Spring update

So I thought it might be time to update this blog, since I haven't done it in a while. Life has been pretty darn busy for the past two months, and I'm finally starting to feel more and more settled in, with my new city and the new job everyday.

I am loving my job!!! It's been a lot to learn, but I didn't even know it was possible to enjoy your job this much. The people I work with are truly awesome, and I know that I'm supported and encouraged there. I actually get feedback about the good things that I am doing, so that's really exciting. I haven't been in a job like that in a long time!! I laugh every single day. I'm staying productive, and trying to really set the precedent and stay on top of my caseload, even doing things ahead of time if possible. I'm not sure it'll always be like this, but that's what I am striving for, anyways :) I truly believe in what I'm doing, and feel as if I'm making a difference, and I can't begin to tell you how nice that is. I love having my own office, and I love being able to leave work at work when it's time to go home.

I have to say that I think this is a big learning and growing experience for me, as well. My confidence is getting much better, especially as I've never really had to lead groups before, so group counseling is a new experience for me. I'm beginning to slowly but surely, feel more confident in myself and more assertive in leading. I'm also going to be switching my LPC track to LPC-A (licensed professional counselor associate) which is an ACTUAL license, but it just has slightly different qualifications. In addition to that, I'm working on getting my LCAS (licensed clinical addiction specialist), so this is a really exciting step for me in my career :)

I also have to say that I absolutely have fallen in LOVE with Winston-Salem. To me, it's a larger city, that doesn't quite FEEL so large. It's easy to get around in, and most places only take about 15 minutes to get to. I love the character of this city, and I love the hustle and bustle of downtown Winston during the day (I work downtown and go for walks sometimes during lunch), as well as the energy of people dining outside on the patios at the many restaurants that are downtown. I'm looking forward to eventually developing more of a social life here (I'd love to join up with a bowling league here, as well as joining the Winston Zeta alum chapter), but I think I'm just enjoying all the new changes for right now.

Oh, and most of you probably know this, but about a month ago, I joined the Rush (a gym that's big in the triad area) and decided to try personal training. I'm not going to lie, it is expensive and I know that I will be wincing a bit for the next two months when it's taken out of my checking account, however, I do think that investing in my health is worth it. So far, I have lost  four pounds, 2% body fat, and about 3 inches (something like that). I didn't do my training session this week due to my trainer being out of town, but I can't wait to measure again soon :) I feel my belly getting much smaller, and even got a compliment from a friend at work today, so I know that I'm making great progress! I feel great, and even though it is hard to make myself go to the gym sometimes, I'm glad that I take the time to change, get in my car, and make that trip to the gym on a regular basis.

Anyways, just thought I'd do a quick post since it's been almost two months since I've posted on here!!!