I was intrigued when I heard how good this book was, but I was also skeptical when I heard what this book revolved around. Sex. Of course, I went and picked up all three books of the trilogy before I went on vacation with Sal - which ended up being quite a good idea. We won't go into specifics, but I'm sure if you've read the book then well, you know.
When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.
Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.
Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.
This book is intended for mature audiences.
My Review:
Starting this book, I was a little intimidated, but hoped I would enjoy it. Let me just say that I thoroughly enjoyed it! I fell in love with Christian Grey, as Ana eventually does. What's not to love about a dark, mysterious multi-millionaire? Though the book could have been edited better (because I found mistakes that I consider to be elementary), the story itself was great. E.L James, having written this book as fan-fiction after Twilight, created a powerful love story, filled with sex and passion. She has a way of grabbing her readers and pulling them into the story - making each and every one of them wishing they were Ana. I, for one, wished I could be Ana - though I'm not sure I could have done everything that she did [i.e. leaving]. This story is not all about sex though, if that's what you're worried about. There are several sex scenes, which are extremely passionate and honest, but other than that it's a love story - a dark, all-consuming love story. I'd recommend this to mature readers only, and if you're not sure you're interested, just try reading it - I promise you this book will suck you in.
I loved this book, and hope that E.L James comes out with books written in Christian's perspective.
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In 2011, I've been to Philadelphia and New York for Child Life Conferences. I had never attended the Annual Child Life Council Conference, but since it was in Washington D.C this year, I decided it would be in my best interest to go. My best friend, who is also a future CCLS, and I booked a ticket on the train, and we headed off to the Conference - the Memorial Day Weekend.
The conference was expensive for a recent college grad, but my motto has since become 'one must spend money to make money.' To save money though, we stayed at my friend's friend's fraternity house. I know, I know - I was going to a professional conference and I stay at an unprofessional house, but it ended up working out. It was just a metro ride away from the conference, and we were able to stay there for free, with zero interruptions [i.e. parties, loud boys, etc.].
We got there a day early - Wednesday - because we wanted to have a night to settle in, prior to heading to the conference on Thursday. We were able to grab dinner with my friend's friend, and then get a good night's sleep.
The next day we decided to explore Washington D.C and take in all it had to offer, since we didn't have to be at the conference until 4. Leave it to my friend and I though to wear our professional clothes [black slacks, nice presentable shirts, and flats] to walk around Washington D.C in the scorching sun. Not only were we sweating and our feet hurt, we ended up getting lost, not for long though! We saw the Washington Monument, and took amazing pictures.
When we arrived at the hotel Thursday afternoon, we were so excited to check in and receive our bag of child life goodies. We then headed off to two pre-conference intensives - New Member/First time Meeting & Connect 4 Success. I absolutely loved the Connect 4 Success intensive because I was able to talk to other child life specialists who are way ahead of me in the game, and network! I handed out my resume and collected business cards, as well as advice. During the New Member/First time Meeting, I feel as if I didn't get any time to talk to anyone, and I just learned about the Child Life Council - which is great and all but I felt as if there could have been more time to talk to others.
Afterwards, when we met up with our other friend who was also attending the conference, we decided to explore again, and visit the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial, and Korean Veteran's Memorial. I have to admit, while walking around at night it's extremely peaceful, and makes you think how little we truly are in this world.
The following days were spent at the conference. Friday, I attended three sessions - Using Visual Supports - Not Just for Patients with Autism, From Student to Specialist: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Transition, and Creating Truly Powerful and Effective Child Life Presentations for your Hospital and Community. Prior to the sessions, was a truly amazing opening speech made by Steve Gross from Life is good Playmakers; he spoke about the role of playfulness in healing children and was able to get the audience involved through play! It was so much fun and definitely stuck in my mind!
While we spent our nights exploring Washington, D.C, we spent our days learning more and more about child life. The following day, Saturday, I went to two sessions - When Children Have Life Threatening Medical Conditions: Help for the Child, the Family and the Professionals and The Creative Power of Pen: For Pleasure, Purpose, or Publication.
On our last day there I attended A Pilot Program: Introducing Child Life into a Radiation Oncology Clinic and So You Want to Go Back to School... Considerations for making the Move from Specialist to Student. Afterwards, my friend and I went to the National Zoo to enjoy the rest of our afternoon before we left on a train back to New Jersey.
