New Chapter in New Cities

Chicago seems like it was so long ago. I guess in reality it was only 2.5 months ago, but so much has happened since then. After graduation on May 8th and spending a week in Allerton in with my family (and Joe was home, too!!), I packed up my little car and moved to Minnesota to job hunt! Why Minnesota, you ask? Well, for one, Austin is from Minnesota. :) And most of the people I know from Minnesota have been pretty dang awesome (Esther, Chey, Sara, Toenies). Plus, I read on MSNBC that Minneapolis was the best city for "young professionals" to move to. Because I still want to be in or near a medium-sized city, it seemed like a good fit. Finally, and very importanty, Austin's family offered to let me stay with them while I job hunt/ apartment hunt.
So, I moved to Minnesota in mid-May. I am very thankful and amazed at how quickly things worked out. After lots of job applications, hours working on my resume, and several interviews, I landed a job I love and that utilizes my social work and psychology education. I am a Mental Health Advocate at a group home for adults with Severe and Persistent Mental Illnesses (SPMI). Some of the diagnoses of our clients include Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and PTSD. I have 12 clients on my caseload, but when I am at work, I am in charge of a building with 22 residents. Some of the residents are able to go out into the community and hold jobs; others are not and spend most of their time on the property. My job responsibilities include administering medication, writing referrals for appointments, making appointments for the residents, monitoring and progress noting their mental health status, being a listening ear, handling conflict when it arises, and working with ILS workers to make sure the residents are getting the best care we can offer. I have a great schedule; I work 4, 10 hr. days; 4 days on and 4 days off. Though it makes for a lack of consistency, I love it! Though 10 hours sounds like a lot, it goes by super fast and at the end of the day I still have things I could do.

I also love the 4 days off in a row. I spent one set up at a lake with Austin and his family on vacation. We went fishing, kayaking, tubing, and hiking. I also spent 4 days down in Allerton with my family. On my last 4 days off, my family came up to the cities and we went to the Mall of America. Then I took Austin to Star Wars in Concert.

One other exciting thing going on: yesterday I signed a lease for my first post-college apartment. I have a nice studio in Little Canada, just north of St. Paul. It is in a quiet area, only 17 minutes from work. I move in August 1st. In the mean time, I am still staying with Austin's relatives, which has been a good experience.

Now you are updated on my life. :)
I hope you are doing well. Have a great day!