So I figured that since I haven't updated since July, it's probably time to post again.
* The job is going well. I really like it and after spending a year working jobs to tide me over until I graduated, its nice to have a job I actually care about.
*I really like my supervisor and my clinical supervisor, which is also an experience I haven't had in a while. They're both really easy going, which is nice given how dramatic this field is. My clincal supervisor is only 34 (and married, mom). It makes me feel a little old- I'm use to having supervisors that are years older then me!
*My "partner", from here on out refered to as C, is a different story. We get along and we can work together, and sometimes I even kinda sorta like her, but we will never be friends outside of work. Why you say? She has control and ego issues to involved to go in to here. I look at this as an opportunity to grow as a person. I know that sounds kinda harsh, but you'd understand if you knew her.
*Money and I are back together, but it's still not as solid as it used to be. It's really scary to think that you can do everything right, well..almost everything right, and still have it all fall apart so fast. I am trying to educate myself on how to manage money effectively because I don't ever want to be in this situation again.
*My forever friend is moving to Orlando. Even though we rarely visit, it still makes me sad- it was nice to have the option. Although, this does give me a reason to go visit disneyland!
*I still have no love life. I know it's going to happen when its supposed to happen, but come on already!!!!!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Update- happy edition
Sooo...I just realized that I haven't posted in over a month. Oops. So here's what's new:
* I am almost fully moved in. I still have some stuff to figure out a spot for, but for the most part, it's home. And I must say, its not as bad as what I thought. My diet has greatly improved (thanks mom!) and it's nice to know that if I went missing, someone would notice. And last night I took a bath (as opposed to a shower) for the first time in five years. It was heaven!
*I miss having a good computer with internet access on it. :(
* I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!! In a week and a half I will begin my job as a Family Based Mental Health Professional (I will be doing family therapy in client families' homes) in Montgomery County. 90 days after that I will have benefits, which include health care (which I have not had for many years now!)!!! The therapy is delivered by a team- a master's level therapist (me ) and a bachelor's level case manager. SO, I am hoping and praying that I hit it off with my "partner". I got to see my tiny (very tiny) cubicle and met a few coworkers. I cannot wait to start! And, I hate to brag but it's totally waranted here, I was the first person they interviewed for the job!
*Me and money are not back together just yet but we are talking. This month I was able to pay all of my bills and buy gas!!!!!
* For the first time in a long time I feel just truly content. I think I've smiled more in the past week than I have in a few years.
* It's almost my birthday. Where did the summer go?!
* I am almost fully moved in. I still have some stuff to figure out a spot for, but for the most part, it's home. And I must say, its not as bad as what I thought. My diet has greatly improved (thanks mom!) and it's nice to know that if I went missing, someone would notice. And last night I took a bath (as opposed to a shower) for the first time in five years. It was heaven!
*I miss having a good computer with internet access on it. :(
* I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!! In a week and a half I will begin my job as a Family Based Mental Health Professional (I will be doing family therapy in client families' homes) in Montgomery County. 90 days after that I will have benefits, which include health care (which I have not had for many years now!)!!! The therapy is delivered by a team- a master's level therapist (me ) and a bachelor's level case manager. SO, I am hoping and praying that I hit it off with my "partner". I got to see my tiny (very tiny) cubicle and met a few coworkers. I cannot wait to start! And, I hate to brag but it's totally waranted here, I was the first person they interviewed for the job!
*Me and money are not back together just yet but we are talking. This month I was able to pay all of my bills and buy gas!!!!!
* For the first time in a long time I feel just truly content. I think I've smiled more in the past week than I have in a few years.
* It's almost my birthday. Where did the summer go?!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The News
For the the record, I would really like to be one of those people who finds time and inspiration to write everyday, but it just ain't happenin'! Here's what's been going on in my little world:
* The job search continues, but new with a (hopefully) new and improved revamped resume. Any prayers you could send my way will be greatly appreciated.
* The current jobs, since no one seems to know, are the TSS (bachelor's level therapist) which I out grew about a year ago, and Psychotherapist (which is Master's level, but very part time) at PInebrook.
* The computer continues to be... enough for now.
* Money continues to elude me. :(
* I am trying to get in to the habbit of a regular exercise program, but I find it hard since the only time I have is at the end of the (long) day.
* The move is scheduled for July 4th. I will miss having space, a quiet neighborhood, my own bathroom, and central air. I will not miss the higher rent payment, no one to take care of me (hint hint mom), and only one bunch of bananas.
* The job search continues, but new with a (hopefully) new and improved revamped resume. Any prayers you could send my way will be greatly appreciated.
* The current jobs, since no one seems to know, are the TSS (bachelor's level therapist) which I out grew about a year ago, and Psychotherapist (which is Master's level, but very part time) at PInebrook.
