Six years later...

My, my, my...how time flies...
Everyone told me it would...
I had no idea how right they were...

Six years ago today, I was the new proud mama of a one week old baby girl. Being a new parent is scary enough...to be a single parent on top of it was even scarier.

As hard as it has been I haven't regretted one thing. Well, I take that back. Although I have done my best for Riley, I wish I would have been at a better place in my life when I had her...for her sake. There are so many things that I want to do for her, but I can't always do them. However, I've come to learn, it's this way for nearly every parent, no matter what the situation; not just me, not just single parents.

The past 6 years have been amazing. It has been amazing watching her grow from a tiny, helpless, fragile infant to a precocious toddler, to the "spicy" six year old she is today. No one can even imagine how lucky I am. I am truly blessed in more ways than I can count simply because of Riley.

This sixth birthday came at a time when we were experiencing MANY changes. I just graduated with my MSW and Riley just graduated from Kindergarten. I just started a new job and FINALLY we have more time to spend together. Although not as much as I would like, I wish I could just stay home with her.

So, this is for you Riley. I may not always do everything perfect, but I sure am trying...and it's all for you kiddo. I don't know where I would be without you or what I would do without you. My life has changed for the better since I gave birth to you six
years ago. You are the MOST important person in my life.

With all that being said, I cannot WAIT to see what the next year brings...and what the next six years bring. However, I wish time would slow down just a bit so I could enjoy you even more. You are so special and amazing.

I LOVE YOU BABY GIRL!!

LMSW

So, if it wasn't enough that I've been in school for the last 5 YEARS, after I graduated with my MSW (Master of Social Work) I also had to take the state licensing exam. That's right...you need a license to practice this stuff.

The licensing exam for a social worker varies from state to state. Except for the Clinical license - there is one test and it is a national one. However, for the BSW and MSW exam every state has different requirements. In Idaho you need a 70% to pass.

Now, keep in mind this test is not cheap either. First you pay $50 to have your application to take the test reviewed. THEN you pay $175 to register to take the test. THEN you pay $30 for the short study guide. All in all, the test costs at minimum $255 to take the test. Here's the crappy part. If you don't pass, there's a three month waiting period to retake it AND you have to pay the test fee of $175 all over again!!

So, as you can imagine this test is a little nerve wracking...especially where I am not a good test taker...I prefer essay exams. Additionally, it is very hard to get a job without having your license. On top of that, if you have a job, most employers will tell you that if you don't pass you will be fired - including the place where I work.

Again, no pressure, right?? Wrong!! I was literally physically sick for the week before my exam. I will spare you the details of my anxiety induced illness, but it was not pleasant.

So, my test was scheduled for May 30, 2008 at 8:30 am. I went with one of my bestest friends; Christine. We wished each other good luck before we went in for the 170 question, 4 hour long test. Again...nerve wrecking. At approximately 11 am I was finished with my test. However, there were approximately 30 questions I was unsure of and at least 5 or 6 where I had NO CLUE!! So, when it was time to quite the test my heart was pounding, my hands were sweating, and I submitted my test!

Much to my surprise and happiness my score came up that I...PASSED the test!! YEAH!!! I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I was. I was more excited about passing my test than I was about actually graduating. I felt such a HUGE sense of relief.

This was such a HUGE accomplishment for me, I had to share it. I cannot stress enough how crucial this test is...and I passed! I am officially a Licensed Social Worker - LMSW!

YEAH!!!

Pigs Have Flown

After much high anticipation...
5 years later...
Many sleepless nights...
Lots of homework...

MANDY FINALLY GRADUATED!!!!

That's right!!! I have finally graduated from GRAD school...for those who don't know...with my MSW (Master of Social Work). It's been a long journey, but well worth it. I have many thanks to send out to my friends and family who have been a HUGE support system. There's no way I could have made it this far without all of you.

Here is a re-cap of the exhausting, but gratifying weekend.

So, although official commencement graduation was Saturday, May 17th, the School of Social Work holds their mini graduation, aka "Hooding Ceremony"...that's right, I have a hood (because a cape would be too obvious)...


Here's the hood...pretty cool, huh?!

Here's Riley helping me get ready...it wouldn't be graduation without her!!!




Here's one of my favorite professors...he's been one of my biggest supporters of the years...I don't think I would be the social worker I am today without his guidance...I know I wouldn't have made it through the past year without his (and the school's) support. Thank you Will!





Here's Jim...my practicum supervisor from the ACT Team...I learned SO much from him and everyone else there...thanks for a great experience guys!!

Here's me and Riley with my mom and the following picture is with my Grandma...that's right...that's where I get my good looks from...

Here I am with Robin...another amazing, supportive, influential teacher...thanks for everything Robin...





So...since I didn't "walk the line" last year I did it this year. The following day, Saturday, was another CRAZY day. Here we are on the way to commencement...YEAH!!



Here I am...the one in the middle...do you see me??




Here we are...three hours later...basking in the glow of the sun and my NEW degree...It was tiring, can you tell??




So, after the commencement, and a long nap, we went back to my house for my graduation party...isn't my cake cool?? Too bad I wasn't really in Hawaii or some tropical paradise to celebrate (miss you Kristin).





Aaahhhh...as usual...the whole weekend went by in a blur...only to be followed by starting a new job first thing Monday morning...that's right...I got a job...YEAH...see me for more juicy details...until then...