I think this week has marked where I've started finally feeling like I've got a set schedule and and things are starting to feel settled and less insane. I've been fairly productive in this last week.
The main thing I've been working on is writing the Marathon County 4-H Family Handbook. This is just a small publication that includes just about everything one needs to know about joining 4-H in Marathon County, some helpful tips in being an active 4-H member, and even some of the activities that one can do as a member of 4-H. Luckily, I didn't have to start from scratch. I used the Burnnett County 4-H Family Handbook as a guide. It was a good place to start for my work. I think I did pretty well, if I do say so myself. Hopefully it will be posted online soon, so maybe you will be able to see my handy work. Any complaints, comments, or found typos can be written on a piece of paper, tied to a balloon, and released into the air. I'm sure they will make their way to me eventually.
Yesterday was my first day at the JDC where I was leading the lesson. We made macrame bracelets using hemp cord. It was pretty fun. There were two guys and one girl there. One guy already knew how to do it, and just took off on his project, he succeeded quite well. The other guy caught on very quickly and revealed to us that he was quite proficient in the craft area, including sewing, quilting, and knitting. The girl struggled a little more with it, but thats ok because not everyone is fantastic at everything, and it can be confusing sometimes. Everyone has a different style of learning. I think it will just take some practice for her. We left the directions there if they would like to continue working on it. I was thinking next week I might have them make Knifty Knitter hats, but I think I might do the Eco-Bot project with them instead.
Today I visited a Group Home for my orientation and tour. It was amazing! First off, the house was gorgeous! It was over a hundred years old, with hard wood floors all through the house, and three floors of gorgeous room after gorgeous room, with one spacious bathroom per floor....but I digress. I should also mention that the program itself is a fantastic program. They take adolescent boys ranging in ages from twelve to seventeen who were court ordered there. While they are there they get counseling and training to help them get back into thier original homes, or foster care, or living with relatives. They do this through a variety of programs and activites through community resources, such as 4-H and the Boys and Girls Club. While there are at the House they learn about how to live independently through chores, cooking, and financial management. They also attend school, and must learn responsibility through study time. It sounds like a great program and I'm excited to start working with them. I will be working along side a colleague in the office to run an education program for them based on service learning, as well as life skills and fun activities. They have apparently made a request to learn how to tie flies....So now either I need to learn how to tie flies, or I need to find someone who can help teach them how to do it. So if anyone knows of someone who might be willing to help out with this just let me know!
I've been settling into my office in other ways. I now have a candle warmer, and bought some candles for it. I got Spring Rain, Pumpkin Spice, and Mulled Cider. As you can tell, I'm excited for Fall to be here. I can't wait for Winter, but I know Fall has to come first. I also repotted an Aloe plant and its sitting on my desk thriving. I've got a few trinkets that hold meaning for me, as well as a Beatles calendar, and a motivational poster with a quotation from Barney Stinson. :) I try to keep it as clean as possible, but....we'll see.
I suppose now I should figure out what I'm doing for next week.
Until then!
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