* The computer continues to be... enough for now.
* Money continues to elude me. :(
* I am trying to get in to the habbit of a regular exercise program, but I find it hard since the only time I have is at the end of the (long) day.
* The move is scheduled for July 4th. I will miss having space, a quiet neighborhood, my own bathroom, and central air. I will not miss the higher rent payment, no one to take care of me (hint hint mom), and only one bunch of bananas.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Wow! It's been awhile since I last posted. I figured I am overdue for a new addition to the blog. So here's the news:
* I really miss having a decent computer. Don't get me wrong, this one works and got me through my final presentation (just barely!), but it takes FOREVER for programs and pages online to load.
* The master's degree is complete- my graduation date was April 28th- and the actual degree arrived in all of it's beautiful glory yesterday's mail. I spent a long time staring at it yesterday and today and I will probably stare at it some more tommorrow. It still doesn't feel real and I am still adjusting to signing the new letters that follow my name. I am a little sad that I didn't get to do much for it- I feel like a bigger deal was made of my Bachelors degree, but I worked so much harder for this one.
* Searching for a new (master's level) job has taken over the time that I used to spend on school work. Hopefully one will come soon!
* I have officially decided to suck it up and move back with my parents for a while. sigh.....I will miss the quiet nights we have here that are not filled with spanish music blasted so loud that the entire city can hear it.
* I really miss having a decent computer. Don't get me wrong, this one works and got me through my final presentation (just barely!), but it takes FOREVER for programs and pages online to load.
* The master's degree is complete- my graduation date was April 28th- and the actual degree arrived in all of it's beautiful glory yesterday's mail. I spent a long time staring at it yesterday and today and I will probably stare at it some more tommorrow. It still doesn't feel real and I am still adjusting to signing the new letters that follow my name. I am a little sad that I didn't get to do much for it- I feel like a bigger deal was made of my Bachelors degree, but I worked so much harder for this one.
* Searching for a new (master's level) job has taken over the time that I used to spend on school work. Hopefully one will come soon!
* I have officially decided to suck it up and move back with my parents for a while. sigh.....I will miss the quiet nights we have here that are not filled with spanish music blasted so loud that the entire city can hear it.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Just a good quote
My day planner quote for this week:
Whatever you want in life, other people are going to want it too. Believe in yourself enough to accept the idea that you have an equal right to it.
~ Diane Sawyer
Whatever you want in life, other people are going to want it too. Believe in yourself enough to accept the idea that you have an equal right to it.
~ Diane Sawyer
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Just call me Ginger
I liken being a student at an online school to this quote: [About Fred Astaire] "Sure he was great, but don't forget Ginger Rogers did everything he did backwards . . . and in high heels!" -- Bob Thaves
My degree is the same as those who attend brick and mortar schools- it will get me the same jobs, it qualifies me for the same privledges. But that is where the similarities end. In addition to teaching myself the concepts instead of merely sitting in a lecture hall absorbing the material, the course work is more difficult. This is because online schools are stuck with the burden of proving that they are legitimate institutions and not just diploma mills. Every single piece of work that I turn in gets run through a search engine that tells the prof if I have plaigerized my work. To add insult to injury, we then have to defend our degrees to others because while online programs are becoming more common there are still people out there that think that our degree programs are a cake walk because they are stuck in the stone ages!!!
My degree is the same as those who attend brick and mortar schools- it will get me the same jobs, it qualifies me for the same privledges. But that is where the similarities end. In addition to teaching myself the concepts instead of merely sitting in a lecture hall absorbing the material, the course work is more difficult. This is because online schools are stuck with the burden of proving that they are legitimate institutions and not just diploma mills. Every single piece of work that I turn in gets run through a search engine that tells the prof if I have plaigerized my work. To add insult to injury, we then have to defend our degrees to others because while online programs are becoming more common there are still people out there that think that our degree programs are a cake walk because they are stuck in the stone ages!!!
The lesson of the five balls
This was included in Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas and I thought the message might be helpful to others:
Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends, and integrity. And you're keeping all of them in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls- family, health, friends, and integrity- are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocally scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered. And once you truly understand the lesson of the five balls, you will have the beginings of balance in your life.
Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends, and integrity. And you're keeping all of them in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls- family, health, friends, and integrity- are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocally scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered. And once you truly understand the lesson of the five balls, you will have the beginings of balance in your life.
The News- Almost Spring!!! Edition
Yes I skipped a week. Or two. My deepest apologies and just a warning: it may happen again. So here's the scoop:
* The hours count is now 453.5 and 254.5 of those hours are relational. This means that I need 46.5 more hours, but since I have over 250 relational hours, it doesn't matter whether they are individual or relational.