My favorite session that I attended had to be The Creative Power of Pen, probably because I love to write, as you can tell. I was able to learn tips from how to get published to how to brainstorm. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Pilot Program session because I'm actually looking to eventually, after gaining experience, start my own program. I also loved it because it talked about the Radiation Oncology clinic, a place in the hospital where I can see myself working. Another great part about this conference was the fact that they had exhibits, posters, and bookstore setups, where I was able to gather even more great information and score free items from numerous companies and institutions associated with child life.
Washington D.C was beautiful, and I definitely hope to travel there again. Even though I was there on an 8th grade trip several years ago, I loved being able to explore and learn on my own.
As most of you know, my poppy passed away a little over a year ago. However, I am still reminded of him every single day, more now than ever before. My aunt and uncle from Florida came up to attend my graduation, as well as my party. Due to their road trip, they were able to bring things up to my family that were my poppy's. Things that we had asked they put aside for us in his house. At that time I knew exactly what I wanted - a bookcase, that I loved and he promised me he'd make for me, and his old sewing machine. While I haven't done anything with the sewing machine [I'm waiting till I move out to add it to one of the rooms], I immediately brought the bookcase into my room and began adding my books to it.
It's an amazing sight to see, as my poppy was an incredible carpenter and handyman, always fixing things when he came up to visit, and in his own house, of course.
Every time I reach for a book, which I do often, I think of him and all the hard work and love that went into making such a beautiful piece of furniture. I am so happy that I will have this forever, something to remember him by, something to pass down to my kids.
The minute after the movie, 'Letters to Juliet,' was over, I checked if there was a book. I wanted to find out the background of this amazing tale, and fortunately for me there was a book! I was lucky enough to get it for Christmas. Letters to Juliet by Lise Friedman & Ceil Friedman was incredible and took me on a journey that I least expected.
The enduring legend of Shakespeare’s pair of star-crossed lovers draws millions of visitors to Verona, Italy, each year. But that is just part of the story. Every day, letters, frequently addressed simply, “Juliet, Verona,” arrive in the city. They come by the truckload, in almost every language imaginable, written by romantics seeking Juliet’s counsel. Most of the missives talk of love, of course —love found and love lost, love sought and love remembered. And, amazingly, not one letter goes unanswered.
Letters to Juliet tells the story of these letters and the volunteers who have been writing responses for more than seven decades —volunteers who first acted privately, and who are now sanctioned by the city of Verona as part of the Juliet Club . Featuring more than seventy-five heartfelt letters, this poetic book retraces the history behind Shakespeare’s tale and tours the monuments that have fueled the world's enchantment with Juliet and her Romeo.
My Review:
It was truly inspiring to read about how many individuals tried to save the tomb of Juliet in Verona, Italy. Solimani, the custodian of the tomb and soon to be secretary of Juliet, began the letter writing, when he received letters to those who wrote to Juliet, in 1943. At the age of 67, he had to retire at the state mandated age. Beltramini was the next in line, in 1967, and accepted the role with the belief that the legend "opens the heart to hope." A short while later, in 1972, Guilo Tamassia gathered several friends and founded an informal club bearing Juliet's name. No women could be in attendance when they met every two weeks. During their meetings, the men would cook dinner and have lengthy debates and performances. They would write letters to the city officials expressing their opinions about problems. They were asked by the cultural commissioner, Alfredo Meocci to help with Juliet's letters. They received help from a Mexican student who was learning Italian and French, as well as others around the neighborhood.
The best letter in 1993 received the Cara Guiletta prize, which at the time was an all inclusive weekend in Verona, Italy. The award ceremony was held on Valentine's Day at Juliet's house.
When the city took the letters back into possession, they realized how difficult it had become to write back to every person; therefore, Tamassia was given back the letters. Now there are women secretaries answering the letters, which have been found to all have similar themes - unrequited love, falling for a person who is already married or otherwise involved, problems stemming from loneliness, and differences of religion and culture.
I fell in love with the story behind the movie. This book was incredible because the authors not only included the history, but also the actual letters to Juliet, from all around the world! It was an extremely easy, but informative, read. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for more information about the movie, a history nerd, or anyone that likes a good love story - because isn't that what Romeo and Juliet is?!
