Well, it has been a little while since my last post (earlier this month to be exact). That's becasue my life continues to swoop me to different adventures that demand my attention :).
Let's see, I have gone Latin dancing (yes, again), for a friend's b-day dinner/party, and my hubby joined me. That's right...he was actually on the dance floor (with a little rhythm might I add) latin dancing the night away! We also have a Groupn deal for 5 latin dance classes that we bought before this dinner party...can't wait to see this. Although, I have taken almost every latin dance in college, my hubby hasn't, and plus I need to brush up. We also went to see Sinbad live at the Chicago Theatre. What a treat. Damon Williams opened for him, and they both were fall-over hilarious! It's been a blast :).
I also jump started my wardrobe stylist career by working a fashion show for a Chicago boutique and did a little model-coaching too. The agreement I have with this amazing owner, who has become more than an associate even before joining her team, is that I would be compensated in clothing, not cash, but how can a stylist argue with that, right?! I'll take it LOL.
School and work has been busier than ever, but that is the ever-moving, cyclical, not linear, adventure that I call my life. I'm doing very well in both areas, but I can't pretend that it can sometimes get a bit overwhelming. However, my time-management and self-care skills come in handy. With the self-care aspect, it all includes family time, shopping, dining, new activities, trip to the nail spa, and so on. One more year to go for school and I'm having a huge celebration...
For Thanksgiving and the weekend throughout, I got to be with family. There is nothing like family time, especially when there is food, so I take as much as I can get...family, I'm talking about here :).
Cheers to November, and looking ahead to December :)....Stay fabulous.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
My "Oh my" Week
Well, I finally was able to go to my hot yoga class at Bikram Friday (10/28/11), where it was 110 degrees for 90 minutes. Afterwards, yes, I felt relaxed and rejuvenated the entire day. Even got to go see some of my relatives that night. However, come Saturday morning I was aching! Oh -my! What a deception! I even had to take a nap in mid-day (OK, I did get home pretty late or rather early from my family's house. It was about 2:30am). As much I hated when my mom me take naps as a little girl, I guess it sometimes pays off now in adulthood. Not to mention, I was aching, a little sleepy, but still had a paper to write that I stayed up until about 11pm finishing. Professors are not interested in your late nights, achy body, or extracuriculars.
So what did I do on Sunday--went to Flirty Girl Fitness to work out. Oh-my! Yes, I know it may sound insane, but I had already planned to do so with a friend. We were supposed to do the sexy sculpt work-out (trust me, this was INTENSE) and then belly-dance immediately following it. I did not stay for the belly-dance because I needed to get home and get dressed so that my hubby and I could go to his father's home. His sister asked us to be her subjects (models) for a photography class homework assignment. Our payment was that his step-mom made a delicious meal! Then again, all of her cooking is good. I'm eagerly awaiting those photos. As a 15 yr old, the story line of the photo shoot was quite deep. It was a young couple on the verge of dissolution (the dark moments), but found a way to stay together (the light illuminating at the end).
Monday morning, I woke up feeling tense from my neck to my ankles. Oh-my! Those two work-outs did it. I was in so much pain that there were areas aching in which I didn't think could ache. I mean how does your rib-cage or behind your knees hurt? :). Well, time, really God, has healed me. I can actually move more fludily now. I remember years ago when my grandmother (my husband' grandmother) said something about putting WD-40 on your joints! Maybe I should've taken her up on that offer this week. I jst started workig-out and I like it.
Anyways, time for one last Oh-my. With that paper I was just talking about, it was returned with 29/30 points. Yes, that is a good grade and I was commended for an excellent and critically reflective paper on complex ideas.Wait until you hear the rationale for the grade: "The only reason you didn't get 100% is because I believe it is impossible to get 100% in our complex and ambiguous field..." Oh-my!! No, this is not a joke. This was part of the feedback. I actually apprciated the honesty, but diasgreed with this subjective rationale of grading. Honestly, it's not the grade, but rather the reasoning.
What have I learned? That whether working hard or working-out hard can yield some interesting results :).
