{A Mormon Social Worker}

Mormon....Social Work

I have been thinking about writing a blog post about what I spend the majority of my time doing. 

Social Work is one of those careers where people react in variations of one of two ways. 

First Option: "Heidee, you are such a good person for working in a field that is so hard." or "Those who are willing to do social work have such big hearts!"

Second Option: "I can't believe that you can do that everyday, isn't it really sad?" or "I could never be a social worker, I'm glad there are people like you that are willing to do that."

Am I the only person that thinks the juxtaposition of how people view social workers is completely Bazaar? 

If you can believe it or not. These kind of opposite statements happened a lot throughout school when classmates found out that I was LDS and going into Social Work. 

Again. One of two things would be said. 

Option One: "I am so glad that there are people like you who can do this kind of work, and still stay strong in their faith."

Option two: "I'm not sure how you can handle doing this work and still stay true to your faith, there is no way that the Mormon church would allow you to truly advocate for your clients because of all of their rules."

Again with this juxtaposition!

Now. Obviously I didn't go into social work because I wanted to be praised and I also didn't go into it wanting to be condemned for my decision. 

I went into social work because it was the right thing for me. 

Again, I have been thinking a lot about writing this post. Being a Mormon Social Worker is actually pretty rare, even in the state of Utah. Most of the people that were in school with me had strong feeling towards my religion and it lead me to be quiet about those things that I truly believe in. 

So. The best way that I can think of to help myself work through all of my thoughts, was to write a post like this. 

So. 

Here we go. 

I am a Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

I have been a member of this religion my entire life.
I have also lived in the state of Utah my entire life. 

I know what many of you may be thinking. I'm a sheltered, Little, Utah Mormon who doesn't know what the real world is like. 

I honestly can't say if this is true or not for many reasons, the main reason being that I only have my current life experience, and there is no way to know if I would feel any different if I was raised in a different state. 

Anyway, that was a little bit of a rant....

Many of the decisions that I have made in my life I have made with the assistance of a higher being (for me,  my Father in Heaven).

I know that where I am in my current life is attributed directly to Him. And I am forever grateful for them. 

Finding Social Work is one thing that I am eternally grateful to Him for!

Everything seemed to fall into place when I began my studies of social work and it all felt so right. 

And recognizing these feelings I attribute to my Faith and Knowledge in the Gospel. 

As I became a social worker and began to practice advocating for others, I began to recognize so many similarities between social work and the gospel that I believe in. 

I believe that in a previous life, I fought side by side with everyone that has lived on this planet for us to be able to live a life where we are able to choose for ourselves. 

One of the most basic principles of Social Work is a clients right to Self-Determination. 

I believe that I have a Savior who advocates for me. Always. He is always going to be there for me and listen to me when I am sad and comfort me when it seems like no one else does. I tell Him things that I wouldn't trust another to help me with. I am ever His client and He is ever my advocate.

I feel that I am able to do this and stay true to my faith, because my religion teaches me most everything I need to know to be a genuine social worker and advocate. They obviously don't teach me the theories or the therapeutic techniques.  But the things that can't be taught in a classroom I feel that I learned by becoming closer to Him.

This is how I am able to do my job day after day. This is how I am able to see and hear those terrible things and feel true empathy for them. I am able to help others when they are at their lowest, because I have someone who I can go to when I am at mine. And I know this person, because of my religion and how it makes me feel.

I know that not everyone will feel the same way that I do on this particular topic. And I think that is okay. Because, for me, being a Mormon Social Worker is exactly what I needed to do in my life. 

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings. :)

2016 Book Challenge {A Book You've Been Meaning to Read}

The Pact

Jodi Piccoult

{A Book You've Been Meaning to Read}

I finished reading this book on October 11th, so I am a little late on filling you all in on what I thought of this heartwrenching book!

Ooops. I guess I kinda already told you. 

To give a quick and spoiler free overview of this book. There are two young, late teenagers that are in love and have lived next door to each other for years. When one of them dies in a "Suicide Pact," the other is forced to prove their innocence during a court trial. 

So, in essence it is Romeo and Juliet with a bit of To Kill a Mockingbird. 

