Friday; Day Seven
The day started earlier than I would have liked. Class went from
8a-4p but I had to be on the shuttle by 7a or 7:30a, I chose to do the 7a shuttle so I would have time for breakfast and setting up my computer and what not. We spent the day doing role-play, talking, listening to stories from the instructor and classmates. The school provided breakfast, lunch and two snacks. Everything was catered and really good.
Saturday; Day 8
Today was pretty much like Friday. We did more role-play with each other. We took turns being the counselor and the client. Everyone shared things from their own life that they have concerns about. The instructor also did a couple role-play situations about Ethics. The first one he played "the client" and had us all laughing, he was making passes at "the counselor". He explained how she should have handled it and told us that if a client is behaving inappropriately, we are within our rights to end the session. I did my PowerPoint presentation today, I got good feedback from the class and the instructor. I've been nervous about doing the role-play and presentation because it puts me in the spotlight to much and that make me uncomfortable, I made it through though with encouraging words from everyone. I need to stop doubting myself. I see the grades I have been getting since 2012 and I still doubt my abilities to do well in school. I need to STOP IT! (Bob Newhart reference) We also watched a presentation by another instructor. He explained what he has been doing, his presentation is something he is still working on in preparation to present at a conference, we were the guinea pigs lol
Sunday; Day 9
The final day of class. Role-play again, with feedback from the whole class but then we did a role-play where the instructor was the only one giving feedback, this part was our final. After everyone was done we spent some time watching a presentation from a new instructor about counseling and the law, when we would be expected to go to court, and what to expect and do if we do have to go to court and ways that clients could trick us into going to court. It was very informational.
I am very glad that I had this opportunity, to attend the residency. It has helped me a lot. My instructor wants to see a counselor, to help me work through the resentment towards my family. I know I need to do it, I'll have to start looking into it when I get home. If I start seeing a counselor of my own then it will give me a chance to get better before I start seeing my own clients. I need to do this. I will find a way to make it happen.
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Friday, April 13, 2018
Arizona Trip Day Six
Today was my first day of class, in a real classroom. I was very nervous, we had to do role play with the instructor and then with another student. It was pretty emotional for everyone. We all did great though. Everyone asked questions and shared things about themselves. I knew it was going to emotional for me, it just happened quicker than I expected.
The school had breakfast, snacks and lunch for us, available through out the day. I was pretty full after all that food. All in all it was a good day.
Two more days and then three days of downtime for fun around Phoenix. Not sure what we'll do during that downtime but I'm sure we'll stay busy all day.
The school had breakfast, snacks and lunch for us, available through out the day. I was pretty full after all that food. All in all it was a good day.
Two more days and then three days of downtime for fun around Phoenix. Not sure what we'll do during that downtime but I'm sure we'll stay busy all day.
Arizona Trip Day Four and Five
Day four. Wednesday,
We arrived in Phoenix, at the Drury Inn at 5 pm on Wednesday, day four. The hotel is beautiful and big. We hung out in the room after checking inn, got a few free drinks and had some dinner. It was a long day on the road so downtime was needed.
Day five. Thursday,
Our first full day in Phoenix. I laid in bed all day, except for getting breakfast and then dinner and drinks later. I needed some more downtime. In the evening I had a meet and greet with everyone that was here for Residency. I finally met some of the people that I've only talked too online or on the phone. It was nice to put faces to some of them.
Thankfully the bed is comfortable, the room is spacious enough so we aren't on top of each other when trying to move around. I actually unpacked my suitcase, since we are here for a week.
We arrived in Phoenix, at the Drury Inn at 5 pm on Wednesday, day four. The hotel is beautiful and big. We hung out in the room after checking inn, got a few free drinks and had some dinner. It was a long day on the road so downtime was needed.
Day five. Thursday,
Our first full day in Phoenix. I laid in bed all day, except for getting breakfast and then dinner and drinks later. I needed some more downtime. In the evening I had a meet and greet with everyone that was here for Residency. I finally met some of the people that I've only talked too online or on the phone. It was nice to put faces to some of them.
Thankfully the bed is comfortable, the room is spacious enough so we aren't on top of each other when trying to move around. I actually unpacked my suitcase, since we are here for a week.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Arizona Trip Day Four
Today we went to the Rio Grande Zoo and the Albuquerque Aquarium and Gardens. They were both really nice. There was a ton of walking involved in the tripe today, I am exhausted. I think two pain pills are required for tonight.
We did a bit of grocery shopping today too, restock the cooler. I'm impressed by this thing, we dumped 22 pounds of ice in it on Saturday morning (April 7) and there is still plenty of ice in it. We've been draining the water each day. We'll refill it a bit tomorrow, before we leave the motel in the morning.
Carmen is in awe of the mountains. We've got a great view behind our motel. This motel is also close to downtown and shopping on Juan Tabo. I forgot how beautiful it is here. I look forward to coming back next year.