"Most people who write to her are looking for a way to unburden themselves, to share their problems with someone who will listen, unconditionally, as if she were a friend or a confidante" (page 112).
Though I went out with my parents following the first graduation, we also went out after my second graduation because several family members could also come including, my parents, my uncle, my grandmother, brother, cousin and her boyfriend, and Sal, of course. We went to TGI Friday's and enjoyed some drinks after an overwhelming week, talking about the party we were throwing just the next day.
It was overwhelming for all of us. My parent's first child was graduating from college, my grandma's first grandchild graduating, and my cousin's first cousin. I really was the first to graduate from college. Plus the party was the next day, and we all wanted it to go perfectly.
The dinner went well, and we were all laughing by the end of it, after many toasts that seemed to last forever.
The next day after waking up early and running around trying to prepare for the party, it was in motion and people were arriving before we knew it. I'd like to think that my family throws an awfully good graduation party - see here. Dancing, laughing, and celebrating my graduation with those that have been there for me throughout the four long years, was a present in itself and I couldn't have asked for a better party.
From friends to family - I'd like to think I'm pretty lucky.
My second graduation, or should I saw commencement, was at the IZOD Center. You can just take a guess at how nervous I was! It was with the entire 2012 graduating class, and I couldn't believe that we'd be on the floor of the IZOD Center with our family in the stands.
I graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts, summa cum laude ... majoring in Family and Child Studies, concentrating in Child Life Specialist.
I was about to be the first person in my family to graduate from college. My mind was racing, as I tried to soak up my surroundings and how I felt at that exact moment. I was proud of myself for accomplishing so much, but couldn't believe how fast it really went. They say the years go faster as you get older, and I never believed it until now. I felt like I was just graduating high school with my group of friends, and there I was standing with my new friends, friends that I know will eventually become my bridesmaids.
I wish them all the best in life. I hope their college education and college life in general was what they expected and they made the best of it. I'll admit though, while I don't feel like I missed anything, I feel like commuting gives you a whole different experience rather than living there. I can see the differences when I visit my brother at the college that he lives at during the Fall and Spring semesters. I don't regret my choices, but I do wonder what it would've been like to live on campus.
Here's to the Class of 2012. May you follow your destined path and be happy.
I wouldn't have been seen there with the cap and gown though if it hadn't been for my support system, both family and friends, as well as my boyfriend. I tried making a speech at my own graduation party, but what I hadn't realized at the time was that I didn't plan it quite well. I should have made my speech in the beginning of that celebration, not the end. If you can only imagine, it wasn't the best speech in the world. Anyways, without my parents pushing me and encouraging me during every school year, I don't think I would have made the dean's list every semester, nor would I have graduated with honors. I just wouldn't have cared. They made me want to better myself, because they wanted better for me. My grandparents and extended family members were there along the way too, checking in on me and being there for me no matter what. My brother, who will eventually go to medical school, pushed me as well, though I don't think he realized it. I was never a great studier, but with my brother going to school to eventually become a doctor, I knew that he had it harder, and if he was studying every night for his tests, I could push myself to study for one lousy test. Due to finals though, he was unable to make the ceremony, and I was beyond upset. Thankfully, he was there to celebrate with me.
As for Sal - I don't think I could have made it past freshman year without him. Though he was the source of some of my stress, he was also the person that helped with my stress due to school. He was there pushing me to complete my assignments. I asked him to read my papers and assignments, and though I found out quite recently that he didn't read them from start to finish, it was good then for my piece of mind to know he had. He knew I had the potential to accomplish all that I put my mind to, and with that in the back of my head, I was able to. His love and support was just enough to put me into high gear all through college, and I just want to thank him, for everything he has given me and helped me with.
Sal felt awful that he couldn't make it to my first graduation, since he had taken off for my second graduation and we were going on vacation just a few weeks after that. Of course I was upset, but I understood. I'm actually glad he didn't come because it was miserable in the rain! I still wanted to see him though, but with him working nights it's a bit difficult to see him during the week.
When I got home that day, he said he had a surprise for me and that when I wake up it'll be there. I couldn't sleep after he told me that and I was bursting with excitement!
That next morning I woke up to find this...
Seriously, how adorable is he? A box filled with two pints of cookie dough ice cream, my favorite, and snowcaps, topped off with a cute little note. According to him, he knows me better than I know myself, but I'd like to think that he's just a good listener!