So. My thoughts on the book. Overall, I would give this book 3.5 stars. I think that it is worth the read. I wished that the ending was a little stronger and that the flow of the story worked a little more.

That being said. I did really like it and I found myself constantly reading it hoping that I could find out what happened. Maybe I am a little harsh on judging books lately. But the frequent flashbacks had me wishing that I could finish one part of the story before I was interrupted for another 30 pages. 

This story is definitely not a happy one. As you can imagine, no matter what happens in the court case, it is going to be horrendous. 

So, in summary, The Pact is worth the read, but not worth being place at the top of the shelf. 

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings. :)

{September Favorites}

These are a Few of my Favorite Things...

In September, anyway...

It's that time again folks. That time where I talk about things that I love, and make you all jealous in the process. September was a really good month! It was busy, jam packed, and very rewarding! :)

Favorite Book

I feel like I said this last month.... "Does it count as my favorite if it's the only book that I read?" Hahaha. But, in all actuality. If I had finished more books in the month of September, I probably would have picked this one as the favorite of the month anyway.

Siddhartha is, in my own words, a man's journey to find true peace. After going throughout many different portions of life, he realizes that Joy is not something that you find, it is something that you are. *insert chills here*

But, for real.

Since it's a favorite post, I may as well put my favorite quote, Right?

"When someone seeks," Siddhartha answered, "Then it happens all too easily that his eyes will see only the thing he is seeking, that he cannot find anything, cannot let anything in, because he is always thinking only of that thing he seeks, because he has a goal, because he is possessed by the goal. Seeking means, having a goal. But finding meals: being free, being open, having no goal. You, Venerable One, may indeed be a seeker, for, striving toward your goal, there is much you do not see which is right before your eyes."

OM! :)

Favorite Movie Watched At Home
   
Believe it or not, I have only watched one movie at my house this month. Completely crazy, right? If I wasn't reading or watching movies, what was I doing?
Just you wait, I will answer just that question.

But, Allegiant is a pretty good movie. I LOVE the Divergent series and I LOVE Shailene Woodley! I am a huge fan of book to movie adaptations. And I am also an odd ball in a sense that I will read books after I see a movie. I genuinely enjoying comparing them and it doesn't "bother" me.

Also, who wants to stare at Four all day, 'eryday. *raises hand*

Netflix Bingewatch
   
Here is one reason why I didn't read or watch very many movies. I mean, HAVE YOU WATCHED THIS SHOW!?!? It is SO great! I tried watching it with my dad, and he thought it was the craziest thing he had ever seen. This leads me to believe that those who grew up in the 90s or early thousands probably will love this show because they relate to the random things that Kimmy Says.

Like, how is it that she was able to find adult light up shoes? I definitely want some! :)

Favorite Song

This was the easiest favorite that I have ever picked.
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness released a new single, and I am HOOKED!

I wouldn't expect anything else, but the song speaks for itself! :)    



Favorite Lip Color
   
There was a certain lip color that I grabbed a lot this month. And I love it for multiple reasons. Number 1- it makes my teeth look really white. :) Number 2- Everyone always compliments me on it. :)

This is Hypno by Ofra Cosmetics.
It was a collaboration with MannyMUA. Who is super great! :)

It's a liquid lipstick and is long wearing. I love it oh so much!

Favorite Eye Shadow Pallet
   
While we're on the subject of MannyMUA, we may as well talk about this Makeup Geek eye shadow pallet he helped create.
Creamy smooth and SUCH FUN colors! But also super wearable.

I have always wanted to purchase some makeup geek eye shadows, but they are ALWAYS sold out. So this was a perfect excuse to get some. It makes me thirsty for more eye shadows. (Heidee, stop being addicted to makeup... please!)

Favorite Nail Polish
   
I didn't pick a favorite polish as much as I picked  a favorite manicure. I seriously waited WAY too long to take this manicure off. But I was so in love with it! I did love the grey that I used, which was China Glaze- Recycle. :)

Favorite Shirt
   
I bought this shirt to wear on a very specific day. Which happened to be the day that I took my CSW exam. (Hint Hint: That is the other reason that I didn't read or watch very many movies.)

