high five for friday (11) + it's the freakin weekend

DANCE PARTY TIME!
Happy Friday
It's been a long week. Here's a rundown of it.
1. I graduated!!! I promise this is the last time I will bring up the graduation ceremony itself. At least for another week or so. Funny story: the ceremony was boring and I was starving so me and my blonde friend A here "went to the bathroom" when there was still a long line of graduates remaining. I'll take this moment to apologize to the lady I lied to about it. I hate lying. But I was really hungry and feeling faint and my family actually appreciated it after a moment of arguing. Third graduation ceremony in seven years. I deserved to leave when I pleased. Don't judge me.
2. The celebrating part after was tons of fun. Dinner with family then my homegirl's graduation party. Correction: too much fun. I couldn't nap Sunday and was grouchy. Thankfully, not hungover though. It was quite strange, but I accepted it and moved on.
3. I did get to the pool in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, and there was this: 

If the school counseling thing doesn't happen soon, I can clearly try my talents at art, right?
My friend's post pretty much explains it all. He (not I, I refused) whipped out some Spanish to ask a lady how to make queso dip. I wanted Moe's and the line was 5 miles long. Sorry, the queso is fabulous, but not that worth it. "I'll make it" I say. I have no idea how to make queso. He asks, she explains. Now I did pretty well in Spanish classes - in high school. That was 7 years ago! I haven't kept up. Thank goodness she knew words like sour cream and pointed to the cheeses we needed. We still didn't understand, but we bought the cheese and sour cream. Guess what? It worked out well! At least while it was on the stove it was good. Off heat, it turned solid pretty quick. Noted for next time.
4. I got to spend a butt load of time with this sweet thing.
Unfortunately it was because I am sick and unemployed. Yep, 10 days of antibiotics and on the job hunt still. Which is also part of this #4 of high 5. I learned some sort of exciting information regarding a potential job situation on Thursday morning and it made me hopeful again. Good timing too because Monday I was one teary-eyed sick person and down in the dumps. 
5. Party time tonight to celebrate my friend J's new job! Way to go! (Not that she reads this - I'm pretty sure she doesn't even know I blog, like most people I interact with face to face) I will be celebrating without alcohol because of my sickness and will also be designated driver so it should be entertaining to say the least.  Beach on Saturday and Mother's Day on Sunday - it's shaping up to be a beautiful weekend!
Happy Mother's Day to all the momma's out there. Hope your kiddos spoil you!


Linking up for the usual

Check out my sponsor:

high five for friday (10) + shawty, what is your name

Yay for Friday! My first week of no school, work, or internship has surprisingly flown by. The other downside of this week is that it has poured every day. I just want to tan!

High five y'all!

1. I passed my final tape for internship! All my assignments are done. This was a huge relief. My professor had me on the edge of my seat, having mini panic attacks every time an email popped up in my school email account. I'm glad the wait is over.

2. I'm graduating tomorrow! Say what?! Is this real life? I WILL be celebrating all weekend long. Also, the job hunt is in full force. Wish me luck!

3. I had the best last day at my internship. I got presents and was sent on a scavenger hunt! I didn't think it was possible to feel more loved and appreciated by the staff and students at the middle school, but after Friday I certainly did. We celebrated after work with dinner and drinks. Yes, that "counselor - I'm kind of a big deal" pin was one of my gifts. And yes, I'm kind of a big deal. In all seriousness though, I feel that I made an impression on people at the school and that's an amazing feeling to have. I miss the kiddos and some of the staff already.

4. Mint polka dots for my iPhone background! Heck yeah!

5. This was my view last weekend. If this rain stops, it will be my view this weekend too. So, rain, that's enough, okay thanks.

Time to back it up with T-Pain. My Tallahassee homie.

Linked up:

high five for friday (9) + raise up

It's Fridayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

1. I submitted my last graduate school assignment last night! ::doing a happy dance::

2. I decorated my cap for graduation with my good friend A. Weird coincidence: we both lost our dad's - they both passed away in July (the anniversaries of their deaths are 8 days apart) - they both had birthdays in the month of August. I swear, we were destined to be friends. 

via Instagram

3. Today is my last day of internship. I feel mixed emotions about this. I'm sad I won't be spending my time there everyday. I'm sad I won't be there to serve the students and help support teachers and staff. On the other hand, I'm excited to relax and hit up the beach during the work week.

