CANNOT believe I'm almost at Week 3! Today's workout was "Rest or Stretch X". I opted for Rest, simply because I had limited time this afternoon, but I did start the Stretch X DVD until I realized it was 60 minutes long. I stopped it to make dinner and to get ready for tonight. I work one night a week in the nursery at my church, in addition to my day job. I would love to pop the Stretch X back in now, because the little bit that I did earlier was soooo relaxing.
Still no significant weight loss, but I have lost 2 inches in my neck and waist, and one in my hips thus far. A co-worker told me today that she could see I'd lost weight in my face. Progress!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Dreams Becoming Reality...? Part II
Ok... So feeling really nervous today. I was pulled into another meeting with my boss regarding my upcoming internship. I determined on the LPC website that I will need 600 hours of internship, which includes 250 hours of face to face client contact. My boss has a case that will fulfill those 250 hours, and the summer program will count toward most of the rest. I ended up accepting full time hours (40 hours) which is salary, as opposed to my now 30 hour/week hourly pay position. The pay is a little more, and the flexibility a little less, but I was assured and reassured that I will still be able to set my own hours with clients and that I will NOT be expected to come into the office 8-5 or anything close to that. I was relieved to hear that part. I just don't know how I feel at this moment regarding adding an extra 10 hrs/week to my job. I love my Tuesdays and Thursdays as they are, where I can take a day here or there to myself, or to go and have lunch with my children. I don't know if I'm ready to give up that flexibility. But I said yes to the salaried position. Money talks, after all.
So, starting next week, I will be working with a teenage boy with substance abuse issues. I can't say anything more than that due to confidentiality. I really need to pray about this, because 1. I am not too terribly familiar with teenage boys, and 2. Substance abuse issues = manipulation to the extreme. My goal in his treatment will be to get him interested in healthy, positive extracurricular activities, help him with independent living skills, help him build a strong support system, and work on self-esteem. I won't be doing the substance abuse piece since I do not have that training. Another counselor will be working with him in that area. Thank goodness.This will help to fulfill my 250 hours of face to face contact for my internship, which is PAID. Now I just have to ease my husband's mind about this particular case, as he is a little on the fence about me working with a teenage male. I have only been assigned to females with this agency.
In addition, I will keep my current clients, but I will be relieved of some of my administrative duties (again, thank goodness, this means I'll get out of the office more!), and I am still in line for the summer program. I can bring my children, and again, this is PAID.
All in all, I think this is a good start. I need to get on the ball and see where I need to be with my schooling. I have my master's in psychology, but not in counseling, so I need to call my school to see if I can get into the required courses to pursue LPC. This is NOT something I'm looking forward to doing, and I may put it off until after I finish the internship this summer. After all, I will need time to adjust to working full time.
With that being said... in this field, full time is not really full time... it's more like 30 hours/week, anyway. The rest of the time is mostly paperwork, driving, and B.S'ing. Even my boss told me this today. So, it really shouldn't be that different for me. At least I hope not.
I really could use your prayers!
Thank you :)
So, starting next week, I will be working with a teenage boy with substance abuse issues. I can't say anything more than that due to confidentiality. I really need to pray about this, because 1. I am not too terribly familiar with teenage boys, and 2. Substance abuse issues = manipulation to the extreme. My goal in his treatment will be to get him interested in healthy, positive extracurricular activities, help him with independent living skills, help him build a strong support system, and work on self-esteem. I won't be doing the substance abuse piece since I do not have that training. Another counselor will be working with him in that area. Thank goodness.This will help to fulfill my 250 hours of face to face contact for my internship, which is PAID. Now I just have to ease my husband's mind about this particular case, as he is a little on the fence about me working with a teenage male. I have only been assigned to females with this agency.
In addition, I will keep my current clients, but I will be relieved of some of my administrative duties (again, thank goodness, this means I'll get out of the office more!), and I am still in line for the summer program. I can bring my children, and again, this is PAID.
All in all, I think this is a good start. I need to get on the ball and see where I need to be with my schooling. I have my master's in psychology, but not in counseling, so I need to call my school to see if I can get into the required courses to pursue LPC. This is NOT something I'm looking forward to doing, and I may put it off until after I finish the internship this summer. After all, I will need time to adjust to working full time.
With that being said... in this field, full time is not really full time... it's more like 30 hours/week, anyway. The rest of the time is mostly paperwork, driving, and B.S'ing. Even my boss told me this today. So, it really shouldn't be that different for me. At least I hope not.
I really could use your prayers!
