tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55827453816312315492024-02-07T12:03:54.577-06:00Peace in ColorI have been through alot with medical trauma, feeling socially isolated and high anxiety related to some of these experiences, and im hoping by sharing my story some might not feel so alone . This is also the foundation of Me being an Art Therapist and Mental health Counselor. I want to help others know that they arent alone and they are not their dark place. This blog has gone from experiencing my past journey to moving forward in helping others with theirs.
www.peaceincolor.orgSammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-20892713505316914022021-12-14T12:33:00.001-06:002021-12-14T12:33:34.254-06:00Blog is officially moving to website<p> Hello! </p><p><br /></p><p>I will be moving to my website www.peaceincolor.org as i now have learned how to use the built in blog. I have transferred over all of my posts from here to make them easily accessible to you if you want to view older posts. </p><p><br /></p><p>other updates</p><p>Starting february i will be offering a monthly anxiety and depression support group for both teens and adults! Teens will be the second thursday , adults will be the 4th thursday. The craft night / open studio for mindfulness and stress support ( not a therapy group). will continue to be first and third friday ( including this upcoming friday the 17th!). </p><p>For those interested, i will have a keurig available with a selection of cocoa, cider and coffees. At this time im not planning to have food or snacks due to health and safety with the unknown of covid-19 and pre registration is preferred to help with social distancing - but you may stop by without pre registering if thats easiest.</p>Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-1877802183400914742021-12-04T00:14:00.003-06:002021-12-04T00:36:56.430-06:00New Location<p> Hello all!</p><p><br /></p><p>I am officially in my new location! Thanks to the Bounce Back Wisconsin Grant I was able to expand into this new glorious space, incorporate some new supplies into sessions and can offer groups. </p><p><br /></p><p>New location is <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(30, 31, 34); background-color: white; color: #1e1f22; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">4650 W Spencer St Ste 15, (inside Pamco Properties llc ) Appleton Wi 54914 </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1f22; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Down the street from Fox River Mall, behind Officemax. </span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(30, 31, 34); background-color: white; color: #1e1f22; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(30, 31, 34); background-color: white; color: #1e1f22; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">I am super excited all! Tonight i had my first open studio "craft night". (It was more of a rehearsal as i had some personal crisis the last few weeks and was delayed sending out flyers and letting places know the group exists- oops)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I would post the image however I am having technical difficulty, so heres the information instead - Community Craft night, open to all - age 12 and under require an adult to stay , Pre registration preferred to assist with social distancing but not required - here is the link <a href="https://forms.gle/bqSMkcvhch2nnhnK9" target="_blank">Craft night Pre registration</a>. Craft night is $7 and can be paid at the door or ahead of time with paypal. I provide supplies, however you can bring your own project and its come when you can / leave when you want. My hope is to start an Anxiety group in the new year, but for now craft night is planned for first and third friday each month moving forward. <p></p><p>I have also fixed my website issues ( hopefully). www.peaceincolor.org for more information, you can also follow me on facebook.com/shanson.atpy and instagram at peace_in_colorful_dynamics!</p><p>Another new update is i have become an independent publisher through kindle, and created a variety journal / notebooks, mood tracker and soon to come -coloring books! Check out my author page and have fun journaling, doodling, coloring or mood tracking to assist with anxiety or stressors this holiday season.</p><p>**disclaimer- i do make a percentage off each sale of book**</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B09MGBC2LH" target="_blank"> My Independently Published books!</a><br /></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(30, 31, 34); background-color: white; color: #1e1f22; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(105, 106, 97); color: #696a61; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(105, 106, 97); color: #696a61; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-23241606721840069542021-10-17T17:57:00.003-05:002021-10-21T00:20:48.574-05:00I am terrible at this - but here are some updates!<p> Hello followers! I apologize, I am terrible at keeping up with this blog. I have improved with my social media however, I found an amazing program called "cinchshare" and every few weeks spend a few hours finding material that I hope is interesting to share and schedule them for facebook and instagram / twitter. Maybe i can connect this to it as well. </p><p>Anyway! Updates: </p><p>my website is finally up and running, www.peaceincolor.org ! I had to switch servers and try to figure out technical stuff and work with their support team and wait for updates to kick in, and needless to say it took alot longer then expected. </p><p>My office will have a new location soon! I am moving closer to the fox valley mall to a- one level, no stairs, large group space, large office and plenty of window- building ! I am super excited for this change, and will post pictures after the office is ready for me to move in, with my name on the space and directory board. </p><p><br /></p><p>I am also planning group<span style="background-color: white;">s, my hope is for an </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl q66pz984 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/openstudio?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWYWI3wiPFlrwG4QBvH7Duj20AxaxYiqMx0wPO3xZvIq7T-0IFrF7JyaKneebj53vBolXuiXtV6TiDfmT25c65BE5lbOjt3pkRqdufwytHb7QLLvIzE5pzTwAHBuqg-b7n1JhxF7GIeujHMsrjqgRFH52rpYNXLalXhKn7AWiURIQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#openstudio</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> -no “therapy”- art as healing , maybe meet others and do art together or on your own. offering lessons for knitting, painting or otherwise. An #anxiety or #depression 6 week group, assist with</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> suppo</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">rt</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and validation, learning coping skills together to </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">handle stress or fatigue, the weighted down feeling of darkness. I will also be offering "lunch and learns" for other </span></span><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">professionals</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> who want to learn what art therapy is or to do </span></span><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">art-therapy</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on their lunch hour to destress from the work week.</span></span></span></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Other themes individually or included in the above could include, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl q66pz984 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/trauma?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWYWI3wiPFlrwG4QBvH7Duj20AxaxYiqMx0wPO3xZvIq7T-0IFrF7JyaKneebj53vBolXuiXtV6TiDfmT25c65BE5lbOjt3pkRqdufwytHb7QLLvIzE5pzTwAHBuqg-b7n1JhxF7GIeujHMsrjqgRFH52rpYNXLalXhKn7AWiURIQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#trauma</a></span>, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl q66pz984 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/selfesteem?