Today I realized how much I actually missed when I lived here before. My now ex took me to Santa Fe once, for a day and that was it. I had not spent much time in the city or doing anything. We went to a mall a couple times but that was pretty much it. Maybe if he had been willing to take me out, we would have stayed longer. I don't know if I'd want to live here again but I wouldn't mind visiting again. It's been 24 years since I left. I look forward to coming back.
It's been a long day, I'm going to take a shower, clean off my bed and get some sleep. We are heading to Phoenix at 11am.
We did a bit of grocery shopping today too, restock the cooler. I'm impressed by this thing, we dumped 22 pounds of ice in it on Saturday morning (April 7) and there is still plenty of ice in it. We've been draining the water each day. We'll refill it a bit tomorrow, before we leave the motel in the morning.
Carmen is in awe of the mountains. We've got a great view behind our motel. This motel is also close to downtown and shopping on Juan Tabo. I forgot how beautiful it is here. I look forward to coming back next year.
Today I realized how much I actually missed when I lived here before. My now ex took me to Santa Fe once, for a day and that was it. I had not spent much time in the city or doing anything. We went to a mall a couple times but that was pretty much it. Maybe if he had been willing to take me out, we would have stayed longer. I don't know if I'd want to live here again but I wouldn't mind visiting again. It's been 24 years since I left. I look forward to coming back.
It's been a long day, I'm going to take a shower, clean off my bed and get some sleep. We are heading to Phoenix at 11am.
Monday, April 9, 2018
Arizona Trip Thoughts
The main reason for this trip is to complete the first level of my Masters program for counseling. I knew this program was going to be difficult for me and it has been. I'm all for helping others but I also need to learn to help myself too, that is hard for me because I don't want to focus on my own problems, it's not fun and life has sucked royally for me for over a year. I'd rather pretend that things are great. I can't do that though, I need to deal with my feelings about everything, deal with them, let them go and continue to move on with my life so I can create the life that I have always wanted to live.
I've had this trip sort of planned out since August of last year. I knew then that I would have to make this trip, the big questions were "Who will go with me", " Do I want to go alone", "Should I drive or take a train".
The drawbacks of driving; you have to deal with other drivers (thankfully traffic has been fairly lite, so far). You have to plan out the driving a bit in order to make noticeable progress. Knowing the number of hours the drive should take and how many hours you can drive in a day is important. There is extra cost with hotels and gas/food stops.
The benefits of driving; You can stop when you want, pack food from home to eat less fast food (been working good far), you can see more of the country. (I didn't know Dodge City, Kansas existed until yesterday). You don't have to worry about dealing with others in an enclosed space.
I thought about making this trip alone, driving or on a train. A train would have been interesting but probably boring, though I would be able to use my computer, thanks to my hotspot and headphones.
The cost is more than I'd like for this trip but it's worth it. The weeks leading up to leaving I was sick and stuck in bed for two days. Day three I went back to work but was in a lot of pain and still had a pretty bad cough, then sciatic nerve decided to flare up. I used my acupressure brace for a week, which helped me walk like normal. Then the snow hit, while brushing off my car I pinched a nerve and that sent burning fire pain down my leg, I suffered through two hours of work before contacting a chiropractor. After X-rays and consultation I ended up going back for an adjustment, twice, just before I was set to spend five days on the road, traveling across the country. Thankfully the adjustments helped but I have more work to do to fix my back and correct what has been done over the years. I am feeling a lot better already though and driving has not been to bad at all.
One thing I have been hoping to accomplish from this trip was to be able to relax. So far I've had two days of relaxing. I have not felt stressed or worried at all and that is such a great feeling. I've been taking selfies and allowing myself to be included in pictures, something I normally don't do. My cousin is with me, she is making sure that I laugh and take pictures. I'm going to print up some pictures and put in my journal, alone with notes from each day gone, I'll be pulling that info from these posts because pretty soon the days will start to blend together.
I'm being mindful of my bank account and fuel level (filling up at 1/2 tank) , watching the oil levels in the car and taking things slowly. Right now, my biggest thing dealing with a travel partner that snores and whether or not the fan will block it out, but she's not as loud as some people I know so it's all good. She says I snore too but it's not loud, guess that means that my kids lied to me.
It's now 8:39 am, time to get some breakfast and get something done with school work, at least half of my assignment needs to be done sooner than later. We'll be getting the car loaded up around 10:30 or so and topping off the oil in the car before heading out.
I've had this trip sort of planned out since August of last year. I knew then that I would have to make this trip, the big questions were "Who will go with me", " Do I want to go alone", "Should I drive or take a train".
The drawbacks of driving; you have to deal with other drivers (thankfully traffic has been fairly lite, so far). You have to plan out the driving a bit in order to make noticeable progress. Knowing the number of hours the drive should take and how many hours you can drive in a day is important. There is extra cost with hotels and gas/food stops.