It's the little things, like this, that make me smile.
Remember the book review I did not too long ago on Love Walked In by Marisa De Los Santos? Well I at the time I hadn't realized that she wrote a sequel to the book, nor did I realize that I had bought it during one of my trips to Good Will/Library. Belong to Me is a continuation of Cornelia's story, and once I found that out, I couldn't wait to dive into the book, and go along with her on her journey through life.
Everyone has secrets. Some we keep to protect ourselves, others to protect those we love.
A devoted city dweller, Cornelia Brown surprised herself when she was gripped by the sudden desire to head for an idyllic suburb. Though she knows she's made the right move, she approaches her new life with trepidation and struggles to forge friendships. Cornelia's mettle is quickly tested by judgmental neighbor Piper Truitt, the embodiment of everything Cornelia feared she would find in suburbia. A saving grace soon appears in the form of Lake, and Cornelia develops an instant bond with this warm yet elusive woman.
As their individual stories unfold, the women become entangled in a web of trust, betrayal, love and loss that challenges them in ways they never imagined, and that ultimately teaches them what it means for one human being to belong to another.
My Review:
The title of the book is mentioned throughout the book, roughly six times; leading the reader to fully understand the title in all of its glory.
I immediately fell in love with the characters all over again, and began to get to know new ones as well. From Cornelia and Teo to Piper and Kyle, and even Dev and his mom, Lake. The book is written in a way that shows different perspectives - Cornelia's, Piper's, and Dev's. It was incredible how I went from hating a character such as Piper to loving her by the end of the book. I think Marisa De Los Santos has a way of doing that with most of her characters, which I thoroughly enjoyed! Being that Clare is no longer a main character, we see little of her aside from her encounters with Dev, when she comes to visit Cornelia and Teo. Their relationship, as 13 year olds, is quite extraordinary. It is extremely easy for them to talk, because in Dev's word, Clare is like "truth serum." It is obvious that their relationship turns into something more than friendship.
This time the author focused less on movies like she had in the first novel, and more on the characters and their story - more on the reality of the situation. I thought that was great, but yet again, I still had trouble getting through the first chapter.
The book touches on every type of topic from cancer and 9/11 to miscarriages and young love. I'm telling you there is something in this book for everyone, and I feel as though every one can relate. It left me with thoughts, "I've been in her shoes before" or "I know exactly how he feels." Everyone has problems of their own, but that doesn't make them any smaller or without worth. In one instance, Cornelia discusses life changing events and how a miscarriage could be so minimal in comparison to the 9/11 events.
The love between Teo and Cornelia continues in this book, and it makes my heart ache. I feel as if reading about their love is like eavesdropping or peeking in and looking at something sacred.
There is an unbelievable turning point in the book, that I feel like I knew all along, but of course I won't spoil that for anyone. It's towards the end though, so even if you are having trouble reading the book, keep reading! De Los Santos throws her readers a curve ball!
So read it, and keep reading... it's a book you're sure to fall in love with.
"There is a limit. There is a limit to what can be taken away" (pg 84).
A few days after my first graduation, I had signed up to attend the The Todd Ouida Children’s Foundation Annual
Conference – Strengthening the Supports: Enriching the “Everyday Leaders” Who
Support the Mental Health and Well-Being of Infants, Children and Families at MSU. It was only about $30.00 for students, so I decided to attend because some of the sessions seemed interesting. When I was talking to my friends on campus, they told me that they were volunteering to help out a former professor we had, and that I should too. I wasn't sure they'd refund me the money, but when I asked - they were happy to have someone else volunteering.
I was nervous I wouldn't get to listen to the speakers, but I helped out during the beginning and during the breaks, and I was still able to learn a great deal about children and the helping professions.
Now I'm sure you're wondering what this has to do with Sesame Street right? Well, Bob McGrath, the music man on Sesame Street was at this Conference! Can you believe it!? I hadn't known at that time that Bob McGrath was Bob, but when I found out I was ecstatic, because I was such a huge fan of Sesame Street when I was a little girl. During his presentation, the audience grew quite and truly listened to what this man had to say. He's not just the music man, but he's a powerful individual that advocates for children everywhere. He told us that music is an extremely helpful agent when helping children learn.