* This past Saturday was the last Saturday that I will have to do internship hours (the weekdays are still packed). But don't get too excited, I still have a ton of school work that needs to get done before I can graduate. And there go my Saturdays.
*The (master's level) job search begins. There are lots of master's level positions advertised, however most of them are either low paying (as in I already make about that salary) or mobile. I would like a job that has a decent salary, medical benefits, and is stationary- meaning I can go to 1 place and work for 8 hours. Prayers and kind thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
*Just a warning to those I see on a weekly basis: the period between now and when I graduate is going to be EMOTIONAL. I have a lot of goodbyes in my near future and a very big and stressful presentation to give before I graduate.
* I spent about 50.00 and most of Saturday de-bugging my computer. Just a warning- if an alert from "antivirus 360" comes up on your computer (and happens to look like AVG, which I had on my computer) it is, according to spyware doctor, a rogue trojan and should be gotten rid of immediately.
*Since my last weekly post, I have discharged two clients, including the one that I mentioned a post back, successfully!!! Yay me!
* The hours count is now 453.5 and 254.5 of those hours are relational. This means that I need 46.5 more hours, but since I have over 250 relational hours, it doesn't matter whether they are individual or relational.
* This past Saturday was the last Saturday that I will have to do internship hours (the weekdays are still packed). But don't get too excited, I still have a ton of school work that needs to get done before I can graduate. And there go my Saturdays.
*The (master's level) job search begins. There are lots of master's level positions advertised, however most of them are either low paying (as in I already make about that salary) or mobile. I would like a job that has a decent salary, medical benefits, and is stationary- meaning I can go to 1 place and work for 8 hours. Prayers and kind thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
*Just a warning to those I see on a weekly basis: the period between now and when I graduate is going to be EMOTIONAL. I have a lot of goodbyes in my near future and a very big and stressful presentation to give before I graduate.
* I spent about 50.00 and most of Saturday de-bugging my computer. Just a warning- if an alert from "antivirus 360" comes up on your computer (and happens to look like AVG, which I had on my computer) it is, according to spyware doctor, a rogue trojan and should be gotten rid of immediately.
*Since my last weekly post, I have discharged two clients, including the one that I mentioned a post back, successfully!!! Yay me!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
525,600 Minutes
When I completed my Bachelor's degree, I felt as if there was nothing I couldn't do- the world was mine for the taking. Not only had I just completed five years of hard work and learning, but I had done it myself. Anyone who has put someone through college knows that this alone is no small feat! When the actual degree came in the mail, I opened it and stared at it forever, which my mom teased me about. What you have to understand is that it was not just a piece of paper to me, it was the physical manifestation of all of the work I had spent the past five years doing- the hours studying, the anxiety over how I would do on a test, the worrying over whether or not I had enough to pay for next semester, the hours spent perfecting that last paragraph of hundreth paper I had to write, the sacrafices I made (I never had a true spring break), all of the knowledge I had crammed in to my head. It was beautiful!
On this past Friday afternoon, my program director approved me using six of the hours that I do as a TSS for my internship. This means that I will definately complete all of my 500 hours by the April 23rd end date of my internship, which means that I will definately have my Master's degree by the end of April. This past Saturday, as I was waiting for a client, I looked at the billing sheet, which reads (as all of my billing sheets do) on the provider line, "Laura Pengelly, BS Intern", and realized that in two short months my billing sheets are going to read "Laura Pengelly, MA". And then I almost cried ( tears of joy) as I thought to myself, this is really going to happen, I am really going to have a Master's degree! I did it! I am going to be the second person in my mother's family and the third, but the only one of the grandchildren, in my dad's family to have a graduate degree. Hopefully this is the first of many (happy) "this is really going to happen!" moments in my future.
P.S. For those who do not know/recognize the reference: the title of this post is a lyric from a song in the show "Rent"- the full lyric is :"525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear. 525,600 minutes - how do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee. In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife. In 525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year in the life?"
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~Edward Everett Hale
We can do no great things, only small things with great love. ~Mother Teresa
The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own. ~Benjamin Disraeli
On this past Friday afternoon, my program director approved me using six of the hours that I do as a TSS for my internship. This means that I will definately complete all of my 500 hours by the April 23rd end date of my internship, which means that I will definately have my Master's degree by the end of April. This past Saturday, as I was waiting for a client, I looked at the billing sheet, which reads (as all of my billing sheets do) on the provider line, "Laura Pengelly, BS Intern", and realized that in two short months my billing sheets are going to read "Laura Pengelly, MA". And then I almost cried ( tears of joy) as I thought to myself, this is really going to happen, I am really going to have a Master's degree! I did it! I am going to be the second person in my mother's family and the third, but the only one of the grandchildren, in my dad's family to have a graduate degree. Hopefully this is the first of many (happy) "this is really going to happen!" moments in my future.