So what did I do on Sunday--went to Flirty Girl Fitness to work out. Oh-my! Yes, I know it may sound insane, but I had already planned to do so with a friend. We were supposed to do the sexy sculpt work-out (trust me, this was INTENSE) and then belly-dance immediately following it. I did not stay for the belly-dance because I needed to get home and get dressed so that my hubby and I could go to his father's home. His sister asked us to be her subjects (models) for a photography class homework assignment. Our payment was that his step-mom made a delicious meal! Then again, all of her cooking is good. I'm eagerly awaiting those photos. As a 15 yr old, the story line of the photo shoot was quite deep. It was a young couple on the verge of dissolution (the dark moments), but found a way to stay together (the light illuminating at the end).
Monday morning, I woke up feeling tense from my neck to my ankles. Oh-my! Those two work-outs did it. I was in so much pain that there were areas aching in which I didn't think could ache. I mean how does your rib-cage or behind your knees hurt? :). Well, time, really God, has healed me. I can actually move more fludily now. I remember years ago when my grandmother (my husband' grandmother) said something about putting WD-40 on your joints! Maybe I should've taken her up on that offer this week. I jst started workig-out and I like it.
Anyways, time for one last Oh-my. With that paper I was just talking about, it was returned with 29/30 points. Yes, that is a good grade and I was commended for an excellent and critically reflective paper on complex ideas.Wait until you hear the rationale for the grade: "The only reason you didn't get 100% is because I believe it is impossible to get 100% in our complex and ambiguous field..." Oh-my!! No, this is not a joke. This was part of the feedback. I actually apprciated the honesty, but diasgreed with this subjective rationale of grading. Honestly, it's not the grade, but rather the reasoning.
What have I learned? That whether working hard or working-out hard can yield some interesting results :).
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Body Release
Well, as you know, I started a new term this week. I have a new class that I'm in, but I also have new students because the new term has also begun for them as well. I usually teach 6 classes each term, in addition to my own classes that I'm taking. However, this term is a little different because a colleague on my team is on maternity leave. So happy for her and her husband! Therefore, I divided her 6 classes: I took 3 and delegated the other 3 to a colleague. In essence, I have 9 classes this term, plus my own (thank God, I'm only taking one class this term), which makes it 10 in total. You can see why a body release was needed.
This week, a friend (same one from the fashion shows-we also work at the same school) and I had planned to go to Bikram Yoga. It didn't work out Tuesday-she was a little late and they wouldn't let her in the class although they were late to start. So even though I was already in the class, I left, well because I'm a good friend :), but it's something we had planned to do together. We went to eat at Chili's instead. We couldn't do yoga Wednesday due to a family emergency of hers, and couldn't do it Thursday because of my schedule (I took my hubby shopping at Aurora Outlet Mall. In my opinion, he was in need of clothing and a coat).
Thus Friday, we committed to yoga and did it! Let me tell you: When they say hot yoga, they mean it. The room was set to 110 degrees and the yoga session was 90 minutes (1 1/2 hours). Talk about sweating out the toxins! I must say though, my body felt good afterwards (lighter, cleaner, relaxed, definitely not fresh though). I took a slight break (3minutes) since I was feeling dizzy while in the room, and my friend did as well for a little longer because she was hot. Even our frosty cold bottled water melted! Afterwards, we went to lunch at EATT. How ironic. Yes, that's the name. We'd both been there before. Then, we parted ways to embark on our Friday adventures; Mine was some light shopping (bought my hubby a pair of shoes; again, desparate need) and then getting to see my family! In all, it has been a great week :)...
This week, a friend (same one from the fashion shows-we also work at the same school) and I had planned to go to Bikram Yoga. It didn't work out Tuesday-she was a little late and they wouldn't let her in the class although they were late to start. So even though I was already in the class, I left, well because I'm a good friend :), but it's something we had planned to do together. We went to eat at Chili's instead. We couldn't do yoga Wednesday due to a family emergency of hers, and couldn't do it Thursday because of my schedule (I took my hubby shopping at Aurora Outlet Mall. In my opinion, he was in need of clothing and a coat).