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWYWI3wiPFlrwG4QBvH7Duj20AxaxYiqMx0wPO3xZvIq7T-0IFrF7JyaKneebj53vBolXuiXtV6TiDfmT25c65BE5lbOjt3pkRqdufwytHb7QLLvIzE5pzTwAHBuqg-b7n1JhxF7GIeujHMsrjqgRFH52rpYNXLalXhKn7AWiURIQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#selfesteem</a></span>, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl q66pz984 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/divorce?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWYWI3wiPFlrwG4QBvH7Duj20AxaxYiqMx0wPO3xZvIq7T-0IFrF7JyaKneebj53vBolXuiXtV6TiDfmT25c65BE5lbOjt3pkRqdufwytHb7QLLvIzE5pzTwAHBuqg-b7n1JhxF7GIeujHMsrjqgRFH52rpYNXLalXhKn7AWiURIQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#divorce</a></span>,<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl q66pz984 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pain?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWYWI3wiPFlrwG4QBvH7Duj20AxaxYiqMx0wPO3xZvIq7T-0IFrF7JyaKneebj53vBolXuiXtV6TiDfmT25c65BE5lbOjt3pkRqdufwytHb7QLLvIzE5pzTwAHBuqg-b7n1JhxF7GIeujHMsrjqgRFH52rpYNXLalXhKn7AWiURIQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#pain</a></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl q66pz984 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/chronicillness?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWYWI3wiPFlrwG4QBvH7Duj20AxaxYiqMx0wPO3xZvIq7T-0IFrF7JyaKneebj53vBolXuiXtV6TiDfmT25c65BE5lbOjt3pkRqdufwytHb7QLLvIzE5pzTwAHBuqg-b7n1JhxF7GIeujHMsrjqgRFH52rpYNXLalXhKn7AWiURIQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#chronic #illness</a></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl q66pz984 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/isolation?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWYWI3wiPFlrwG4QBvH7Duj20AxaxYiqMx0wPO3xZvIq7T-0IFrF7JyaKneebj53vBolXuiXtV6TiDfmT25c65BE5lbOjt3pkRqdufwytHb7QLLvIzE5pzTwAHBuqg-b7n1JhxF7GIeujHMsrjqgRFH52rpYNXLalXhKn7AWiURIQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#isolation</a></span> - am looking to collaborate with others and offer <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl q66pz984 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/yoga?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWYWI3wiPFlrwG4QBvH7Duj20AxaxYiqMx0wPO3xZvIq7T-0IFrF7JyaKneebj53vBolXuiXtV6TiDfmT25c65BE5lbOjt3pkRqdufwytHb7QLLvIzE5pzTwAHBuqg-b7n1JhxF7GIeujHMsrjqgRFH52rpYNXLalXhKn7AWiURIQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#yoga</a></span> or <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl q66pz984 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/dance?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWYWI3wiPFlrwG4QBvH7Duj20AxaxYiqMx0wPO3xZvIq7T-0IFrF7JyaKneebj53vBolXuiXtV6TiDfmT25c65BE5lbOjt3pkRqdufwytHb7QLLvIzE5pzTwAHBuqg-b7n1JhxF7GIeujHMsrjqgRFH52rpYNXLalXhKn7AWiURIQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#dance</a></span> /<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl q66pz984 gpro0wi8 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/drama?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWYWI3wiPFlrwG4QBvH7Duj20AxaxYiqMx0wPO3xZvIq7T-0IFrF7JyaKneebj53vBolXuiXtV6TiDfmT25c65BE5lbOjt3pkRqdufwytHb7QLLvIzE5pzTwAHBuqg-b7n1JhxF7GIeujHMsrjqgRFH52rpYNXLalXhKn7AWiURIQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#drama</a></span> therapy options as well. Until now, while i have truly enjoyed my current space and the other independents ive gotten to know i have not had an appropriately sized space to offer art groups and since i can id love to have both talk and art to offer to others. I can offer a non art group however, and the option is always up to the client as to what they want to do or not do. To assist with social distancing, videoing into the group will always be an option. Once i get started recruiting, i will put out flyers and a google ad! When the group fills ( say 10 people) </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> a wait list will be started for the next session. Open studio will be on going , anyone can join at any time. </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">More info to come on these updates including fees! i am looking into insurance as in the past insurance does not typically cover groups so it would be out of pocket, and i accept cash card or paypal.</span></div></div>Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-52173011313003239072021-04-17T10:37:00.000-05:002021-04-17T10:37:02.990-05:00Upcming Events!<p> Hello!</p><p><br /></p><p>Art as Healing Group Dates are coming! TBA! Please check back soon! If you would like to attend via Zoom please pre-register for the event ( link coming soon)</p><p><span> </span><span> Group Activity Options : TyeDye (ill supply the socks you bring what white clothes you have!)</span><br /></p><p><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Resin Pressed Flower Pendants</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Diamond Painting -small scale projects</span><br /></span></span></p><p>I will host group in Menasha , and Oshkosh!</p><p><br /></p><p>I will be attending a vender event with other small / local businesses on the weekend of May 8/9th, the small business hosting us will most likely be having a brat fry. Come say hi and #shopsmall #staylocal. More info to come! (Flyer, address, other businesses in attendance)</p>Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-53232659072214062502021-04-08T23:00:00.001-05:002021-04-08T23:00:16.731-05:002021 here we go<p> Hi all, so sorry for the delay. Had some personal problems occur since the last post. My dog deedee ( the big brown one who has appeared in instagram and such), started having more arthritis problems so we were in and out of the vet for a few months getting scans and trying medication. unfortunately with her falls, she ended up having an underlying medical condition that she passed away from mid january. It was a shock and between fostering dogs and working, i slipped a bit with posting.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJsibDl7TUpf5ZJEMsPfAGchXMJV1QpNuNKTa5AnxmOQJDdj7l_m6Tyx0I40OMgpnyrcDrWgaaUICfWtL2q_hHiTp8Q4nqe-No_YjsxOIG3Hy6YqK70cqg_KEGt6501ub4ez4HbZvkYI/s2048/4D216FBD-5C0B-4C0A-AB4F-DCCF5F1C660A.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJsibDl7TUpf5ZJEMsPfAGchXMJV1QpNuNKTa5AnxmOQJDdj7l_m6Tyx0I40OMgpnyrcDrWgaaUICfWtL2q_hHiTp8Q4nqe-No_YjsxOIG3Hy6YqK70cqg_KEGt6501ub4ez4HbZvkYI/s320/4D216FBD-5C0B-4C0A-AB4F-DCCF5F1C660A.heic" /></a></div><p>I am excited to announce that one of the dogs i was fostering was a 7-9 week old boxer mix and i have since adopted him! We will start training this summer in hopes he( and maybe jimmy the other dog) will be pet therapy buddies in future sessions.</p><p>A few work changes; the website is under construction, getting some redesigning to create a more user friendly experience. I am also excited to announce that i am getting close to having a waitlist for incoming clients! I am working on balancing my virtual platforms with my incoming private practice clients so that i still have room but by my year mark in july there will be a wait, hopefully not a long wait and if there is i have been networking so i will have referral options to keep the wait low.</p>Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-56289546014395258922020-11-08T06:37:00.000-06:002020-11-08T06:37:04.174-06:00Time flies<p> Hello everyone!!!!!!! I am so excited to be here, and I promise I will be posting way more often! This summer has been filled with all the feelings! </p><p>My first week was a success and has continued through the fall. I am now paneled ( in network) on two insurances- (Medicaid and UHC) possibly three but waiting on the official letter. I hired a helper to make sure insurance was done right and she is amazing! She checks insurance cards and submits claims, and takes a huge load of stress off of me! ( you've had to deal with insurance on the patient end, its even worse on the provider end!). </p><p>I have such amazing community y'all. My friends have helped me recreate my logo, redesign my website, given me resources to learn how to use technology and save my sanity. I recently did a self care bag drawing when my facebook page reached 300 followers!! I am learning so much about social media, computers in general, and the adventures of running my own business while being the main provider in a business. </p><p>I am excited to continue sharing with you, my next big technology venture is my virtual office that will provide resources on how to handle COVID-19, General Anxiety, Adhd, Mindfulness and more, as well as fun games to play if you need a break ( including chess, checkers, mancala, pictionary, more to come) </p><p>I also plan to "Go Live" more frequently on facebook! ( or even instagram), please comment if there are specific topics you would like me to discuss!