It’s been a long time since I updated this “blog”. But I have not been idle…
There’s a lot going on in my life that prevents me from focusing on the blog. First and foremost, I just completed my application for the Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist-Applicant (LCAS-A) credential with the North Carolina practice board. Having just completed my Masters in Addictions from the University of South Dakota, it’s time to move up to full licensure. Because I’m a certified counselor (CSAC), I don’t have to go through an internship progress to get my license. Once I’m approved as an LCAS-A, then all I gotta do is pass the licensing exam. That’s been my number one focus for the past couple of months since I graduated.
Additionally, I am the lead instructor at the local community college for substance abuse counseling. I’m developing the curriculum from scratch, which is extremely time intensive. It does have the added benefit of preparing me for the licensing exam though, so it’s well worth the effort. Ultimately, I hope to be able focus on teaching and writing full time. I’m taking a massive hit financially at the moment, but I have every reason to believe that a couple years from now this will pay off nicely.
In the meantime, there have been some fantastic Stoner/Doom releases over the past couple months, not the least of which is Elder’s Reflections of a Floating World, which has been absorbing a lot of my headphone time. I’m hoping to write and post a review on this epic album, but unlike most of the reviewers I’ve seen and heard over the past three weeks, I want to allow the full album to absorb into me. I can write this: this album may be a masterpiece, and I am already comparing it mentally to Yes’s Close to the Edge and King Crimson’s Starless and Bible Black, in impact if not overall content. It’s an amazing album, and if you have time to get it, I strongly suggest downloading it from Band Camp or buying the CD. Sure, you can stream it from various services, but I do believe the band deserves to get paid for this effort.
Lastly, and most importantly, I am in the process of reuniting with my fiancé from 30 years ago. This involves a lot of dealing with my wreckage from the past, which is especially meaningful since in a little more than a month I will have 25 years clean and sober.
It’s been a busy time over the past few weeks, and just in case anybody’s actually reading this blog, I just want to assert that I have not disappeared. I also plan on having all sorts of uncomfortable/controversial/unorthodox writings in the near future regarding my experience in the “recovering community.”
Until next time, thanks for reading.
I love your blog! It helps me to understand a subject I had no clue about. Clearly sharing your experience and what you have learned will help others. I look forward to your next entry!
PS- I like artwork you include.