It was genuinely one of the softest t-shirt that I have every owned and it was SO comfortable! It was the perfect shirt to wear that day. And it was also a great reminder throughout the 3 hours that it took me to take the test.

Favorite Pants
   
So, I have always wanted to be a Maurices shopper. But, I mean. I'm not made of money. (Although sometimes I think I am)
My work was going to do a lip sync contest and I needed some pants that looked like an equestrian would wear (The reason will remain a secret) I found these Jeggings.

I know. Start throwing hate at me right now, because I am the first person to say that leggings are not pants. But, to be fair. These have a zipper and a button. So, I find them to be more like dress pants than leggins.
I know that I am going to need to go back to buy a bunch more. Which will make my wallet really sad... :(

Favorite Shoes
   
Sometimes, a good pair of fake tennis shoes is all a person needs.

I wore these a few times to work this month and it really helped by feet and they are just so darn cute! Also, they are from target. And anything that I buy from Target makes me happy. 

Favorite Accessory
 
I know that I have talked about my best friend before on my blog. But She truly is my favorite. Before she left on her mission, we decided that we needed something that we both would wear all the time while she was gone. We came up with these cute rings. Hers says To Infinity and mine says And Beyond. And on the inside of both it says Partners in crime.

I have fallen in love with wearing it again. Even though she isn't on her mission, she does live down in Provo and we almost never see each other. I am always happy to see a little piece of her with me wherever I am.

Favorite Activity
   
Me and Sandee decided to go to the opening Weber State Football Game. It wasn't the best game that I have ever been to, but it was fun and it reminded me how much I loved Weber. One of my best friends, Sage, is going to start school there and I almost want to go with her. I think that we will be going to a lot of events now.

Honestly, the highlight might have been when I pulled a total Heidee moment. This is a picture of Cody John. He was walking away from the stadium, minding his own business. When I went "HEY! Don't you play for the basketball team?!" He says yeah. "Can I get a picture of you?" To which he responds "Of me?" "I mean with you."
I totally embarresed this kid. And it was 100% because I wanted to get a picture with him to make an old piano student jealous. :) Hahaha

Favorite Extra Purchase

Well. During my CSW exam. I had decided that if I passed, I would buy myself every book that was on my current list. This may not seem like that many to most people. But, I recently discovered a genre of YouTube that is referred to as BookTube. So, my list has got pretty lengthy.
I haven't read any of them, but I look forward to reading ALL of them! Here they are!
   

 

Favorite Picture

   
Well. I mean. It was pretty great to be so official with my new license that I had to take a picture of my new badge that is updated and all. :)
How could it not be my favorite picture of the month?

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings! :)

2016 Book Challenge: {A Book You Own but Haven't Read}

Miss Peregrine's Home 

For Peculiar Children

By Ransom Riggs

I was super happy about the fact that I was able to read this book when Fall was FINALLY Here! For real though, FALLELUJAH!!!

Anyway. I had super high hopes for this books. And I don't feel that I was disappointed by the book. I had heard such mixed reviews on this book. A lot of people loved it and considered it as their favorite book! While, others hated the book. 

Now. To be fair, I am pretty easily entertained and it doesn't take a lot for me to enjoy a book. I can honestly only think of one book that I have 'Hated' and that was "The Good Earth." Part of me feels that if I were to read that book again, I wouldn't hate it. But it was a bit much for a ninth grade, teenage girl. 

Anyway, That was a bit of a tangent. 

I found the pictures in this book great and I LOVED how much they matched the story. I'm not gonna lie, I actually gasped a couple of times while reading this book. And I thought that the plot twists were fantastic!  

 Overall, I gave this book 4.5 stars. I thought that the story was well thought out, it included a small love story (Which is always great) and it kept me wanting to read more!

I don't know how "Scary" I would call this book, but I still think it is a great fall read.

