April Showers Bring the Tulip Festival

April’s showers were actually a little lighter than usual, so the Tulips bloomed a few weeks later than normal.  I’d planned for a few weeks to take Tracie and the whole family up to Skagit county for some family photo opportunities.  Sadly, the whole family got the flu last weekend so everything had to be postponed. 

I was considering just sleeping in, but then Shannon reminded me that she had never been to see the Tulips.  Seeing as this is her first full year in Seattle, I didn’t think this was acceptable. We stuffed ourselves with trail mix and headed north to Skagit county. The tulips were beautiful as usual, and now Shannon can check another required activity off of her list.  Of course, I’m assuming everyone has a list, right?

Besides looking at tulips and attempting to write my thesis, I’ve mostly been busy with my internship.  I’ve moved from shadowing social workers in Family Treatment Court to Family Voluntary Services (which is quite a misnomer, since the alternative to the voluntary part usually involves court).  Even as an intern I’ve gotten some incredible experiences with families and I’ve learned a lot about  the challenges of policies that impact human relationships.  We live in such a messed up world, but I have hope.  I’ve seen the better side of the story regarding CPS and social workers, and I’ve been encouraged to see families strengthened and supported in some amazing ways. 

I also found out this week that I was accepted to my #1 practicum choice for next year with the Children’s Home Society.  I’ll work as a legislative intern with the chief lobbyist of the Children’s Home Society.  Thankfully she lives in Seattle, so I think we’ll commute down to Olympia (the Capital which is 1.5 hours away) together.  I’ll have to get in a lot of hours for my practicum because I’m hoping to finish up my Social Work studies by March (especially since the University is talking about a 14% increase in tuition!). 

March seems so far away.  I’m ready for a break from school!