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Updates in July


It has comes to my attention that I will just have to accept that my blog posts will be few and far in between. But due to recent demands, and that Chris has given up blogging altogether, I have decided to make a sincere effort to blog today. I can't keep my adoring fans waiting with bated breath.
Most recently my life has been consumed with: clinic, my cubical (aka "the cube"), clinicals, my adorable squishy new client, balancing mountain biking, road biking, and running, and my small but fabulous group of new friends, Lizzie, Meaghan and Brynne. Other than that, I try to find time to eat and sleep.
I'm really living a charmed life here in Utah, and I"m still waiting for grad school to drive me tears. It hasn't happened yet! The key is to-do lists, calendars, plans and sticky notes. And obsessively checking canvas for new assignments.
I just decided that in stead of doing comprehensive exams at the end of my grad school I'm going to do a thesis instead. I just met with my advisor yesterday and she said I'll have my literature review published by the end of the year - THIS year. AKA I'm going to be published in just a few months! There is a very real chance that someone will cite me  - I like the sound of that. (Weller, 2012). When I see that is when I know I've made it **HAPPY DANCE**.
So I was all excited about my meeting and getting started until she sent me the articles I have to read by next week. One is 166 pages. Come again!?
Katie Weller what have you gotten yourself into.
Not a big deal. This calls for....MORE STICKY NOTES!
The reason I'm doing a thesis is that (more exciting news) I've decided that after I get my masters I want to eventually get a PhD. The Wellers need another doctor in the family, one is just not enough. They're like those BBQ lays chips. You can't just have one.
So basically what I'm getting as is soon after you start referring to me as Master Weller, you can begin to think about calling me Doctor Weller.
I had this small epiphany after taking my phonology class here with the famous Dr. Gillam. She's one of the most inspiring people I've ever met. She REALLY gets you excited about research and wanting to know more. After I talked to her and she complimented my writing and told me I should do a thesis, I was sold. Just tell me where to sign my name!
Other than that...nothing much to report. I have a client that I love and I"m working hard to do good therapy with him. It's funny to me that in undergrad I absolutely freaked out when I had to do just 1, ten minute session with a client and now I'm planning and doing 45 minute session like it's my job (....cause it is...). Once you get the hang of it, it's super easy to come up with stuff. I'm really excited about next week because I planned a lesson around the book "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" - classic.
The key is good therapy is just to relax, because even if you make a mistake the kid has no idea because he's too distracted with whatever toys/games you bring in. Plus he absolutely adores you after all, so you can do no wrong.
Chris and I also put in the deposit for our fabulous new apartment! It's a big-girl apartment! Goodbye small, no A/C cell-block prison I've been living in. So long 70s carpeting and jail-like bathroom! I will not miss you. On August 9th I'm moving into a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, lofted ceilings palace with a brand new kitchen and, get this, a balcony. And a washer/dryer! I have my own washer/dryer in a "mud room"! If that doesn't scream big girl I don't know what does. I also have a huge walk-in closet which I might let Chris share.
The only problem is that the two poor "just starting off" grad student and lowest-ranking-military-officer won't be able afford furniture yet. But that's okay because the carpet is high quality. So we will sit in the luxurious new apartment on the floor - not a big deal. We're laid back people - furniture will come eventually. For now as long as we have a bed it'll be fine. Although  I think Henry will be distraught there's no couch for him to lounge on. Whatta spoiled pup he's become.
I asked Chris what he thought about blowup furniture - he gave it the no-go. Bean bags it is!

I feel like this is the way it's supposed to be. Two people meet on the triathlon team, fall in love in college and move across the country together. One is in the military and the other is in grad school, living comfortably but not frivolously. Our priorities are always in line - new triathlon gear will always come before a couch. Money is a bit tight but they can still easily afford rent and a vacation or two. Of course we have the all-American hound dog with an all-American name. I feel like I'm literally living the American dream - minus the white picket fence.
I suppose it's going to be a good thing I go through a time period of being on a budget before Chris and I make our first million and jet-set off on our yacht to go run marathons in New Zealand and visit Kristy in Engalnd. It'll make me appreciate my Range Rover with the S-works bike on the back of it so much more. (Speaking of that  - Chris dear I DO hope you're still sketching in that little secret mole-skin invention notebook of yours).
Just kidding.
Kind of.

Alright I've been sitting in my cube for an hour now and haven't gotten a lick of work done yet. I think I just like being in here. It makes me feel professional. If only I had a little secretary who could say, "I'm sorry, Miss Weller is in her cube - can  I take a message?" I think I would just call myself to hear her say that.

Off I go to start on that 166 page report!

-me

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