State Fair!

It's that time of year once again, time for Summer to be winding down and Fall to slowly (I hope) begin. Those that know me, are fully aware of my enjoyment of the Great Minnesota Get Together - our own State Fair! My family rarely went to the Fair while I was growing up, so I began my own tradition once I got older of going to the Fair each year. I've even been known to go twice in one year! I'll be heading to the Fair this Friday.

For me, the Fair is nothing more than eating a lot of unhealthy food (Pronto Pups, cheese curds, chocolate chip cookies and all the milk I can drink for a buck), to just getting a chance to people watch. I might wander down to the barns and the animals, but for this city-slicker I'm more interested in the fresh milkshakes than I am the cows or horses!

Once I've made my way around the Fairgrounds a few times, and had my fill of food, than it's usually time for me to get out of the crowds, and to begin preparing myself mentally for the end of Summer. I am actually really looking forward to this Fall, as I will be doing my practicums and internships full-time in a few weeks. But for now, I am focusing on, and looking forward to, the Fair.

Life, or Something Like It

I've been struggling with loneliness for quite some time now, and oddly enough, I am actually getting used to it. Most days I seem to be OK with it, with brief moments where I actually don't focus on it. And for the most part, I've come to accept it, like an old worn sweater, or a tight-fitting glove. I think that what I keep telling myself is that it's just for a season, and that God has something for me to learn during these times, but that doesn't always make it easier to get through those moments. I still greatly desire to have a wife and children, and I know that feeling will be there until the day I finally have them.

Until then, I am learning to take one day at a time, trying not to focus on the feelings of frustration, doubt, and anger. Instead, most days I am rather melancholy, and have learned to enjoy having some time by myself where I can read a good book, watch a little TV, or go out for breakfast and a long walk. I know better than most people (as a budding counselor) that when times like this happen, it is best to busy oneself with life's steps, try not to focus on the feelings, and let things happen as they may. But, I am such a control freak that it's rather difficult for me to release, rest, and run to God instead. I am definitely a work in progress, with some distance to travel still...

Happy Friday!

Quote

To borrow from Eric and Jamie, I found a great quote from Alfred Adler (the former psychologist, and the namesake of my graduate school).

"God who is eternally complete, who directs the stars, who is the master of fates, who elevates man from his lowliness to Himself, who speaks from the cosmos to every single human soul, is the most brilliant manifestation of the goal of perfection."

- Alfred Adler

Now top that one boys!!

Back to School?!

I cannot believe it, but I am actually looking forward to going back to high school! I start my school counseling internship at DeLaSalle in about a month, but am really excited to begin it now. I also have an alternative school and middle school all lined up, with an elementary school yet to be determined.

Just the other day, I went to Target and got my school supplies! I needed some notebooks to take the required notes for my practicums/internships, so I bought a few composition books, and a calendar/organizer to keep track of which school I am at, on which day. Maybe I'll color coordinate each day for the particular school...just so my unorganized friends can mock me!

I haven't been this excited to start back since I was in elementary school! I am looking forward to the Olympics beginning tonight, and then the State Fair later this month, but shortly after that I will be heading back to class with much anticipation (who'd have thought)! I can just hear the students now, "Mr. M, can we talk?"