Good, no... GREAT news!

I'll be the first one to admit that my aspirations for my future have been all over the map these past few years. I want to be happy, but I also want to make a descent amount of money - I don't think that's too much to ask for. I started out going to school for Early Childhood Education - I had dreams since I was little of becoming a teacher, I even held class in my backyard for my neighborhood friends, and I would assign homework! Those dreams lasted until I got a job as a preschool teacher's aid. I found that I though I loved the children, I wasn't in love with the teaching aspect. I then changed my major to Child Life and haven't looked back since, although I have looked at additional certifications and graduate schools, everything from baby planning to nutrition coach, and nutritionist/registered dietician to personal training. I'm not sure where my future will take me, but as you can see I have a lot of options and plans.

Back in August, I had to apply to take the Child Life Certification Exam - about a week or two after I found out that I was able to sit for the exam. I had signed myself up for an online prep course, and studied as much as I could. I found the class extremely helpful because you were not only getting experience from two Certified Child Life Specialists, but you were also being given the study tips and relaxation tips necessary to pass the exam. We read the appropriate books that would help us pass, had weekly chats and assignments, and even took practice tests. I was fully prepared for the exam, though I was still nervous.

On November 7th, I headed into the city early after I had gotten in a workout and a healthy, filling breakfast. I arrived to the testing center much earlier than I had planned, but luckily for me they let me start my exam as soon as I got there because a nor'easter was coming and they wanted me to get back home as soon as possible. Yes, we had a nor'easter, a week or two after Sandy - lucky us, right? Not.

After I finished the exam, I didn't know what to think. I told the proctor I was finished and he printed out my results. Fortunately, I took the online test so I was able to see my test results right away, instead of having to wait 4-6 weeks for them. He handed me a paper facedown, and I thought that I had failed, without a doubt. I flipped the paper over and read the results...

I HAD PASSED! I AM AN OFFICIAL CERTIFIED CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST! 

He looked at me, chuckles, and says, "Congratulations, you looked like you were going to pass out!"

To which I replied, "You made it seem like I failed!"

He had done it on purpose of course; I guess that's the fun of being a proctor, at least when the individuals taking the tests pass.

I headed to the bus with the biggest smile on my face - not only had I passed, but it was snowing... and in the first few minutes that it begins to snow, the world is beautiful, as if it's slowing down. While on the bus I talked to my parents, as well as my brother and Sal - they were all excited, but knew I was going to pass. I was exhausted when I finally got home, but couldn't stop smiling. I had done it, I had reached my dream. Now all I needed to find was a job!

Instead I turned on the TV and watched a couple of episodes of Friends, while enjoying a healthy lunch and soon after a snack, as the snow fell outside.

something new to encourage my craving

An ice cream maker! 

This morning my father and I had plans to go to the local flea market after my daily errands. However, when I got home he said he needed to run to the bank. I didn't understand why I couldn't come, but I'm glad I didn't push the subject. I stayed home and waited for him to return. Just a few minutes later, a Fed Ex truck arrived at my house. I was a little concerned because I didn't think anyone ordered anything in my house, so I grabbed a key [I mean it could be used as a weapon, just in case, right? haha] I answered the door and the box was addressed to me, from Neiman Marcus. Now I was really confused because no one in my household ever orders anything from the store. As soon as I opened it up I had the biggest smile on my face! My own ice cream maker! I couldn't wait to open it up and start making ice cream, however, I have to wait 12 hours for the bowl to freeze. 

As soon as I start creating my ice cream, you better believe there will be pictures, along with recipes :]

his good luck charm

GREAT NEWS ! I will be going to OPENING DAY AT CITI FIELD ! METS v. MARLINS! My boyfriend bought the tickets last night :D !


I'm so excited! I've never been to an opening day game so I cannot wait to see what it's all about. Baseball/Softball is by far my favorite sport, and the Mets are my favorite team! I love the smell of the stadium, the atmosphere filled with people rooting for the Mets, the crack of the bat, the apple coming up out of the hat when they score. This is seriously one of my favorite things about Spring/Summer. I cannot wait until Monday. 

This is from just one of the may games I've been to with my boyfriend. :] Out of all seven games we went to together last year, they won! So now I'm supposedly a good luck charm. However I am not a good luck charm when I go to watch my boy's football games. Hmph. 


So in addition to my happiness, here is a giveaway from For the Love of Stilettos that you all must join! If you join through me, make sure to put my name in the comment box to let Sonja know! It's an awesome giveaway filled with Sonja's favorite Spring things. Amazing! Good luck :]

Ahh! *Update

I don't think I could come up with a better title, because that pretty much describes my feelings and emotions right now! I'm so nervous!


I'm running for secretary for the executive board of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society on my campus! The only time I've ever ran for something was in Middle School. I forgot what I ran for, but I lost... so I guess I pushed the memory to the back of my head, or it just fell out.


So.. I've contacted everyone I know in the society and told them to tell their friends. I really want this! I've never held a leadership position and I think it would be a very helpful, learning experience! I hope I get it! 


I wish you could all vote for me but unfortunately it's only for those in the society.


Well.. wish me luck ! :] 

[Source]

UPDATE: Unfortunately I didn't win. Thanks everyone for the support though. It really meant a lot. This just means I have to try again next year. I won't give up just because I lost one election though. It just wasn't meant to be.

Snuggie Up

I recently received a Snuggie on Christmas and I love it. It's tan color, so it's not an embarrassingly bright shade of pink or blue. It feels just like a blanket, and it's perfect for when you want to read or hold a cup of tea by the fire. Recently, while searching the web, I came across a Snuggie for two, just in time for Valentine's day. I, for one, know my boyfriend would not be happy to sit on a couch in a Snuggie with me. He'd rather be able to snuggle up under a blanket. I don't think I'd like the Snuggie for Two either, especially because it seems like you can't exactly be close to each other. 

Snuggie for Two

What do you guys think?

I'll write a post about my first day of classes for Spring Semester tomorrow; it's been a long day. 

I also have some exciting news as a blogger and I cannot wait to share it with you guys tomorrow!