</p>Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-74734643711528552732020-07-10T22:22:00.000-05:002020-07-10T22:22:01.118-05:00First week in!! my OWN agencySo excited! ALL the feels everybody. Fear and excitement, nervous and contentment. I am one week into my clinic, and it is so weird not being fully busy with things to do and a full client load to see. I have plenty to do and had a productive week, but it isn't like being at the old clinic. Here I am the boss, I get to approve my releases, policies, documents, set up billing, figure out insurance, marketing, referrals, waitlists and so much more! This week I was able to get my billing system set up to my new portal, documents with digital signature sent to clients who followed me, signed a few people including a new client up for sessions and saw people for sessions!!! I also did a bunch of online teaching classes with Qkids and Cambly, and did with with my BetterHelp clients!!! I will also be a new member of Talkspace after i complete orientation. Talk space and Betterhelp are Online Telehealth clinics to help supplement until i build a steady client load through my regular clinic.<div><br /></div><div>I seriously dislike insurance, just gonna throw that out there! However, i am willing to go through the difficulty for clients old and new. I have been accepted into the Optum Panel which is a string of UHC .the "behavioral health side of UBH". So that is super exciting! I am working on Forward / Medicaid and hope to get that soon. The trouble with insurance is i have to fill out applications with all my special numbers, and wait.... and wait... and wait.. and hope it was filled out correctly or not missing anything like a check mark a document that should have been uploaded. insurance can take 3=6 months or up to a year to approve providers to be on panels. I am learning alot, and have a friend whos helping me between her own work. I have so many supportive people in my life that i am thankful for!!! </div>Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-24162091435041447712020-06-20T19:39:00.000-05:002020-06-20T19:39:55.552-05:00Peace in Colorful Dynamics LLCWelcome followers! Im so happy to announce I am opening my own clinic "Peace in Colorful Dynamics LLC" . It has always been a dream to have my own business (like my dad and brother). I have many hopes and dreams for this clinic. While i truly enjoyed being a part of the Catalpa family I am looking forward to extending my services to more individuals.<div><br /></div><div>The clinic is located at:</div><div><br /></div><div>1477 Kenwood Dr.</div><div>STE 200</div><div>Menasha WI 54952</div><div><br /></div><div>I share a space with other independent therapists - this offers the opportunity to refer if I am not the best fit. They also offer groups and a variety of specialities.</div><div><a href="https://michaelnollcounseling.com/about/">https://michaelnollcounseling.com/about/</a></div><div><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amccounseling.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2dxB1v2wLx7uiYdPgOSfVIO40C6by4La2ko1HUyOASDegQDG0MPsneg38&h=AT1QW2T1OgB3vblxK4eEf1VoevKPaKiu9fkxQcyhUqnSKCbrshzVt9myxJTtVcLsYSzS2OdfhO89pFB9HwY4RAxSuXeM-JY6SmKjFc9m9wcIOSzTwYzOBLMWM6CsMG7mBMuGAXl6_DeUQ_0PusciE7c" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #242526; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank"><font color="#ffffff">https://www.amccounseling.com/</font></a></div><div><br /></div><div><u>I will continue to offer :</u></div><div>Individual sessions or Family sessions - To accommodate social distancing I also offer Telehealth or video conferencing options.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>New!</u></div><div>Children ages 10+, Teenagers, Adults, Elderly </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Payments</u>:</div><div>I do not accept insurance at this time, however I am in communication with several companies to offer this payment option in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sliding scale is available for those with financial need / individual basis.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I will post pictures soon!</div>Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-87822901919345887052020-05-29T19:51:00.001-05:002020-05-29T19:51:10.833-05:00Independent - Peace in Colorful DynamicsMy big news! With covid and a slower schedule ( despite online teaching, and still doing telehealth with many clients), I have come to the realization that I need to take better care of myself post pandemic. I am eating better, sleeping better, exercising and relaxing more, and as soon as my schedule increased with the telehealth it all went away!!!!!! I have always wanted to open my own clinic. My dad is a small business over, my brother was for a while before health issues become a problem, my grandpa and uncle had their own businesses. I will be opening my own counseling / art therapy agency in menasha. I found a small group of other independent therapists who had extra space and are willing to network, refer and offer mentorship. There is also a massage therapist in the same building! What better self care is having a massage therapist with good rates nearby? Im totally excited and scared to start on my own, but I have a great feeling about this. This time I wont be under a different clinic, I will be my own boss, which means in charge of my own schedule, in charge of which clients I accept, and will only be able to yell at myself if I don't end up agreeing with one of my choices. I have a solid plan which I discussed with a financial advisor, i'm looking into marketing and advertising,I have sent letters to current families and made connections with other professionals in the area, I am very hopeful that this will be successful! My online teaching will be helpful as supplemental income and I found two online therapy programs that i'm in the interview process for so that should help as well while i'm waiting for in person clients. I am also becoming certified as a "life coach", it has always been an interest of mine so during this time i'm going for it. Over all my business name "Peace in Colorful Dynamics" is back! I had initially held this name while under the small start up in west allis and small clinic in Green Bay, but this time its all me, not attached to anyone else. I will miss my catalpa family, they have been wonderful! I am ready to move forward, try new things, see children and adults and enjoy the learning experience as I go.Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-31767341332573892532020-05-09T13:03:00.000-05:002020-05-09T13:03:08.130-05:00CHANGES changes everywhereHello! These last few weeks of social distancing and fear have made me reevaluate my life. As far as the online teaching- i was accepted into qkids and cambly kids! so i am now an active english as second language tutor on Cambly - Cambly Kids, Itutor, and Qkids! ( i also have italki and vipkid but they do not seem to book as well)<div><br /></div><div>As far as other changes. I have realized that i need to take better care of me. While i love where i work, the clients i see and the organization as a whole, this time of taking care of me and having a flexible schedule / being my own boss has shown me that is what i need. I am currently back at 60 % or more of my client load and i have been too exhausted to continue working out much less walk the dogs or eat regularly like i have been. ( last time i walked the dog a neighbor yelled at me for them poo ing. yes i always pick it up. it made me see that im more of a nervous wreck then i thought i was and i know worrying about my health in this time of covid isnt helping, and helping take care of everyone else for work isnt helping either, much less to be yelled at for something out of my control). I have decided to make changes which i will officially announce in the upcoming months, and while i am scared i am also very excited! i have a plan and hopefully third times the charm!</div>Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-9317323129050601412020-04-09T22:08:00.001-05:002020-04-09T22:08:43.140-05:00keeping busywell its been a busy few weeks! normally when im stressed i clean, but i really enjoy this, so between my actual work doing telehealth and video conferencing, i do this online teaching in the off hours. <br />