P.S. For those who do not know/recognize the reference: the title of this post is a lyric from a song in the show "Rent"- the full lyric is :"525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear. 525,600 minutes - how do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee. In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife. In 525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year in the life?"
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~Edward Everett Hale
We can do no great things, only small things with great love. ~Mother Teresa
The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own. ~Benjamin Disraeli
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Becoming a real person again...
Spawned either by my impending graduation or by a major case of senoritis (I'm not sure which) , I've taken up some hobbies/interests lately. I've mentioned in several posts that I've started reading for pleasure again. I've also begun to read the Bible and watch Bible studies online. My mom reccomended this guy:http://www.amazingdiscoveries.org/media-Video-TotalOnslaught.html and he's actually not bad. And I've taken up cocheting lately. Right now I am just crocheting wash clothes, but once I have more time, I plan to learn to crochet more complicated things.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Week in review- Valentine's edition
* Just to be clear, Valentine's day is not depressing because I do not get presents or go to fancy places- you don't need money to show your love for a special someone. It is depressing because I do not have a special someone.
* Prayers and happy thoughts please- I have started applying for master's level jobs! As one of the other interns pointed out, in April (when I graduate), ALL the new graduates will be looking for positions so there will be alot of competition and apparently it is not uncommon to have to wait for someone for a month or two.
* File this under weird names: there is a child in the daycare that I see a client in named Martini. Yes really.
* The hours count is 387. I still have not heard from my program director. Arrrrg!!!
*File this under wierd: This week Michael started a conversation with me about my lack of a love life. I was ultra hesitant to have this conversation with, really either one of them, but he persisted so I, reluctantly at first, participated- and I think he acctually cared. But that's not the wierd part. While we were in the kitchen having this lengthy conversation, Jen was in the living room watching TV. Not once did she come out and join the conversation. Ok, actually both Jen's non-participation and the conversation itself were weird. I have stopped discussing my lack of a love life with them for my own well-being because it only leads to either sacrine sweet cliches being recited or, if I'm really lucky, a half-assed attempt to fix me up with someone.
* My all time favorite excuse for missing a therapy appointment: One of the other therapist's clients cancelled their session because the Drew Carey show is on during their appointment time. Hmm... I can't imagine why the child is disrespectful and inconsiderate of other's time!
*I accidently no-showed a client this week. oops! I thought that I had scheduled him for a later appointment and I was not in the building during the time that he was actually scheduled.
* Answer me this: Michael Phelps is being paid millions of dollars because he excels in a sport in which healthy lungs are a neccessity. Why oh why would you smoke ANYTHING??!! DUMB_ _ _!!!
* There is an article on Parentdish.com that says that studies have shown that there is a gene for empathy, so if you feel things, I mean really feel things, you can thank your parents. So, my question is, which parent did I get it from? And thank you- empathy is an important tool to have as a therapist.
*Thank you to Steph & Tom for making my valentine's day not so horrible.
* Prayers and happy thoughts please- I have started applying for master's level jobs! As one of the other interns pointed out, in April (when I graduate), ALL the new graduates will be looking for positions so there will be alot of competition and apparently it is not uncommon to have to wait for someone for a month or two.
* File this under weird names: there is a child in the daycare that I see a client in named Martini. Yes really.
* The hours count is 387. I still have not heard from my program director. Arrrrg!!!
*File this under wierd: This week Michael started a conversation with me about my lack of a love life. I was ultra hesitant to have this conversation with, really either one of them, but he persisted so I, reluctantly at first, participated- and I think he acctually cared. But that's not the wierd part. While we were in the kitchen having this lengthy conversation, Jen was in the living room watching TV. Not once did she come out and join the conversation. Ok, actually both Jen's non-participation and the conversation itself were weird. I have stopped discussing my lack of a love life with them for my own well-being because it only leads to either sacrine sweet cliches being recited or, if I'm really lucky, a half-assed attempt to fix me up with someone.
* My all time favorite excuse for missing a therapy appointment: One of the other therapist's clients cancelled their session because the Drew Carey show is on during their appointment time. Hmm... I can't imagine why the child is disrespectful and inconsiderate of other's time!
*I accidently no-showed a client this week. oops! I thought that I had scheduled him for a later appointment and I was not in the building during the time that he was actually scheduled.
* Answer me this: Michael Phelps is being paid millions of dollars because he excels in a sport in which healthy lungs are a neccessity. Why oh why would you smoke ANYTHING??!! DUMB_ _ _!!!
