Ahhhhhhh!!!

That's me freaking out because I have to take qualifying exams next Thursday and Friday. Twelve hours of testing is a lot. Here's a sample of what one of the five tests is going to cover:

- Be prepared to describe and compare three theories/approaches to conjoint (couple/parent/family) counseling.
- Be sure one of these three is the approach with which you most closely identify in your own conjoint counseling work.
- Be prepared to explain how the conjoint counseling approach with which you most closely identify relates to your guiding counseling theory for work with individual clients.
- Be prepared to discuss how principles of conjoint counseling apply in the work of a secondary school counselor.
- Be prepared to explain what you would include, and how you would organize, the teaching of a course on secondary school counseling--in a CACREP accredited counseling program in Texas.
- Be sure to include at least one example of an innovative class or lesson plan you would use in the teaching of such a course.

Really? Yeah, I think this PhD stuff is for the birds...I better get back to studying.

Thanks for reading.

first week back

The first full week back at work was tiring...at least the first three days were. Our kiddos came to register, get their agendas, and pick up their schedules. I was put in charge of "begging for money" from parents to pay for a program that we're bringing to the school in October: Rachel's Challenge. Well, I'm proud to say that in three days, I raised a little over $1500 to help offset the cost of bringing this program to our school. I made a presentation display and decided to sell raffle tickets for kids to win free pizza with 7 friends at lunch. I was pretty proud of myself, and I think my principal was pretty impressed. It's always good to impress your principal at the beginning of the year - that way you've got some leverage for the rest of the year if you mess up or need anything.

On Tuesday, I have to give a presentation to the staff about bullying. I enjoy presenting, but I don't like the idea of presenting at a teacher staff-development. For those of you who are teachers, you know that you guys are the hardest audience ever. Any suggestions on what I can do to keep their attention would be appreciated.

My younger sister and I just got back from watching Becoming Jane. It was a good flick. If you don't like period pieces, this isn't the movie for you. It kind of reminded me of Shakespeare in Love. Anyway, I'd recommend it. Alright, tomorrow will come early 'cause I'm on the praise team. I'm not leading worship tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

What did you do this summer?

I keep hearing that question a lot...and I wish I could say I worked on my proposal for dissertation. That was the plan. The plan did not materialize. So, here's the answer I've been giving people: "Well, I slept a lot, went to the gym more than I have in a long time, decided I hate my body, and read the new Harry Potter book twice." I then usually add this: "I did have a client on Tuesday mornings and had to supervise a practicum on Tuesday afternoons. I really should have worked on my dissertation, but I didn't. I am such a slacker." Thankfully, most of my friends are encouraging and try to make me feel better.

So, now that summer is almost over - I officially have to be back at work next Tuesday although I plan to start going in tomorrow - things in my world are snowballing. My qualifying exams are in less than a month. Two days of exams covering counseling theories, research, supervision, ethics, and my specialty which is adolescent and adult counseling - ahhh!!! I am also in charge of the new doctoral student orientation which is on the 25th of this month. I have to study and plan the orientation while getting back into the routine of work - that is going to seriously affect my sleeping in late.

Summer was good, but I'm missing it already. Pray for my sanity. I just need to make it to September 7th. Quals on are the 5th and 6th.

Thanks for reading.