<br />
Here are the results from applying to other programs, because as much as i love cambly it does not make alot, and im not getting vipkid bookings so im going to hold off putting any availability there till summer when the kids are out of school.<br />
<br />
Applied Denied Made it through application process Denied Accepted!<br />
<br />
whales english X<br />
Qkids X(still going)<br />
Italki X<br />
Itutor X<br />
Open english X( but they will check back in 6 months)<br />
Magic Ears X<br />
<br />
i think that was it....the process was interesting, it ranged from demo videos and interviews with robots to live interviews, demo sessions and trials with real life kids!<br />
<br />
some things to know if you plan on doing multiple companies plus regular work on top of that: make sure your computer can handle it! i replaced / upgraded mine today. i can still use my old one for bare minimum stuff but i have now moved my work stuff over to the new computer. i also got manycam! which is so cool, you can put a background behind your photo and edit your video feed! im still learning but its going to be an awesome addition. i have already recieved bookings for itutor and italki- one nice thing about italki is i can use that money to go back into italki for live spanish lessons!! my goal this year is to relearn my high school spanish and be able to use it. if anyone knows how to transfer pc to mac, please help! mine keeps saying edge is open but its definitely not open!!!Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-12271691423945799822020-03-18T14:28:00.001-05:002020-03-18T14:28:59.658-05:00fearim struggling. being a cancer survivor - of a blood cancer- even 10 years clear my immune system is not great and i worry all the time. yes the worry has gotten better, has decreased some over the years. but ive never seen anything like this, our bars are even shut down!!!!!!! Wisconsin doesnt close bars.... but everything is shutting down. even work, mental health, is switching from face to face to other means of therapy. i wanted a vacation but not in this way. so im making a list of crafts and projects, getting more online teaching hours, signing up for a second / technically third program as im not getting bookings through vipkid. i signed up for magic ears, and i might sign up for itutor italki or whales english ( used to be sprout). i found a comprehensive chart to help compare all the programs if anyone would like to view it. you can google " i to i comprehensive online teaching comparison chart" or comment here and ill post it later. keeping myself busy is the only way to keep me sane, along with my anxiety meds to not over think catching a germ every time i go out. i did not hoard tp, but i did hoard chips and sour cream. ( i do use sour cream for other things like chili not just chips, and making dip or dipping it alone. mmm) how are you being productive during this time? any tips to help me work through my struggling? im trying hard to be brave and strong for clients, but i am giving myself this few days to freak out while i dont have any calls to make.Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-54982664335453061412020-03-14T00:42:00.003-05:002020-03-14T00:42:56.884-05:00cambly excitement!<br />
<div class="css-gs078w" data-is-focusable="true" style="align-items: stretch; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex: 1 1 0%; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; outline: rgb(0, 0, 0) none; padding: 0px; position: relative;" tabindex="0">
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<br />
ok! time to talk about Cambly , because its been along week and it makes me smile.<br />
<br />
So, online teaching- subject english as a second language, whaaaaat?<br />
<br />
tools needed:<br />
a strong wifi connection - or an ethernet cord to plug from router to computer ( they have ethernet adapters to plug in usb)<br />
<br />
computer - laptop in camblys case with a chrome browser<br />
bright lighting - i use a ring light from amazon - excuse the tired ness!<br />
internal or external webcam- i started with my computers internal but i just upgraded to a logi external and holy brightness batman! the difference is amazing. this plus the ring is wonderful!<br />
<br />
headset with mic - noise cancelling, i am using a inexpensive basic one from walmart but will be upgrading to a wireless headset soon.<br />
<br />
usb adapter is helpful if your computer is like mine with only one usb port. i can plug my headset, light, webcam, ethernet adapter, (or replace the headset with an outside mouse if i dont want to use my touch pad as my webcam has good speakers / mic built in)<br />
<br />
i have technology now what??<br />
<br />
- first - cambly does NOT require bachelors or tesol / teaching certificate ( but its good to have- groupon tesol)<br />
<br />
- cambly requires paypal for payment - find paypal, its easy to set up, you get paid every monday as long as you have the minimum of 20$ in your account. ( approx two hours or 120 minutes of talk time)<br />
<br />
this is the one con, is that the pay is not great, but it is supplemental pay for me and i enjoy it so that makes up for me! - .17 c a minute- approx 5.20 for 30 minutes or 10.20 for 60 minutes. it goes by minutes so you could log in at any time and get 4 minutes here, 20 minutes there, 45 minutes here, 30 minutes there. depends on whos calling and the time you are logging in, well get to that.<br />
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after you have paypal, if you want my referral link: https://www.cambly.com/en/tutors?referralCode=sammi94 - open it in a web browser, on a computer not a mobile device. you will fill out your tutor / student profile , answer some basic questions and do an intro video. the website is a little confusing first, you want to make sure you are on a tutor profile and not student. they will email you when you have been accepted and can start calling in! ( for me it took three days, but ive heard of some people where it took three weeks / months)<br />
<br />
( while you have my referral code - i will get 20$ after you sign up, have been accepted and completed 10 priority hours worth of talking, nothing sooner, and i would need a heads up to contact them about it - its a bit of a process - one of the few cons)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
youve been accepted!!!! now what???<br />
<br />
read the tutor guide!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i can not stress this enough. it covers everything, they have an extensive question and answer area on allllllll items.<br />
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<br />
if you want to update your video- you can check out other tutors profile videos or even go on youtube, or ask me questions, id be happy to help mentor! most importantly be yourself in it. make sure your bio is "real" - students will search bios to find one they feel is a good fit and after soooo many classes you go from " new talent" to having a rating. up to 5.0. i have seen people as low as 4.7 but there may be lower, and up to 4.9. the more chats you get the more ratings youll have, im at a steady 4.82 with almost 700 chats, have met just under 600 students ( in over 30 countries, its awesome)<br />
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you can either go " visible" or pick up "priority hours", ph means you have to be available to answer each call - they put you closer to the top of the list to have a better chance of getting students to call - could be students who are already used to cambly or brand new trial students - they do ads all over the world on youtube. going visible means youll be around others of the same rating , in the beginning you are listed as " new talent" with no rating to give you a fair chance at getting callers. some students are very particular about tutors based on rating, and others go off profile, or if they like your accent.<br />