Thank you :)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
P90X, Week 2, Day 6
Today has been an interesting one. I scheduled myself a day off, basically, so that I could attend my step aerobics this morning. Considering how late I finished my workout last night, I overslept this morning and felt very tired. I was able to get the kids to school on time as usual, and I made it to my step aerobics class with little to nothing on my stomach (a granola bar), which is probably a good thing, because everything in your stomach sloshes around the entire time. It was a great class, and I really worked hard. I sweat, sweat, sweat. So, I came home from that, took a shower, and met both of my kids at school for lunch. That took up a good portion of my day, because my daughter's lunch and my son's lunch are spaced so far apart. I know that they love it when I come, and it was worth sitting in that LOUD lunchroom just to see the smiles on their faces. After lunch (it was around 1 PM), I came home and CRASHED. HARD. I slept until 4 pm when the kids got home, and then I even went back to lay down once they got here. I am thinking I either crashed due to all the exercise or maybe I'm coming down with something. I had a horrible headache, too (which could be related to the extremely loud lunchroom), but took some extra strength pain reliever and feel ok now.
I debated on whether or not to do my P90x workout today, which was Kenpro X. I waited until after dinner, popped it in, and pushed "play". I suddenly started to feel more energetic. I made it through the workout, and was covered in sweat by the end. It's really a fun workout; I could see where muscles are starting to form in my arms as I watched myself throwing the punches and blocks.
So, crashing wasn't fun, and I don't know what I can do to prevent that in the future. I ate as soon as I got home from Step Aerobics, and I snacked (healthy snacks) all day long, as well as ate a balanced lunch and dinner. I'm out of my protein shakes, so I'm not sure if that is what made the difference. If I'm coming down with something, I guess I will know very soon.
That is all... Good night!
I debated on whether or not to do my P90x workout today, which was Kenpro X. I waited until after dinner, popped it in, and pushed "play". I suddenly started to feel more energetic. I made it through the workout, and was covered in sweat by the end. It's really a fun workout; I could see where muscles are starting to form in my arms as I watched myself throwing the punches and blocks.
So, crashing wasn't fun, and I don't know what I can do to prevent that in the future. I ate as soon as I got home from Step Aerobics, and I snacked (healthy snacks) all day long, as well as ate a balanced lunch and dinner. I'm out of my protein shakes, so I'm not sure if that is what made the difference. If I'm coming down with something, I guess I will know very soon.
That is all... Good night!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Dreams Becoming Reality....? (NOT P90X-Related)
I had an interesting conversation with my boss at work today about where the company is heading and what my role will be. Things in our industry are constantly evolving and changing, and I have just gone with the flow for the past 3 years. After all, I was a stay at home mom prior to taking this job, and I still have a lot to learn. I have grown so much by accepting all different types of job duties, including counseling, writing, billing, assessing clients, supervising other counselors' paperwork, etc. I even did my supervisor's job for one week while she was on vacation. By being diverse and flexible, I feel that I have allowed the agency to shape me into a more marketable employee with a pretty wide knowledge base. And the best part about it? The agency knows---- my boss knows---- that my family will always come first, and my job second. And they seem to respect my wishes regarding that, which is just amazing.
So, today, my boss came in to talk to me, and she shut the door. She started by asking me questions about other counselors, and then informed me that our agency is opening another office further west. I had heard rumors regarding this, so it wasn't that shocking. I believe we've been trying to get this other office up and running for several months now. My boss proceeded to tell me that we are going to be offering out-patient therapy now, which is something I have my heart set on doing. She asked me what I needed to do in order to complete my licensure. I am hoping to someday get my LPC. Scared and embarrassed, I told her I'd have to not only take 2 counseling courses, I'd have to also complete an internship. Without batting an eye, she offered me a paid internship at the agency this summer working at the kids' summer program, which we offer for 12 weeks. Not only that, but I can bring my kids with me and they can attend. I was grinning ear to ear, because not only is this helping my boss out, it's helping me to solve 2 problems with one solution. I always have to line up child care for my kids for the summer at least 2 months in advance, if not more, and I have been so anxious/scared about looking into internships, that I've just sat on my butt and done nothing about it. I become frozen by my anxiety most of the time. So... it looks as though I'll get the bulk of my hours (for LPC) done this summer, and I will also be given an in-home case (working with a child and his or her family) to obtain the rest. I have been kind of nervous (I don't adapt to change that well), but excited at the same time, because things are finally starting to happen FOR me, and all I have to do is what I normally do... which is go with the flow. I think the counseling courses will be fun and interesting as well. I should do well in them considering I've been counseling for nearly 4 years now. In the grand scheme of things, 4 years isn't that long, but when working with Schizophrenic clients, 4 years can seem like an eternity. Not that I'm complaining, because I love every minute of it.
