m o n o c h r o m e j u n k i e †photographer. artist. author. singer. songwriter. musician. teacher. student. humanitarian. visionary. addiction counselor. therapist.
I can’t disclose any personal info. about my job (Hippa Violation), but DEAR GOD. Unbelievable. I’ve been offered over $60,000 to be a Therapist at another Treatment facility, but I turned it down to stay at my place of work. We’re one of the only Dual Diagnosis Treatment facilities in Southern Indiana. Meaning, it’s my job to be an Addiction Counselor/Therapist not only for addictions, but mental illness/health as well. I not only treat clients for their addictions, but diagnose their mental disorders as well, adding their mental health diagnoses to their charts so the doctor can treat them with the proper medications.
Today. Was. A. Day.
I wish I could go into details, but I’m ferociously protective of my clients’ privacy, AND their rights. So I don’t post much about anything from Work. But today! Honey chile!
Needless to say, I’m having a few shots of Bourbon and an extra cigarette or 5.
Worked 11 hours today; when I was only supposed to work 7. I’m the only therapist there on Saturdays, so not only the clients need me (immediately) while they’re in crisis, but nursing also dumps on me with all of their problems, because they know I’m a therapist and it’s just what I do: I’m an oak tree- a safe place- to unload their stresses, etc. – which they do. In between my Intakes, Psychosocials, Therapy sessions, and Group Therapy. It’s a lot. And today was crazy. It seemed like EVERYONE needed to unload- clients and staff alike- today. I’m exhausted.
I feel like I’m living in a dream right now. A GOOD ONE. The children’s book that I wrote 20 years ago (with the help of my kids) has never been promoted because I spent 10 years homeschooling my kids, followed by 11 years in college- studying to be an Addiction Counselor. Anywho, it’s been available online (only) all of these years but nobody knows about it because I never promoted it professionally because I simply didn’t have the financial means or time.
So! I contacted a literary agent for Covenant Books recently and introduced her to my book, “Peanut Butter Soup”. She requested a copy! I mailed her a copy but didn’t hear back from her for days. (Little did I know that she had been calling for days but it had gone to voicemail and I hadn’t checked them.) So I emailed her this morning to see if she’d received it. She had, and asked me to call her.
I called her and she said, “I have fantastic news for you; they’ve accepted your book!”
!!!!!
It’ll be professionally marketed and distributed at 30,000 locations- nationally- and it’ll be coulorized (completely) and edited; they’re going to do a press release and media wires, they’ll create an entire social media presence with its own You Tube channel, I’m going to be interviewed by a professional book reviewer, there will be book signings, and other good stuff.
I can’t believe I’ve had this blog for 12 years. When I first started blogging, I was toying with the idea of going back to school. Now, 12 years and 4 degrees later, I’m an Addiction Counselor and….
I just got a house! It’s a 3 BR for $1,090 per month- that’s a steal in today’s economy. Huge yard with a large kitchen- I love it. I gave up my home owner’s status to go to renter’s status, but it’s worth it to me to have a house. Life is good!
My new house. 🤗
Apart from that not much to update. Josh and I will remain best friends, of course- that’ll probably never change. I’m excited for us both though. After 18 long years, we’re going our own ways to both start fresh in life. He’ll probably end up with a kid or two and hopefully, a good woman. It’s time to carve out my OWN life. Brian (my son) and I will be living together; super excited.
I legit couldn’t ask for anything more in life right now. ❤️
m o n o c h r o m e j u n k i e † 