* There is an article on Parentdish.com that says that studies have shown that there is a gene for empathy, so if you feel things, I mean really feel things, you can thank your parents. So, my question is, which parent did I get it from? And thank you- empathy is an important tool to have as a therapist.
*Thank you to Steph & Tom for making my valentine's day not so horrible.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Back in the saddle
Ok, so I broke my vow to blog faithfully at least once a week. Sorry! So here's what's been goin' on:
* I received my final W-4 and got my federal taxes done. The good news is that I do not have to pay any taxes for 2008! The bad news is that low gross wages doesn't amount to a whole lotta withholding money to get back.
* It's been a rough couple weeks with my primary client at work- he bit me on my arm. I was wearing a sweater and it still broke the skin!! He has been super aggressive lately- everytime I say "no" he hits, kicks, attempts to bite, and throws things at me. Despite this, I still think he's adorable (sometimes) If I can still love a child that is not mine after all this, I can only imagine the pull your own child has with you. Also, I think this means that I am ready to be a mother. ( are you listening God?!)
* The hours count: 380.5 down, 119.5 more to go!! I emailed my program director about using my hours with one of my clients at work, since I do play therapy with him. My director has yet to answer me back, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.
* I had the most heartbreaking group ever last night- I had to stop the group twice to explain that it is never ever ok for anyone, including our parents, to hurt us. And I'm still not sure that a couple of them got it.
* I am really not looking forward to Saturday: it's... that holiday ( I am not saying the v-word) that is a big fat reminder of the one area of my life that has never gone the way that I want it to. I don't care what all the hip little columnists say, it is NOT fun to be single on V-day and there is nothing good about it!!! Candy and e-harmony commercials everywhere! It's a minefield!!!
*To add insult to injury, today one of the kids at the daycare asked me if I have a baby in my belly.
*The client I mentioned in my last post is well on her way to being successfully discharged!! This particular client is my big, blue whale, so to speak, so I am tickled pink for both of us!!
*I have been craving eggs and pancakes like mad. Not sure why though.
That is all for now
* I received my final W-4 and got my federal taxes done. The good news is that I do not have to pay any taxes for 2008! The bad news is that low gross wages doesn't amount to a whole lotta withholding money to get back.
* It's been a rough couple weeks with my primary client at work- he bit me on my arm. I was wearing a sweater and it still broke the skin!! He has been super aggressive lately- everytime I say "no" he hits, kicks, attempts to bite, and throws things at me. Despite this, I still think he's adorable (sometimes) If I can still love a child that is not mine after all this, I can only imagine the pull your own child has with you. Also, I think this means that I am ready to be a mother. ( are you listening God?!)
* The hours count: 380.5 down, 119.5 more to go!! I emailed my program director about using my hours with one of my clients at work, since I do play therapy with him. My director has yet to answer me back, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.
* I had the most heartbreaking group ever last night- I had to stop the group twice to explain that it is never ever ok for anyone, including our parents, to hurt us. And I'm still not sure that a couple of them got it.
* I am really not looking forward to Saturday: it's... that holiday ( I am not saying the v-word) that is a big fat reminder of the one area of my life that has never gone the way that I want it to. I don't care what all the hip little columnists say, it is NOT fun to be single on V-day and there is nothing good about it!!! Candy and e-harmony commercials everywhere! It's a minefield!!!
*To add insult to injury, today one of the kids at the daycare asked me if I have a baby in my belly.
*The client I mentioned in my last post is well on her way to being successfully discharged!! This particular client is my big, blue whale, so to speak, so I am tickled pink for both of us!!
*I have been craving eggs and pancakes like mad. Not sure why though.
That is all for now
Sunday, January 25, 2009
On my mind this week
* I am STILL waiting for my W-4 from KP!!! However, I did find my last paystub and added the totals from each agency- there are 3 this year- and the numbers were not good. For the first time since I graduated from college, I made under 20,000. I knew my income was lower this year, but I didn't realize it was that low.
* I have spent the past two days getting my lesson plans ready for Together Families (the group I am leading for part of my internship). I feel like that is all I have done for the past two days.
*I am starting a new case this week, which will be good for my paycheck, but means that I will be working marathon days. I cannot wait until I am done with school and can just work one job.
* My weekly visit to Steph's was wierd and not at all satisfying. We didn't really talk because she was sick :( And I didn't get to play with Jacob.
* It was a very stressful week client-wise and I really wish I could talk about it! However, I cannot do that here, but I will have a jam packed Supervision session this week! All I can say here is: Is a full moon approaching?!
* I have spent the past two days getting my lesson plans ready for Together Families (the group I am leading for part of my internship). I feel like that is all I have done for the past two days.