My goal is to one day be an outpatient therapist, preferably a Christian one, who can use Biblical principles and spirituality in treatments. I think I just got one step closer to achieving this dream today :)
So, today, my boss came in to talk to me, and she shut the door. She started by asking me questions about other counselors, and then informed me that our agency is opening another office further west. I had heard rumors regarding this, so it wasn't that shocking. I believe we've been trying to get this other office up and running for several months now. My boss proceeded to tell me that we are going to be offering out-patient therapy now, which is something I have my heart set on doing. She asked me what I needed to do in order to complete my licensure. I am hoping to someday get my LPC. Scared and embarrassed, I told her I'd have to not only take 2 counseling courses, I'd have to also complete an internship. Without batting an eye, she offered me a paid internship at the agency this summer working at the kids' summer program, which we offer for 12 weeks. Not only that, but I can bring my kids with me and they can attend. I was grinning ear to ear, because not only is this helping my boss out, it's helping me to solve 2 problems with one solution. I always have to line up child care for my kids for the summer at least 2 months in advance, if not more, and I have been so anxious/scared about looking into internships, that I've just sat on my butt and done nothing about it. I become frozen by my anxiety most of the time. So... it looks as though I'll get the bulk of my hours (for LPC) done this summer, and I will also be given an in-home case (working with a child and his or her family) to obtain the rest. I have been kind of nervous (I don't adapt to change that well), but excited at the same time, because things are finally starting to happen FOR me, and all I have to do is what I normally do... which is go with the flow. I think the counseling courses will be fun and interesting as well. I should do well in them considering I've been counseling for nearly 4 years now. In the grand scheme of things, 4 years isn't that long, but when working with Schizophrenic clients, 4 years can seem like an eternity. Not that I'm complaining, because I love every minute of it.
My goal is to one day be an outpatient therapist, preferably a Christian one, who can use Biblical principles and spirituality in treatments. I think I just got one step closer to achieving this dream today :)
P90X, Week 2, Day 5
I'm still working on it... I got a late, late start... long story... Just did my Ab Ripper X, and I have my back and legs video to do next.... will post soon.
Later... Ok, I finished. I don't feel as though I "Brought it" as hard core as I could have, had it not been nearly midnight when I started. As I said, it's a long story. I worked today in the office, then saw a client, then came home and got my kids, and we had to attend an awards banquet/pizza party this evening. It started at 6, but I swear we sat around for 2 hours eating pizza and waiting for them to begin the awards. The whole time, I was thinking, "I could be doing my P90X". Then I got home and watched what was left of the Bachelor... pathetic, I know... and don't even get me started on Courtney Robertson or Robinson, whatever she goes by these days... So once I got my crap TV fix and both kids were asleep, THEN I broke out the P90X.
Now, as I stated, the cub scouts had PIZZA, of all things. I ate one slice of cheese pizza from Little Ceasars, which is equal to 250 calories, and one crazy bread stick, equal to 90 calories. I also had one very small glass of sweet tea, which I guestimated to be around 40 calories. I felt I had plenty of time to let the pizza and breadstick digest; However, my dinner kept wanting to come up throughout my entire workout. I think it was probably the grease, which I've grown unaccustomed to since trying to eat healthier. With P90X, there is an awful lot of bouncing around. My workout was weak due to those 2 things (being so late, and feeling like I may barf), as well as the fact that I still do not have the proper equipment to do my back exercises, and I'll have to make that up at the gym tomorrow night.
Tomorrow morning is STEP AEROBICS. I'm excited, yet a bit worried that my legs might be sore from tonight's workout. I tried my best to stay with the trainers and work my legs as hard as I possibly could. It' just hard when the energy level is not there.
AGAIN, I need to do my workouts in the mornings whenever possible! Good night ya'll...
Later... Ok, I finished. I don't feel as though I "Brought it" as hard core as I could have, had it not been nearly midnight when I started. As I said, it's a long story. I worked today in the office, then saw a client, then came home and got my kids, and we had to attend an awards banquet/pizza party this evening. It started at 6, but I swear we sat around for 2 hours eating pizza and waiting for them to begin the awards. The whole time, I was thinking, "I could be doing my P90X". Then I got home and watched what was left of the Bachelor... pathetic, I know... and don't even get me started on Courtney Robertson or Robinson, whatever she goes by these days... So once I got my crap TV fix and both kids were asleep, THEN I broke out the P90X.
Now, as I stated, the cub scouts had PIZZA, of all things. I ate one slice of cheese pizza from Little Ceasars, which is equal to 250 calories, and one crazy bread stick, equal to 90 calories. I also had one very small glass of sweet tea, which I guestimated to be around 40 calories. I felt I had plenty of time to let the pizza and breadstick digest; However, my dinner kept wanting to come up throughout my entire workout. I think it was probably the grease, which I've grown unaccustomed to since trying to eat healthier. With P90X, there is an awful lot of bouncing around. My workout was weak due to those 2 things (being so late, and feeling like I may barf), as well as the fact that I still do not have the proper equipment to do my back exercises, and I'll have to make that up at the gym tomorrow night.
