Val Poulos
Achievements (1)
Stories (20/0)
Finding Love in a Dark, Dingy Pool Hall
The day I am beginning to write this, it is our 3- year anniversary. It is crazy how time seems to fly, yet go by so slowly at the same time. Around this time, I always look back to the day we met and the first months of our relationship and falling in love. At first glance, you wouldn’t think Michael and I would work well together, and I think that is what makes us work so well.
By Val Poulos 2 years ago in Confessions
Imaging my Life in 60 Years
Recently, I’ve been thinking about death. More specifically, my death. What would that look like? Will I be killed in a car accident in 5 years? Will I develop cancer with no chance of survival? There are so many what ifs of how we will die, I like to sit back and think about my ideal death.
By Val Poulos 2 years ago in Confessions
My Short Time in the Autistic Community. Runner-Up in We Have a Dream Challenge.
If you had told me a year ago that I would be working with people with disabilities as my job, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Even though I have always wanted to work in the medical field, I always pictured myself working in a hospital as a nurse in some way. When that became clear it wasn’t going to work out, I gave up on that dream for a while. For a few years, I stopped pursuing that dream and started regular 9-5 jobs that I hoped I could be happy in. For a few years, I did okay. Until I lost the job that I was actually not hating.
By Val Poulos 2 years ago in Humans
All the Words I Didn't Say
Dear Mom, First of all, I’m sorry. I know I wasn’t always the best when you were here, and I’m sorry I made your days harder than they needed to be. I often feel bad thinking back on your death and wondering if I had caused less stress on you if it would’ve given you a few more months or years with us here on this Earth.
By Val Poulos 2 years ago in Families
My Mom, My Hero
Cliche isn’t it? To say my mom is my hero. When I really stopped to think about it, I can see why that is. As far back as your memory goes, mom is always there- smiling, or scowling, scolding or holding you. As you get older you tend to start pushing her away, forgetting that she was once young and energetic. She has no idea what you are going through. And yet, as much as you push she remains sturdy- always there for you. Once you’re into adulthood you do everything she advises when you’re stuck and don’t know what to do. You grow into a wonderful adult, get married, maybe have kids- all with her there with you for every stage of life. You don’t know what you would do without her and can’t imagine why you ever gave her a hard time so many years ago.
By Val Poulos 2 years ago in Families
Bailey In the Big City
What better way to solidify a budding relationship than by acquiring a dog together, right? My husband and I were in the beginning stages of our relationship becoming more and more serious. We had a small Chicago apartment in the West Loop, above a local bar that was a hot spot for all of the college kids. We liked to ride our bikes down to the lake after class or go to the gym before dinner. We would visit both of our families on alternating weekends. We basically did what we wanted when we wanted. We had tossed around the idea of getting a dog. We both saw multiple posts a day of someone we knew either fostering a young pup or trying to get rid of one for someone else, so our options were pretty open. We liked the same kinds of dogs or didn’t like the same ones I should say. However, we never seriously pursued the idea since pets were not allowed in the building we were in, and we planned to stay for one more year while I finished up my degree.
By Val Poulos 2 years ago in Confessions
Friday Night Lights
“BRIIIINNNGG!!” The tenth period bell rings right on time- 2:35pm. On how the students of West High have been looking forward to this day. It’s not just any regular end of school day bell. It’s Friday night! On top of that, it’s the homecoming football game tonight. For the first time in nearly 15 years the team is having a winning record. The entire town is amped for the hopeful defeat of the biggest rivals of West High- the Northerly Way Bulldogs from the next town over.
By Val Poulos 2 years ago in Fiction
To Sleep or Not to Sleep
That is the question. We all make choices throughout the day, whether conscious or unconscious, that affect not only how much sleep we get, but the quality of sleep as well. Both of which are vital aspects of sleep. If rest is so important, why do so many of us struggle to prioritize it?
By Val Poulos 2 years ago in Confessions
Lost in the Woods
How did I get here? Where am I even? Trying to get fit and work on my mental and physical health sucks. After my ex and I called it quits, I decided to do something for myself. I have lived next to the greatest hiking trails my entire life and I never once thought to get out and actually see them. I’ve been told my whole life that I need to get out more and go see the world and I did.
By Val Poulos 2 years ago in Fiction