Me & My Blog
Welcome to my blog!
Since you clicked this link, I guess you want to know something about me. My name is Mary, and I’m married to my very best friend and college sweetheart, Josh. We’re very blessed to be the parents of three extremely active and incredibly awesome little boys, and are expecting our fourth bundle of joy in November! I have a degree in psychology from the University of Memphis (T-I-G-E-R-S, Tigers!) and worked with troubled youth in both residential and outpatient settings before staying home to raise my family. In August 2010, I accepted the position of coordinating Middle School Youth Ministry at our church. I absolutely love sharing our beautiful faith and instilling a love for Jesus in those rambunctious little souls. I’m also in the midst of pursing a Masters of Theological Studies from Ave Maria University’s Institute of Pastoral Theology. (One year down, two to go!) We homeschool our little darlings, and every day is a new adventure. We take our faith very seriously and work hard to pass it on to our little men.
This blog is basically about things that interest me, thus it covers a wide range of topics in no particular order. If you’re looking for something specific, I suggest using the search box provided in the right column. My blog will be updated daily (or even multiple times a day), weekly, or rarely depending only on the topics floating through my head measured against the time I have to sit down and write type. Recently, I’ve been persuaded to write more about our daily happenings, so I’m hoping to write more regularly. We’ll see how that goes… My goal is to start out writing at least once week.
Just to warn you, my husband describes my personality as “quirky.” I have no idea what that actually means. The implication my quirky personality seems to have on my blog results from writing being somewhat one-dimensional. I regularly lean on sarcasm and satire to illustrate my points. Apparently, it doesn’t always come through the computer screen as clearly as I intend for it to.
My blog title refers to the Phil Vassar song of the same name. (I also adore the beach, which I consider an earthly paradise, and strive each day to get one step closer to eternal paradise.) Feel free to watch the music video (and laugh at the ridiculously outdated and impractical outfits worn by the female lead) below. I’ve identified with this song ever since I first heard it in high school. In fact, I used to claim my future hubby and I would have two “first dances” at our wedding reception, the first being something romantic or symbolic of our relationship and the second being this song. Sadly, that didn’t happen, but that’s a topic for another day.
I welcome your comments on any of my posts, but request that you treat me and any other “commenters” with respect. I don’t write to incite debate, but I have and write about controversial opinions. I’m aware that the whole world doesn’t agree with me, but I choose to live in denial about how mean people can really be. I don’t intend to be forced to face that reality here at my own blog. I live in a happy little bubble and intend to stay happy. If you’re not happy (or kind at the very least) stay out of my bubble. Happy reading!
I love that video! I’ve never seen it. I think I’ll post it on FB. It’s been nice visiting your bubble. :) Gloris
Thanks for stopping by!! Have a great day!
Hello, Mary!
I was attracted to your blog when I saw it on the Freshly Pressed page on WordPress. It caught my eye because it is so close to the name of my blog, Another Beautiful Day in Paradise. I’m afraid my motivation for the name was a little more tongue in cheek.
I enjoyed reading that latest few entries, although I just didn’ have time to go through the entire Janet Smith transcript. I also am Catholic and teach 5th grade CCD. I have a blog for that also. If you are interested, drop me an email and I’ll send you the link.
In any case, if you have a minute, stop by and visit at http://anotherbeautifulday.wordpress.com.
Keep up the good work!
Mike aka The Poolman
Thanks for stopping by! I taught 7th grade CCD for three years and loved doing it. We’ve recently relocated, and with the baby on the way, I haven’t gotten involved with teaching again. I may this fall if our new parish needs anyone at the last minute or maybe wait until next year. I’d love to check out your CCD site, I’ll shoot you an email for the link shortly. Have a great day!
Hi Mary,
Your blog is very interesting. I can relate to your recent post –“Is Being Family Enough?”- Although I don’t have an extended family or children I feel like I can relate to your problem. The only difference is my family is similar to the one your husband probably grew up in; no matter how old you are you still have to do some of the stuff your parents ask and if you do something that your parent does not agree with or approve of then there is no forgiveness. This is only on my mothers side though, I’m having faith that in time certain things will change for the better…
But anyway I wanted to find out how do you like having a psychology degree? And how was working with youth in both settings you mentioned above? I’m a college sophomore in a liberal arts program and I’m interested in becoming a psychologist also, especially working with children and families. I’ve taken some psychology courses and I jus wanted your opinion on your experience.
Thanks, I hope you can answer my questions when you have the time.
-Tia :)
Hey Tia! Thanks for stopping by! I love having a degree in psychology. Perhaps one day I will pursue it even further. It’s definitely not a field where you’re going to make big money (especially if you go non-profit or work in the public sector, as I did both) but, for me, a big pay check isn’t where I find fulfillment. My favorite job ever was at a residential treatment facility at Youth Villages. They’re still a relatively young organization, but an incredible company with fantastic treatment models, and often gain national recognition for their success rates. If you have one near you, I definitely recommend checking them out. (youthvillages.org) They also have great tuition reimbursement programs for pursing your masters degree and beyond. Also, if you earn your Bachelor’s and decide to go into a different field, it’s such a flexible degree. It would look good on a resume to enter a teaching program, law school, business management, and others. Knowing about people and how they work is a great asset in any field. I wish you the very best of luck! If you have any other questions I didn’t address, feel free to let me know!
Thank you so much for answering my questions. The information you’ve provided is greatly appreciated. Thank you for the website for youthvillages, I will definitely check it out!
Have a wonderful day!