*I am starting a new case this week, which will be good for my paycheck, but means that I will be working marathon days. I cannot wait until I am done with school and can just work one job.
* My weekly visit to Steph's was wierd and not at all satisfying. We didn't really talk because she was sick :( And I didn't get to play with Jacob.
* It was a very stressful week client-wise and I really wish I could talk about it! However, I cannot do that here, but I will have a jam packed Supervision session this week! All I can say here is: Is a full moon approaching?!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Jan 11th- 17th or All Stressed out
So here's the weekly report:
* I am totally and completely broke (thanks so much KP!!!!)
*I am starting to get stressed out about my clinical hours, or lack therof. Now that I am taking the internship course, I have a firm deadline, which would be April 23rd. I am now at 361 overall hours and 176 Relational hours. November and December seem to be consistently bad for therapy attendance because of the holidays. I am praying that I have clients with amazingly good attendance rates!
* Speaking of amazing attendance rates, on Wednesday I had four clients scheduled and all four showed up!!!! I am the envy of all the other therapists who knew about it! (no shows are quite common at Pinebrook)
*I finished Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas and I highly recommend it! So good! But it's a tear jerker. I am now reading One, Two, Buckle My Shoe (an Agatha Christie novel) and The Message, which is the new testament of the Bible written in layperson speak. It's actually kinda neat. Changing the language of it makes it easier to read.
*I made my own playlist on Playlist.com and I am enjoying it. (thanks Steph!)
*I had a really good session with one of my clients this week. She has made so much progress and I am so proud of her. She is one of the most difficult clients I've ever had, by far, so her progress is a real achievement for both of us!
* I'm so glad that Steph has internet and will be able to post again! I miss reading about her adventures. It's a shame that she couldn't do a paid blog- she's such a good writer.
* Saturn of the Valley is on my bad list
* Is it spring yet? I'm ready for warm weather and I miss being able to feel my toes!
* I have one of the three W-4's I need to be able to do my taxes (and get a refund!!) I am still awaiting my W-4's from KP and Valley Counseling. Doesn't it figure that they would be a pain even now!!
* I am totally and completely broke (thanks so much KP!!!!)
*I am starting to get stressed out about my clinical hours, or lack therof. Now that I am taking the internship course, I have a firm deadline, which would be April 23rd. I am now at 361 overall hours and 176 Relational hours. November and December seem to be consistently bad for therapy attendance because of the holidays. I am praying that I have clients with amazingly good attendance rates!
* Speaking of amazing attendance rates, on Wednesday I had four clients scheduled and all four showed up!!!! I am the envy of all the other therapists who knew about it! (no shows are quite common at Pinebrook)
*I finished Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas and I highly recommend it! So good! But it's a tear jerker. I am now reading One, Two, Buckle My Shoe (an Agatha Christie novel) and The Message, which is the new testament of the Bible written in layperson speak. It's actually kinda neat. Changing the language of it makes it easier to read.
*I made my own playlist on Playlist.com and I am enjoying it. (thanks Steph!)
*I had a really good session with one of my clients this week. She has made so much progress and I am so proud of her. She is one of the most difficult clients I've ever had, by far, so her progress is a real achievement for both of us!
* I'm so glad that Steph has internet and will be able to post again! I miss reading about her adventures. It's a shame that she couldn't do a paid blog- she's such a good writer.
* Saturn of the Valley is on my bad list
* Is it spring yet? I'm ready for warm weather and I miss being able to feel my toes!
* I have one of the three W-4's I need to be able to do my taxes (and get a refund!!) I am still awaiting my W-4's from KP and Valley Counseling. Doesn't it figure that they would be a pain even now!!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Your Horoscope - This Week
This is going to be an excellent year for partnership and romantic issues. Jupiter moves into Aquarius and your partnership zone on Monday, where it will stay until 2010. Despite the issues and problems you've had to deal with in past relationships, you may decide to get married, engaged, or perhaps commit to your lover on a long-term basis this year. You're also going to be doing a lot of socializing and this is going to bring many new friends into your life. You're going to have a lot of fun.
This is going to be an excellent year for partnership and romantic issues. Jupiter moves into Aquarius and your partnership zone on Monday, where it will stay until 2010. Despite the issues and problems you've had to deal with in past relationships, you may decide to get married, engaged, or perhaps commit to your lover on a long-term basis this year. You're also going to be doing a lot of socializing and this is going to bring many new friends into your life. You're going to have a lot of fun.
The week in Laura
I am going to try to post on my blog at least once a week. I would love to be able to post several times a day, like Steph, but right now I just have too much to do and not enough energy to do it. So here's what's goin' on:
* I REALLY miss your blog Steph! I can't wait until you get internet access again!
