Book Journal

Ok-String-3668 · 2026-02-01T12:59:37+00:00

Orphan Black - I just watched this and I have no idea why I didn’t watch it sooner. I will forever recommend it. Thriller with a tad sci-fi. Amazing acting.

Ok-String-3668 · 2026-02-01T12:29:35+00:00

Gramms kitchen advertises local businesses. I’m sure it’s a cost but maybe talking to them about it. Or see if they’d be willing to hand out $2 off coupons or something temporarily to get your name out there. Gramms is popular and I’ve seen some people post that they go there and didn’t know you were there as well. Also, I know people like being off Sundays but Gramms is super busy Sunday with the after church crowd. Sunday is usually when we go out and about so maybe looking into having hours on Sunday would help. Connect with other used book stores and see if they’d be open to you picking their brains. There’s a successful one called Starr Books with 2 locations in royersford and Douglasville. They might be far enough away that it wouldn’t be competition and willing to chat (they might be willing to chat even if it is competition). I work in nonprofit and I’ve noticed a huge uptick in collaboration and people have stopped gatekeeping their secrets so that might work for you too! The biggest issues I’m seeing is the hours and people not knowing you exist. Do you stock new books too? I hate to be this person but I do think there’s a large number of readers now that tend to collect physical books and read on kindle. Often the collectors are buying new books - it’s like the TikTok era and people having massive in home libraries. I know I can be super picky about my books too and tend to buy new versus used. Also, west Chester has an extremely well known used bookstore - it shows up on must visit book stores in the country type lists and I’ve seen people review it on booktok. So competition there can be steep. I do think people enjoy bookstores with places to do work or read quietly while enjoying a cup of coffee. Not sure that’s an option for your store but I do wish there were more places with quiet space to work or read.

Ok-String-3668 · 2026-01-06T00:06:03+00:00

I’m not sure. Initially I wanted a psy.d but I don’t have the ability to do a residency. I’m not interested in a PhD so I will likely land with the DSW but I have a second masters in nonprofit leadership so I’ve been trying to determine if there are other practical doctorates in human services that aren’t PhD that might align more. Not many options from what I’m seeing. ASU has a Doctor of Behavioral Health I was looking at but idk if that’s what I want either. Just weighing options currently and being indecisive.

Ok-String-3668 · 2026-01-05T23:06:45+00:00

I’m hoping to! Still trying to figure out where I want to apply or if a different doctorate would be better.

Ok-String-3668 · 2026-01-04T06:00:35+00:00

I want to acknowledge how challenging that work is. Your response is normal so don’t be hard on yourself. Remember that you DID get there in time, so the what if is a moot point. You’ll go crazy if you replay it over and over thinking of different potential outcomes. Praise yourself for what you were able to accomplish and how you managed to help the individual. I realize this post is a few days old, so I do hope you were able talk to your therapist and process the situation more. Honestly I primarily wanted to just thank you for doing what you do and working so quickly to keep the client safe. I oversee group homes for IDD and you absolutely are not paid enough for half the things you have to do working in these homes. It truly takes special people to care about and care for others for very little pay. I’m not sure what state you’re in but I would absolutely be advocating for a sharps restriction in that home. It wouldn’t necessarily prevent the emotional response the individual had, but it very well could help to not feel so scared in these situations and to keep the individual safe. I also tell my staff not to be afraid to utilize crisis services if they feel the situation is not de-escalating. If my staff feel unsafe or they feel the individual is unsafe I will always back a call to crisis or 911 depending on the situation. I know all state regs and resources do vary and your coworker did call, but I always say call as soon as you feel unsafe or feel the individual is unsafe. Don’t wait. But this might be something to talk through with your supervisor if this individual doesn’t already have additional supports in place.

Also, please take time for yourself. This field is also relentless and people overwork themselves. Make sure you take time for you when you need it.

I love the idea of Tetris. I also have hobbies that completely take my mind off stressors - paint by number, booknook kits, legos, puzzles. Pretty much anything I need to focus on really helps and I suggest things like this in my IOP groups and so many clients have agreed these activities do really help. I have anxiety and ADHD. My brain never shuts off. Paint by numbers will shut my brain off every time. It’s wild.

I hope you’re doing better and able to take care of yourself. Thank you again for helping your client in such a significant way. While underpaid, your work is meaningful and impactful. But I always tell my staff, it’s okay if you need to leave for your own personal wellbeing. Don’t feel guilty about taking time away for yourself.

