Warning: counselling related movie review.

Well, it's not that I actually know how to write a review. These are just my thoughts. I've watched Junebug three times in the past year, I think. It's so good and so sad and so thought provoking. It's about pretentiousness, and it's about valuing things over people, and it's about self-centred-ness and treating people like objects. As I am working towards becoming an art therapist, I have been thinking about what art is, all over again. Somehow, the notion of "outsider" art seems horrible and ridiculous at the same time. I think what's annoying is when upper, educated class people label the lives of less-educated or trained people, categorize them, try to analyze them, and keep themselves distant from real interaction because they are too naive to understand the depth of humanity.

I just did a paper on Person-Centred therapy (don't know my mark yet...er..) but anyways, it was really good to refresh and learn about Person-Centred theory on a deeper level. I had a hilarious dream last night that I met Carl Rogers (founder of Person-Centred counselling), and I was like "You revolutionized the counselling world!" Although I have a more feminist bent than Person-Centred theory encompasses, I believe I have and will continue to use many elements of the theory. Basically, in my life and in my career, too, I want to steer clear of distancing myself from true interaction with the people I encounter. I'm not talking about not having boundaries. I'm talking about not being afraid to let my opinions go and my guard down and really get to know someone. I'm being preachy right now, but mostly to myself.

Rhythms

I've taken a little more time to wake up, decided not to touch my bedhead hair, and threw on a wrinkled (yet clean and cozy) sweater and jeans. Somehow, smelling our tree (and balsam scented candle), and taking Ares out to look at the lights again has woken me right up! Now I've got on Elvis Christmas, and am dreaming about visiting Graceland at Christmas someday....

Oh, the rhythms of life. I got a new job. It's at the same place where I work now, but in the treatment centre as a casual addictions counsellor. I'm really looking forward to it. I worked a week there last week, and really enjoyed it. And it has just started to sink in - a new rhythm, different hours, new work....I think it's gonna be good! Yay!

West Coast Christmas

Despite the lack of snow here, our neighbourhood is getting more and more Christmasy every day with all the lights on the houses. TJ and I always try and take the most lit-up streets when we are walking in the evenings.

It's a west coast christmas.......well, almost. But for me and T, it will also be an Alberta one. I'm getting really excited about going back to Alberta to see everyone. I am also excited that I will have the days off. Last year in December I was completing two courses in one third of the time they are supposed to be done, and was really stressed over Christmas. The previous three years I was working over Christmas...I think I got xmas day off once or twice, which was good....but no extended time. So, it's been a while since I've had time off at Christmas, and how exciting it will be!

I am really looking forward to seeing my nephew in person, too. Last I saw him he was just weeks old. I have been able to see him on facetime quite a bit, only to watch him get bigger and not be able to really interact with him....so I can't wait!

Ugh, I'm kind of in a funk, worked last night and just woke up about an hour ago. I was going to get up earlier and get out to do a bit of shopping, but alas! Looks like I'm staying in for the night now, as it's really too late to get to the stores. Oh well, oh well. Dishes, laundry, and some recording? Sounds good. Maybe a walk and a warm drink with TJ, too....

my year in photos

I've been doing some reflection on the past year.

I've been looking back at pictures, amazed at another year of life, and all that I have been able to experience: so many bittersweet moments. And I have been loving using instagram to capture things, because it's easy and fun. Somehow, the filters seem to get closer to the way I see things in real life. I know if I was more skilled at photography, I could capture those moments with a real camera, too, and I've thought about working on that. But for now, I'm happy with using my phone.

Here are some of my favourite images from the past year:

Balancing

I find myself trying to balance a lot lately. Not just in my outside life, but in my thoughts and planning for the future. I want to make the most of my life. I have so many things that I love to do. I want my work to be meaningful. I want to have time to just do things for the pure joy of it, too. It's that ever-present pull between life and work. Maybe this is a silly post. I posted the picture above, because I do really like surfing and music, but more so because it kind of captures how I feel right now: trying to balance several things at once. I am filling in a temporary (six days) position at my workplace as an addictions counsellor, and I have really jumped in with both feet, like I always seem to do with everything in life. In a few days though, my last paper will be done, and I can focus on getting through the rest of the week. And, I think I can carry it off with poise. I think I am learning to trust my skills and believe more in myself. That's a good feeling!

When I feel stressed, I always remind myself that I've felt similar in the past, and that I always got through. And the best thing that I have learned in life is to be kind to myself when I am under stress. So, for example, TJ and I took the evening off last night to get a mini-Christmas tree, and decorate it, and to make some special food and relax for a few hours. That's why I'm taking a minute to do this blog-post, too. Plus, I can smell the Christmas tree as I sit here and write. Mmmmm.

This is going to be a great Christmas, visiting friends and family back in Alberta, with no work or school involved!!