*I feel like my life is just a big cycle right now: get up, go to work, go to internship, come home, eat dinner, go to sleep, repeat. And I think it's going to be that way until I graduate. :(
* Speaking of graduating, that should happen in about mid-April, but it's ultimately dependent on when I finish my clinical hours. I need to have 500 hours of Client contact ( each 45 minute session counts as an hour.), 250 of which need to be relational (with more then one person).
* Right now I have 353 hours done and 159.5 of them are relational!
* Living with teachers during snow season is torture- I want a snow day too!!
* I am almost done cutting out my flashcards for the MFT exam( I have to take the practice exam for my internship course), all 400 of them. Now I just have to memorize them. Oooh, when will the fun stop!!!
*It can stop snowing until next winter. Seriously..I'm good.
*I miss having enough money
*I have started making a list of all the agencies/companies in the area that I can potentially work at when I finish school. I plan to start applying for jobs in early to mid March.
* My 2009 calendar is Flower Faries. There is something magical about faries that is really appealing to me right now. Also, the pictures look like illustrations for a children's book, so I can keep the calendar and frame the pictures for the daughter that mom tells me I'm going to have. ( I hope she is right! :) )
* Reading non-school books is now a guilty pleasure for me. Right now I am reading Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patternson during my client's nap time (if he sleeps). Most of the story is a diary that Suzanne writes for her son Nicholas about her life and how she met and fell in love with Nicholas' father. It's a neat idea that I may have to do for my children.
* I am continuing to read The Bible on Sunday mornings. I have a Bible that includes devotionals, so right now I have just been reading them and the passages that go with them.
* I have Senoritis BAD!!! April cannot come soon enough.
* E-harmony commercials make me want to cry and not in a good way. I really hope there is a man waiting for me at the end of this journey through school.
* I REALLY miss your blog Steph! I can't wait until you get internet access again!
*I feel like my life is just a big cycle right now: get up, go to work, go to internship, come home, eat dinner, go to sleep, repeat. And I think it's going to be that way until I graduate. :(
* Speaking of graduating, that should happen in about mid-April, but it's ultimately dependent on when I finish my clinical hours. I need to have 500 hours of Client contact ( each 45 minute session counts as an hour.), 250 of which need to be relational (with more then one person).
* Right now I have 353 hours done and 159.5 of them are relational!
* Living with teachers during snow season is torture- I want a snow day too!!
* I am almost done cutting out my flashcards for the MFT exam( I have to take the practice exam for my internship course), all 400 of them. Now I just have to memorize them. Oooh, when will the fun stop!!!
*It can stop snowing until next winter. Seriously..I'm good.
*I miss having enough money
*I have started making a list of all the agencies/companies in the area that I can potentially work at when I finish school. I plan to start applying for jobs in early to mid March.
* My 2009 calendar is Flower Faries. There is something magical about faries that is really appealing to me right now. Also, the pictures look like illustrations for a children's book, so I can keep the calendar and frame the pictures for the daughter that mom tells me I'm going to have. ( I hope she is right! :) )
* Reading non-school books is now a guilty pleasure for me. Right now I am reading Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patternson during my client's nap time (if he sleeps). Most of the story is a diary that Suzanne writes for her son Nicholas about her life and how she met and fell in love with Nicholas' father. It's a neat idea that I may have to do for my children.
* I am continuing to read The Bible on Sunday mornings. I have a Bible that includes devotionals, so right now I have just been reading them and the passages that go with them.
* I have Senoritis BAD!!! April cannot come soon enough.
* E-harmony commercials make me want to cry and not in a good way. I really hope there is a man waiting for me at the end of this journey through school.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Just a good quote
From the NCU discussion board:
"Faith is a big part of humanity, regardless of what humanists say. Personally, looking at history, it is a bigger leap of faith to believe in the goodness of man than it is to believe in the goodness of God."
"Faith is a big part of humanity, regardless of what humanists say. Personally, looking at history, it is a bigger leap of faith to believe in the goodness of man than it is to believe in the goodness of God."
To Don't
Another belated post, this one on my resolutions for 2009. I have such a strong desire for change, so I am doing a different type of list this year.