Thus Friday, we committed to yoga and did it! Let me tell you: When they say hot yoga, they mean it. The room was set to 110 degrees and the yoga session was 90 minutes (1 1/2 hours). Talk about sweating out the toxins! I must say though, my body felt good afterwards (lighter, cleaner, relaxed, definitely not fresh though). I took a slight break (3minutes) since I was feeling dizzy while in the room, and my friend did as well for a little longer because she was hot. Even our frosty cold bottled water melted! Afterwards, we went to lunch at EATT. How ironic. Yes, that's the name. We'd both been there before. Then, we parted ways to embark on our Friday adventures; Mine was some light shopping (bought my hubby a pair of shoes; again, desparate need) and then getting to see my family! In all, it has been a great week :)...
Scenic route
Wow, I have been oober-busy lately...Ok since Peru. You know what? It has been extremely helpful for me though because as the saying goes--all work & no play (I don't know the rest of the saying, but you get it). School and work keeps me plenty busy, but I can't complain because I enjoy both. Yes, really. I'm not entirely certain of where I wil go or what I will do after this degree, so I am keeping my options open. Things in which I am interested include: becoming the Chairperson of one of the Masters Programs at work or a Dean or VP of something. If I leave the school, I would want to work with organizations (non-governmental and governmental), which of course brings with it, my love of traveling.
I have been going out more and doing more activities, whereas before, you could only find me studying/doing homework or working. Now, my hubby is always asking about my agenda for the day. Then he tries to guess: "is it yoga, brunch, belly-dance or pole-class work out, mani-pedi, dinner, small group, fashion show", etc. I strongly support a healthy work-life balance! Now, I don't know if that is the psychology, faith, or the urge to "do stuff" talking, but they are all correct. Balancing ourselves appropriatey between all of the different roles we have and directions in which we are being pulled, is of necessity.
You've read about some of my recent activities, so since the last post, I have new ones, of course. 2 weeks ago, a friend of mine invited me to the 2nd Chance Homecoming that the radio station, 101.9 The Mix, organized. It was exactly its name with the homecoming theme (mascots, dance floor, photos, homecoming court, etc.), and was sooo much fun! I got to hang out w/her, which was nice because we hadn't seen each other in a while, see the Goo-Goo Dolls, and dance! Do you know there was another girl with my same dress,which I had just bought that day. How rude of her :). My friend told me that I looked better even before she really looked at the girl and her dress...and she kept talking about it. She gets the friend award :).
Then last week, I went to the Fashion Week in Chicago Art of Fashion, Fashion Show with another friend. It was fab and so were we! We sat and gave our 2cents on the clothing, took pictures (apparently, I love photos), and it was over. Afterwards, we double-dated with our hubbies at Fogo de Chao, a Brazillian Steakhouse downtown that we like. It was my husband's first time though at that one and he approved. He was able to meet my friend and her husband for the first time and everything went well. Then, we all tried to go to this Jazz club, called Andy's, but decided to leave and wait for another night with a different band---enough said. Instead, we went down the street to Hub 51 (a first for me and my hubby) and stayed until after 1am just chatting and getting to know one another more.
So this journey is showing me how to balance my professional, personal, and academic life... Perhaps, that's one of the benefits of a journey-keep your eyes forward, but still do some sight-seeing. I think I'll continue.
I have been going out more and doing more activities, whereas before, you could only find me studying/doing homework or working. Now, my hubby is always asking about my agenda for the day. Then he tries to guess: "is it yoga, brunch, belly-dance or pole-class work out, mani-pedi, dinner, small group, fashion show", etc. I strongly support a healthy work-life balance! Now, I don't know if that is the psychology, faith, or the urge to "do stuff" talking, but they are all correct. Balancing ourselves appropriatey between all of the different roles we have and directions in which we are being pulled, is of necessity.