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on your profile you can choose beginner, intermediate, advanced, ( students dont always look at that part but for the few who do its good to have ) what you specialize in- grammar / business english / conversation / current news/ exam prep / etc ( ielts or toefl are popular for foreign students wanting to come to school in america) - i highly recommend you find a " tesol" class - groupon has a 19$ deal that is good. gives you the basics on teaching english as second language and if you want to join other esl teaching online platforms you will need one ( vipkid, dadaabc, magic ears, etc)<br />
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once you have been accepted and you feel your profile is good to go you can go visible or take up priority hours! priority hours - you will be at the top of the list for accepting any and all calls - from trials to people with subscriptions. people may laugh or expect you to be a robot or flash you, some people may not say anything , beginners tend to be very shy and many people have low confidence when they start due to negative experiences trying english in real life. - have flashcards for beginners and i reccomend engoo.com articles for others! cambly also has a library filled with resources.<br />
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to start you will be a "new talent" rating- this is until you reach 500 or so chats and then an offical rating up to 5.0 kicks in. after this if you go invisible you will be in line where your rating lies - mines a 4.82 which is ok, not great but not bad. i seem to get enough calls during visible time and ph time along with reservations that i am pleased where i am, but i strive for better!<br />
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you can edit your bio video or bio at any time. i find it helps to talk to the students and not at the students. make your profile " conversational". one nice thing about cambly is you can switch between " tutor" page and "student " page - and when you start cambly gives you 20 -25 minutes to use with another tutor! this way you can see what the student side of the platform looks like to help out students when they are confused and ask more experienced tutors how they teach " lessons" or talk to students in general. you can look at different profiles under the student page and see the different videos and descriptions to help with altering any of your own profiles. <br />
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i cant say how much i enjoy cambly, and as i write this now i am fully aware of how many lower case i's i have and lowercase beginning sentences, however i am tired and it has been a long week so please forgive me! i have met many wonderful people on cambly from over 30 / 40 countries!! i hear about people wanting to receive job promotions, make life better for families, wanting to travel, needing to practice English for speaking at conferences ( i meet other psychologists and therapists all over the world) professors, IT / software , engineers, everything! its so wonderful to be apart of their journey and help them practice English through conversation or simple lessons - practice reading out loud / correcting English, rewording sentences, preparing for interviews, using random question generators, anything! any questions feel free to comment :)<br />
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Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-66352236098322465442020-02-28T21:51:00.001-06:002020-02-28T21:51:12.677-06:00Low immune systems suckSo, between chemo brain (yes it is real, and can be long lasting even ten years out) and low immune system and chronic fatigue , some days are just a battle. Called in sick for work twice this week for feeling total crap, which, even though it wasn’t nausea or diarrhea , the coughing and flem that came up and body cramps was bad enough, not to mention hot and cold sweats. Omg and yes I realize... tmi tmi. But I tell yea chemo definitely changed how things work. Never had a good immune system before but this new acid reflux I could have lived fine without. Also So thankful my part time job /online teaching is flexible, I had no reservations so I was able to cancel my availability and take the time to relax, and know that if I felt better I could easily call in and make some money to help me through payday.( cambly doesn’t pay a lot, but a little is better then nothing. I enjoy it, I meet so many awesome people around the world that it’s a great pick me up if nothing else). This weekend I’m doing the same, catching up on sleep and tea and soup, and maybe Sunday see how I feel and open up the line. I have a few amazing regulars who would love to call in if I’m feeling up to it, but while I’m coughing I’m no help :(. One nice thing about cambly, making friends all over the world from home and helping others on their journeys to better living. Have met students in university for technology, engineering, medical field, psychology field, people who want promotions and need improved English to help their families live better, people in retirement looking to travel, therapists who want to discuss different techniques and strategies (a Korean therapist called in one night at 2 am saying she had been waiting to talk to me all day and just got out of session in time. We had a very pleasant talk!). I’ve even been inspired by a new Turkish friend to try new books and watch new movies!we discussed parasite and the art therapist character, had a good talk about other characters and discussed the movie horse girl-Quite interesting. If anyone has questions about online teaching feel free to comment! I’ll post specifically about them to answer questions sometime. Maybe do a review soon comparing the two English teaching companies I work with.Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-23853298529143419052020-02-23T20:09:00.001-06:002020-02-23T20:09:13.087-06:00Well, I read through my past posts, and even though part of me remembers writing them I really don’t remember writing them. Not sure whether it’s embarrassing, scary or if I should just blame it on trauma and catching up. <br />
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Anyway, since starting up on this again I have started teaching English as a foreign language online. I am sick of debt, I have credit debt from trying to start over, and then my home flooding and appliances breaking down, on top of initial credit debt from back in the day starting to build credit and not realizing how quick it adds up, and student loan debt, and mortgage and car, and paying parents back for helping me, anyway I feel like I’m in debt up to my ears. So second job it is! I technically work with VIPkid, but I don’t get many bookings if any, so I started a second platform called “cambly”. Omg it’s awesome! I will gladly do more blogs on them, because I truly enjoy it so much. There are pros and cons to both but the point is I’m making extra payments to my credit debt, and I’m not struggling as much between paychecks. (I make a decent amount but I have so much debt that it cancels itself out so I live paycheck to paycheck just trying to hit all my minimum payments.). So cambly has been amazing, I get paid to have a conversation and help people practice English from all over the world!!! The pay is not awesome, but it is weekly so it’s dependable as long as I put a bit of effort in each week. This weekend I totally took a break and slept, because I can feel a cold coming in and needed it. Worked a few hours today though so I still get paid tomorrow! (Enough to get gas and still put aside some for taxes- I’m an independent contractor paid by these platforms so they don’t remove taxes, I need to remove it in case I make enough that they request me to pay taxes either quarterly or at tax time. I can blog about that to separately). My favorite part is I’m in charge of my availability in the schedule, and if I have no reservations I can close out my availability and give myself off. Best of all, is my two year plan to pay off debt (I’m also getting a bonus from work that will give me a head start), so far seems to be working just from these last few months of extra work on nights and weekends. It’s so nice to see a light at the end of the debt tunnel, even if it is still very smalllll. I see the sparkle.Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-44645771898277786702019-10-11T13:08:00.002-05:002019-10-11T13:23:47.845-05:00transitions,trauma and surviving<br />