I resolve to not:
1 put more in to relationships then I get out of them
2 worry about things I cannot control
3 worry what others think
4 procrastinating so much
5 judge my success by the lack of jewlry on my left hand
6 forget to make time for fun
I resolve to not:
1 put more in to relationships then I get out of them
2 worry about things I cannot control
3 worry what others think
4 procrastinating so much
5 judge my success by the lack of jewlry on my left hand
6 forget to make time for fun
Saturday, January 03, 2009
The List
Since I didn't get around to posted a Thankful list on Thanksgiving (I was otherwise occupied), I'm going to post it now:
1 I am good at what I do!
2 I am two classes away from completing my masters degree!!
3 I was offered a paid position at my internship site before I completed my internship
4 My school supervisor told me that he would happily refer clients to me. He is in AZ, but still a
HUGE compliment
5 I am a nice person
6 I spend my (working) days making the world an ever so slightly better place
7 I have nice eyes
8 My mom is an endless source of support
9 I have such an adorable, creative, beautiful niece and nephews
10 I am smart and intelligent
11 I generally manage to land on my feet
12 I am 30, but most people think I'm younger!
13 I like my family and usually get along with them
14 I have toned muscular legs
15 I have naturally long nails
16 My hair is pretty nice too
17 I know that I will acomplish all that I set out to do
18 My complection is pretty good
19 I am creative and crafty
20 I am resourceful
21 I can sing
22 I have a unique and special relationship with my big sister
23 I can decorate my space well
24 I can grow beautiful flowers
25 I can grow herbs
26 I am resourceful
27 I am a good friend
1 I am good at what I do!
2 I am two classes away from completing my masters degree!!
3 I was offered a paid position at my internship site before I completed my internship
4 My school supervisor told me that he would happily refer clients to me. He is in AZ, but still a
HUGE compliment
5 I am a nice person
6 I spend my (working) days making the world an ever so slightly better place
7 I have nice eyes
8 My mom is an endless source of support
9 I have such an adorable, creative, beautiful niece and nephews
10 I am smart and intelligent
11 I generally manage to land on my feet
12 I am 30, but most people think I'm younger!
13 I like my family and usually get along with them
14 I have toned muscular legs
15 I have naturally long nails
16 My hair is pretty nice too
17 I know that I will acomplish all that I set out to do
18 My complection is pretty good
19 I am creative and crafty
20 I am resourceful
21 I can sing
22 I have a unique and special relationship with my big sister
23 I can decorate my space well
24 I can grow beautiful flowers
25 I can grow herbs
26 I am resourceful
27 I am a good friend
Friday, August 15, 2008
(Yucky) Tales from the field
I was less than thrilled when my client, E., cancelled his three hour sessions on both Monday and Tuesday- that's a big chunk of my paycheck that will be missing. I was told by the daycare staff that he would not be in until late afternoon, which, because of my scheudule, was not possible for me to come in and see him. However, words cannot explain how I felt when I arrived at his daycare on Wednesday to find him COVERED in bruises and scratches- easily 20 to 30 of each. The nurse's aid that accompanys him said that his father had simply stated "it happened over the weekend". He didn't say what had happened over the weekend. His other Nurse's aid (he has two), that worked with him on Monday said that dad said that he did it himself. E can be aggressive when he is frustrated, however his aggression is directed at others not himself and 99% of the time doesn't leave a mark on the victim- and I bruise like a peach so if he's not injuring me...... And I have watched this child hit the same spot on him self day after day and not have a bruise. Not to mention the fact that he is essentially a walking skeleton- at 10 years old he weights about 35 lbs. There is no way that he did this himself. He spent both Wednesday's session and yesterday's session acting out aggressively and repeating "bad, bad, bad" and " and "I'm bad". E is essentally non-verbal- the only word I've ever heard him say is "bad" and on a typical day he says it maybe two or three times a session, not constantly. I feel that I need to pause my story for a minute and explain. The decison to call childline is gut renching- contrary to popular belief we really do question whether or not the bruises and/or behavior we are seeing could have been the result of an accident or if the child is lying. It is not a call that is made on a whim and, honestly, it is quite upseting for the person who is charged with making it. However, in cases like this one, I don't ask myself what will happen to the parents if I do call, I ask myself what will happen to the child if I don't call? In all honesty, it's not about my legal obligation to the client (which as a mandated reporter I do have a legal obligation to report suspected abuse), it' s about the ethical responsibility I have to the client- if I don't call who will? Nobody deserves to the treatment I believe he is getting from his "parents". So yesterday, after a night of bad sleep, I called Childline and spent about a half hour explaining to the intake specialist what I saw and his history (we suspect that he is a victim of parental neglect) afterwhich the intake specialist informed me that, while I did a good job explaining the situation, the the report would not be registered (a registered complaint is one that is sent to CYS AND law enforcement- so it is seriously investigated) and that it would help if someone with a professional degree ( an master's or PH.D) would report the abuse. Apparently the fact that I see him 12 hours a week and have the education and experience to recognize abuse and maltreatment is just not good enough. Because I only have a Bachelors. It will be forwarded to CYS because every complaint has to be investigated, but I belive that that is the only reason. I feel so powerless. And angry at the daycare and the other Nurse's aid, who saw he bruised up but didn't do anything. It is just frightening that this can happen and the agency charged with helping is doing nothing!
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