It is already a week into March! Spring is on its way and I can't wait for it to warm up a little bit! From what I have heard, it has been pretty warm in Utah the last few weeks. Wish I could get some of that heat up here haha.
In just a few weeks my internship will be half-way over! SAY WHHHAAATTT?!? There’s quite a lot to write about. Internship, Oregon adventures, personal stuff, everything!
I guess the most important, my internship is going great! I think my last blog post I described in detail about the population that I work with at Oregon State Hospital. I am preparing for my upcoming 10-week term of groups that starts the end of this month. I will be leading 15 hours of group each week! Some of my groups include: Music and Relaxation, Song Sharing, On-Unit Groups, Songwriting, Drumming, 1:1 Music Therapy, and some of my own created groups where I get to explore some new ideas with treatment. I am excited and also overwhelmed at the same time.
I have really great supervisors so I know that they will support me as I make this transition.
Overall, things are going really well with my internship. I am really learning how to be flexible and adapt what I am doing based on the patients in my group and where they are (mentally) at that moment. It is teaching me how to be prepared to adapt everything! I have had a few challenges here and there, but it is just mostly dealing with working in a state-run facility and not much to do with what I am actually doing with regards to music therapy.
I have been asked by a few co-workers recently what my plans are for when my internship is over. And my honest answer for that is….. I have no idea! At least for now, I think I will stick around the Portland area when I am done.
My roommate Marisa’s internship isn’t done until August so I at least have somewhere to live for a bit while I figure everything out. I am thinking just enjoy the summertime in Oregon, study for my board exam, and do some major job hunting. Other than that… the world is my oyster haha.
In other news… I am making a quilt! I started when we had a snowstorm and were stuck inside for a few days.
I won a free pair of running shoes! I entered my name into a raffle and I won. Best day ever!
I went on a waterfall adventure to about 5 different waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge area. It was a little rainy but the waterfalls were stunningly beautiful.
I was introduced to the Landmark Forum through a music therapist that I admire and I am going to participate in the first stage of the conference this upcoming May! I don’t know a lot about the Landmark Forum, but even with just an introduction, I have made some necessary changes in my life for the better and I feel like this is a great opportunity to continue learning how many new and exciting things can be a possibility in my life!
And most recently, just this past weekend, I went with a group of friends on a day-trip to Seattle! We saw this super cool troll statue under a bridge and we meandered along Pike’s Market for the afternoon.
I am really trying to do better at eating healthy and exercising on a regular basis. I joined a Crossfit gym and I have been going to the 5:30AM class… yes I said 5:30AM!!! It is actually super convenient for me to go at that time so that I can get my workout done and meet up with my carpool at 6:50AM. I also get a discounted price because I am technically still a full-time student. I went pretty consistently last week and I am excited to get by butt back into gear again. I have just let myself slide too far down the mountain with regards to my physical health. I cut out sweets for Lent and I am trying to get in about 60-90 minutes of exercise everyday. It might seem a little excessive but I am trying to be passionately committed to it.
I think that sums up the last few weeks on my end. I hope all of my family and friends around the world are doing well. I miss you all.