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings! :)

2016 Book Challenge: {A Book You Could Read In A Day...} Siddhartha

Siddhartha

By: Hermann Hesse

Well. Siddhartha was the book I chose for my 2016 Book Challenge that was "A Book I Could Read in A Day." Guess how many days it took me? Roughly 35. *insert self mockery*

I know. It is absolute pitiful. This 119 page book took me 35+ days to read. In all fairness, the challenge just says that I COULD read it in a day. That doesn't meant that I have to, right? Also, I was spending this month trying to study for my CSW exam, which I passed!! *Insert the Hallelujah Chorus*

Now, if you have been following my updates on this reading challenge, you will notice that I have been reading a lot of young adult and even children's books. (Anyone who says they don't enjoy these books are lying. True story!) So reading a book that actually requires thought was a little bit of a change for this year. 

When I was only a few chapters into this book, I was so afraid that I was going to hate it. For those who are not familiar with this story, it was originally printed in German and we are now lucky enough to have a translated version. I felt as if the wordage was not that easy to follow. I know that this statement is coming from a hick that has lived in Utah her whole life. But I was having a hard time following what was being said originally. 

But then, I finally understood the beautiful and unique writing of Hermann Hesse. 

The story of Siddhartha going on a search to find himself and the peace that he knows that he can find is awe inspiring! 

There is a large amount of this book that is surrounding a river. And, without giving any spoilers, I have never seen a better use of metaphor in my life! The river truly is everywhere! This book has given me and entirely different outlook on life and I think that everyone would benefit from reading the amazing work of Hermann Hesse!

FIVE STARS! :)

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings! :)

{August Favorites}

August Favorites

Favorite Book

Does it count as a favorite if it was the only book that I read this month? Irregardless, it probably would have counted as my favorite anyway. 

 I LOVED IT! The character build up was incredible. The book gave me "All The Feels" like the original 7. It did answer some of that questions that I had been wondering about since the end of the series. Don't get me wrong, I am still longing for a "Harry Potter: Life After Hogwarts", but It is nice that we can follow the life of Albus Severus Potter. :)

Favorite Movie watched at Home

Believe it or not, I have not been watching very many movies at home! I know, it is so unlike me! I have been a little enthralled in tv series lately as well as reading. 

Anyway, my favorite would have to be 10 Cloverfield Lane. 

I was really skeptical when I started watching because the other Cloverfield movie was TERRIBLE!

But I really enjoyed this. It definitely kept my attention and had a good twist!

I liked it even though it is hard for me to imagine John Goodman as a bad person. Hahah!

Favorite Movie I Saw In Theater

Again, does it count as a favorite if it was the only movie that I saw?! I think it is a little bit of a stretch. But, alas, It is my favorite for the month of August! :)

I really, really, REALLY liked Suicide Squad. To tell you the honest truth, I had no idea what it was about when I went to go see it. I knew that it was about bad people working together to make a new team, but I didn't know that they were Marvel characters! In hindsight, that is super silly that I didn't know that. But I am glad that I went and saw it!

Harley was my favorite. I mean, isn't she everybody's? 

Favorite TV Show

Ah. Supernatural. My love for it never ends! I have been rewatching in this past month and I almost forgot how amazing and funny the first season was! haha! An oldie but a goodie! :)

Team Dean (aka Jensen Ackles), forever and ever! :)

Netflix Bingewatch

Those of you that know me, know that I LOVE anything scary/thriller/suspense. Obviously I like a good chickflick or comedy anytime as well. But this new Netflix original series is AMAZING! It has such a Stephen King feel to it and I could not get enough of it!

At first I was a little disappointed because there were only 8 episodes but I am thrilled that they have already started filming the second season! I could watch this series over and over again! 

You, yeah you! You need to go watch this... NOW! :)

Favorite Song

The first time I ever heard of Matt Nathanson was from my Brother-in-Law, Jim. And at that time, he wasn't my Brother-in-Law yet. I always laugh when people claim to be Matt Nathanson fans and they only know of the one Album "Some Mad Hope" which has Come on Get Higher on it. *Insert hysterical laugh* I feel that I cannot even claim to be a serious Matt Nathanson fan because he has so many albums and I was even late in the game when I fell in love with "Beneath These Fireworks." That album was his SIXTH album!

Anyway, sorry for the rant. My favorite song this month was on his latest album and that is "Gold in the Summertime."

