The only good thing to come from this strep business is that I have gotten quite a bit of reading in over the past couple of days. I managed to finish up a book that incorporates three things that really interest me – research on cancer, ethical decisions involving medical queries, and the inequality of healthcare in our country. All very social work-y, huh? And all related to oncology social work, which will (hopefully) be my specialty area in graduate school next year.

“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot captured my attention more so than any book that I have read recently. Not only was it engaging and interesting, but I feel like I learned so much! Skloot tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose cells posthumously changed the face of scientific research.

The catch? Henrietta didn’t give her cells voluntarily – and her families never saw a dime from the millions upon millions that were made off of HeLa cells. In fact, they faced their own healthcare issues and were often unable to pay for them. Skloot spent years meeting family members, tracking down old medical records, journeying through the family homestead to learn as much as Henrietta as she could.

Her goal? To personalize the woman behind HeLa, what many scientists have dubbed the most important line of cells in scientific history. The cells, taken from Henrietta’s tumor shortly before she died, have helped to develop the polio vaccine, contributed to cancer and cloning research, and were influential in learning how to genetically map a cell. In short, they have been the birth of some of the most important medical discoveries of the 21st century.

The story of Henrietta and her family is one of heartache. Along the way, Skloot discovered a family that has been deeply wronged by the system – and yet a family that perseveres. Though the book is primarily about Henrietta’s children and grandchildren, there are also long sections of the book about some of the scientists and researchers who were involved in the HeLa cells. These scientific morsels are sprinkled throughout, making a book that is both engaging and enlightening all at once.

Is this book only for people who are interested in cancer or medical ethics? Absolutely not! In fact, this is a great book for anyone who is curious about their own medical rights and the scientific research process. I know one thing – I am now much more educated about the rights to my own cells and body! Overall, I loved this book and will be quick to recommend it to anyone. I will certainly carry my newfound knowledge forward, both in my social work practice and in my own life!

Have you read any good books lately? I have some spare time now that school is done, and plan to fill it with books!

I cannot believe that I have come to my final month of resolutions. When I embarked on this journey almost one year ago, my life was starkly different – I was a working post-grad living in Nashville with two roommates. Now I’m an unemployed student living in Louisville, albeit still with two roommates, just of the parental variety. My how a year changes things.

This year had definitely been one of transition for me – one in which I have grown and changed and struggled and learned and LIVED. I have succeeded with resolutions, and I have failed. There have been some that have stuck around, and some that have definitely fallen by the wayside.

Ultimately, I would love to close this year of resolutions with an important one, one that is very pertinent to this season of the calendar and of my life. December is about being merry.

Christmas is my favorite time of year, because the world is filled with JOY! The joy of the season. But while I love the decorations and the Christmas carols and the snow and the twinkling lifts and the cheer, I remember why we celebrate. This season is so much bigger than me and my earthly joy.

So in this season of love and happiness and merriment, I know that I will be merry. And that my joy comes from above. I’m going to try to live this joy, and spread this merriment to everyone I meet.

Happy December everyone!

Recognize my globe-trotting-friend Taylor, second from the left?

Back in the day, I did a three-year stint in Madrigals during high school. It is an elite singing choir, who practices all fall and then performs an entire week of Christmas dinners, dressed head-to-toe in Renaissance attire. Some of my favorite memories from high school are from my time in Madrigals. So I cannot wait to cheer them on tonight! I’ll be looking for my old dress, just in case anyone is still wearing it…

Another reason that today is wonderful? I am (almost) officially finished with my first semester of graduate school. I have two presentations left, plus my final practicum evaluation, and then I am home free! This girl is ready for a little R&R.

Although I may complain a bit about my graduate school workload, on the whole I have been absolutely loving it. Fun fact about social workers? Not everyone is miserable and hates their job! Sure, there are days when I am frustrated and lost and confused and wonder if I should have chosen an easier profession. But for the most part, I feel confident that I am learning and growing into a competent mental health professional.

