BilikFamily.com

Even though I have been at ISU for about 4 years, I am still trying to adjust to all the changes that take place around me. Within this month, I will have started a new job, moved in to a new apartment, lived with a new roomate, and started new classes. It's sort of overwhelming, but I can handle it. On top of that, there are so many sad events taking place in River Grove the last few weeks. Although I am far away from it, I am still affected by it. Then, of course, there is Seth who got a new job in Vernon Hills. Though that is great news, I am still sad because he is leaving me! But, its those few bits of good news that gets me through it all. For example, I spoke with my best friend from Wisconsin, Cindy, who told me she and her husband are expecting! And on Sunday when I was cleaning out some old bins I had packed, I found a gift certificate to the Olive Garden that Mrs. Tarpey gave me Christmas of 2002. I lost it back then but I think it popped up at a perfect time! Seth and I got to enjoy a delicious and free dinner. God must have heard me when I was telling Him what a bad mood I was in!

Other than that, the new job has taken up most of my time. I am still apprehensive about how I feel about it. So far, I am really enjoying my experiences here. I still work for Chestnut, but I am at a different location doing a different job. I will be in training for the next few weeks. What I basically do now is just observe. I go with the residential clients to all of their group sessions and take notes on how the group is being lead. Most of the time I am observing "skills groups". These topics teach the clients about assertiveness, coping styles, decision making, relapse prevention, etc. I have to observe 18 groups and then I will lead 18 groups while being supervised. After I am trained, I will have my own group I will lead on Monday nights from 5:45 to 9:30. That will consist of group therapy and some of the skills groups mentioned above. I will also be doing individual sessions and staffings during the week. I am somewhat scared of leading the groups soon, but I have a benefit because, unlike others, I enjoy being in front of a crowd.

Tomorrow Seth and I are heading to Chicago. He has to get a physical for his new job in Lake County Probation. I am not scheduled to work Thursday or Friday so I am going with him. I am really excited about being back with my family and friends in River Grove!