listen to yourself

yesterday, i met a lovely woman who told me a pretty awful story of abuse and mental illness. this was not a client, by the way. we just started shooting the bull and this is what she told me. [one of the main reasons i became a counselor is because people just want to tell me these things, so now at least i am getting paid!]

i gave her my standard congnitive-therapy spiel for about an hour. her self-esteem is in the toilet and she has an obsession with hilary duff (this woman is in her 30's). i asked her - how is that any different from these men who have posters of boxers and wrestlers hanging in their garages (and perhaps bedrooms)? i almost saw the lightbulb come on above her head! these are the moments counselors live for!

so anyway, i had been down on myself for not exercising and not praying over the prayer list that i volunteered to pray over. my very good friend, who was obese last time i saw her, told me she has lost 25 pounds by walking up to 3 miles a day and modifying her diet. this is a woman who has been obese for years and would never pass up a slice or two of chocolate cake! my lightbulb came on. this morning, i signed up again with curves and am setting a goal to start going once per week and working up to three times per week. as for the prayer list, i am going to resign. i haven't double-checked yet, but where in the Bible does it say you have to serve in a ministry in your church? i pray every day, just not for strangers. i know i should read my Bible. i have been baptised and have obviously accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. i go to church. is it the Bible that says "be in a ministry" or is it my church saying that [a.k.a. we need more volunteers]?

another thing that i have realized (which might be a big duh!) is that people can make whatever rules they want. example: my mom has moved and i went to turn in the keys. i asked about a refund on the deposit and she told me that $300 out of the $550 we paid per dog (she has 2) was "dog rent" and not refundable. wtf? do these people just think up these things and think it will be fun and profitable? even your hair stylist can tell you one price when you walk in and then change it when you're done! and what are you gonna do about it? you'd have to quit your job to work on getting your money back from these idiots.

*deep breath* okay, i think i am done with my rant. and btw, i got my car back today, sans inspection sticker and not detailed as promised. i was so glad to get it back and get the heck outta there that i didn't even complain.

how's that for crazy uncle homer's toenails?