Tulips

The unseasonably warm weather last Spring was pretty disastrous for the Tulips (resulting in the  unfortunate nick-name "Stem Fest").

This year, the flowers are in their prime for Tulip Time. They are bright, beautiful, bold, and line the streets of downtown Holland. So much fun!

On Saturday night we grabbed dinner outside at Branns (I consumed the "trash can" beverage that includes an entire can of Red Bull). This was my first experience of an energy drink. Wow!

We made it back to Steph's place just in time to grab our blankets and head to a nearby parking lot to watch the opening fireworks show. The weather was sublime. It was refreshing.

Gosh, I am so thankful for Spring and the opportunity to be outside and comfortable.

Knowledge

:the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association (2): acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art, or technique


This past semester was a real challenge. Three weeknights of evening class, one online class, one weekly group therapy session and one weekend course really sapped my energies over the past few months.

I also felt like I was constantly reading textbooks and writing endless theory papers.

But you know what?
I am surprised to acknowledge that I am slightly missing all this.
Don't get me wrong--I am trying to enjoy the REST and Freedom of a week off from academia, but it's like I don't even know how to handle myself without the routines of school!

As I am reflecting on the difficulties of this last semester, here are some of the tidbits I learned:

From Theories Class:
--I really zoned in on studying EMDR. Such a bizarre and fascinating technique. I really appreciate counseling skills that blend body and mind experiences, and I'm looking forward to how neuroscience research grows to support or dispute this practice.

From Ethics Class:
--I was reminded of what I already knew..I HATE debate. I dislike unrest, defensiveness and arguing. This class was a challenge in so many ways. We had to discuss, research, and write about some of the BIGgest questions relating to humanity and ethical behavior. I learned that I have good roots, and I can "hold my own" when it comes to areas that I am passionate about. Also, I learned that ethical dilemmas happen literally ALL the time, and awareness of self is the most powerful tool for engaging in the most healthy ways with our diverse world.

From Family Systems Class:
--Whew, this class was a hot mess (very poor instructor professionalism), yet the texts were great. I learned that I am most intrigued by Experiential Family Therapy. Also, I can say with certainty that I CANNOT imagine myself providing couples counseling. not my thing.

From Causes of Addiction Class:
--Well, most of this was old-news to me. But, I did enjoy the up-to-date research on biological findings regarding the causes of substance abuse disorders.

From Motivation Interviewing Class:
--I had already read most of this material, because I took a similar course in undergrad, but I was surprised by the new resources and material that has emerged in just the last few years. Motivational Interviewing is a way of conversing with people, and these skills are something I utilize daily at my current job.

A few more days before returning to it all....
11 more months until graduation (8 of which involve classes)
Mmm, let's do this thang!