You've read about some of my recent activities, so since the last post, I have new ones, of course. 2 weeks ago, a friend of mine invited me to the 2nd Chance Homecoming that the radio station, 101.9 The Mix, organized. It was exactly its name with the homecoming theme (mascots, dance floor, photos, homecoming court, etc.), and was sooo much fun! I got to hang out w/her, which was nice because we hadn't seen each other in a while, see the Goo-Goo Dolls, and dance! Do you know there was another girl with my same dress,which I had just bought that day. How rude of her :). My friend told me that I looked better even before she really looked at the girl and her dress...and she kept talking about it. She gets the friend award :).
Then last week, I went to the Fashion Week in Chicago Art of Fashion, Fashion Show with another friend. It was fab and so were we! We sat and gave our 2cents on the clothing, took pictures (apparently, I love photos), and it was over. Afterwards, we double-dated with our hubbies at Fogo de Chao, a Brazillian Steakhouse downtown that we like. It was my husband's first time though at that one and he approved. He was able to meet my friend and her husband for the first time and everything went well. Then, we all tried to go to this Jazz club, called Andy's, but decided to leave and wait for another night with a different band---enough said. Instead, we went down the street to Hub 51 (a first for me and my hubby) and stayed until after 1am just chatting and getting to know one another more.
So this journey is showing me how to balance my professional, personal, and academic life... Perhaps, that's one of the benefits of a journey-keep your eyes forward, but still do some sight-seeing. I think I'll continue.
New Beginnings
So, my family has told me, in a very family way, that I am driving in the slow lane with the blog (you all know who you are). I need to catch up you up since the last post...2 weeks ago, so there will be a spurt of posts!
New beginnings are all around me: colleagues having babies (beginning of life cycle); a friend losing his mom (end of life cycle), and seeing people heal or working on healing from depression, broken relationships (of any kind), bad news, or not-so-great decisions (rejuvenating life). New beginnings also symbolize firsts or new. For example, a new semester began at school this past Monday. This course is called The Psych. of Organizations & Systems from a Global Perspective.What is that, you ask? A class on the fuctioning of orgs. in an international context (remember that this road leads to a degree in International Psychology). However, I have also been trying new things as well because.. well, I'm adventurous. Don't need an excuse. Here are a few firsts: hot yoga (intensely hot), attended Chicago Fashion Week (fab-u-lous!), went to Charming Charlies (an acessory store heaven), a few new restaurants/places, saw Goo-Goo Dolls (a male rock band) perform live, reading a new book (it is called Loving People by Dr. John Townsend), a new follower to my blog (welcome!), and even double dated with a new friend and her hubby.
New beginnings are also about restoration--of the Self (mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and any other word ending in "l-l-y" that you can think of) and in relationship to other humans. Hmm, what does that mean? OK, I'm learning that my parents are actually (have actually always been) right about something. I have been seeing how when we help someone, we are actually helping ourselves. Now that could even be the "someone" we may not want to be bothered with or even helping someone before they ask. That book I'm reading confirmed my parents' message by saying that we have to love others before we love ourselves; that love is relational and interactional; that we shouldn't be "fooled" by the myth of self-love first.
My psychology field, on the other hand, would likely say the exact opposite. In fact, I know it would;It would say that we have to love ourselves before we can someone else. At least some areas of psychology. I'm not saying that either view is right or wrong; they're just different perspectives, which is somehting new I learned about.
I didn't see this differentiation on the roadmap :). More to come..
New beginnings are all around me: colleagues having babies (beginning of life cycle); a friend losing his mom (end of life cycle), and seeing people heal or working on healing from depression, broken relationships (of any kind), bad news, or not-so-great decisions (rejuvenating life). New beginnings also symbolize firsts or new. For example, a new semester began at school this past Monday. This course is called The Psych. of Organizations & Systems from a Global Perspective.What is that, you ask? A class on the fuctioning of orgs. in an international context (remember that this road leads to a degree in International Psychology). However, I have also been trying new things as well because.. well, I'm adventurous. Don't need an excuse. Here are a few firsts: hot yoga (intensely hot), attended Chicago Fashion Week (fab-u-lous!), went to Charming Charlies (an acessory store heaven), a few new restaurants/places, saw Goo-Goo Dolls (a male rock band) perform live, reading a new book (it is called Loving People by Dr. John Townsend), a new follower to my blog (welcome!), and even double dated with a new friend and her hubby.
