Tuesday, May 20, 2008

It's nice to be wanted.

Item number 1: This is not me. I never thought I'd see someone with the same name as me.

Item #2: Today I turned in my letter of resignation. I got lots of hugs and exortations to keep in touch. A couple ignored me. I ignored them, too.

Item #3: I'm starting a new job at a not-for-profit community counseling center I've written about before. It is a a colorful place full of colorful characters, downtown, and it's two blocks from a branch of my gym, a couple blocks from one of the main bike paths that goes through town, and near the light rail station. It's very low budget. Frequently there are not enough rooms to counsel a client, so we go for a walk, or get coffee, or sit in the park. You get paid when clients show up, and then you don't get paid a lot, and it is run by Dr. Ken.

Item #4: Introducing: Dr. Ken , my new boss.
Dr. Ken is an enigma. At first glance he is an old hippie, with his white ponytail, but is deceptively sharp given his penchant for pretending to be a doddering old guy. He's the clinical director and a professor at the school where I got my counseling degree. He's worked in mental health for over 30 years, has a PhD in counseling psychology and an MSW, and he knows a lot of stuff and has a lot of great stories. I did my internship at the center he directs.

Dr. Ken has white (formerly red) hair and light blue eyes. He is of Jewish ancestry and yet, somehow, also descended from Baptist Indian missionairies. As a result, he is third generation born and raised on the Laguna Pueblo Indian Reservation, and is a full member of the Laguna tribe and speaks fluent Laguna.
Then there's this: the counseling center is run by a Greek Orthodox church, where Dr. Ken is some sort of priest or something. So, every once in a while he and a bunch of the other guys that work at the center stop by on their way to services, and so they're four guys in a small white car wearing large black pointy hats. It always brings to mind the Elbonians, and yes, I've shared this with Dr. Ken.

Dr. Ken tells great stories. He also enjoys lying about me for some reason I cannot fathom. He'll introduce me to someone who's never met me, with a perfectly straight face, and say something like,
"When I first met Miss Misty she was pole-dancing at a place on Central, and had just been arrested for punching a cop. She's come a long way."

Which leaves it to me to shake my head at the astonished stranger:
"He's lying. I'm from the suburbs. And I've never even been to jail."

So Dr. Ken was on my thesis committee, and after I presented my thesis, he wanted to know when I was coming to work for him. This was perhaps the ninth or tenth time he's asked that. And I always used to laugh and say, "you can't afford me."

but this time, well,

this time.

I took a deep breath, and I said, "Wednesday, May 21st,"

and he was delighted. Delighted.

So, welcome to my new life. Teacher Misty: exit, stage left. Enter: Counselor Misty.

...

21 comments:

  1. Rock on, Misty!! You would totally beat all those other girls in Thai boxing. Oh wait... you said that WASN'T you... what's this about counseling?

    I'm not totally into the "you are what you do" philosophy - you are way more than that, and I'm certain that this new gig will help you be more, you know, YOU.

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  2. Congrats on the resignation, the new job, and your new life!

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  3. I'm an MSW, with an LCSW, that's Licensed Clinical Social Worker here in California, but I know in other states they have different titles. Anyway, welcome to the field! I'm sure I'll be hearing more about it.

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  4. Good Luck on your new path!
    Wishing you only the best!
    : )
    Enjoy.

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  5. Good luck and have fun!

    There is a Dr Jenny Wimmer nearby that is an opthamologist, I get her calls all the time. It
    s kind of spooky feeling really.

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  6. I've read your blog for some time now but never had the nerve to comment but now I just can't help myself. You are such an inspiration. I love that you are taking a chance on something new, I love and admire that. Life is about taking chances and trying new things, not working a job you dislike forever. It's important to wake yourself up every now and again and remind yourself that it's YOUR life. Good for you.

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  7. Dr. Ken sounds like quite a character and quite an inspiration!

    Have a fine first day on the job --and many more to follow.

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  8. Anonymous6:33 AM

    Congratulations!

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  9. Anonymous7:52 AM

    Congrats!!

    ya know...I used to play the part of Shirley on "Laverne and Shirley." ;)

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  10. Best wishes on starting this new phase in your life. I hope you enjoy the job, sounds like you are quite suited for it. Your clients will be lucky to have you.

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  11. Congratulations on beginning the new phase of your life.

    Are you able to bike to work sometimes since it is close to the bike path and gym?

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  12. Misty, congratulations on the change! Sounds like you are going to have a great time :)

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  13. congratulations, misty! sounds like working for dr. ken will keep you on your toes! :-)

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  14. I like Dr. Ken already. Congrats on making the career change. It'll be the best decision you've ever made.

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  15. I don't know-are you sure you are not the boxing chick??
    Congrats on the new job-serenity is everything..
    :)

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  16. I'm so excited for you! I know this will lead to a whole new satisfaction with life!

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  17. Congratulations! How exciting!

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  18. Holly cow! Good luck Misty. I'm sure you'll do great. You have a vert kind &
    personable personality. As far as the location, near bike trails, gyms, & light
    rails. Sounds like heaven. I'll never work somewhere I can't comute to.

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  19. Good luck and I like that Ken guy, maybe it’s the ponytail or name! Ha

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  20. Very cool to srart a new job. Almost like a new life has begun.

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  21. I like your new identity...pole dancer...has a great ring to it...

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 I'm no longer involved in multisport or endurance sports. I've started my own business, a psychotherapist specializing in anxiety d...