4. It's my brother's 23rd birthday tomorrow! Happy birthday, B! You're growing up way too fast. Which means I'm getting older.

5. My fur child is on the mend after a scary episode Tuesday evening. The vet told us had we not taken him to the animal ER that he was concerned he would not have survived the night. Super scary. 

Enjoy this real old school jam

Linking up!

high five for friday (8) and baby, don't stop

                                                                    Source: imaginationforbreakfast.com via Angela on Pinterest

I came across this on Pinterest the other day and loved it. I tend to be cautious in life and have been especially closed off the past few years. I have decided to stop doing that and just jump in with both feet - keeping in mind not to jump into shallow waters and get hurt. I just think you can't wait around forever or for what is 100% right, or you will be waiting a long time and might miss out on a great opportunity.

Enough personal philosophy for today. 

1. I drove out to my family's land this week. There is something about the country that brings a smile to my face and makes me feel good all over. We own a lot of land on a road that is named after my great-great grandfather. So, I'm famous. My last name is on a street sign. It's pretty cool. My grandma owns the cows but each of my cousins and I got one when we were born. I grew up on this land. I spent my summer's with my grandma and brother here running around the pasture. 

2. I went to a rock concert! (Somewhat) embarrassing confession: I have been to a handful of concerts in my life. Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and Kenny Chesney are the ones I remember. That might be it. Going to concerts is definitely on my bucket list. I had a blast at this one. I really want to go to a country concert next. Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan...and the list goes on.

3. Strawberry Margarita nail polish!

4. As bittersweet as it is, I have one week left at my internship; and my graduation countdown is 15 days!

5. Last night was my last night of class ever and our professors took us out for appetizers to celebrate after we met on campus. It is so exciting to be done! Class next Wednesday? No, I think I'll hit up ladies night!

Have a lovely weekend!

Now, groove to this old school slow jam....



Link ups:

high five for friday (7) & gator boots

1. This photo tells so much about my happiness at the moment. 

First: I am just 2 hours away from my total number of hours needed at my internship this semester. That's right, just 2 more hours! Second: I need 48 total group hours and am just 5.5 away from that number. Third: I only needed 120 direct hours and I have 133. Pure joy over here right now! This internship has been a lot of hard work, and now on to my second "high five"....

2. I couldn't have survived my past two internships without my amazing supervisor. Long story made short: I had a terrible first internship experience at a high school in 2011. My supervisor was nasty and could have cared less if I learned anything. I ended up having to switch internship sites in the last month in order to reach my mere 100 hours of internship. My supervisor for my past 2 internships (R) is such a wonderful person with the biggest heart. She has advocated for me in a million different ways and done everything in her power to make sure I reach my designated number of hours and also learned a great deal about what school counselors really do. Yesterday, we had some quiet moments between the two of us and it was truly awesome. I'm so happy to have made a lifelong friend in this process.

3. I got to see my cousins, aunts, uncle, and Granny over the weekend. Sadly, it was to attend a funeral, but we had a nice dinner together after the service...during which I broke the news about my tattoo. Granny was not a fan, to say the least. 

4. Pardon my language in that picture, but I partied pretty hard Friday night. I had a blast, but hated myself the next day. For the past 3 years, I haven't done anything like that. It was nice to let loose and have some fun for the first time in years. 

5. Today is a jeans day! Seriously, it's about the little things in life... Looking forward to the weekend and a possible beach trip. Praying for no rain Saturday. 

What are your plans this weekend? Have a great one!

And, I leave you with some Big Tymers for #backthatazzupfriday

Linking up:

high five for friday (6) + #yolo

Happy Friday lovelies! Another week has flown by. Feeling good about life :)

This week's high five:

1. I had a great after school event with my grief group kiddos. We had a dinner with their families and did a balloon release to celebrate the time I have spent with them. My heart was so full of love and happiness! It was so great to hear from their families the positive impact I have made in their lives.