At one point he asked for volunteers to come on stage and sing with him, as well as play instruments, which of course I did. He also included the audience in singing one of his songs, one we all know from Sesame Street.
During the break he was selling his CDS and books, so I decided to buy one because he was signing each and everyone that someone bought. I, along with the other volunteers, helped him during this time, because it was a lot for just one individual to deal with. At the end, he gave us a free CD, and signed it! So I ended up with two of his greatest CDS, and I proudly set them on my desk.
As I said in my previous post, I had two graduations - one at my university, where they separated us by 'colleges' [mine being the College of Education and Human Services] and a second at the IZOD center where my graduation became official and I graduated with the entire Class of 2012.
[prior to the rain. notice the nice, blown out hair]
During my first one, which was outside on the football field... it downpoured, on and off during the entire thing! I was nervous that they were going to cancel it and reschedule it, and when we were told that it was still on, I was nervous about graduating! My parents were the only two that were coming to this graduation; they wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Prior to the graduation, we had to line up by our majors/concentrations. I felt like we waited f.o.r.e.v.e.r, even though it was probably only an hour. I kept looking at the stands, and couldn't believe how many people had come. We walked down to the stands in the rain, trying to save our gowns, and our hair of course, but as you can tell by the pictures my hair was ruined. When water or humidity hits my hair, it curls... and when there are no curling products in it, it curls out of control!
When we made it to the stands, we listened to several speeches. Some speeches were incredible, while others I tuned out. I'm just being honest! Before I knew it they were calling our names to go on stage and shake hands with all the important people. Instead of having the chance to savor my name being called at my college graduation, I didn't have much time because the next name was being called. They figured they'd speed up the graduation by calling all of our names within a matter of minutes. I'm not joking. They couldn't have said them any faster than they did.
Afterwards, I was able to listen to the two student speeches, one being my best friend! I was so nervous for her, and I knew she was extremely nervous. So I cheered loudly for her, and made eye contact, so she would have one familiar face to focus on and maybe help her with her nerves! I have to admit, her speech was pretty amazing, and even though I had heard it prior to the graduation, during practice sessions at Starbucks, I couldn't help but tear up! Not only was I so proud of her, I really felt her words deep within. It was powerful, no doubt.
Then it was over and we were walking away from the only life we knew... college life.
When I started reading this book it reminded me of a movie preview I saw back in 2011... and I immediately knew that the movie had a slight name change instead of 20 Times a Lady, it was called What's Your Number? I enjoyed the writings of Karyn Bosnak - an author that I had never read a book by, and I would definitely read another one of her books, if given the opportunity.
Delilah Darling's magic number was supposed to be twenty. She always thought she'd find the perfect guy by the time she'd slept with twenty of them. But when she wakes up naked in her disgusting boss's bed after a drunken night out, she's filled with regret — and realizes she's hit her self-imposed limit. Unwilling to up her number but unable to imagine a life of celibacy, Delilah does what any girl in her situation would do: she tracks down every man she's ever slept with in a last-ditch effort to make it work with one of them.
A hilarious romp through Delilah's past loves, 20 Times a Lady proves that in the end, numbers don't matter. True love will come when you're open and ready to accept it.
My Review:
The minute I opened this book I was in love... with the many lists of course - lists of men, to-do lists, any kind of lists! It wasn't just the lists I fell in love with, it was Delilah. She was such a relatable character, and I found myself taking her side for most of the book, though I'm not quite sure I would have chased down my ex hookups to see if they were 'the one.' This book does, however, make you think about how quickly time flies and how people change over the years. I mean, what if we all went back to find the people we connected with intimately in the past? I'm not quite sure it would go over well with me, because I'm a big believer in "things happen for a reason," and "your past is your past." The people that haven't made it to your future, weren't meant to! It took me awhile to actually believe that, but I did see it in the end.
The book was fun and exciting though, meeting all of Delilah's past lovers and knowing how they were in the past and how they were in the present. Little did she know though, that she had changed as well. It is obvious though who she ends up with, aside from a curveball Bosnak threw at the reader, but it was still a delight to read. I wasn't bored reading this book and I got through it in a couple of days. I would recommend this book, probably prior to seeing the movie. I am definitely going to try and rent the movie though so I could compare and contrast to see which one I like better.