New beginnings are also about restoration--of the Self (mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and any other word ending in "l-l-y" that you can think of) and in relationship to other humans. Hmm, what does that mean? OK, I'm learning that my parents are actually (have actually always been) right about something. I have been seeing how when we help someone, we are actually helping ourselves. Now that could even be the "someone" we may not want to be bothered with or even helping someone before they ask. That book I'm reading confirmed my parents' message by saying that we have to love others before we love ourselves; that love is relational and interactional; that we shouldn't be "fooled" by the myth of self-love first.
My psychology field, on the other hand, would likely say the exact opposite. In fact, I know it would;It would say that we have to love ourselves before we can someone else. At least some areas of psychology. I'm not saying that either view is right or wrong; they're just different perspectives, which is somehting new I learned about.
I didn't see this differentiation on the roadmap :). More to come..
Monday, October 10, 2011
Some new and upcoming firsts
This past weekend was absolutely gorgeous- over 80 degree sunny weather...in October..in Chicago. I used some of Saturday and Sunday to complete some homework-a paper and a quiz. Sunday afternoon, a friend (same one from Friday's lunch and the fashion show) and I went to work out at Flirty Girl Fitness. It was my 1st time there, and I had a blast! I did the pole class and will surely be back! I left with multiple bruises (I think the pole attacked me) and my body is soooore. It was a great work out though and I plan to do it again. Tomorrow, I'll be in the belly dance class; I'm so looking forward to it;will keep you updated!
Apparently, my father and little brother got a huge laugh out of my working out! My hubby said they may think I'll disappear if I work out-what a nice compliment, I think. My dad later asked if I was going through a mid-life crisis because of all of the adventurous things I have done or plan to do, such as motorcycle lessons (coming soon). He's so funny, and such a dad, so I understand. But Hello!, I'm not even middle age, I told him :). I'm twenty-something. I had to assure my brother also.
Oh, before I forget and while on the subject of new firsts, I am in the process of adding Italian to my language library. I have English, most of Spanish, and now (dun, dun, dun, dunnn), Italiano. A classmate sent me a disk with several different languages, and I plan to go through them all, at least to gain some level of proficiency. I was practicing today for the 1st time. It helps to be multi-lingual, especially in the field of International Psychology. Those Spanish speaking skills from years of learning really came in handy in Peru, as I was able to hold whole conversations! There is still more I want to learn and practice though.
Going back to the laundry list of things I want to do (one day, I will tell you all of them), it's just that I've been wanting to do everything I talk about for years, but now have the chance and there's no reason not to...so I will, and nothing can stop me while on this road. By the way, the Chicago Marathon took place yesterday as well, and yes, you've guessed it, I want to run a marathon one day. Perhaps next year, but something small for sure to start. Lastly, I have been thinking that maybe when I finish this degree, I will sign up for the Amazing Race on t.v., which I finally was able to watch for the 1st time last night (I don't watch much t.v.)...now, if only I could get someone to run that race with me...
Apparently, my father and little brother got a huge laugh out of my working out! My hubby said they may think I'll disappear if I work out-what a nice compliment, I think. My dad later asked if I was going through a mid-life crisis because of all of the adventurous things I have done or plan to do, such as motorcycle lessons (coming soon). He's so funny, and such a dad, so I understand. But Hello!, I'm not even middle age, I told him :). I'm twenty-something. I had to assure my brother also.
Oh, before I forget and while on the subject of new firsts, I am in the process of adding Italian to my language library. I have English, most of Spanish, and now (dun, dun, dun, dunnn), Italiano. A classmate sent me a disk with several different languages, and I plan to go through them all, at least to gain some level of proficiency. I was practicing today for the 1st time. It helps to be multi-lingual, especially in the field of International Psychology. Those Spanish speaking skills from years of learning really came in handy in Peru, as I was able to hold whole conversations! There is still more I want to learn and practice though.
