Did you see that Michigan game! (Derek does blogging)

We are so happy to have made it through this past week! What a crazy time. Since our last post Chelsea has met with her first client who is 71 years old, with aphasia and apraxia. Despite her attempts to freak out and be overwhelmed, the first meeting went well, and he seems to be an awesome guy. We were both stoked to hear Chelsea only had one client because it would be easier for her to slip in to... so then she received another client the next day. Forget that easily slipping into thing. Her second client also has aphasia and is a real gnarly 72 year old guy. There are stories about some of the other clients going around and it really sounds like Chelsea lucked out and is feeling a lot better about clinic. The homework, well, that's another story. Now that she is in clinic and things are rolling, Chelsea is adapting to planning her sessions (each client she see's twice a week plus they have group therapy for an hour each day which totals on tuesdays and thursdays to a good 11 hour straight day for her), filling out her reports, preparing for class, reading, and random assignments. I really think the work won't be so bad once she finds the routine. At least that's what we'll stick with.

This is what our Saturday night was like. We are so excited to have a second bedroom equipped with a door, so it is quiet, a desk to study on, great lighting, and plenty of room. But, our living room was apparently the best spot to set up shop. I'm becoming a tip-toe pro thanks to my strong desire for Arnold Palmer and m&m's. I called this the kitchen blockade.

 Chelsea was not thrilled with the workload and the need for every notebook and resource. In all actuality, I wanted Chelsea to be with me during the Michigan game because she was predicting every touchdown. My clairvoyant good luck charm. The thumbs down was for both the homework and first half score.

These are stress zits...'do you see these? I'm freaking out!'

I feel the need to point out these three books are still wrapped. I'm not sure I even want to know how much money is wrapped up in these things. Please read the books, even if it is only to make me happy. I guess I would just make the argument for what should be 'required reading'

I am very happy that Chelsea's embarrassing picture of the week isn't another close up of my face. Great, right? Chelsea still thinks I look like 'a turd'. Allegedly that's her term of endearment. The painting should be done by the next post. I really hope it won't be deemed the embarrassing picture of the week.

 This is a little random, but it was my new discovery this week. This is our local library and I thought it was pretty sweet. LEED certified and it is hard to miss, declaring 'Library!' on every elevation. I even parked in the economical parking spaces next to a prius and a ... dodge neon? Well, at least they had segregated parking to make people feel bad about their vehicle choices.

I started painting houses last week. Wait, let me clarify; I started taping off every inch of a new house last week. I love being the new guy! I have had five job interviews and I am still waiting to hear back from them, but the job hunt continues.

All things considered the week was pretty chaotic with school and job search. The stress was at a high and we were freaking out like pro's. It was awesome to be reminded how God has gifted us and to not get too comfortable and lose sight of what's good. Especially given the significance of 9/11 we are just so incredibly blessed to have family, friends and each other.

Chelsea is working on school work, so thank you for enduring my post. She did want me to include a note to tell everyone about her flowers. Although she did say 'I don't think my flowers are going to grow' this week, she finally saw the fruits of her labor today. We forgot to take a picture of her little green sprout, but I'm sure (with Chelsea's enthusiasm) that you will see one at some point.

Oh, and that Michigan game was awesome! Go Blue!