2. I've been feeling major love from my supervisor this week. I am so blessed to have a supportive supervisor who has really helped me to reach my fullest counseling potential.

3. I got a 97 on my group presentation in class this week! Holla! I was extremely nervous, as I usually am for presentations, but managed to pull off something spectacular with my peeps. Can't say I would do it again though.

4. I'm loving my tattoo. Here is a picture of it! Still working on the post about my experience getting it.

5. I've only got a few weeks left of graduate school! Most of my assignments are complete so therefore I'm having fun this weekend. #yolo

Warning: this is the unedited version

Linking up!

high five for friday (5) + just a friend

It's my favorite day of the week! Mostly, because I love reflecting on the past week and remembering the high points of it for the High Five for Friday link up. It's my spring break this week (from internship) and there were definitely some high points.

1. I got to see my best friend! R was in town for just a few days and I sent him a text at just the right moment this week. We met for lunch Wednesday. It is always wonderful to catch up with him - time apart does not change our friendship at all and that's what I love most. Expect a post about this oldest friend of mine at some point because he has been there for me when I have needed someone most.

2. Another good friend moment for the week. I work myself up over a lot of things, and J has been there for me a lot these past few years. She does a great job of bringing me back to reality and not letting me beat myself up too much.

3. I get to see those 2 smiling faces this weekend: for Easter lunch and {hopefully} babysitting them with my brother. H (the girl) + B (the boy) are my cousin's twins and they have brought infinite joy to our family since their arrival in 2011. Byron and I enjoy babysitting them because it's brother and sister hanging with brother and sister.

4. I'm going through with the big decision I posted about last week. Thanks to you lovely ladies who commented on that post. And, thank you to E who I had a long conversation with over the weekend about this decision. That woman gets me. I'm a lucky lady to have her as a friend. Expect pictures, and a story, to follow, it's happening today!

5. My big meeting this week was so worth it. I was a nervous wreck but it had a very positive outcome and I hope I have more to share in a few weeks! If nothing comes of it, I at least learned that people appreciate when I take the initiative, which is something very outside of my comfort zone. I'm in a weird place right now - a mix of fear and excitement and I'm hoping by the end of April the fears will have vanished and the excitement will be even better. Countdown to graduation: 43 days!

6. OK, this is a bonus one! Check out the giveaway I am co-hosting this week. The contest closes in three days!

Now, please enjoy these tunes from Biz Markie. 

I nearly cried when I saw this song was from 1989 - it's almost as old as me.

Linking up with Lauren and Whitney!

high five for friday (4) and leaving you hypnotized

Part Uno

First up: have you entered this giveaway from Postcards from Rachel and sponsors??? If not, you really should!

Okay, it's that time again ....High Five For Friday!

It's been a long and rough week for me.



1. Only hours left until my spring break officially begins!!!!!

2. I reached 100 direct hours at my internship site! This is very exciting because I need 120 direct hours to pass Internship III. I am so blessed to have the BEST supervisor in the history of supervision. It's so nice to work and learn from someone who knows what you need to know.

3. I have an exciting meeting lined up for Monday morning. Details to follow in the coming weeks...

4. Purple, sparkle nails for spring.

5. Only hours left until my spring break officially begins!!!!! Oh, wait...I said that already.

Part Dos

Happy to bring you some sweet jams again for #backthatazzup Friday!

Also, for yesterday's post. I couldn't resist.

Anybody else have spring break this week? Any exciting plans? 

high five for friday (3) and an old school favorite

Thanks to Whitney I now cannot officially start my weekend without #backthatazzup Friday. So, start backing it up for Nelly, cause it's hot in here!

Now on to my happy moments of the week!

1. I lined up a meeting with an elementary school. Yay for getting my foot in a door, somewhere. It feels like a great start for my future.


