A short update with more to come

How's that for a witty title.

I've been neglecting this blog lately. Not by choice but because my professors expect papers, projects, and presentations.

(Damn graduate school.)

As a counseling student, I wish I received credit for this blog. For this mine I dig. This unearthing of what it means to be Elias's Mama. What it means to be me: A girl named Christy who just yesterday was playing make believe, who still feels like she is dressed in clothes a few sizes too big.

What it means to piece together a picture I never predicted. Never could have perceived.

To study each piece seperately and then feel how they fit together-- so that in the end, I can look at the picture and know it's home.

But my professors want me to write APA style research papers on the connection between poverty and youth at risk, prepare power point presentations on the Life Span theory of career counseling, design "life skills" lesson plans for elementary students, and write my personal philosophy of healthy adolescent sexuality.

Not exactly Elias. Not exactly parenting a micro-preemie turned toddler who teaches more than any curriculum. More than any school.

But one of my pieces is to earn a graduate degree and certificate in school counseling and this includes homework. So that's what I've been doing-- I've been writing about the world outside of the NICU and Elias's new Special Ed preschool.

And after turning in my last big assignment (for now) on Thursday night, computer fried and sleep deprived, we escaped to Seward for the weekend. And though I did not leave Cuzuncle David's to find internet access--so I could post-- I did take some pictures along the road just so you all could see what the highways look like in Alaska.

Because you never do know where you might end up.

(All taken from the passenger seat of the truck as Nick drove.)

Comments

[Vicky]

Just gorgeous! Reminds me of our drives through the mountains near Banff, Alberta. Alaska is on my list of "must visit someday".

[Erin]

Amazing. I have a "secret" love affair with Alaska that began with one of my all time favorite TV shows, Northern Exposure! Cliche? Of course! I know I will visit Alaska some day, but doubt I will ever live there. We are "stuck" here in Arkansas -- loving the beauty of our small mountains, the feel of a large town with lots to offer, and trying to find a place for our liberal, Jewish selves here in the South!

E

[Tracy]

I love the mountains. Thanks for a small view of your world.

I especially love the one with the water in it.

Alaska is on the list. The short list, even, not just the wish-to-go someday if-we-can list.

[Christy]

Well be sure to contact me for the inside scoop if any of you make it up here for a visit. And I'll give you the Anchorage tour-- though the saying is: "The best thing about Anchorage is it is only twenty minutes from Alaska." So you'd want to head North or South from here on one of the two roads out of town to get a true taste of this country.

The picture of the mountains with the water is Resurrection Bay where Cuzuncle David lives, our Seward get-away. And I too just love the way the mountains rise right out of the water.

(And so you can see why I tend not to turn on the computer when I'm there.)

[linda]

I've been traveling that Seward Highway for more than fifty years - ever since I first saw it at the age of five. (My age, not that of the mountains!) The scenery never ceases to amaze. In fact, we had a German guest who said that area was better than the Alps - just as scenic, but up close so you're a part of it. Glad you can get away to a beautiful, peaceful place now and then, Christy!

[nerissa]

I agree that its a shame that they don't give you credit for this blog. I'm studying counselling and psychotherapy and I have to admit that I have learned alot from reading this. Its unfortunate that they don't credit both the self awareness and exploration that this blog gives you, as well as the insight it gives to others. Thanks!

[Christy]

Thank YOU, Nerissa, you made me smile on a day when a bad cold is making smiles hard to come by.

[LISA L]

AMAZING, SIMPLY AMAZING, MAN, GORGEOUS!