The benefits of driving; You can stop when you want, pack food from home to eat less fast food (been working good far), you can see more of the country. (I didn't know Dodge City, Kansas existed until yesterday). You don't have to worry about dealing with others in an enclosed space.
I thought about making this trip alone, driving or on a train. A train would have been interesting but probably boring, though I would be able to use my computer, thanks to my hotspot and headphones.
The cost is more than I'd like for this trip but it's worth it. The weeks leading up to leaving I was sick and stuck in bed for two days. Day three I went back to work but was in a lot of pain and still had a pretty bad cough, then sciatic nerve decided to flare up. I used my acupressure brace for a week, which helped me walk like normal. Then the snow hit, while brushing off my car I pinched a nerve and that sent burning fire pain down my leg, I suffered through two hours of work before contacting a chiropractor. After X-rays and consultation I ended up going back for an adjustment, twice, just before I was set to spend five days on the road, traveling across the country. Thankfully the adjustments helped but I have more work to do to fix my back and correct what has been done over the years. I am feeling a lot better already though and driving has not been to bad at all.
One thing I have been hoping to accomplish from this trip was to be able to relax. So far I've had two days of relaxing. I have not felt stressed or worried at all and that is such a great feeling. I've been taking selfies and allowing myself to be included in pictures, something I normally don't do. My cousin is with me, she is making sure that I laugh and take pictures. I'm going to print up some pictures and put in my journal, alone with notes from each day gone, I'll be pulling that info from these posts because pretty soon the days will start to blend together.
I'm being mindful of my bank account and fuel level (filling up at 1/2 tank) , watching the oil levels in the car and taking things slowly. Right now, my biggest thing dealing with a travel partner that snores and whether or not the fan will block it out, but she's not as loud as some people I know so it's all good. She says I snore too but it's not loud, guess that means that my kids lied to me.
It's now 8:39 am, time to get some breakfast and get something done with school work, at least half of my assignment needs to be done sooner than later. We'll be getting the car loaded up around 10:30 or so and topping off the oil in the car before heading out.
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Arizona Trip: Day Two
We checked out of the Super 8 in Topeka, Kansas at 10:30 am. Had to go to Walmart to buy a new window holder for my phone, the old one kept falling down, very inconvenient.
We drove on back road highways for what seemed like forever. We stopped in Dodge City for a bit. We took a lot of pictures, it was pretty interesting there.
A lot more time driving on Highway 56, passing through small towns with a lot of houses but we didn't see people, except those who were also driving. We searched for motels that were close to us, Google wasn't very helpful, it kept pulling up information that we weren't looking for. We finally decided to check again, Super 8 in Liberal, Kansas, it was half an hour from where we were at, at that time.
More views of nothing...open fields, oasis' dotted the landscape on both sides of us. As we got closer to Liberal we saw more traffic.
Today was another uneventful day, which is a good thing. Traffic was fairly lite, again and we arrived in Liberal before dark.
Tomorrow we head to Albuquerque for a couple of nights then on to Phoenix for a week. So far, it's been a nice trip, it feels like we've been gone longer than two days.
We drove on back road highways for what seemed like forever. We stopped in Dodge City for a bit. We took a lot of pictures, it was pretty interesting there.
A lot more time driving on Highway 56, passing through small towns with a lot of houses but we didn't see people, except those who were also driving. We searched for motels that were close to us, Google wasn't very helpful, it kept pulling up information that we weren't looking for. We finally decided to check again, Super 8 in Liberal, Kansas, it was half an hour from where we were at, at that time.
More views of nothing...open fields, oasis' dotted the landscape on both sides of us. As we got closer to Liberal we saw more traffic.
Today was another uneventful day, which is a good thing. Traffic was fairly lite, again and we arrived in Liberal before dark.
Tomorrow we head to Albuquerque for a couple of nights then on to Phoenix for a week. So far, it's been a nice trip, it feels like we've been gone longer than two days.
Arizona Trip: Day One
*I will do this at the end of each day for the rest of the trip, I was too tired last night.
We got further than I expected too on day one. We made it through Michigan, a bit of Indiana, down Illinois, through Missouri and in to Kansas. I booked a room in Lawrence, Kansas but it ended up being for the wrong night, they wanted over $100 for one night, at a Motel 6. Nope, not gonna pay that much. We had to backtrack to Topeka and ended up at a Super 8.
I got a descent nights sleep after taking a shower. Did a bit of school work as well.
It was a long day of driving but it was a good day. The traffic was minimal for the majority of the drive, which I am very grateful for. Once we reached certain area, at night, the traffic was heavier, that part was not so great.
All in all, day one was a good day. I drove from 10:15 am - nearly Midnight Michigan time. Kansas is one hour behind Michigan time. By the time we reach our destination we will be three hours behind Michigan and hopefully in much warmer weather.
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