Tomorrow morning is STEP AEROBICS. I'm excited, yet a bit worried that my legs might be sore from tonight's workout. I tried my best to stay with the trainers and work my legs as hard as I possibly could. It' just hard when the energy level is not there.
AGAIN, I need to do my workouts in the mornings whenever possible! Good night ya'll...
Sunday, February 26, 2012
P90X, Week 2, Day 4
Yoga X again! Aw man, I feel sooooo relaxed! It's a good thing, since it is 11:30 at night. It is a 90 minute routine, which means I started at 10 PM. I have had a busy day, with church, cleaning, grocery shopping, taking my daughter to audition for a part in our church's Spring musical, and then taking the kids to the gym to swim with a friend. I did some cardio while there; only about 30 minutes worth. My friend and I were taking turns watching the kids swim while the other one worked out. It's not something I really had time to do, but we've been trying to get the kids together since Friday, so I said what the heck.
So, back to Yoga X... This time, I skipped over the Crane and Plough into Shoulder Stand altogether. I know, it wasn't the right thing to do, but I am really tired, and my head is starting to hurt where I fell on it back in November. I have a very tender spot on the top/back of my head, and lying on the mat just kind of made me realize how tender it actually it is. I did all of the other postures, however. I really like the twisted prayer poses. I have noticed that I've become much more flexible since I started taking yoga regularly. I also feel that sense of exhilaration, which is really cool. I like Yoga X a lot.
The diet went well today. No sweets... whoo hoo! I stocked up on healthy foods at the grocery store, so I'll be ready for the week. I'm out of my protein mix, so I'll have to make do with cereal or oatmeal in the mornings instead of my protein shakes. Gold card week at GNC isn't until the 1st of each month, and we save a lot of $$$ by shopping there that week.
I have to get off of here and catch some Z's so that I'm ready for the week ahead of me! Love to all. Good night.
So, back to Yoga X... This time, I skipped over the Crane and Plough into Shoulder Stand altogether. I know, it wasn't the right thing to do, but I am really tired, and my head is starting to hurt where I fell on it back in November. I have a very tender spot on the top/back of my head, and lying on the mat just kind of made me realize how tender it actually it is. I did all of the other postures, however. I really like the twisted prayer poses. I have noticed that I've become much more flexible since I started taking yoga regularly. I also feel that sense of exhilaration, which is really cool. I like Yoga X a lot.
The diet went well today. No sweets... whoo hoo! I stocked up on healthy foods at the grocery store, so I'll be ready for the week. I'm out of my protein mix, so I'll have to make do with cereal or oatmeal in the mornings instead of my protein shakes. Gold card week at GNC isn't until the 1st of each month, and we save a lot of $$$ by shopping there that week.
I have to get off of here and catch some Z's so that I'm ready for the week ahead of me! Love to all. Good night.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
P90X, Week 2, Day 3
Oh my garsh! I thought I was going to die today! Today's workout kicked my butt. It was shoulders & arms again, and Ab Ripper X. I think I waited until way too late in the day to complete the DVDs, and I had also taken an hour of yoga this morning, as well as helped haul brush (in our woods) this afternoon. By about 7 PM, I was on the couch determined to take a nap and thinking I'd probably skip my P90X workout. But after a little rest, I willed myself to get up and do it. I did great with shoulders & arms, but I was grunting through most of Ab Ripper X, and I could feel certain exercises like reallllly deep down in my abdominal muscles. I'll be sore tomorrow! I'm just glad I got through it. I think I will try to get my workouts done first thing in the morning, as much as I possibly can. I notice I do much better BEFORE eating anything, and then I get to have a protein shake afterwards, which feels so refreshing and rejuvenating going down.
That's about all I have to say about today- the workout that almost didn't happen. I was happy that my favorite yoga instructor was back in town today. I was disappointed that our 75 minute class was cut short (to 60 minutes) due to a belly dancing class that came in afterwards. (No, I've never tried belly dancing). I didn't get the euphoric high that I sometimes get after practicing yoga, but it did leave me feeling very relaxed and energized.
My weight is still fluctuating up and down about 3 lbs, which is frustrating, but I see where my belly and my butt/thighs are tightening up some. The cellulite is slowly fading away :P TOO MUCH INFORMATION?
That's about all I have to say about today- the workout that almost didn't happen. I was happy that my favorite yoga instructor was back in town today. I was disappointed that our 75 minute class was cut short (to 60 minutes) due to a belly dancing class that came in afterwards. (No, I've never tried belly dancing). I didn't get the euphoric high that I sometimes get after practicing yoga, but it did leave me feeling very relaxed and energized.
My weight is still fluctuating up and down about 3 lbs, which is frustrating, but I see where my belly and my butt/thighs are tightening up some. The cellulite is slowly fading away :P TOO MUCH INFORMATION?
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