I hope you love it as much as I do. :)

Favorite Lip Color

I do have an extensive addiction and collection of lip products. And I'm not even ashamed about it! :) This months favorite would have to be another Gerard Cosmetics. I only have 4 or 5 lip products from them, but I am super impressed at the quality and pigmentation of the lip product! This, again, is a lip color that was originally and collaboration with Jaclyn Hill, and like I said in my last favorites post, for some reason they aren't affiliated anymore. 

Anyway, this is Gerard Cosmetics Butter Cream. 

It is a lipgloss. The nice thing about their lip glosses are that they have a light on the tip and a mirror on the side. 

I honestly don't go out "clubbing" and it is honestly pretty rare that I apply lip products more than once. But I think that this is an amazing feature for people that are wanting to reapply in places that may not have a mirror. 

Anyway, this color is the perfect nude pink. It is highly pigmented, but not too sticky. I love it!

Favorite Eye Shadow Pallet

Morphe Products are something that I don't but often, but when I do, I am never disappointed. I think that I have a total of three of their Eye Shadow Pallets. They are all INCREDIBLE!

My favorite for this month was the 35F-Fall Into Frost Pallet. It has a majority of shimmer eye shadows and then one row of matte transition-like colors. 

The best part about these pallets is the price tag! This retails on their website for $22.99! For real! This Pallet has 35 eye shadows. That averages as $0.66 a shadow! They are so butter and creamy and pigmented! Also, if you are a make-up YouTube watcher, most of the channels have a discount code of 10%. Which, off of $23 isn't all that much, but it still is something!

I can create an infinite amount of looks with this pallet and I was always grabbing for it during the month of August. 

Favorite Perfume

I have started grabbing for Perfume since August. And my favorite one this month was Marc Jacobs Daisy. I honestly only have a few perfume's anyway, but this one is the perfect mix of musk and sweet. :)

Favorite Nail Polish

My Nail Polish Addiction continues! Would you expect anything less!?

This month my favorite color was O.P.I.: Kerry Blossom

When you combine the color with gold and lavender, it is spectacular!

*Insert heart eyed emoji*

Purple is pretty much the greatest, isn't it?

Favorite Shirt

While we are on the topic of purple. Just... LOOK AT THIS SHIRT!

It is definitely my favorite shirt for the month. It is light weight, purple, and flowy and amazing! :)

It is from target and it is Xhilaration brand! :)

Favorite Pants

Again, these Bermuda shorts from target are amazing! They are honestly the longest Bermuda shorts that I have ever owned! Mine are a lot darker of a shade than this, but they are stretchy and comfortable and cover up just enough of the thigh. :)

Denizen Bermuda Shorts

Favorite Shoes

I'm not gonna lie, I have been boycotting these sandals for what feels like forever! But, I bought a pair, at Zurchers of all places, and I am OBSESSED!

They are insanely comfortable and they match everything! ;)

Now that fall is around the corner, I probably won't be wearing them as much, but they have definitely been used since they day that I bought them. 

Favorite Accessory

I had a hard time finding a picture of the gold bar necklace that I got from  Old Navy forever ago. I am wearing it in this picture. I hope you can see it enough. But I wore this almost every other day in the month of August. I have been obsessed with Gold for the last several months. 

On a side note, How cute are my friends!? I think they are pretty adorable. :)

Favorite Activity

Sandee treated me to a trip to St George to see Tarzan at Tuachan. It was such an amazing trip and was so rejuvenating!!!  

We decided to drive down to the Grand Canyon and I could have stayed there for days. It is so incredible and unique and I wanted to examine each part of the beautiful creation!

Then on the way home we drove through Zions. 

A frequent statement of mine during this whole trip was " I don't understand!" I really don't understand how something like this is created, but it definitely affirms that there is a God that created this beautiful world!

Favorite Extra Purchase

I treated myself to some makeup organizers so that I could create a fake "vanity." I think that it turned out quite nicely and I smile every time that I see it through my closet door. 

I would have to say that my favorite item of them all is the "Life is a Beautiful Ride" picture. :) <3 p="">

Favorite Picture

The managers at work had a great time letting off some stress at Bookdocks. Me and Sage took this picture after the bumper boats. 

It deserves to be in my favorite spot! I think that we look adorable and it pretty much depicts our friendship!

I love my Sagey Poo! :)

Well, Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings!