My evenings have been spent learning more and more about the lives of clients, asinine public policies, and how to inspire and interact with others through classes. Yesterday evening I presented to my classroom a literature review of William Julius Wilson's The Truly Disadvantaged and how its (outdated and repudiated) views differ vastly from a social work perspective. It was an interesting moment because that particular book really inspired me to want to understand inner-city life and modern African-American life and set me on the path I walk today; at the same time, I understand now I hoped to understand these endlessly complex issues in the same way one might understand a mathematical formula and from that point simply know it. Of course social work doesn't allow for a one size fits all approach, so the process of learning is never ending; at least I have the common sense to know that now.
I've begun to read "Why Does He Do That," as part of my responsibilities surrounding my internship. The author, Lundy Bancroft, seems to deeply understand the common threads running between abusers who are found in every class and color strata. He hones in on the idea of selfishness, which prompts abusers to center themselves even in the thoughts of others. As I've begun this internship and studied the behaviors and cognitions of the men in the groups, I've searched for and found many points of divergence; however, I understand that I also have a tendency to be self-centered and to put my needs first and it's scary to wonder how little space might exist between the chairs we sit in.
I've left the sterile domed farms of Agol for the salty mist of the open sea. I've only just dusted off my nearly-orphaned DS to begin "Phantom Hourglass," but I'm both halfway through and having an absolute blast recovering the incognito princess. In fact, even though I find the game derivative and mourn the relative lack of new music or weapons, I absolutely love this charming swashbuckling yarn, saying all you really need to know about the Zelda series. I'll be sure to report back on my progress as warranted.
Speaking of the open sea, Chavonne and I are scraping ourselves from the icy climes of Pittsburgh and vacationing in Baltimore in early May! Given our heritage in the dusty and scorched plains, we know nothing of the harbor and its ways and if anyone can recommend some things to do (outside of Obrycki's Crab House and the National Aquarium but probably not in that order; thanks Man V. Food!) we'd be glad to hear them.
Stay warm and stay in love people.
I love the beautiful, quiet routine of our life together. I love you so much.