Going ol skool at gAzelle blogspot

Officially down to two more weeks in the semester; during my break I want update the layout of my blog. Back in high school I created my first website, and used javascript. I want to take my blog back old school, and use some of that good ol fashion java! Yasss, it's time to go ol skool at the blogspot. Theme planned is Star Wars; it has been stuck in my head this past week : ) Same blogs, different layout!

Billy Goat Tavern & Grill

My child development class was cancelled today, so I went looking for a ATM, to get cash so I can print out notes for psychology notes. Decided to have breakfast at Billy Goat Tavern & Grill! So far so good; I will most definitely stop in again. 

Experiences living in Chicago

I got a lot accomplished this past weekend: laundry, good quality workout, studying, and homework, dishes. While studying at Starbucks I had an interesting conversation about mental health, with a student from Adler University. Since moving to Chicago, and going to college I have made many contacts that I will most definitely be using in the future, once I enter the mental health field. I was told that I have a good outlook on how to approach friction in the mental health field: clients not wanting to go through with the process, long hours, and having so many clients to keep track of. I've learned a lot; not just at Harold Washington College alone, but also at my churches also: New Story Church, and Edgewater Presbyterian Church. I'm throwing little bullets at one of my old military buddies about church, and that it's not bad as he thinks it is. Listening to scriptures; looking up scriptures myself, and also my pastors Dory, Rich (New Story Church), and Barbara (Edgewater Presbyterian Church) all get my mind thinking when they talk about scriptures, and life experiences. If you're ever in Chicago check both of those churches out; both are located in the Edgewater neighborhood on the north side of Chicago.

Escalator selfie

I can't help but to take escalator selfies at Harold Washington College :)

Thomas Gouard

My last semester at Harold Washington College

Application for Chicago Police Department

Just submitted my application for Chicago Police Department. Application deadline is January 31st! Being a police officer has always been my dream, since I was a kid. My dream came from watching the movie Robocop, and also seeing cops in the community as a kid. My dream was put on hold while serving in the military, and my desire kind of died due to madness in places like Texas, and Hawaii involving police officers.  Moving back to my home state of  Illinois, and seeing officers that fit the part re-motivated my dream. You can also give an assist to my current college (Harold Washington) for putting the word out about the Chicago Police Department hiring.

 

I just recently attended a presentation by Chicago Police Department at Kennedy-King College about what their looking for, and the whole process. I knew that they had a physical fitness test (Power Test), but didn't know that it consisted of a 1.5 Mile Run, 1 Minute Sit Up, Sit & Reach, and Maximum Bench Press. Not too worried about it though, because I've been still active considering that I have been out of the military for almost a year now. My only focus would have to be the bench press, because I haven't benched in a while.

 

I'm looking forward to the call, and well aware that it will put a hold on school, but this has been my dream since I was a kid. I will blog my next steps during these next upcoming weeks, but as for now I will be waiting for the call, and scheduling of the test. The process shouldn't affect my upcoming semester, which starts January 18th.

 

Happy Holidays!

Test on Thursday

OMG, I got my first math test on Thursday. We did a practice test today, and "Good Lord, I need to study!". It's on tonight! I'm happy that I got my run/ bike ride out of the way, so I can soley focus on that, and my mental health 224 book, this evening. I love reading my mental health books, they're very interesting reads.

Harold Washington College

Oh my god!!!!

Just started fall semester this week, and OH MY DAMN!!!!! What a overwhelming first week. I'm borderline about to get rid of all outside of school activities, and just focus on just school. My Substance Abuse class alone is enough, lol. I'm officially shutting down all communication with the outside world, starting with Facebook! Wish me luck, a prayer or whatever, cause I will need it : )

Harold Washington College

Created a Running singlet for my school

Going to school

I love this shirt

Balancing school, work, fitness, and a long distance relationship

While growing up I’ve learned to balance many things in life. Having a career, I had to balance my favorite activities, and work. As the years went on, I picked up more responsibility at work, found myself in a relationship, and also started school at Harold Washington College. Having so many things committed to can cause a lot of stress at times, especially when you don’t show enough attention to one or the other.

On a daily basis I have to prioritize all of the four, with school being my main priority. Not showing school enough attention can cause bad grades, the possibility of dropping out, and not getting where I want to be in life.

My job is the most least important, out of the four, considering that my school is paid for. I work as a supported living assistant, with an adult with a disability. The job is more for experience, and extra income, while attending school at Harold Washington. My work schedule is planned around my school schedule, but I do work when I‘m scheduled to work. The thought of being fired from a job, or getting a bad recommendation, doesn’t sit well with me, so I have to make it a priority.

Since 2007, I have been deeply into running, and now cycling. I run anything from 1 mile to a 31 mile ultra marathon run. It is my cure after a long day, or before my day starts, to clear my mind. It has been my favorite stress reliever for 8 years now, and it keeps me sane. I’m a lot more calmer, and feel that I can take over the world, when I have started my day with a workout.

I found myself in a long distance relationship, this year, after leaving Honolulu, Hawaii. So far, we’ve been dating for 1 year, and 3 months now. Prior to dating, we were friends for 2 years, and met while in the running community. Being in a relationship with someone that shares a main interest in a hobby that you love dearly, always opens up conversations. Being in a long distance relationship, you always have to have a good level of trust, and communication with your partner. If not, then it just makes things more confusing, and adds more stress in your life. It can turn a good day, into a bad day before it even starts.

Having so many things committed to will overall make me a better person, and able to plan better. Every responsibility is a priority, and plays a major part in who I’am, and where I want to be in life. Every day, they all have to balance, or it will only make things more complicated in my life.

Summer Semester

School starts June 3rd. I just officially ordered my books (Yay!!!!). I'm looking forward to this new start, towards a career in Substance Abuse + Behavior Disorder. I ordered my books for this summer on eBay, and very happy with the price I paid. I actually saved $30 buying them on eBay vs buying used books on the school website (Yay!!!!).

Harold Washington College