Sex, Disorders, Girls, and Exams (Part 1)

Wow...it feels like such a long time since I've sat down to write this. The last two weeks I was at school finishing up my last two classes!! I still have my practicum and internship to do, but no more classes! The week before that was crunch time to get everything I needed to done finished before I left. The last few days have been recovery time and adjustment time back into "real life". So let me tell you a little about my two weeks of class...

Week one was for COUN610: Human Sexuality. I had no idea what I should expect in this course because the school is known for its conservative views. So my thoughts were that it was barely going to scratch the surface of what human sexuality really is. I WAS WRONG. This class was awesome. We had one secular textbook, where most of our information came from, and two Christian textbooks that were more for reference. The professor, Dr. Thomas, was not shy about the topic and made it a comfortable setting for us to all discuss it too. We were presented the world's view of something, the biological/scientific research on it, and then why the Chrisitan view is the right view. It was a very interesting and enlightening class. I was finally given a good reason, other than "The Bible says so", as to why sex before marriage is not good. Don't get me wrong, the Bible is The Word, but if that were enough to convince us of something...none of us would sin. I'm going to use the background for abstaining in a project that I'll share with all two or three of my readers in about a month.
One of my biggest concerns going into this class had to do with a post-intensive (these classes are called Intensives) assignment. Our syllabus stated that we would be writing and turning in our sexual autobiography, how many of you want to write down your sexual past, put your name on it, and email it to a professor at your conservative Christian school? Anybody? Didn't think so. After learning that only our professor would see it and he wouldn't be passing it off to graduate assisstants like much of the grading is done, I am a little more comfortable with it. Dr. Thomas also let us know that this did not need to be a play-by-play, but more of the commentary after the game (if my sports analogy makes sense). We hit the highlights of how our past (puberty, learning about sex, sexual actions) have shaped us into who we are sexually today. Dr. Thomas emphasized that sexuality is 3D, body, mind, and spirit. We are supposed to take a 3D view of our sexuality and discuss that. So while it still may not be my favorite assignment ever, I won't totally freak out about it. AND I'm still sending it in without my name on it, nothing on the internet is totally safe.

Now for week two, COUN667 Diagnosis and Treatment. For this class we all got to act crazy at least once every day. This class is split into two halves: the mornings are the whole group of around 100 students, the afternoons are about 18-20 students and a new professor. Our morning professor seemed cool on Monday and Tuesday, but by Wednesday she was showing her true colors; brash, harsh, and sometimes just mean. She was not good at constructive criticism and encouraging is certainly not her gift. However, the afternoon clinical consultant, Dr. Dumont, is awesome. I had her as an afternoon professor in a previous intensive and also as a professor for one of my 8-week online courses. She is GREAT. So each afternoon she gave us more one-on-one instruction and a diagnosis to act out. Over the course of the week I had Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety; ADHD, Combined Type; Delusional Disorder; and then a dual diagnosis of Bipolar I and Borderline Personality Disorder. So it was a long week that tested my mental capacity and my acting skills, but it was a very good and educational week. It even had me diagnosing the characters in songs on the radio as I drove home.

Now you know about the Sex and Disorders...next post I'll fill you in on the girls and exams. Its good to be back to the blogosphere!

BRB!

Okay readers...I know I haven't been on in forever. This post is going to be short but I didn't want you to think I forgot about you!! The last three weeks have been a little crazy. So when I get the chance really write, its gonna be a long one! And just to make it a little interesting I'm adding a pic of me that I took on my phone this week to show off my UNC pride (the hat). BRB!

Stressed to the point of Sick

So two weeks ago I got to go to the family beach house and it was great! However, I also got sick. Then again this weekend I've managed to get another bout with this exhausting crud. Both times have come when I have had major school assignments due. That means I'm staying up late, stressing, out, and probably not eating every meal. Looks like I may have walked myself right into these bad days. Last time was a little easier than this time. Sunday night brought with it a fever, chills, and soreness. I'm hoping that does NOT mean anything flu-like, but I'll find out tomorrow when I go to my Drs appointment. Normally I avoid those, but since I'll be spending two weeks of March out of town, I'd like to be feeling excellent! Here's hoping he gives me good stuff to make it all go away!

On a completely different note, this weekend was a HUGE transition weekend for our church. The pastor, who had been there for over 23 years retired. My family has known him all 23 on a personal level because his son and my brother were in sports together. We have only been at our church for 13 of the 23 years. This pastor helped my family learn to trust after an ugly time at a previous church, he was there for us when all 5 of my grandparents died, and he prayed with us when my mother and brother had to have surgery. He'll be moving away once their house sells and it will be weird not to see them. But the new pastor that our church voted in could NOT have been a better person to take over our church. He has been on our church's staff for 4 years and is an amazing man! I can't wait to see what lies in store under his capable hands!!