It sounded so glamorous to both Josh I to go out and have a few drinks at Kaiju’s, but neither one of us were vibing. It was sort of meh, when put into practice, so we had one drink each and went home to our digital devices. 😅
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. 😎
Loving this new iPhone 15 +. (And all of my mobile digital editors, of course.)
I’ve got a full day at work today! I have 3 Psychosocials to complete with 3 different clients then a 2 hour group therapy session with all of the clients. I spent $45 on various chocolates (truffles), Starburst, Dum Dum suckers, Trident Bubble Gum flavoured gum, and Reisen chocolates for my clients today. We like to have fun on Saturdays. 😁 We have an hour of Psych/Ed with worksheets, then the last hour is spent with the music on, playing Jenga and sharing candy. I like to bring some fun up into the hizzle! They only get to do that once per week and that’s when I’m there on Saturdays.
Taken out in Henryville, Clark State Forest, 3 days ago.
Almonds wrecked their car, Brian went to jail, I got pulled over, and Martin needed to be rescued 50 miles away where he’d been stranded for days without food.
It. Was. A. Night.
In my world, however, it’s truly just another day. I can handle pretty much whatever the world throws at me, AND I keep a good attitude rolling through it all.
Firewalker. <——— me
Just another day in the hood. 😎
In other news, I absolutely am living the dream. I have to pinch myself everyday going into my office, where I see a handful of clients daily. It feels so surreal to passionately want something so badly and work hard in school for so many years, and then it finally pays off: I’m a therapist.
Speaking of which, I get paid in two more days: $1,300 after taxes and insurance (medical, dental, vision). I feel pretty good about my benefits too: 401K, a plush benefits package, PLUS a life insurance policy of almost $100,000 in which I don’t have to pay a penny into to set my kids up with $30,000 each- it just comes with the job automatically and every holiday AND the following day = PTO/ paid time off. I have no complaints!
It’s been awhile since I’ve submitted a general update on my life. I’m so used to setting goals and achieving them, I’m almost lost without a packed-down goal sheet.
I have no complaints. Just got hired as a therapist at an addiction treatment center, my kids are thriving and all doing well in their own homes with their own jobs. I’m getting ready to receive my $2,000 sign-on bonus with my first check, so right at $3,300 to $3,500. Not too shabby. 😎
Josh and I are cohabitating, as usual. He’s my best friend. Nobody’s been there for me for so many years (almost 18!). Mom is doing well too. I go see her when I can (which is several times per week) and stay the night with her on Saturdays so I can go to Church with her on Sunday mornings, then I’ll go to my church on Sunday nights. God is so faithful with His blessings!
We’ll stay here at the mobile home for a bit longer, but soon, we’ll be able to get a nice 2 to 3 BR house and I cannot WAIT. I definitely want my own home office.
It’s 9:06 pm and 5:30 am comes early! I like to wake up early enough to have my time with the Lord (prayer/anoint myself/Word/Bible) as well as get a bit of work done before heading to the office.
m o n o c h r o m e j u n k i e † 