PhD: It’s Happening!
It’s a semi-warm Wednesday afternoon and I’ve decided to start blogging again. I took a hiatus over the last year or two but feel the need to document my life as it happens, as I’ve continued to do for the last 11 (12?) years now. My entire academic journey for 11 years has been documented. So I want to start actually blogging again. I don’t care if I’m writing about a peanut butter sandwich; It’s my life and I’m recording it. I may start uploading videos as well, seeing how it’s been a thing for a while.
I’ve been working as an addiction counselor for almost two months now and absolutely love my job. I love my clients so much: Every one of them is a Life Warrior. They’ve been through the trenches of life and are still fighting the good fight- every day- and are a shining beacon to others still lost in the madness. I have to commend every one of them. I learn so much from them.
I graduated with my Master’s in Psychology and Addiction Counseling several years ago now; it’s been a nice break but I’m ready to jump back in the saddle and get back on the horse again.
I’m set to begin my PhD in Psychology- Specializing in Substance Related Addictive Disorders in just over 2 weeks.
[mic drop]
I am beyond excited! Truth be told I’m a little bit terrified as well. It will not be easy! There will be a lot of statistical Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods & studies at the doctorate level. I’ll have a dissertation. It’s gonna cost me $70, 000- out of pocket- and will take 4 years to accomplish *while* I work as a Therapist/Addiction Counselor every day, but I’m up for the challenge.
Life is exceptionally beautiful! I love my life SO much. I’ve been set free from the traumatic chains of my past and have crossed over to the other side of the river. Jesus is my Captain. 😎 As long as He’s directing the boat, it cannot sink! That was in one of my Pastor’s videos (Rev. B. R. Hicks). I love that.
My kids are all doing well! Heidi is working with autistic children, Brian is killing it on his job as a forklift driver (and making more money than me!), and Almonds volunteers at Catalyst Rescue Mission- working with the Homeless population. So proud of my kids!!
Josh and I are still together. We’ve been together for 18 years! We may eventually tie the knot someday- it’s yet to be seen. We may remain common law married partners only. We’ve talked about it and have the ultimate respect for one another. He’s doing great on his job: I’m so proud of him too. 🤗
Just had Christmas with the family. The kids got together with their Dad this year (at Almonds & Darren’s) which made me super happy; I simply didn’t want Martin to be alone at Christmas. So we gathered at my Mom’s place, as we did for Thanksgiving and had a wonderful time.
My oldest brother gave me his personal $700 guitar for Christmas! 😮 It left me speechless!
God is faithful to always balance the scales in life. He’s SO GOOD with everything- especially in HIS time. Things are painful in life sometimes; sure, but God *always* balances our personal scales in life- if we love Him and draw nigh to Him, that is.
His Word says, “Draw nigh to me and I will draw nigh to you.”
And so He does. ❤️
Josh is out of town with his boss, Calvin, in Moorehead, Ky. (They’re working on a large gym floor.) I’m at home lounging in my pj’s working on my Relias Training for work: Trauma-Informed Care. There’s a high correlation between self-medicating addicts/alcoholics and trauma- especially from childhood. A huge portion of the addicted population have been sexually abused as children. It’s no surprise they’ve chosen to self-medicate.
Must get back to my training! Then it’s on to the dishes & laundry. Over and out-for now. 😎
🎉🥳🎊🎉🥳🎊🎉🥳🎊🎉🥳🎊🎉🥳🎊🎉🥳🎊
m o n o c h r o m e j u n k i e † 
You dear friend, are a constant shining light and an inspiration. I cannot find words to express how much your story is so empowering and uplifting, knowing all that you have endured and yet here you are, marching to the beat of your own drum, beacons blazing, wisdom and compassion ever expanding…..
I feel so happy reading these words and seeing how so many pieces of a human journey have fallen into place for you. You deserve it all and more. Congratulations on all you have accomplished and all that you WILL accomplish. Love you!!!
(wendy)
December 27, 2023 at 8:54 pm
Thanks so much, Wendy!! I love you too, my Sister from another mister. 😁 You’ve given me such hope and encouragement- inspiration and wisdom over the years, I feel that I owe you a LOT. I’ve tried to model my life after yours in many ways, by loving the land, and go to healing places for healing (from the earth), despise grudges and truly LOVE others. Forgive. This is your legacy and what I’ll always remember you for. You’re my teacher! And dear friend. I love you so much! Hope you’re feeling better! xx
February 10, 2024 at 12:40 am
You cannot be reborn. You are the exact same woman who abused her children all through the 90s. You cannot cancel that out with an education and career now. You are a monster. You are numbed and delusional.
December 30, 2023 at 10:32 pm
Abused my children all throughout the 90’s? Ha. Aren’t you rich. My children were abused in FOSTER HOMES, you hack. Did I lose my children to the state 30 years ago? Sure I did. Why? Because I had a relative who tried to frame someone in my family for something they didn’t do. I stood up for my family member so I went down too- my family, my church- we were all attacked- for years. I spoke the truth throughout the entire court case and very much protected my kids from the shrapnel. You think I don’t know who you are? There’s no such thing as being “anonymous” in 2024. Know What an IPS is you fool? You’re a wretched bitter God-hater just as you’ve always been- looking through those evil little beady eyes- hate, gnawing your heart out like a worm. Wouldn’t be surprised at all if you got a cancer diagnosis because you are what you eat, and you’re a death-eater. Go on. Throw your hateful stones. I’ll use every one of them to build my Fortress that’ll be covered under the Blood of Jesus. I love it when people throw evil darts my way. Know what I do with ‘em? I ask God to anoint every one of them so I get a double portion of His anointing- and He gives it to me. He’s Good like that. You’re swimming in unknown waters, child but rest assured that God is faithful to balance every evil scale. You’ll be condemned for every lying word that comes out of your mouth. Jesus says, “By the words though shalt be justified, and by the words thoushalt be condemned.” So go on. Throw those stones. Your words have no power over me. They persecuted Jesus and accused Him of “perverting the nation”, they accused Rev. Hicks of the same thing, and surprise! Here you are, doing the very same thing to me. You’re merely fulfilling the Scriptures. You know that, right? Jesus said that you would. He also said REJOICE when men revile you andspeak all manner of evil against you- “BE OF GOOD CHEER, so they persecuted Jesus Who came before you, so they will persecute you and the servant is not above the Master.” Go figure out what that means and come back with something worth talking about.
Thanks for making my day! 😁 When the haters are a-hating, it lets me know I’m on the right track and doing something right. Rev. Hicks told me that I’m a bright light in this dark world, and I’m doing what I need to be doing in my life- shining Jesus’ Light to those lost in darkness.
Are you?
You’re a hollow ghost, screeching at the wind. Lost in hate. That’s ok.
“Those that seweth the wind shall reap the whirwind”.
February 10, 2024 at 12:28 am
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
December 31, 2023 at 1:50 pm
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
February 10, 2024 at 12:40 am