When I embarked on the journey this month to share my knowledge about social work, I knew that it was going to be a bumpy ride. You see, social work is messy. Social workers work with people, and people are complicated! One of the most important things that I have learned thus far is that there is NO easy answer. Life is not one-size-fits-all.

Just like social workers – one size definitely does not fit all! As with any profession, there are many different types of people who work in this field. Not all of them are prepared to work in every setting! Some work well with children, others work well with adults. Some like monotony, others like to be challenged with new and exciting things daily. Some dream of working in a healthcare facility (me!) and others faint at the sight of blood.

So next time you hear someone mention social work, don’t immediately jump to thoughts of someone coming in to remove children during a home visit. We are so much more than that! We are counselors, advocates, resource gurus, therapists, and most importantly – friends. Not in the secular sense, but in the sense that we look out for our patients. We have their back.

There you have it – have I convinced anyone to change careers? If not, that’s totally fine with me. We all have our strengths! Social work just (hopefully) happens to be mine.

Do you have any exciting plans for the day? Have I corrected any of your social work misconceptions this month?

Dear Franklin – your body temp must be well over 100 degrees at all times!

Well, unfortunately I live in the real world. Meaning that this luxury is not always an option. If it was an option for me today, I know what book I’d be tackling – this baby.

Seriously can’t wait to share this review once I mow through it!

But, alas, duty calls. Instead I’ll be snuggled up huddling around the space heater in my frigid practicum office, tackling whatever crisis makes it way across our desk.

Some days, when we’ve had to take forensic photos to investigate abuse allegations, or when we’ve worked to counsel a child with homicidal and suicidal tendencies, or when yet another patient has not-so-politely declined our help, I wonder why it is that I chose this wacky field. And then I see the look of gratitude on a client’s face when we are able to connect them with a much-needed resource.

That’s when the wacky moments are all made worthwhile. Happy Wednesday!

Any wacky moments in your future today? Or moments that make all of the wackiness worthwhile?

]]> http://chocolateandwildair.com/2012/11/wacky-wednesday-2.html/feed 6 http://chocolateandwildair.com/2012/11/christmas-tunes.html http://chocolateandwildair.com/2012/11/christmas-tunes.html#comments Mon, 26 Nov 2012 12:00:25 +0000 lvanderwerp http://chocolateandwildair.com/?p=944 Continue reading →]]> Happy Monday morning everyone – ready for another week? I know it will be brutal to head back to work after a vacation week. But such is life. Plus? We’re only 28 days from Christmas!

We got in the holiday spirit yesterday by setting up our tree. Yes, we have a fake tree. And yes, I threw enough of a fit that we also put up a real tree in the sunroom with my ornaments, closer to Christmastime.

What can I say – I like my Christmas to feel authentic! But, in the spirit of Christmas, I want to remember what this season is all about. In case you need a little reminder as well, here are some of my favorite Christmas tunes to get in the holiday spirit. Enjoy!

1. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Brad Paisley

2. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Amy Grant

3. “When My Heart Finds Christmas” by Harry Connick Jr.

4. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Tony Bennett

5. “Carol of the Bells” by Mannheim Steamroller

6. “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by N’SYNC

7. “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey

8. “Silent Night” by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

9. “This Christmas” by Destiny’s Child

It really is the most wonderful time of the year. 28 days to go. Merry Monday!

Do you have a favorite holiday jam that I missed? I’m always on the lookout!

I posted this last year, right after Thanksgiving, and it is still so applicable! I’m not sure how many readers I had back then, so here we go – enjoy. Let the Christmas season begin!

Christmas Time is Here

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I can officially unleash all of my Christmas obsessions in full force!

Yes, please. Always a classic.

As much as I love fall and everything that accompanies it, from pumpkin spice lattes to the leaves changing to football season and scarves and squash and apple cider, there is just nothing like the month of December to raise my spirits and make me both nostalgic for Christmases past and excited for the future all at the same time.

