The psychiatric unit. It’s seen as a place of despair, a stereotypical “looney bin”, a mad house, a dark place that people go when things feel impossible. Over the last 20 years that I have actively engaged in mental health treatment, I have been in often rotating or long term stints at these units for … Continue reading What I have learned from the psychiatric unit
Tag: sleep
Lingering Heat and Fading Summer
It seems Summer 2025 is fading away and as it does, heatwaves rage on in Jacksonville,Florida. The heat index today was 117 degrees, 97 degrees Fahrenheit in Orange Park, on the west side, just inland of the city. I spent the afternoon smack dab in the prime wrath of today’s heatwave, visiting children on my … Continue reading Lingering Heat and Fading Summer
What they see matters
Hazel had a spring chorus concert today at her elementary school. It was super sweet to hear their little voices and see the effort they put into rehearsals. Hazel stood out, projecting and singing so clearly that at times her voice was the only recognizable sound. We got home and reminisced about the many performances … Continue reading What they see matters
Chasing the unstoppable
It’s not for lack of things to say or write. I could come up with more than a few reasons to have disappeared into this unstoppable world around me. I feel as though I am always struggling to catch up and keep pace with my surroundings. So as change each day occurs, I am chasing … Continue reading Chasing the unstoppable
2025, a year of courage to overcome
So far 2025 has been really exciting, moreso testing me physically and emotionally. Jason broke his ankle and leg on NYE. Since then he’s been on “light duty” while I try my best to manage caring for him, the kids, the home, and everything else thrown my way with a new grad school semester, and … Continue reading 2025, a year of courage to overcome
Kamala…and Trump… and Bears, oh my!
I am not a political person, never have been, never will be. I do believe in democracy and the right to exercise my vote. Growing up in a conservative household and even now having many family members and friends that are staunch conservatives, it is hard being the odd ball out. Despite my conservative upbringing … Continue reading Kamala…and Trump… and Bears, oh my!
Turning back time
I sat up late thumbing through memories of the girls when they were younger this evening. Reflecting on so many happy moments together. Questioning if I am making the right decisions for our girls. This Sunday like any fall daylight savings time, we turn back time. For a moment we are happy to gain another … Continue reading Turning back time
You are confined only by the walls you build yourself
I had a long exhausting day. To anyone concerned, we fared just fine after hurricane Milton. The storm passed south of us and we only had some moderately high wind gusts. My post is concerning a long work day. Where I had exhausted every option attempting to help. As I lay here attempting finally fall … Continue reading You are confined only by the walls you build yourself
Hurricane Milton watch
After living in NE Florida for several years. I have never been so concerned about a pending hurricane barreling towards the state. There are mass evacuations from the west side of the state. We have prepared the best we can in Jacksonville. I hope to have a better idea of an evacuation back up plan … Continue reading Hurricane Milton watch
Very demure, very mindful.
I diligently try with every ounce of my being to be mindful. To be attune to my own needs and aware of my surroundings. Last night I facilitated a NAMI support group meeting, not unusual for a Tuesday night. Prior to the meeting I sat through hours of court proceedings in my work role. After … Continue reading Very demure, very mindful.
Changing hats
It’s been a long and exhausting week. An update in general on life, Hazel had eye surgery last Thursday. It was to correct a drifting right eye. She did amazing and she is excited to take a few days off school due to the redness in the eye. Jason has had some residual excitement with … Continue reading Changing hats
Steady as we go, Week 4 post op
A favorite song of mine from written by Dave Matthew’s. He sings, “if the road gets rocky girl, Just steady as we go. I know troubles they may come and go, but good times they’re gold…And if your load gets heavy, girl I will lift you up…I will walk halfway around the world, just to … Continue reading Steady as we go, Week 4 post op
Back to reality
I spend the early morning hours trying to coax myself back to sleep. The last few days I have had some disrupted sleep, spending the 3-4am hour lying awake and trying desperately to fall back asleep. I despise when my routine is thrown off and my mood starts to shift. Lately I have struggled with … Continue reading Back to reality
Year 1 complete! Summer semester comes to an end.
Somehow I managed to get through a horrific and stressful course load this past summer semester. My grades are a reflection of the hard work and perseverance. Especially the course of Intro to Social Work research was incredibly daunting. I received a 91.65 percent in SW Research and a 93.8 percent in my SW Practice … Continue reading Year 1 complete! Summer semester comes to an end.
The summer slows its roll.
I finally feel like I can take a deep relaxing breath. The summer semester is finished and my work in child welfare is manageable at the moment. The family is all well, especially Chloe the dog, as she gnaws on her bone next to me on the couch. Ella and Hazel start school in less … Continue reading The summer slows its roll.
The Seascapechronicles 