This weekend was one of the most eventful I've had in a while. On Friday and Saturday, I had a retreat for a class I'm taking at St. Joe's. It's called JustFaith, and it centers primarily around achieving social justice, compassion, and the role of the church. I think that's what has always drawn me to Catholicism (other than the fact that I was raised with it): we're all called to do good, and love.

One of my social work professors said once that we are never to put ourselves above any client, because if our circumstances were just a little different, our roles could be completely reversed. It's so true, isn't it?

On Saturday night, Dre and I went to a masquerade ball. I dressed up as a butterfly, and he was a Black Widow spider. We learned how to waltz, and had lots of cheese and crackers to eat, so it made for a good time.

My birthday present to myself was to see "The Marriage of Bette and Boo" with Dre on Sunday. It was about a family's ups and downs (mostly downs) surrounding alcoholism, kids, marriages and gravy on the rug. Overall, I thought it was well done, and it felt good to see a play again.

So, Dre and I have decided that our destination in nine months is New Zealand. We want to spend up to a year there, working and traveling. We met with a friend of ours last week, and he gave us a lot of good info. We're thinking our "base" would be Christchurch, but that is TBA . . .

I'm in such a different place than I was a year ago, and it's good. I'm happy :)

I'm beginning to realize and accept that a component of my personality is, undeniably, introverted. Be it genes, childhood environment, parenting style, I don't know, but let it be said that I'm one of the quieter ones in any social situation.

I'm writing this because I don't want people to think that if I don't call them a lot to hang out or what not, it's not because I don't like them or don't want to see them. My friends are important to me, and I want to nurture relationships, but, quite simply, I really need to coach myself when it comes to reaching out. It might sound trite, or like a cop out, but that's the best way I can explain it.

Anyway, I had a training yesterday for my job. It was presented by a behavior analyst who has done extensive research about managing problem behaviors in kids with autism and other developmental disabilities. In one of the videos, a kid starts hitting a teacher because she simply turns away from him and goes to pick up something about 6 ft. away. The autistic mind is something that I'm still becoming familiar with, but everything in time. It truly does take skill in working with these kids, much of which you just get from experience, but I feel like I'm learning more and performing better each day.

Today was my first day at my new job, and it went great. I'm working with an autistic student, helping her to manage behaviors and get a grasp on some curriculum. There's still a lot for me to learn, but my first impression is that it's going to be a perfect fit for me.

I'm turning 22 on Wednesday. Allie and I are going home this weekend for my bday . . . and because I think my parents get lonely for us kids when we've been away for more than a few months. Shall be a good visit.

I got a new job!

I'm going to be working for the school district as a para with an autistic student, providing one-on-one support. The teacher and principal seem really supportive and open to questions, so good vibes there. I almost wanted to cry when the principal called and offered me the job, I was so glad. She said that they were impressed by me, so I hope I can live up to their expectations. My last day at Olive Street is tomorrow, and my two weeks is already up at Genoa. I start working with the student on Monday, and I could not be happier. Special ed is where I want to eventually head in my career, so this will be valuable experience.

I need to start working out again. It's been about two months since I wandered from my regular exercise routine, but it would feel good to get back riding the bike/ running. My new work schedule will make it easier to do that, huzzah!