Busy, busy, busy bee

Boy, life seems to not stop even for the weary. We had a lot going on these last few weeks. I had an MRI (which turned out to the normal), an extended family member passed away from cancer, and then trying to help everyone out so things could get down. Needless to say, I was spent and wasn't able to give anymore to anyone...not even my family. I could feel myself starting to get depressed, which bothered me. I'm a counselor...I shouldn't be getting depressed, or have a hard time dealing with issues in my life. If I felt that way, then what good was I as a counselor?? Well, fortunately my best friend reminded me that it's okay to feel that way and that I could ask for help. So.......I had a big cry fest and puking session with my husband. I got everything out about how I was feeling depressed (due to being in pain all the time), felt like a failure as a mom and wife and so on....That night I slept the best that I have slept in weeks. I feel a bit renewed and able to handle what comes my way. I also realize that even though I am a counselor, I am human and experience human emotions. I have trauma in my life just like everyone else. It's okay to break down and cry and ask for help...even as a counselor. That's what makes me a healthier counselor and a better guide to those who seek my help. SO thank you JAM and SB for all you've helped me with. I love you.

What a week!!

Oh what a week. Between helping with graduate admissions, anger management group (for the students, not me), interning and soccer games, I am exhausted. I don't know how you do it full-time, but this is enough for me at this moment in my life. I love the flexibility of coming and going as I please. Interning is much better than practicum because I don't have someone looking over my shoulder. Anyway, I digress....I'm tired...on a really good pain reliever...and ready for the weekend. Have a great one!

What total fun

Today I was priveledged enough to help with graduate admissions. There were six applicants this morning. Three of them went in for their interviews and I took the remaining three and gave them a tour of the campus and then did a Q & A for 20 minutes. After the hour was up, the groups switched and I repeated what I had done the first hour. After that, all six applicants came back together and I led a group asking them questions about themselves and how they feel they would fit into the program. When all was said and done and the applicants had left, the three professors who interviewed actually asked my opinion about who I thought was top, bottom and in between. I actually was able to give my input. It was so fun doing this today. I just only wish I could do it the rest of the week. Very fun.!!!

What an honor

Last night my advisor at NNU asked me if I would help with the graduate admissions interviews on Monday. I am responsible for giving the new applicants a tour of the campus, answering questions about the program and conducting a small group experience where I ask the applicants questions to see how they interact as a group. This is such an honor for me. It seems like yesterday that I was the applicant to the program who was going on the tour and being interviewed. I feel privileged to be asked to do this. It's a wonderful to see that all my hard work is paying off. Thanks to everyone who's been so supportive of me and helped watch my kids during these last three years. It's almost at an end.
P.S.: I'm finally official. Yesterday at the high school they presented me with my own name plate for my desk. I feel so.....grown up....a real counselor. It was wonderful!

Ugh

Well, I didn't pass comps...again. The upside....I only missed it by 5 points this time instead of 10...so I improved. The downside... I have to take the darn test again in February. Of the 15 that took it, only seven passed. This test is hard...and in my opinion...useless. Oh well. It's one of those necessary evils...I need it to graduate. Other than that, internship is going well. I will start an anger management group on Thursday. (No, I'm not one of the participates). That's right, I'm the facilitator (big word there). I will be doing this at the Academy once a week for half an hour. The kids seem very interested and sincere in wanting help. Let's see if they change their minds when I actual make them WORK to get their anger under control. It should prove interesting.

We did get a chance to get away this weekend, however. We went to McCall for the four day weekend and had a blast. The fall colors up there are amazing this time of year. We were able to go to Gold Fork Hot Springs by Donnelly. It was a blast although I can't say I'm too crazy about the group changing room. That was interesting. But all this to say, we had a great time, even in our little cabin in the woods that has no insulation upstairs.