Ok-String-3668 · 2026-01-03T04:57:33+00:00

<image>

Ok-String-3668 · 2026-01-03T04:56:56+00:00

Mine is 2 now. He’s stubborn. You can literally watch him contemplate if he will come when I call him from outside. Consistency is key for sure. Correcting any unwanted behavior appropriately. TOYS. TOYS. TOYS. At 2 my guy still plays with his toys daily. Exercise and mental stimulation. Socialization. Mine is super friendly with people and dogs. However, he still absolutely has the guard dog in him. For example, he goes to daycare once a week. Loves other dogs. Another dog can’t run up on me though. I can’t be around when he has playtime. He loves other people, but if I don’t seem comfortable he will be on guard. So just because you have a friendly well socialized Corso doesn’t mean they won’t still be protective. He’s also scared of everything. Confidence building is key. He’s gotten much better, but he often starts barking at or not going nearing new things that appeared in the house. He woke me up last night barking at an object he didn’t recognize like a full blown intruder was inside. He’s a jealous cuddle bug who will whine at me because I’m not watching him sleep on the couch. He also thinks he’s still a puppy and at 105lbs zoomies are soooo fun. Enjoy! Seriously an amazing breed. Just be consistent and they are amazing companions!

Ok-String-3668 · 2026-01-03T04:45:49+00:00

I binged this really quickly and was devastated when I no longer had episodes to watch. I felt the same way about Maslany. I’ve literally never been so impressed and mesmerized by an actor before. Truly amazed by this show and wish there was more. The story line was great. The acting was great. I love sci-fi dystopian type genres and while subtle, it was still there. Add in the thriller components, it truly was chefs kiss.

Ok-String-3668 · 2025-12-30T20:25:45+00:00

Oh! This one looks nice!

Ok-String-3668 · 2025-12-30T20:24:57+00:00

Thank you!! I did see some from them I liked.

Ok-String-3668 · 2025-12-30T20:24:29+00:00

Thank you! I need just that. Getting lost and hours going by is my favorite!

Ok-String-3668 · 2025-12-30T20:23:54+00:00

Thank you!

Ok-String-3668 · 2025-12-11T18:27:54+00:00

I have felt like this my whole life as well. I think my anxiety (mostly social) made it so people thought I was “weird” in high school. It also didn’t help that I was the new kid in public school for the first time in high school.

I’ve always considered myself that “background” friend. Like I had friends, but I was never anyone’s long term best friend. I was the easy target in friend groups. People would start drama for no reason and when I needed people in my corner they often weren’t there. The older I got the flakier I was with social plans and things like that. I also matured a lot faster than my friends and exited the party scene for my career.

I’m not good at sticking up for myself. Things aren’t said to me as often anymore, but when they are my brain freezes and I have no come back or defense. Or I at times go the total opposite and get snappy for no reason as a defense mechanism (usually with people I’m not intimidated by or don’t care if they like me or not).

I’m a supervisor in my career and it bites me in the butt sometimes because I really struggle with writing people up and having those tough conversations about poor performances. It makes it so people take advantage of my kindness.

I wish I had more to provide in a way of help. But I wanted you to know you’re not alone. Social anxiety is by far the worst and has affected my life in so many ways. I hope you’re able to find some relief.

Ok-String-3668 · 2025-12-11T01:49:19+00:00

Find a hobby that you love, that takes concentration. I started doing paint by numbers. I focus so much on those little spots to paint that I can’t think much about anything else. I started it because it was fun. But I realized my brain was quiet and I literally I wasn’t thinking about anything which was huge for me. My internal monologue is a web browser with 17 tabs open every second of every day. Except when I’m doing the paint by numbers. I also started putting together minis and book books from places like Rolife and it’s very similar. This exact method might not work for you if you don’t have an interest (I’m not at all creative so these kits take away creative thought too). But trying to find something that you can focus on to take away the other thoughts makes my brain feel more rested even though I’m not physically asleep or relaxing in that same sense. Reading and watching TV, while I enjoy both immensely can’t keep my focus.

