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. :-)

I embrace

the curveballs life throws my way, and am glad to be able to have the wherewithal to attempt to catch them.

This past week was an interesting one on many levels. New connections, reconnections, missed connections. Had good girl talk on Saturday night, laughed at the barbies, got hit on twice and had to be told about it...I am astute when it comes to my student's issues, but apparently I can't tell a question from a pick-up.

Saw K, it had been many years but seemed like no time had passed at all. Easily fell back into old habits which was fine by me. Looking forward to seeing what happens next. Smiley faces on my calendar. A girl can hope.

I'm finding as I study for my exit exam that I know more than I thought I did, which makes me feel better but will not sway me from my study habits. Can't be overconfident about this. It's gonna be a doozy, no matter how much I think I know.

After having a good convo with Mary, I am more settled in my decision about B. You can't force something that's not there & I knew this a month ago but halfway hoped for more. Missed my opportunity to end it this weekend, so will have to wait until he's back from VA on Friday. Meh - I hate being the breaker. BUT, not as much as the breakee.

I started running again after five weeks off, and it was good to get back at it. Since my Nike's were wearing down, I picked up some new kicks. Avia's - haven't run with this brand before, so far so good. 3 miles tonight, no pain. I've also recruited a couple friends to do the Frostbite series with me. I did it back in 2005, good (cold) times.



I also received my Keens Friday at work. $20 and supa comfy. Gotta love 6pm.com



October 9th cannot get here soon enough. Test will be over and my internship will be winding down so I can finally get down with my favorite time of year. Lot's on the agenda.

And I think Florence is in - warmer in December, better food.

Life is good.

A night of finals (finales)

I just finished my two finals for this semester. The first one was way more difficult than expected, the second I'd liken to cake with frosting. Tasty cake - the kind with surprise filling. It was THAT special.

One of my classmates was awarded a very coveted internship at Wash U - that would be prestigious to have as part of your credentials on a PhD application. I'm checking that one out!

I haven't been out of class this early on a Thursday all year - the sun is up, it's gorgeous out, and I've got plans. Is the world round? I'll have to check and see if Rasputin predicted this....it's that amazing.

The Office, Greys Anatomy and RHONY finales are tonight - I love finales. Especially when they make sense. Lost did not. I am lost on Lost. Probably because I didn't watch last year, and have only caught a smattering of episodes this year. Oh well - the first two seasons were fun....I think.

Time to go. The wine is chilled, and my glass being filled as I type. Yes, it's a very technical skill I mastered in my undergraduate years....how to uncork, pour and type all at once.

I've got skillz, y'all.

Going Greek

I received an interesting email today in my university account, and am pretty jazzed about it. Thought I'd share.

I just received an invitation to join Chi Sigma Iota, which is the international honor society for professional counselors. I'm almost halfway through with my M.A. in psychological counseling, and have kept up a 4.0 grade average, which is part of the criteria for being invited to join (the other is a nomination from the head of the department).

While I am aiming for a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, having this affiliation sure won't hurt, as there are scholarships, grants, and internships available to members.

I guess it's never too late to go Greek.