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.
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.
For Gav: I saw this in colour on my morning walk down an alley yesterday, but my brain immediately converted it to black and white & I thought of you. 😉 Hope you like it. xx
I cannot even begin to explain how God is blessing me in my life right now! Especially recently. I just stay in a constant state of joy and exuberance. Only God can do that.
So I graduated from Aspen University almost 3 years ago with my Master’s degree in Psychology and Addiction Counseling. I’ve never doubted that in God’s time, He would open the door and prepare my way to begin working on my clinical hours so that I can become a licensed Mental Health Counselor. I’m already a mental health counselor- specializing in addiction, I’m just not licensed in the state of Indiana.
I was just given the number to the state licensure organization and I called and spoke with them, which led me to the Career Services Department at Indiana University (the college by which I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology). Because I’m an alumni of Indiana University East, I have access to their Career Services, allowing me to take advantage of their directing me in how to go about obtaining my clinical hours. GOD. HAS. OPENED. THE. DOOR!
I’m really going to be starting my clinical hours very soon! This is a huge moment in my life. 🤗 I’m ECSTATIC.
I legit can’t keep up with all of the blessings God’s sharing with me and my Mom- in tandem. It’s incredible. We’ve been rejoicing at the great things God is doing in our lives.
I didn’t see any of this coming. It’s when we let go of the reigns- those ridiculous reigns that we think help us but are really driving us into the ground- and let God, as the saying goes, that we’re freed. When we truly let go, we have peace.
Peace, and true happiness.
And that’s the only way to experience God’s joy, truly.
m o n o c h r o m e j u n k i e † 