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edit******- so apparently last i posted i had already moved up here. - the cancer writing group fell through, and the current clinic is the one spoken about in a recent previous post. Also about Mickey, while it wasn't his heart we think the febreeze pet friendly litter and trauma of the fire all were a bad combination leading to his passing- and my other cats all had allergic reactions while using that litter so be mindful if its in your own home. i am very thankful to the care appenasha pet clinic gave us extending his life the extra year and a half, would highly recommend them being both affordable and great bedside manner.<br />
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i wonder who reads blogs anymore, that are not associated with an app? i hear about apps such as reddit, tick tock, snapchat, so many more at work. Which, WOW its been a while!! Since i last posted i have had quite the transition.<br />
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Here is the summary of my time line: 2017 started at a clinic in Appleton- part of the clinic NO longer independent- but thats ok, i enjoy it. Shortly after i started so right after my last post in may- my apartment burned down and i had to move to Appleton ( while bitter and traumatized, also ok as my commute is alot shorter). i am still currently with this clinic - worked in day treatment leading art therapy groups for about a year and then switched to full time outpatient ( less intensive then day treatment), and starting January i will be doing one or two days in schools that we are associated with. ( will be here 3 years come march! wooot).<br />
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My health in these last few years has been up and down, being told im paranoid and such and not treatable. currently im in between acid reflux flare ups. I also started fostering dogs through "Woof Lodge and Rescue"!!! Super excited all! i have helped several puppies on their journies and only adopted one! my animal children have changed a bit, i now have a few fish, few new cats, the new dog, the original dog DeeDee, and have lost a pet - my beloved mickey RIP, passed away this summer due to a combination of old age and we think a type of intestinal kitty cancer.<br />
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Im going to have to keep more up to date with this blog regardless if anyone's watching because its nice to let it out and complain, maybe i can find a way to privatize it. i respectfully ask to keep away negative comments to keep this blog peaceful. typing is easier then hand writing and i dont want to pay for the cloud space.Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-89561714601096239902017-04-02T20:26:00.003-05:002017-04-02T20:26:34.011-05:00new clinicHello all! i mentioned i was starting at a new clinic this month, so far its very exciting! I have finished my first two weeks of orientation and start seeing clients tomorrow. Starting in may i will lead art therapy groups through the day treatment center for ages 12-18. Starting tomorrow i am seeing individual clients through outpatient treatment located at the day treatment center. Eventually we plan to offer art therapy groups through outpatient. Whats the difference between them? Day treatment is intensive 4 hour a day 5 day / week treatment and outpatient is a once or twice weekly 45-60 min session (or bi weekly / monthly) appointment.<br />
( Fun fact - did you know Catalpa Health is named after the Catalpa tree?)<br />
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Usually the Way it goes is inpatient -->residential > day treatment > outpatient. <br />
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Inpatient - An individual has self harmed to the point of a suicide attempt<br />
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Residential - an individual has stablized enough to transfer out of inpatient, or enter in after multiple self harms due to depressive thoughts or a lowered quality of life due to excess anxiety / mental illness. - 24/7 care, see doctors, therapists, nutritionists, experiential therapists , a team of professionals to help work on the mental health and increase quality of life.<br />
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Day Treatment - intensive 4 hr per day 5 day per week treatment where a team of counselors / psychologists / psychiatrists work together to teach groups and individual therapy to review what skills were learned in residential and work on incorporating them into daily stressors and work toward increasing that quality of life while experiencing triggers outside of a residential setting. (ex school, family trouble, )<br />
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Outpatient - individual has "Graduated" from the day treatment program and is in a good place, requiring followup appointments once or twice a week, bi weekly or monthly depending on their quality of life and stressors.Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-19265700019415343512017-03-09T22:50:00.000-06:002017-03-09T22:50:03.510-06:00new survivor group!I am so excited all! through meetup.com i found a cancer survivor writing workshop, we sent an invitation to the fox valley oncology group who has a facebook page and a monthly support group who is going to put out flyers for their patients and survivors! I will be hosting an art therapy workshop at the end of an 8 week writing workshop this summer in Depere. I am also going to be contacting the rec department or the place i held a previous studio at for Asnew about starting a consistant open studio, sponsored by my new clinic where i will be doing art therapy groups and individual sessions in appleton starting the end of march.<br />
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Im so excited for these changes, even if i had to close the door on one opportunity a new one opened. New chapters bring new adventures! It would be wonderful to meet with other survivors, through a writing workshop or just hanging out. Having a local group of friends, people who understand, people who need to talk and vent who understand will be cool. There is so much to do in this area i cant wait to discover it , with my new survivor friends or on my own now that i have settled down from moving and have time to explore.Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-89239462863013169992017-02-23T11:35:00.002-06:002017-02-23T11:35:41.145-06:00exciting news, changes happeningHello again! I have news to share that I will be switching outpatient clinics. While I have enjoyed working with Spectrum Behavioral Health, I was given an offer to join the Catalpa Health team in #appleton / #foxvalley and for financial reasons I had to accept. It is difficult starting a new practice in a new city, and by joining forces with catalpa i can work my way back to private practice in the future. I will be temporarily helping out in the Oshkosh schools (where catalpa is also located) as well as hosting art therapy groups at the appleton day treatment center (where the new outpatient clinic will be located) for our youth and am looking forward to this new adventure! Keep an eye on my website for any new updates, as well as i will post here any more changes and updates as well<br />
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www.samanthahanson.weebly.com<br />
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<br />Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-48991350744744328662017-01-02T14:50:00.002-06:002017-01-02T14:50:07.298-06:00New year, new start, new you! New year means new you, right? Not necessarily! You can be an enhanced you. The greatest wisdom i have been told for meeting people, interviewing for jobs, going new places, is to "be yourself". <br />