Going back to the laundry list of things I want to do (one day, I will tell you all of them), it's just that I've been wanting to do everything I talk about for years, but now have the chance and there's no reason not to...so I will, and nothing can stop me while on this road. By the way, the Chicago Marathon took place yesterday as well, and yes, you've guessed it, I want to run a marathon one day. Perhaps next year, but something small for sure to start. Lastly, I have been thinking that maybe when I finish this degree, I will sign up for the Amazing Race on t.v., which I finally was able to watch for the 1st time last night (I don't watch much t.v.)...now, if only I could get someone to run that race with me...
Slight glitch
So as I continue this journey, new experiences are bound to happen and always welcomed... at least if they are not technological complications, which I experienced as recent as last week. Thursday, I left work a little early, came home and did a little more work before leaving out for a women's small group (more to come on that, but it was from a church I visited) I joined and attended for the first time. When I returned home from the small group, which turned out to be a large group, I wanted to work on some homework. Surprisingly, when I opened the laptop (work laptop), the left side of the montior was somehow detached from the base of the computer (the keyboard). Still not sure how that happened, but it was quite strange and the laptop still worked. Of course, I had to take it in to IT on Friday---by the way, I do not go into the office on Fridays (or Mondays, or when it's not so good weather, but I digress). The IT guy was very understanding, nice, and willing to replace it, but he had to wait for someone else first. My obejctive was a repair, rather than a replacement. The guy he later sent to my office was condescending and rude, but to his surprise he was not able to just speak to me in any manner he wanted because I (gracefully and professionally, of course) was assertive (using my psychology) and stuck to the truth. The audacity and arrogance of him to say "I do not believe you." While he tried to laugh it off, it did not work because he was very serious and rude, and the only one laughing too. My response: that's fine, but it's the truth. After he fixed and returned the laptop, he told me not to break it (OMG, the nerve!). My response: I didn't break it before. Never understood why people try to mistreat others... Anyways, I'm glad I was not on trial or something.
A little while later, I left the office to go home to a beautiful warm and sunny October(?) weekend. While waiting for a bus, a friend called and we had a spontaneous lunch/early dinner date...it was so needed! We were both hungry and just wanted to hang out, so we ate and then did a little shopping at MAC and Ulta.
A little while later, I left the office to go home to a beautiful warm and sunny October(?) weekend. While waiting for a bus, a friend called and we had a spontaneous lunch/early dinner date...it was so needed! We were both hungry and just wanted to hang out, so we ate and then did a little shopping at MAC and Ulta.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
escaping the madness
Typically, I am busy working or studying and sometimes trying to getting ahead of myself with different tasks and projects. What can I say? I tend to be an over-achiever, I suppose. However, all work with no play is not healthy.
Disclaimer: I will attempt to use my psychology skills to justify my escape from the madness that is called my life at times; hey, it comes in handy when you needa break, and why not put it to good use, right :)? Here goes-psychologists are taught about the significance of self-care, meaning we need to ensure we are holistically healthy (mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and so forth) in order to serve others effectively. Well, that psychology lesson has been put to practice lately, perhaps the last 2-3 weeks…or 4! (This is not counting the trip to Peru, which I will discuss later on-that was academic and personal).
I have shopped (sigh of pleasure), dined, networked with people, attended a fabulous fashion show and preparing to go to another, went to a spa with my cousin, and (exhale) yet still keeping on target with my professional and academic responsibilities. There have also been some crazy occasions with taxi drivers (don’t get me started) and random strangers on the street. Well, excuse me sir for having a different viewpoint, and No, you cannot have a tip. Nevertheless, I usually vent to a trusted person and keep it moving. Venting is also part of self-care strategies as a coping mechanism-Wow, this psychology stuff throughout the past years is really paying off...