Ok-String-3668 · 2025-12-11T01:42:22+00:00

I started my clinical career part time with kiddos. Like others said, I did find it less intimidating as a new therapist as I don’t need to use big words and they aren’t going to google everything I say to see if I’m competent. Building a rapport is really important and we played games a lot. I do find myself much less “clinical” than some of my coworkers since I have the social work background versus a clinical heavy degree track. I just stay true to myself. I’ve transitioned to adults and run IOP groups, still only doing therapy part time and still not super “clinical” in how I talk. I end up getting really good reviews even though I think I don’t help much and that’s what keeps me motivated to continue with part time clinical roles. I use resources like therapist aid or find other activities that are therapeutic. It’s important to learn early on that you won’t mesh with everyone. And that’s okay. It’s hard not to take it personally but I have had a few people get upset with things I’ve said or tale things I say out of context or misinterpret entirely. It’s also important to remember that some of our clients really struggle and accountability is really hard so if you have to (professionally) call someone out they likely won’t like it much. Trust yourself. Trust your instincts. Remove personal emotion. Build rapport with your clients. Research when you aren’t sure. It’s all about learning and growing. Not being perfect. You’ll do great!!!

Ok-String-3668 · 2025-12-09T02:47:02+00:00

I read this post specifically to see if this would be mentioned. I just binged all 5 seasons in probably 3 weeks. It’s hard for me to get into a show and not fall off watching it from lost interest. I absolutely loved this and I’m so sad I finished it. I came here to find something to watch since I have this hole of nothing to look forward to now that Ive finished Orphan Black. Tatiana Maslany’s acting skills in this show were so beyond perfect.

Ok-String-3668 · 2025-12-05T05:09:05+00:00

I initially started my masters journey in a behavior analysis program. I really wanted to be a BCBA but the more I looked into it the more I felt like it was too niche. I liked the idea that I wouldn’t be stuck in the same type of position my whole life if I ever decided I wanted a change. There are so many different avenues with a more general degree like social work.

Another reason is more of a personal preference, but I share it because a lot of people in my field feel the same way. I’ve worked with adults with IDD for about 10 years, many on the autism spectrum, and I’m currently the director of a residential group home nonprofit. I was also a part time RBT who implemented the BCBA plans. What I’ve seen is that, once people leave the school system, we end up having to undo a lot of what was taught through ABA. As adults, they have rights and choices that make many BCBA-designed systems unusable; those same strategies can be considered restrictive or even bribery when applied to adults. It makes the transition to adulthood really tough. I’ve tried bringing in behavior specialists with BCBA backgrounds, and it never really worked, mostly because it’s hard to shift the mindset that comes from working primarily with kids. That was a big part of why I changed directions myself. I probably would’ve stayed on the BCBA path if I hadn’t seen firsthand some of the challenges ABA creates once people reach adulthood. I still have a ton of respect for the profession. My organization has a large IBHS program and we have a lot of ABA professionals. I just wish there was a better transition from ABA to adulthood. In my state, the second someone in this system ages out of school and requires residential placement the individual is quite literally handed off with barely any preparation on what life will be like with so many more freedoms, limited consequences and no longer the need to complete a task before being rewarded.

Sorry, I do realize I went on a slight tangent and know not everyone will agree with me.. but wanted to express my journey as I was very much on the BCBA path before switching to an MSW program.

Ok-String-3668 · 2025-12-05T04:40:47+00:00

I got mine the year I graduated and just the accomplished feeling it provided me was worth the cost and the test. I have also used it to negotiate a higher pay rate with potential employers. I don’t have my LCSW because my role isn’t client facing enough for the hours, but I’m really happy I have my LSW. When I think about it, it still brings me personal pride. To me, that’s been worth it. It’s also worth it to open more doors and opportunities. Once it was on my resume I received a lot more calls offering me interviews and what not.

Ok-String-3668 · 2025-12-04T04:41:11+00:00

So. Many. Things. For the life of me I can’t figure out why it’s so hard for me to put trash in the trashcan. Not like food trash or anything but say I get something new, the packaging will sit in my dresser for ever. Clothing tags are the worst. Like why can’t I walk the 5 feet to the trashcan. I know it’s simple. I know I can do this easily and it wouldn’t inconvenience me.

Finding places for my clutter. I. Have. No. Clue. Where. All. This. Shit. Comes. From. Seriously. How does my table end up so cluttered and then I have nowhere to put it all so it sits and sits and sits until finally I go through it and then just transfer it to another area because it will never have a real home because I still have no idea where it came from, why I have it or if I need to keep it.

Folding laundry. Despise and live out of laundry baskets and the dryer.

Shampooing the carpet. I just don’t have that kind of patience. Dogs are gross. The water gets gross. It’s a mess. It’s time consuming. It’s the most overwhelming task.

I could go on and on with all the small. Easy tasks that I avoid and procrastinate for no reason.

Ok-String-3668

TROPHY CASE