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Sometimes we have to enhance our features,by doing our research and putting a plan in action. What is my new years resolution? i started at a gym with a black friday sale. I even bit the bullet and signed up for a professional trainer. Did i hit my new years goal of losing certain amount of weight? not quite, but i did make some progress and for my first goal both trainer and i agreed it was a good start! My body has had a lot of stress done to it from living with cancer, enduring the chemo and the previous condition of endometriosis, so even starting to get in shape with floor exercises to increase mobility, flexibility and strengthening was alot to start in that short of time. Thankfully each week (with exception of after christmas - oops) i did lose something, but most importantly i felt better! my floor exercises were getting easier and gasp...boring! i was even experimenting with the machines before the trainer officially brought it up in our once weekly meeting (carefully of course, small amounts of weight to try). Also noticed that my boots do not feel like ankle weights this winter, and normally they do (that is a fun experience, not have that heaviness around the ankles all season).<br />
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As for my anxiety, i have an outlet to decrease the worrying. Not like i didn't before, i have my arts and crafts, my video games, friends to vent to, but the exercising seems to help in a different way. I put away my phone and i focus on the floor exercises. i have to do so many rounds of each to work different muscles and then i do cardio for a certain amount of time while keeping track of my breathing and my heartrate, then i go to the machines depending on the day with my work out schedule and focus on form and weights so that i dont hurt myself by overdoing it or handling the machines wrong. Really exersizing to me is a form of meditation. I personally don't know how people can be on their phones while still doing a good workout. Maybe after im "officially in shape" ill be able to as well? until then, im ok people watching, watching the tvs, listening to the gym music (can't seem to get music on my phone and headphones distract me ) or talking with a friend while we do the cardio together. The repetitiveness of the floor exersizes and trying to hit my step goal through fitbit help keep me focused. Seeing the scale going down helps to but its only added incentive. I can't wait till i can feel healthy and look healthy- My new self, still me, only a better version of myself.<br />
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What do you find to be meditative to help with your anxiety, or depression?Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-59642799187913385072016-11-09T22:24:00.001-06:002016-11-09T22:24:17.067-06:00ChangeChange can be difficult to handle. With the recent election everyone has their thoughts and beliefs and feelings toward the situation and they are allowed to have them. I have seen alot of this on social media, and i dont necessarily agree that that is the best way to express things; however we each do the best that we can and if that includes using our social media as a support, by all means use social media to express yourself. Personally for me i like to find a more creative way to express myself. with a sale at #joanns i discovered #prismacolor colored pencils!!!! OMG they are amazing. ( i also just found walmart sells them way cheaper in case the sale has ended by the time you read this post). they are the best colored pencils i have tried yet!! ( recieved some #mandala coloring books last christmas that i go into every now and then) The colored pencils i have used up till now that i truly enjoy are woodless colored pencils. The only downside to them is they are limited amount of colors. This prisma pack ( 24 colors ) is a wonderful variety!!!! and the color is like cream, i barely have to touch the paper for the color ( which is truly vibrant) to hit the page. im used to colored pencils where force is needed to fill in the space. This requires a light touch , which requires an adjustment period and is totally worth it. i started out my morning preparing for a management "fire safety , appliance and house keeping check" this morning and while i was waiting for them to come i tried to make coffee and of course grabbed the container out of the closet and knocked a can from 4 ft up, onto tip of my big toe. OUCH. so while i was recovering with a bag of ice until the inspection came / after he left ( went just fine btw) i decided to distract myself from the throbbing pain by experimenting with the colors. i almost wanted to cry at how nice these pencils work. granted part of that may been from the pain..... i always enjoy trying new materials. especially good quality materials!!! i recently saw this "art box" subscription through facebook where you pay 25 or 35$ a month and recieve a box of supplies to try with a small art project for inspiration ( like a mini painting that comes with specific colored markers to re create that painting). Im very tempted to try it for a month or two as a christmas present to myself. <br />
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however you need to help yourself de stress from the election , i hope it works out for you. if you do #create, please feel free to share an image in the comments!Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-50741559060645764602016-11-03T12:13:00.001-05:002016-11-03T12:13:12.175-05:00Update on Kitty!My cranky old man kitty Mickey had his heart scan yesterday. there is no sign of heart disease!!!!!!!! so thankful!!! I will be getting the specifics in the next few days after the doc does the write up but basically one of this valves is just a hair too close to an arterie so when hes stressed it gets sucked in and thats what causes his heart murmer. He is given the clear to go under anesthesia for dental appointments!!! We almost didn't complete the scan because he wasn't allowing the doctor to do the initial exam. They ended up holding him down and putting a muzzle on him. he survived and was given extra treats upon arrival at home :) after an especially cranky afternoon hes now appeared settled again and taken over his chair in the living room. hes 15 ish and ive had him since he was about a week old, so definitely my baby! i remember bottle feeding him, hand feeding him, litter training him. So thankful hes ok and hopefully will last me a few more years!!!<br />
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Feel free to share pictures in the comments of your furbabies :)Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-44414451833083280392016-10-18T21:14:00.001-05:002016-10-18T21:14:27.044-05:00ever afterSo the #lls #lightthenight walk #appleton turned out pretty nice. two of my coworkers joined me in support of me as well as memory of past family members. Its always wonderful to see the amount of support at events like this, and to know that appleton raised over 120,000 $ toward #bloodcancer #research!!!!!!!!! #teamjustkeepswimming will be back again next year and i will share my link ahead of time once they open registration :). <br />
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In other news, i took my cat to the vet for pre dental examination and blood work. I found out he has heart murmer :( :( :( which could have developed since his last appt in spring or missed from his previous vet. i recieved an email today that his blood work came back fine which im confused about, so i will be calling back tomorrow for more information and scheduling the cardiac workup that the vet reccomended. i feel like getting that looked at is more important then getting his teeth cleaned with the chance of him not making it through the procedure due to the anesthesia and heart condition. <br />
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my baby is 15ish years old and ive had him since he was like a week old! im hoping its simple thyroid issue , but im not feeling to positive since they didn't say the thyroid blood work wasn't out of the ordinary. wish me luck all, ill update when i know something! until then enjoy these cute pics of my babes , and my dad who was engrossed in the packer game at the top photo.<br />