So going back, the fashion show- I went this past Sunday with a good friend. It was a huge show and tons of fabulous fashions. Yes, there were things that could have been done better in my opinion. Everyone is a critic. Overall, it was good. I had never attended a fashion show that I was not modeling in, so that was a new, albeit, different experience, but a nice change to see a show as an audience member. Afterwards, I ran into the owner of one of my favorite boutiques. She recognized me in that large crowd, but I've been there twice and only seen her once. Hmm, what does that say about me? That I'm an awesome customer! Anyways, we talked like we did the first time we met as though we were old friends…and guess what? I will be styling for her fashion show! I am so excited about this opportunity! As you may know from talking to me or reading my profile or even being around me, part of my fantasy life includes me styling professionally because I enjoy fashion art (again, inserting a psychological twist here by calling it art).
There is another opportunity that surfaced about 2 weeks ago, which I forgot to mention, from a different and larger boutique (told you I like fashion) who wants me to help them with their organizational management. Basically, apply this International Psych degree before I get it- love it! I will be assessing the operations and interactions and offering interventions for the workplace. It came about after my residency when I went shoe shopping--it was much needed after that weekend-- and began talking to the store manger, who proposed this opportunity. Again, he and I also talked like we were old buddies too. My hubby says that I have an inviting persona. I thought to myself, “is it my persona or my wallet?” Just joking. By the way, this boutique is the one that recently had that huge fashion show. These sorts of professional opportunities are helpful for advancement. I can't call them random; they are blessings.
So what is the lesson? Don’t forget to include yourself in your own life. On this road, our journeys are just that- ours, and they are different, so take care…
Disclaimer: I will attempt to use my psychology skills to justify my escape from the madness that is called my life at times; hey, it comes in handy when you needa break, and why not put it to good use, right :)? Here goes-psychologists are taught about the significance of self-care, meaning we need to ensure we are holistically healthy (mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and so forth) in order to serve others effectively. Well, that psychology lesson has been put to practice lately, perhaps the last 2-3 weeks…or 4! (This is not counting the trip to Peru, which I will discuss later on-that was academic and personal).
I have shopped (sigh of pleasure), dined, networked with people, attended a fabulous fashion show and preparing to go to another, went to a spa with my cousin, and (exhale) yet still keeping on target with my professional and academic responsibilities. There have also been some crazy occasions with taxi drivers (don’t get me started) and random strangers on the street. Well, excuse me sir for having a different viewpoint, and No, you cannot have a tip. Nevertheless, I usually vent to a trusted person and keep it moving. Venting is also part of self-care strategies as a coping mechanism-Wow, this psychology stuff throughout the past years is really paying off...
So going back, the fashion show- I went this past Sunday with a good friend. It was a huge show and tons of fabulous fashions. Yes, there were things that could have been done better in my opinion. Everyone is a critic. Overall, it was good. I had never attended a fashion show that I was not modeling in, so that was a new, albeit, different experience, but a nice change to see a show as an audience member. Afterwards, I ran into the owner of one of my favorite boutiques. She recognized me in that large crowd, but I've been there twice and only seen her once. Hmm, what does that say about me? That I'm an awesome customer! Anyways, we talked like we did the first time we met as though we were old friends…and guess what? I will be styling for her fashion show! I am so excited about this opportunity! As you may know from talking to me or reading my profile or even being around me, part of my fantasy life includes me styling professionally because I enjoy fashion art (again, inserting a psychological twist here by calling it art).
There is another opportunity that surfaced about 2 weeks ago, which I forgot to mention, from a different and larger boutique (told you I like fashion) who wants me to help them with their organizational management. Basically, apply this International Psych degree before I get it- love it! I will be assessing the operations and interactions and offering interventions for the workplace. It came about after my residency when I went shoe shopping--it was much needed after that weekend-- and began talking to the store manger, who proposed this opportunity. Again, he and I also talked like we were old buddies too. My hubby says that I have an inviting persona. I thought to myself, “is it my persona or my wallet?” Just joking. By the way, this boutique is the one that recently had that huge fashion show. These sorts of professional opportunities are helpful for advancement. I can't call them random; they are blessings.
