to walk through Wyoming). In Idaho, we stayed at a fun cabin with Jon's aunts, uncles, and cousins for a few days, and enjoyed ourselves visiting, playing games, and checking out the scenery. (My favorite was the swan family in the nearby lake -- I'll post pictures soon, they were gorgeous!)

To top it off Jon and I celebrated our two-year wedding anniversary this month. Wow! Time sure does fly -- we can't really pull out that "newlywed card" anymore, can we? I'll try to avoid any cheesy sentiments, since I know that's not what you're all here for, but I'll just say that it only gets better with time (so far, at least...)!

Rocky Mountain Fever

I think there must be something in the air here in Colorado that makes you "outdoorsy." I'm telling you, being around all these bikers, hikers, climbers, snowshoers, skiers, runners all the time it really makes you feel like you must be missing out on something if you're not spending your fair share of time in the Rocky Mountain air. So, whether in an attempt to fit in or if it's just discovering a hidden passion, I've decided that I too get a certain thrill out of getting out and into the mountains (or maybe I've confused that breathless feeling at 12,000+ feet with something other than a lack of oxygen) .


It helps that we live about 45 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park, and that for only the cost of an annual parks pass we can go up and enjoy amazing mountain scenery all year round. During the summer it is especially inviting to beat the heat with the cool mountain air.

Our hikes this summer have included Timberline Falls (see Jon posing below the falls) -- with me braving a slide down the snow covered hillside, Ceran St. Vrain (through the enchanted pine forest), and most recently to the top of Mt. Timpanogos (we just had to fit it into our quick trip out to Utah). I'm really hoping to top out a 14-er or two while we're still here in CO, and I'd love to hike over the Continental Divide. And if those dreams come true (wow, now I'm really sounding feverish), I'll let you know...