It’s been far too long, and for what?
Shortly after the quarantine lockdown began, I started a full-time career in outpatient behavioral healthcare settings, accruing clinical social work hours toward LCSW / LiCSW dual licensure in NY and MN. I recently completed my 2,000 hours and turned in my LCSW application. I hope to hear from the New York State Office of the Professions to be able to take an exam that will determine whether I will get the credentials I’ve long been working towards.
16 months ago, I added to an already-packed work schedule when I began moonlighting in yoga school, commencing a 2-year-long program whose culmination will allow me to obtain a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certification at the 500-hour level. I’ve learned a great deal, but I realize that the timing was questionable. Why put myself through all this? Is it undiagnosed ADHD? A severe case of masochism? Probably both. Needless to say, there has been precious little space or motivation for blogging in my life. I do miss it.
After several near-misses with professional burnout and ensuing physical health ailments, the reader will find more than enough reason for my long absence from the blogosphere. I hope to return again soon and share the many photos which continue to accumulate in my iPhone camera roll. Below is a recent favorite, which I’ll post before logging off for another indeterminate amount of time.
The place: Union Street, in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood.
The time: Mid-morning on a Saturday in early May 2024.
These patient dogs awaited their owner who was, presumably, grocery-shopping at the Park Slope Coop Market, situated about 15 feet behind me as I snapped this photograph. The pups were so adorable that I couldn’t resist!
And how about you, reader: what have you been up to lately? And how do you find time for hobbies when life ramps up to full speed?
Virtually Gina 
2 responses
Excellent you’re keeping yourself so busy and professionally challenging yourself! I am struggling at the moment to find a good life and work balance, as I have not one but two very seriously ill elder family members that I am responsible for their healthcare direction. So I hear you with the being busy part! Keep going and growing, Gina!!
Thanks for your comment, Patricia. I’m so sorry to hear that two of your family members are seriously ill. They’re fortunate to have a loved one as thoughtful as you to help direct their healthcare needs, although I can only imagine it’s an enormous challenge. Wishing you all the best! And all the more inspiring that you continue with your passion for art.