Finally, my Fieldwork Practicum I & II are complete. I thought it would not be a big deal when I decided last August that I could get up at 4:30am everyday and maintain my full time job while attending classes and trying to help at home along with the new fieldwork that I would have to complete. I did it but certainly sacrificed my health a bit in the process so I will need to begin a gym regime starting next week. Not to mention the sacrifice my family has made for me which I am forever grateful for....
The great news news is that I am getting about 20-30 hours back for my week depending on much sleep you give me back.
The greatest news is I can get back to my regular schedule of not blogging.
I had an interview for a Fellowship with Rutgers yesterday and I am hopeful I will get it but I am not sure the interview went better than mediocre. I am sure I will have an answer by the end of April so fingers crossed with the hope and optimism that maybe my judgement of myself is a bit harsh.
After the interview I got to hang with Nadia as we listened to our Bob Dylan Best Hits on vinyl. She is continuing to catch up in size and she is doing great with her languages. The Russian is coming on strong even though it was delayed at first as she spoke English first. She is now using both with the words she speaks. Her English words still outnumber her Russian words but I have a feeling that will turn around sooner rather than later.
Tash is doing well and feeling better lately too. She is working away at her job that she enjoys very much.
Tash has also begun planting her two gardens (one veggie and one to sit in and enjoy) and they both will be beautiful sights to see come May and June.
As for other planting news... the orchard has basically doubled in size with 42 trees planted a few weeks ago. Lena and Baba Nina have planted onion, garlic, and potatoes in the field so far this season. Tomatoes and other veggies are planted in door right now and will be moved to the fields at the right time.
I have 4 more weeks in this semester with two fairly large papers to write and then I am done until May 29th at which point I will take a 6 week course. After that I am done until September. After the current semester ends I will be taking a two week break from work or a staycation as some call it. I will be going to the beach and hanging around the home with Nadia and Tash when she is not working.
So, if you want to hang during those two weeks give me a call as Nadia and I can come and visit.
Lastly, I want to mention how grateful I am towards Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties and the children I worked with in their programs. With all of the adversity facing the children in many of their programs they still find time to be children and that was great to see and be a part of for the short time I was there....
