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. 😎
🎉🥳🎊🎉🥳🎊🎉🥳🎊🎉🥳🎊🎉🥳🎊🎉🥳🎊
A Very Special Thank You to a Very Special (Extended) Family
I’m far too excited to sleep. I’ve only got 2 weeks left in the semester! I’ve been up for hours researching Master’s programs and trying to decide if I want to move away when I begin working on my PhD. That’ll be a few years from now but I’ve actually been thinking of moving much sooner. My kids are all grown and everybody’s on their own, pretty much, but I can’t leave my mother, so I’m sticking around this ole town. At least for a year or two more. (But it’s in the cards.)
The major hurdles are over this semester and I’ve only got my term paper on OCD to tighten up and two finals remaining. That’s reason to celebrate. 🙂 The mood around the house is jovial and I’m feeling packed full of love!
For anyone who may be reading this who has chosen to follow my blog and has offered your support over the weeks, months, and years, both emotionally and artistically, I want to take this time to thank you. I started out writing this blog so that my kids could have a piece of me when I’m gone. And, so perfect strangers might read my story (BIO) and see my pics and be inspired. I’ve had a lot of hard knocks in this world, but they’ve only served me. I like to tell people that the more cuts you have in your stone, the greater your shine, and that’s so true.
What’s started out as a lone walk through bloggie land (more than three years ago) has turned into me claiming several hundred of you as family, and you certainly are. You’ve supported me, held me together (stapled, tied and glued!), encouraged me when I was downtrodden, and made me laugh when I thought it impossible. I love all of you. ♥ Oh! And thanks a whole heap extra for encouraging me to hang in there when I wanted to quit school (a million times)!
Thank you guys- friends and strangers alike. Here are some flowers for you. 🙂 MUCH LOVE. xo And Oloriel, if you’re reading this, the 2nd pic is especially for you. I thought of you when I was editing it- it totally reminds me of you. :0)
Taken two days ago- Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35/2.4 vintage film lens
(I’m totally in love with this rocking lens.)
One more thing. SAMI, if you’re reading this, I want you to know that I MISS YOU VERY MUCH. I hope things are well, and I hope you’re still toughing out that journalism major! I also hope “other situations” are better too. I miss our many chats. Lots of love to you. X
m o n o c h r o m e j u n k i e † 