"It's funny how quickly things can change. Feelings, no matter how intense they are, can be fleeting. With the snap of a finger, happiness can turn to sadness, hope can turn to despair, and one day your past can catch up with you and make you realize you need to hit the breaks" [page 194].
"Everything you do in life, whether it's good or bad, makes you who you are. Don't maybe your decisions to death because you can't change them" [page 329].
I have just returned from an amazing vacation with Salvatore ... more on that in a later post though.
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I had two separate graduations ... one at my university and the other at the IZOD center in NJ. It was pretty incredible. Anyways, we were only allowed to wear our cap at the IZOD center. Now I didn't know this prior to, but some people decorate their caps so that their family members could find them! I thought it was a great idea, and my friend and I planned a day to decorate them. We grabbed some art supplies from Michaels and AC Moore, as well as some snacks, and we were ready to start!
[instagram: kristynnicole1]
What You'll Need:
Graduation Cap
Letters/Numbers
Jewels
Hot Glue Gun
Directions:
1. Plug in hot glue gun and let it heat up. Plan out where you want the letters and numbers on your graduation cap, as well as where the jewels should go.
2. Hot glue the letters, numbers, and jewels to the cap.
We went to visit my brother for Mother's Day, just like we did last year - because my mom wants to be with both of her children on that day. We needed to take some of my brother's things home, so that his friend would be able to bring him home at the end of the semester, which was fine, until we actually packed the car and there ended up being little room for my mother and I. It was actually hilarious, and looking back on it I still laugh.
We ended up going to the same restaurant that we went to last year, and the food was delicious once again! The joke of the day ended up being that my dad thought it was father's day - you could tell this just by looking at his plate ... I mean surf and turf? Come on! Afterwards, we had our readings read at a machine, based on our date of birth. It was pretty funny to see what everyone ended up with, and what was also great about it, is that we had a keepsake to take home to remember the day!
We snapped some pictures prior to doing a bit of shopping. Then before we knew it we had to pack up the car and head home.
As long as my mom had a memorable time, it was a great day for everyone!
I asked for many, many books for Christmas/My Birthday, and I was able to receive all of them thanks to my awesome brother! My family knows that I love to read, and buying books for me is definitely not a waste. One of the books I asked for was Ellen's new book - Seriously... I'm Kidding. I just love Ellen on her talk-show, and as a person in the spotlight. She's not only hysterical, but genuine and loving.
I've experienced a whole lot the last few years and I have a lot to share. So I hope that you'll take a moment to sit back, relax and enjoy the words I've put together for you in this book. I think you'll find I've left no stone unturned, no door unopened, no window unbroken, no rug unvacuumed, no ivories untickled. What I'm saying is, let us begin, shall we?
My Review:
Ellen's book was the perfect balance of advice and jokes. It's an extremely light and easy read. I actually wasn't expecting it to be that easy of a read because I've never read any of her previous books, but I should've known since I've watched her show Ellen before. When reading her book, I begin to realize it's as if she's writing a chapter for a specific type of person reading it. Like for me it was this small paragraph that made me feel like she was speaking to me, personally:
"I feel bad for people with December birthdays because they have to deal with the combo gift. They are constantly hearing, 'This is for your birthday and Christmas! Happy birthmas!' A combo gift means you get one real gift and, if you're lucky, one extra thing your friend found while she was in the checkout line at Target. 'Oooh, a sweater and Krazy Glue?! Thanks!' 'Well, I know how much you love to glue stuff permanently! Merry birthday!'" (Ellen, pg 188)
From writing about her experiences as of Cover Girl to tips on yoga, life, and how to become a billionaire, Ellen inspires who ever is reading the book from moms, men, and children - yes she even includes pages to color and a story to read your son/daughter! It really has something for everyone. My favorite chapter was probably 'Letter to Mall Security' from pages 213-218. I'm telling you it will keep you laughing right to the last line!
While I enjoyed this book, it wasn't a difficult read, nor was it that intriguing, though I must admit it was hysterical and definitely gave good advice at times. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good laugh!
Now I wasn't done with school just yet, even though my internship was finished, but I thought it'd be a good time to celebrate!
For most of my internship I didn't go out during the weekend, not only was I tired, but I thought it was a great time to complete assignments and projects that were due. I think it was important for me at that time to be devoted to the internship and nothing else, and I'm glad I didn't go out, but I certainly understand the necessity of it. Child Life Specialists burn out extremely fast, so it's important that we take care of ourselves and go out every once in a while! I had such a good time, and I knew it was well deserved, which makes the celebration that much better.
