I Passed!

Just got word from the Dean of Counseling that I passed my exit exam. Which means I get to graduate in 6 weeks.

I am surprised. Not because I didn't think I did well. I felt confident about most of the sections on the test.

But there was this one section. Uffta...it was a doozy. Really, I didn't think I passed that section. I'm not being modest here. I was seriously boondoggled, and bummed out.

But, apparently I DO know my stuff. And for that knowledge, I am thankful.

Last week, I was told by a client that I helped save her marriage and her family. I was blown away. Almost cried.

Hearing that made me very happy for her, and also for me, but I stressed that this was her success. She did a lot of the work, outside of our sessions, which was very uncomfortable for her. But she stayed the course and the breakthroughs came, as did the mending in her personal life. Hurrah for her!

As a therapist (in-training), it's important to make sure the client knows that any successes they have with their processing are, by and large, owned by them. If they don't do the work, it doesn't get done. I can only do so much.

Another thing that's fantastic about my internship is that I learn a lot about myself, and have found ways to work through some of my own issues in dealing with clients'.

One client was going through something very similar to what I was, and the "tough love" approach helped her to work through it. I decided to turn it around and use it on myself. And it worked. As painful as it was, holding up that metaphorical mirror and really seeing the issue is a great way to get past it.

And sometimes when that mirror isn't giving you what you need, all may come down to a few simple questions:

1. Am I worth more than this?

2. Would I stand for someone doing this to a person I love?

3. Do I have the ability to rise above and not put up with any more of this bs?

If the answers are yes/no/absolutely, then you're doing well. They were my answers this weekend. So hell yeah...I'm doing well.

Loving life right now. LOVIN IT!

Getting ready to do the Snoopy happy dance. I've got lots to dance about. :-)

Can I just tell you...

...how excited I am about 2010?

First, to have a job these days is a blessing. To have a job you love - it's a f*cking miracle. Yup, I feel that strongly about it I am willing to swear.

Second, third, and fourth - to have the most amazing friends, family and love in my life is beyond words. Again - completely amazing. Oh, and my dog IS the best dog in the entire universe.

I've already made some good plans for the year, but I'm not going to share them just yet - I feel like if I say them out loud they might not come true, like birthday cake candle wishes. So as soon as one of these plans becomes a reality, I will share. And at that point, I'll probably spill it all.

At this point, my music library is growing leaps, and I am loving what this year has brought me so far. What I'm grooving to right this minute is:

Taken By Trees
The Magnetic Fields
Polysics
David Bazan
Cold Cave
Spoon - Transference (delivers in the best way)

AND, I've already got my "favorites" list started, and it goes a little....like....this:

Pen - Uni-ball 207 LTD

Workout DVD - 30 Day Shred w/Jillian and P90X (tie)

iPhone App - Shazam (tags music from radios and TV and tells you the artis and song)

Gallery - White Flag Projects (anticipatory) & Sheldon (solid)

Comedy - Modern Family: every character induces gut-busting laughter, not to mention Al Bundy.

Family Outing - Outback Steakhouse when we pretended my aunt Deb was from Norway because she couldn't talk due to having a rough intibation during a medical procedure. The waitress didn't know we were joking and that was the funny part. Plus, we started to make up new Norweigan words, and started calling my aunt Helga.

Lazy Sunday Brunch - Nadoz (so far - this could change as we try different locations)

Homemade juice - pear/red grape/celery/plum

That's it so far. More to come.

Weekend Playlist 2/13/09

Interesting weekend. Started out all kinds of loud and furious, then halted, shifted, and drifted softly into a mellow embrace of calm.

1. "Kids" - MGMT
2. "Shake Your Rump" - Beastie Boys
3. "Pony Ride" - Bumblebeez
4. "Hand Of Law" - Radio Birdman
5. "Atomic" - Blondie
6. "Cha Cha Cha" - MC Lyte
7. "Headstrong" - 10,000 Maniacs
8. "Foux du Fafa" - Flight Of The Conchords
9. "Tonight Let's Dance" - Elefant
10. "Love and Interruption" - Page France
11. "Arms of a Woman" - Amos Lee
12. "Make You Feel My Love" - Adele
13. "Let Me Touch You For Awhile" & "New Favorite" - Alison Krauss & Union Station
14. "I Envy The Wind" - Lucinda Williams