I've been waiting for some Chucks like you

I come across a lot of personality disorders working with individuals with developmental disabilities.  Many are considered to be egosyntonic, which refers to behaviors, values, and feelings that fit their ego or self image.  It can be difficult to deal with, but sometimes it's straight up funny!

I work closely with a particular client, who we'll call Chuck :)  For months he was very stand offish with me, would always give me dirty looks, never wanted to work under my supervision or go on recreational outtings with me.  He'd question, in all seriousness and maybe even anger, why I'm an A's fan and not a Giants fan.  Then one day, he took off his enormous headphones, nodded his head towards me, and actually struck a convo with me.  It went like this:

Chuck:  "Ay, where you get your shoes at?"

Me:  "Umm.. heyyy, how ya doin, Chuck?  You can pretty much get Chuck Taylors anywhere.  I got mine at the mall."

Chuck:  "Oh forrealz?  I'm bout to cop me a pair when I get paid." 

Me:   "That's cool.  They go with everything, so yea.  Cool."

Not long after Chuck was messing around with the radio and stopped at a soft rock station.  He knew every word to this song:

Goes to show not everyone is too cool for Foreigner.  I think everyone, to some extent, acts in ways that's acceptable to the needs of their own egos.  Since then he hasn't dropped the too-cool-for-school act, but he completely changed his attitude towards me.  He could not wait to show me when he finally "copped" a pair of classic black Chucks followed by a pair of green ones he found "hecka cheap at Kohl's".  He even joined our fitness program and insisted on being in my group.  Just a small personal victory for the books.

This has been the Cut of the Week brought to you by (ficky, ficky) loft remix.

K bye!

Reflections of 2012

When I enlisted in the Air Force (a long time ago), I was sure I was a lifer.  Twenty short years to serve my country, travel, get an education, retire and receive a pension for the rest of my life? Umm, yes please.  Those plans took a turn when I became a wife and a mother, which later turned into single mother.  Did I sit on my pity pot?  Sometimes.  But I reached a point where I decided to flush that shit (excuse my language) along with the plans I thought were best for me.

All I can do is reflect in awe of all the ways God has changed remixed my life.  No longer active duty, I jumped on the Air Force Reserve wagon, where my enlistment went from self fulfillment to a true passion and pride to serve.  I began to focus on the important things like family and education.  The highlight of 2012?  Kahlil and I both graduating (yayyyyy!) I have all the respect in the world for those who go to school on top of working while raising kids.  Looking back I can hardly believe I pulled it off, but then again my friends and family wouldn't let me fail.

Looking dapper in his preschool cap & gown.

Military one minute, mental health the next.  Both completely out of character for a girl who once dreamed of being an interior designer!  Someday, I hope to combine my experiences and treat individuals suffering from PTSD.  (Captured by Lani Pagmanua) 

Yay, we did it! (Captured by Lani Pagmanua)

Hope your 2012 was filled with an abundance of happiness and remixing, as was ours.

 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Happy New Year, everyone.

K Bye!