Please don't let your mind go numb over what I am about to say, but some big things are going on in my school counseling world. Check out this blog post from FSCA. FSCA is the Florida School Counselor Association; I have been a member since I started my graduate program back in 2010. FSCA is making some big moves in Tallahassee this week trying to get a bill passed which will regulate the school counseling profession. You can read about the bill here, see a summary of what the Student Failure Prevention Act means, and get updates on the FSCA legislation at the blog here. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the school counseling profession and shared about the school counselor to student ratios which negatively impact student success in this post. I am very excited for what this bill could mean for me and my classmates and the profession overall. My supervisor said something to me this week which really resonated and deeply saddened me: "you will probably never do as much counseling when you become a school counselor as you did when you were an intern." *Ouch* Please, if you have a moment, and live in the state of FL, write a letter to our state representatives letting them know what you support the Student Failure Prevention Act (SB 0154 and HB 0801). Here is a sample letter if you are having trouble finding the words to say in support of this legislation. I am thankful for your support and taking the time to read this, and doing what you can do to help! Kudos for making it through that long-winded moment of advocating for myself.

2. A student of mine nominated me for staff member of the month at my internship site. I shared about it here.

3. I had a major breakthrough with one of my students who wrote me a beautiful letter that brought tears to my eyes. She thanked me for changing her life and said she knows I will go on to change many other lives. I had no idea such a beautiful message could come from a 6th grader.

4. I learned a lot about myself this week. I'm happy that I am one of those people who can always find a way to better improve myself. It's my belief if you feel there is no room for improvement, you are not trying to be your best self. We are all human and have this amazing ability to learn from our mistakes.

5. Today is my day off! I haven't had one of these in for-e-ver! I slept in late (til 8 am) and I'm still in my PJ's. Headed to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. It doesn't get much better.

Have a lovely weekend!

What was the highlight of your week?

high five for friday (2)

This week has been phenomenal and I'm excited to share the highlights with you.

Linking up with Lauren again for High Five For Friday! I really love doing this link-up.

1. I changed my phone background to this cool teal/green ombre. I think that helped with a good start to my week. Feel free to snag it if you enjoy it as much as I do, I found it on Google Images.

2. My grief group kiddos never cease to amaze me. I went into our meeting Tuesday with a not 100% set plan and it worked in my favor. They drew a border around a blank sheet of paper and inside their border wrote a letter to their loved one who has passed away. For the first time ever, I was really touched by what they contributed to the group and started to cry. On a similar note, a student in my other grief group (there are so many kids at our school that I am able to run two separate grief groups) had a complete breakthrough with me. Three months ago she feared coming to school because we were going to meet in grief group. This week she brought in pictures of her and her dad, letters her classmates wrote to her when her dad passed away, and the newspaper with his obituary in it. It was such a wonderful thing to connect with this child and she had me smiling all week, especially when she told me that she had nominated me for staff member of the month! I was so touched and am so thankful to do the job that I do with these kids. As an intern, I do not get paid for my time spent at the school, but money does not compare to what these kids give back to me. Their appreciation means the world to me. I wish I could have opened up to someone about my dad passing away when I was her age. I'm so excited, blessed, and honored that I get to be the person they share their hearts and souls with.

3. I got my nails did! I refer to my bi-weekly manicures and once per month pedicures as my form of therapy. It is so nice to catch up with the wonderful woman who does my nails. I'm really digging these new spring colors.

CND Shellac Grapefruit Sparkles

OPI You're Such A BudaPest

4. I had so much fun participating in Tuesday's link-up, Dogs Are Babies Too hosted by Kara, Kate and Laura. I had fun sharing my love for my furbaby with the blogging world. If you missed me talking about my obsession for my "child" you can read it here.

5. Reaching goals is a wonderful feeling. I broke 200 hours of logged internship time and it feels like my 300 hours are going to be over before I know it! On the hunt for a counseling job and 8 weeks from graduating = an exciting time in my life. Also, I am now up to 5 followers, so yay! That was my blogging goal for the month. Thanks to those of you who are reading my adventures, I am so appreciative of your support.



What was wonderful about your week?

Update: also linking up for Find and Follow Friday. Check out the deets for this link-up over at Melissa's blog A mile in her boots