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Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-58790673729708621692016-10-14T13:11:00.000-05:002016-10-14T13:11:15.620-05:00Light the nightIts time to light the night! Last week i walked in the #milwaukee #lls #lightthenight walk with a team who has brought me into their #family. Tonight im supposed to walk with a friend in #appleton , i didn't want to do this alone, however it looks like that will be the case. I know im not really alone, and i was just going over my blog posts and saw the one i wrote before i went out west and met all the other amazing #young adult #survivors throughout the country (and then some , #canada)! Somedays like today, i still feel alone. This walk is important to me, its not about the money donations although that is definitely helpful. This walk to me is #celebratinglife . 7 years from diagnoses ( give or take a few weeks) ( 2009, started chemo right before thanksgiving, but the month of october was full of testing at the big hospital - this would explain why my knees have been killing me this last two weeks - phantom pain) . Online about every other post i see on fb is from a #firstdescents friend or a #campmakadream friend. few have been anniversarys of those lost since then. I overcome that sadness by knowing they are no longer in pain and are partyin in the sky or the rivers watching over us. Part of me still feels survivor guilt over living, and at the same time im so thankful i was given a second chance regardless of others thoughts or feelings. My parents dont understand why i want to be a part of this community. Thats why i do. who else wants to be understood!? SO needless to say, if you find this in time for tonight, sign up for "team - just keep swimming and comment to let me know!<br />
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http://pages.lightthenight.org/wi/NEWI16/Justkeepswimming<br />
<br />Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582745381631231549.post-54465621789939690002016-10-12T17:39:00.002-05:002016-10-12T17:39:57.182-05:00EMDRLast week i traveled to #milwaukee to be trained in using EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing . This technique is a quicker version of psychotherapy. When i went to the training, i was open to the process because i have heard so many success stories. I did not believe it actually worked, i was channeling the "placebo effect" - give a sugar pill but the person thinks its the real medication and it works (mind over matter). Part of this training though was me therapying myself and it was amazing the difference i felt and am still feeling during the after effects (processing continues after therapy session ends)<br />
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This training was a small group of therapists from around the midwest and first half of each day was learning a portion of the technique, and the second half was us going in small groups of three (observer, client, therapist) and practicing the technique on eachother so that we could each experience being the client and practice using the technique as the therapist.<br />
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We picked "smaller issues" to work on over the 3 day period so that we could still notice if the technique worked and maybe feel better about something that was bothering us. To start we learned a general overview of the technique, history and such. We each created a "safe place" to go to if the technique brought up intense emotion and this would help us relax through it. We then placed our issue with negative and positive thoughts and used the technique which is the eye movement, to help re organize the thoughts and feelings connected to that experience which in effect affected how we feel today in similiar situations.<br />
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Day two was going in depth with our situation, the negative and positive cognition and hopefully overcoming that initial experience. This was where the intense emotions would come up, between "feeder memories" (similar experiences). My working issue was my fear of public speaking. we "floated back" by imagining the experience (speaking in public), taking those physical sensations, and allowing ourselves to go back to previous times where we felt that sensation and recording the memories down to the earliest memory. we had to think about that memory and as we processed it with the eye movement, we were incorporating what we know now, into that memory until our image of that memory , not necessarily faded, but didn't "feel " as strong. This is where feeder memories came in , different situations that were simliar to the memories / feelings. Our brain is basically a filing cabinet - We experience a situation and our body and mind connect to create sensations - positive and negative. With my experience i brought up shame - or negatively "im not good enough, im not worthy". My positive was " i am worthy". I would think the positive with the situation until my mind was able to make connections from all the experience that ive learned, (they call this adaptive information processing) with that situation and re organized the internal filing cabinet so that yes i still had the memory, but the feelings were normalized, that memory was categorized properly in the cabinet and the part that connects now is no longer negative. yes i remember the feelings i had associated, but now its more, "yes it happened, im over it, i remember how i felt about it but now that intense show of emotion is gone becuase the filing cabinet is organized'. <br />
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Day three was going over what happened since the last session. Normally these sessions are a week apart, and they dont always complete themselves in one session. This should also be done with a professional to help process memories and emotions that come up. The processing as i said continues after the session. I had strange dreams that normally i would consider nightmares over the weekend. i was also completely drained and fatigued. I had new memories come up that , werent repressed but i had forgot about them ( which is normal). the connections i was able to make between experiences and similiar experiences was amazing. I had gone to counseling all through college for my fear of public speaking and confronting people , or feelings of nervousness when the boss called me in. Nothing ever made me feel good, i always left each session in tears and felt like crap. This weekend was a big breakthrough, i feel like a giant weight has been lifted. Granted other things came up that i now will have to process in therapy, but its a good thing. I was able to move past that initial young memory. Im still feeling the fatigue even 4 days later, but i also feel a sense of motivation to do things that i havent felt in a long time. Anyway - day three, how have things been, has anything changed, any new memories come up. If anything has, we repeat day two with the new items, negative and cognitive, and repeat safe place. <br />
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Emdr isn't for everyone, but it may help you. Emdr has been mainly used and researched with veterans and ptsd, however it has been used with other populations experiencing different types of trauma. Trauma has been defined as any situation that caused negative feelings. I felt intense emotion at different times, however with us being trained before we started , my acting therapist was able to help me through them properly. That is very important because not being able to process feelings properly can lead to deeper emotions and actions. Safe place is made to help cushion, but to have a therapist guide to the safe place feeling and through the steps is important in case we "fall off the tracks" and cant pull up that cushion.<br />
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To find a EMDR trained therapist near you, checkout the emdria website<br />
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http://www.emdria.org/search/custom.asp?id=2337<br />
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<br />Sammi Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365087154413666290noreply@blogger.com0