The Friday I finished my internship, I called all my friends and we decided to go out to Cheeseburger in Paradise for a little karaoke! We sang, laughed, and talked about future endeavors. The singing might've been my favorite though! Of course, the boys were there, but isn't this shot of just us girls, too cute?!
Prior to graduating, I needed to complete an internship under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) at a hospital, near or far. I applied to several places, mostly in NJ, not thinking to apply to the states that my relatives lived in. Thankfully after several interviews at various hospitals, I landed an internship. I say thankfully because there were many people that were supposed to graduate with me, but didn't get an internship and therefore, had to switch their major in order to graduate on time, OR delay graduation for another semester, which doesn't sound all that bad, but I was determined, to say the least, to graduate in May of 2012.
The internship was from January to April - a 530 hour unpaid internship. I kept my job during the weekends, so I would have money for gas, and so I would still be getting experience working with children outside of the hospital, as a child care provider. I was also taking an art therapy class, that would enable me to graduate on time. It wasn't stressful, and good thing too, because the internship was A LOT of work. Of course, the supervisors give you a huge binder on your first day that includes every reading and writing assignment and project list, including a final project of your choice, on that would help the hospital in any way.
You might want an explanation of what a Certified Child Life Specialist is, though, because most people haven't even heard of it. While I could easily explain it to you in my own words, I'd rather you get the full description according to the Child Life Council.
Child life specialists are trained professionals with expertise in helping children and their families overcome life’s most challenging events.
Armed with a strong background in child development and family systems, child life specialists promote effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities. They provide emotional support for families, and encourage optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization. Because they understand that a child’s wellbeing depends on the support of the family, child life specialists provide information, support and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members. They also play a vital role in educating caregivers, administrators, and the general public about the needs of children under stress.
During my internship, I had the chance to intern in three different departments - the Valerie Fund [outpatient hematology/oncology clinic], the PICU, and general Pediatrics. While I can't name my favorite, because they are so different, I fell in love with the PICU and Pediatrics floor because of all the time I was able to spend with each patient, but I loved the hematology/oncology patients who I was able to meet both in the clinic and on the inpatient floors.
I was not only able to help infants, children, and adolescents in the treatment room through blood draws, IV inserts, and heel sticks, I was also able to occupy them in their rooms on what it seemed like to be long, and tiring days - meeting new people, preparing themselves for upcoming medical procedures, and having surgery - and play with them in the playroom / teen lounge. I also had the chance to research about different diseases and cultures, as well as present them to my supervisors. Not only that but I created activities two days a week to do with the children in the playroom, never knowing how many children I would have or their ages until that day. Finally, I completed various things to help the hospital including bulletin boards [information and fun!] and my final project - a guidebook for teachers and faculty on various chronic illnesses to not only help them, but their students to understand.
The first question that people ask me when I tell them that I am going to be a child life specialist, and then once I further explain what I am going to do - "I will work in pediatric children's hospitals (though there are alternatives to where we can work - dentist offices, funeral homes, rehab centers, etc.) with children who are suffering from various chronic illnesses and diseases, helping them understand on their developmental level, using age-appropriate interventions, including several different types of play, what is happening to them, to make the hospitalization a little less scary and frightening" - is how do I have the strength to work with "dying children?"
Well first and foremost, not all of the children are in fact dying. There are some that are though, but when I'm working with these children, I don't think about their impending death because these children are still children and they just want to play. You can't even tell that some of these children have a life-threatening illness! It's certainly amazing to me, so I let the question go sometimes, because everyone has this preconceived notions that children go to the hospital with these illnesses to die, but they go to LIVE. The children's hospitals are not as you picture them in your mind, at least none that I have volunteered at, interned at, or toured.
I'm making a difference, in short, in the lives of children who need encouragement and love.
Sometimes it's hard not to get attached to the children, and sometimes I think it's necessary to get attached, in order to give them the best support they need.
I am so lucky to have found this career, and cannot wait to be certified in November after taking the exam. If you'd like to know more about child life, please don't hesitate to ask me or click on the link to the child life website.
Advocate for your CCLS in the hospital - I'm telling you, we make a difference.