So what is the lesson? Don’t forget to include yourself in your own life. On this road, our journeys are just that- ours, and they are different, so take care…
Sunday, September 25, 2011
And the journey begins (sort of)
Hi Friends,
So on the premiere of my first blog entry ever (yay me!), I have to catch you up on everything! My hubby set up this blog for me- and gave it its title- about 2 weeks ago, but I had not a chance to write, which is something we both enjoy-writing. He encouraged me to document this experience to which I agreed was a great idea. Hmm, I wonder if it is was because he thought I needed an alternate posting outlet to FB since I have so much to say. Anyways, now about me (as though there were not already enough narcissistic soon-to-be psychologists or those already in the field), you may wonder what it means to be "on the road 2 Ph.D", and I must say that it has been a road like none other. I am still learning it too, but that's the beauty! Sure there are ups and downs like a roller coaster, but I'm enjoying the ride overall.
Now to fill you in, this "road to PhD" will lead to a PhD in International Psychology. Yes, I know you're wondering what that is, but we will explore that a little later, so stay tuned to the blog... This road is the preview or rather prequel to a big finale and sequels with interesting twists and turns along the way. Sometimes, I have to keep up with my fast-paced life! To catch you up on the last year and a half, there has been class after class after, did I say class?, residencies, writing a dissertation (still working on it), traveling to and through (beautiful) Peru and planning 2 more international trips for 2012, traveling across the US sometimes on a whim, moving twice in a year, working (as a psych instructor), babies born (no, not mine), children's theatre (still not mine), weddings, parties, start and end of an entrepreneur venture, brushing up on and learnig new languages, new friends, reuniting with family and old friends, dining and exploring the city, practicing my chef-girl-ardee skills, unfortuate news, losses, good news, reconcilation, tears, healing, trying to figure out the mechanics of this blog site (pretty unusual for a tech-savvy person as my hubby says), and a much needed recent day at the spa followed by a delicious bistro and fabulous shopping. I welcome your company on this road trip, but buckle up because this will be (has been thus far) a ride with some un-expectations, but nonetheless, a fab journey!
Cheers :)
So on the premiere of my first blog entry ever (yay me!), I have to catch you up on everything! My hubby set up this blog for me- and gave it its title- about 2 weeks ago, but I had not a chance to write, which is something we both enjoy-writing. He encouraged me to document this experience to which I agreed was a great idea. Hmm, I wonder if it is was because he thought I needed an alternate posting outlet to FB since I have so much to say. Anyways, now about me (as though there were not already enough narcissistic soon-to-be psychologists or those already in the field), you may wonder what it means to be "on the road 2 Ph.D", and I must say that it has been a road like none other. I am still learning it too, but that's the beauty! Sure there are ups and downs like a roller coaster, but I'm enjoying the ride overall.
Now to fill you in, this "road to PhD" will lead to a PhD in International Psychology. Yes, I know you're wondering what that is, but we will explore that a little later, so stay tuned to the blog... This road is the preview or rather prequel to a big finale and sequels with interesting twists and turns along the way. Sometimes, I have to keep up with my fast-paced life! To catch you up on the last year and a half, there has been class after class after, did I say class?, residencies, writing a dissertation (still working on it), traveling to and through (beautiful) Peru and planning 2 more international trips for 2012, traveling across the US sometimes on a whim, moving twice in a year, working (as a psych instructor), babies born (no, not mine), children's theatre (still not mine), weddings, parties, start and end of an entrepreneur venture, brushing up on and learnig new languages, new friends, reuniting with family and old friends, dining and exploring the city, practicing my chef-girl-ardee skills, unfortuate news, losses, good news, reconcilation, tears, healing, trying to figure out the mechanics of this blog site (pretty unusual for a tech-savvy person as my hubby says), and a much needed recent day at the spa followed by a delicious bistro and fabulous shopping. I welcome your company on this road trip, but buckle up because this will be (has been thus far) a ride with some un-expectations, but nonetheless, a fab journey!
Cheers :)
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