A New Year

I wanted my first "post" to be on my birthday, but I am a couple days too late for that. I celebrated my birthday with family and friends and was so appreciative of those that remembered me on that special day. I had several gifts, phone calls, emails, text messages, and personal happy birthday wishes.
As I start a new year of my life, I am glad to be able to count the numerous blessings i enjoy daily!
I love the plan of happiness and salvation!
I love my family. I had the opportunity to spend time with the majority of them over labor day weekend. It was such a nice break and so fun!! We had a BBQ, went boating and waterskiing at the lake, celebrated my birthday, and played with adorable nieces and nephews.
I love my job-I work as a recreation therapist at a residential treatment center. I have worked there for about 6 and 1/2 years. I truly love my job! For those that do not know, Recreation Therapy is a form of therapy that uses recreation to teach various social skills, leisure skills, and life skills. So, basically I get paid to play! Sounds fun right? Well, it is! However, there are some challenges that come with it as well. Getting paid to go snowboarding, camping, boating, and swimming sounds like a blast (which it is) but, also keep in mind that I am responsible for the safety, planning, feeding, paying, and constant supervision of the youth that I work with. Imagine trying to keep a group of 21 people together at an amusement park, not losing track of anyone, making sure the kids are not trying to get free food from cute teenagers working the food booths, keeping everyone happy and agreeable on which rides to ride when, what and when to eat, giving medications, and ensuring that the kids are drinking enough water, and putting on sunscreen! Or imagine being responsible for a youth that falls 30 feet off a cliff and needs emergency medical attention while camping.(he is okay by the way) Or imagine spending hours in the middle of the night looking for kid that has decided to run away. It's not all fun and games but, it is very rewarding when you are the one to teach someone how to make and eat a smore for the first time. When you can help someone overcome one of thier fears. When you see someone become confident in themselves and their abilties. When you teach kids how to have good clean fun (without using substances, illegal activities, or violence). When you can help someone learn a new coping skill, manage their anger, or improve their ability to express their feelings. These are the times that make the other things all worth it!
Enough about all of that! I think you get the picture!
I love to spend time with family, in the outdoors, and playing as much as possible.
I have recently been introduced to the world of music and concerts and have attended more concerts in the last six months than in the rest of my life thus far!
So, I am looking forward to another phenomenal year!