What I'm Afraid Of...

Today is Day 7 of the Blog Every Day in May Challenge...The thing(s) you're most afraid of.

I didn't even need time to think about this one.

The thing I'm most afraid of is losing a loved one. I wouldn't say I think about this a lot, but it is my greatest fear. I'm thinking this is a normal fear, right?

3 of the people I love most. I even love Ben's face....although it also scares me.

On a lighter note, I'm also afraid of heights, spiders (or any bug if it's in my house), being kidnapped (I'm insane) and cruises (people fall off those boats, just watch the news! No thanks!).

What are you afraid of?

This is What I Do...

I missed the Blog Every Day in May Challenge this weekend but am back on it on this wonderful Monday. I'm being sarcastic, no Mondays are wonderful. Ever.

Day 6 Prompt is If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question, 'what do you do'?

What is he doing, sleeping?

I really love this prompt because we tend to define ourselves by our jobs. I know I do. I spent so much time going to school to earn my degrees, spend 40+ hours a week at work, so it kind of consumes my life. However, my job is not "me" as a person! 

Here's what I do:

• I try and be a good girlfriend, daughter, friend, and sister
• I bake, and attempt to cook (according to Chris I'm getting better!)
• I shop (although not much lately...I'm really good at it!)
• I craft, garden, and decorate. 
• I drink wine (or margaritas) and tell jokes. In that order. I'm usually the only one laughing at my jokes. I'm also pretty good at laughing at myself.
• I help people the best I can. This includes my job, but I just can't leave it out. It is a part of my nature whether I like it or not sometimes.
• I try and live my life the best I can. Nowhere near perfect, but not so shabby. I really really try.

Uncomfortable Friday

Happy Friday! I can't wait to be off work for two glorious days. The forecast for the weather is sunny and upper 60's. I won't complain! Here are my high five from the week.

1. Weekend outfit. I LOVE not having to throw on a jacket as much now that the weather's getting warmer!

2. I made healthy sandwiches for lunch ALL week! It's an imitation version of Panera's Mediterranean veggie sandwich. Whole grain honey wheat bread, red pepper hummus, lettuce, cucumber, and provolone. Vegetarian and SO surprisingly filling.

3. One of my favorite quotes that's been hung around every desk I've had the past 5 years I've been working. I'm really trying to take this suggestion to heart.

4. I brought my butt to the gym twice this week which is GREAT for me considering usually it's zero times. Especially great considering I'm finally getting over being sick and didn't let that stop me.

5. Cara cara oranges + whipped cream. The whipped cream ran out after one slice, which I guess was a sign I shouldn't be eating whipped cream. In all reality, it's not THAT bad! I'm trying to work on that diet. On that note...

We've stuck to our meal plan ALL week and managed to cook healthy meals with fresh ingredients. Here's what we ate...

• Hot dogs / Pasta salad (ok, maybe not too healthy/fresh but EASY!)
• Gargonzola turkey burgers, brussel sprouts (much to Chris' dismay. He tried.)
• Tacos & Homemade guacamole
• Homemade pizza

I'm also continuing the Blog Every Day in May Challenge. Today's prompt: Things that make you uncomfortable

Do we have a while? I'll try and keep this short.

• Public displays of affection (PDA). It's just not my thing.
• When people talk about bodily functions or other personal, sometimes medical things in therapy sessions. I am your therapist and it does NO good to tell me about these things when they are not affecting your mental health. Talk to your DOCTOR. anyone but me.
• When people raise their voices. It makes me squirm.
• Parallel parking. Lived and worked in the city for 4 years, still hate it.
• Fast food.  I can't stand the smell, look, taste of it. (Besides McDonalds fries. Because who doesn't love those?)
• Sleeping without a fan blowing on me. Must have.

I guess a lot of things make me uncomfortable?! Have a great weekend!

Linking up with Lauren and Jenni

Something I Know About

She's blogging 2 days in a row? Are we on the right blog?

I know. This is why I love Jenni's Blog Every Day in May Challenge. It's exactly what I need to get back in the saddle of blogging.

Today's prompt is "Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at. Take any approach you'd like (serious and educational or funny and sarcastic)"

Uhhh, what? I feel like I'm always learning things. What's something I know a lot about? I guess I'll put my therapist hat on. Let's talk about something called "coping skills". 

source

Coping skills? What are those? Basically, they're the things you can do to deal with tough things that come up in life. Things that help you feel better, calm you down, and help you deal with situations. It's a pretty simple concept, but one that people have such a difficult time with (myself included). They can really be applied to any aspect of life, whether it's depression, anxiety, or if you're just having a bad day or feel a little stressed.

What are some useful coping skills?

• Breathing exercises. Breathe in 5 seconds, hold 5 seconds, let out 7 seconds. 
• Write. Write it all down. Whatever's going on, whatever you're thinking, whatever is bothering you. I keep a little journal with me for this purpose. It helps.
• Talk. Reach out to someone. Anyone.
• Take a bubble bath
• Exercise. "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't." -Legally Blonde :)

These are clearly just a few. Like I said before, it seems simple, but it's really hard to remember to do these things for yourself. I actually keep a list of things that work for me so that when I'm feeling overwhelmed, I don't even have to think- I can just pick something off the list. It really helps.

I also like to close my eyes and pretend I'm at the beach. Seriously!

So, next time you're feeling a little overwhelmed, try one of these! I bet you'll feel a little better.

The Story of My Life

This is the (abbreviated) story of me. 

I was born in Houston, Texas to amazing parents. Three years later, my brother Ben arrived and we moved away from Texas in tears (this I remember clearly). We moved all the way to Maryland, where I went to kindergarten through 12th grade in the same school district. Two more brothers followed, Zach when I was 6 and Jake when I was 12. I also made some great friends, including my BFF Liz. 

1992. Clearly, from the fashion choices all around.

I went off to college at Salisbury University in 2005. I had fun, but decided I would speed up the college process and graduated in 3 years. Meanwhile, Chris, my crush/best guy friend from high school and I ended up dating. I had no idea what I was getting myself into! 

Chris and I at Homecoming 2003

Chris and I moved in together after college graduation. At the same time, I entered the workforce at age 20 as a social worker in foster care. Chris began law school. I went back to school for my Masters in Social Work in 2009 and earned my MSW in 2010. Chris graduated law school, we made a couple moves, and are working hard to establish ourselves. I recently switched jobs and am a therapist for children, teens, and adults at an outpatient mental health clinic. I'm excited for what the future holds for us! 

I'm linking up with Jenni for Blog Every Day in May challenge! 

Also, that's probably more than 250 characters as the prompt asked for, whoops.