Christmas is a time of anticipation, of looking forward to the birth of our Savior. It’s a season filled with love, with family and friends old and new, with Christmas cookies and hot chocolate and warm fires. And most of all, it is the one season where we all have permission to act like a little child again, by breaking out our flannel pajamas, and watching reruns of old holiday classics on TV, and covering the house head to toe with red and green and all things sparkly. My kind of season.

This year, I want to make a conscious effort to remember what Christmas is really about. Because we can eat all of the cookies, sing all of the carols, hang all of the ornaments, and open all of the presents, but without the true meaning of Christmas, all of these things would be empty. So this year, let’s all carry over a little bit of that Thanksgiving thankfulness into the Christmas season, and be thankful for the many blessings we have. After all, it’s about time that Thanksgiving got some recognition!

When in doubt, I’m going to turn to some of my favorite holiday classics for inspiration. These guys really hit the nail on the head. (Which reminds me, we have some Tivo-ing to do Mom and Dad!)

Are you excited for the coming holiday season? Did you make any new Thanksgiving memories?

Cheers to my heaping full of blessings – friends, family, my health, the grace of my Jesus – and cheers to yours!

And now, I’m off to watch the parade. And consume my weight in stuffing and pie. And hopefully take a nap. Glory.

Happy Thanksgiving – may your day be marvelous.

Tomorrow, I’m going to do my best to remember the meaning of Thanksgiving – thanking God for the many blessings that He has given me. Our SheReadsTruth study right now is going through Biblical passages, learning about what the Bible has to say about saying thank you. Y’all – we are so lucky!

So tomorrow, I’m going to say thank you. Let me start by saying thank you to all of you, my faithful readers! I feel blessed – and honored – that so many people care what little old me has to say write. Will you join me in being thankful tomorrow, for things big and small?

And no, there will be no shooting of guns for me this Thanksgiving – I had my fill last year. I’m saving up my energy for some shopping on Friday. Let the boys have the cold weather and the danger, I’ll take the shopping any day!

Honoring my KY roots last Thanksgiving

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! Safe travels and well wishes.

But now you have an opportunity to make up for it! Lauren at RACEDAY has graciously offered to share a special Black Friday deal with my lovely readers, because y’all responded so overwhelmingly in favor of RACEDAY. And they are definitely worth it – I love mine!

This Friday through Monday, Black Friday through Cyber Monday, Lauren is offering 10% off all orders + free gift wrapping just for y’all. And the gift wrapping? It is fantastic!

Pink books will be wrapped with the candy cane wrapping paper, and green books will be wrapped with the Christmas tree trim. Don’t they look so precious?

Anyone who has a runner in your life should definitely consider these – they would make fantastic Christmas presents! Simply enter the coupon code CWA12 at checkout to claim your discount and wrapping. And spread the word!

Happy shopping friends!

When I set out this month to educate the public about social work, I had a vague idea of things that I wanted to share. One of the biggest misconceptions about social workers? That we are all very social people!

I’ve shared before that I am an introvert at heart. While I love my friends, and love spending time with them, I need time to myself to recharge frequently. I love getting lost in a good book. I enjoy the occasional weekend night of being in bed at 10pm. (sidebar – that might be a sign of getting older, not of introversion!)

So does all of this mean that I will be a bad social worker? No! You don’t have to be an overly social person to excel in this field. Do you need to have compassion and empathy? Yes. Do you need to have basic conversational skills? Yes. Do you need to enjoy working with and learning about new people? Yes. But do you have to be an extrovert? No.

One of the big things that being an introvert in the social work field means is that I will need to practice good self-care. We speak about self-care a lot in class, because social work is a field that has a high rate of burnout. I will need to be good about taking care of myself when I leave work, so that I am able to give my clients 100% when I am at work. If this means saying no to a few weeknight get-togethers? So be it. I am in no way going to become a hermit, but I know that I will need to take extra time to myself to rest and recharge.

And on that note, I’m off to take the morning for myself – and then to dive headfirst into schoolwork. Happy weekend everyone!

Do you have big plans for this weekend? Does your job require you to make sure to take care of yourself after work?