Book of D: Purple Rain at Midland Mazda

I'm at the Mazda place. Chewy II 🚙 is getting an oil change and tire 🔘 rotation. The renovations at Mazda of Midland are wonderful. They're playing "Purple Rain." ☂️Thanks also, Mazda of Midland, for the wonderful, informative video. All car dealerships should offer this video service.

TruVideo - Repair Orders

Book of D: Emotional Disconnect

Pondering over the many counseling sessions with my clients, I wonder why so many people are experiencing so much emotional disconnect. I wondered if it had something to do with early childhood from where so many mental health issues stem. In all honesty, I am thinking that covid did some really disturbing things to people and their abilities to form social connections. As humans, we have the innate need for other people. We have a need for socialization and fellowship. Humans need human touch and interaction. When connectedness is lacking, despair will often set in making people feel devalued, and in turn, they can devalue others. Moreover, being connected helps ward off despondency. There is empirical evidence which posits that connectedness improves our wellbeing and good mental health. Furthermore, scientific evidence proves that connectedness can lower the rates of anxiety and depression while increasing self-esteem, empathy, trust, and supportive relationships. So, what does all this mean? That mental health counseling is at an even greater need than in decades before and that normalizing counseling is vital.

Book of D: Lubbock Trip

 We went to Lubbock to just get away for the weekend. Just knowing we are out of Midland makes us feel free. LOL. Even if we are going to a more conservative town (Lubbock) than Midland. We left Saturday afternoon after my site evaluation with my college professor and site supervisor. My spouse drove her suv since mine needs an oil change. My niece (a.k.a. daughter) Alex was in Lubbock with her friend Posie. They had plans to see Erra, The Devil Wears Prada, Beartooth, and Silverstein at the Lonestar Amphitheater on Saturday night. Alex drove back to Midland with us on Sunday evening to keep Posie from having to drive to Midland and back to the Lubbock area. Alex and Posie spent Sunday going to church (yes, 20 year-olds opt for church, especially on Palm Sunday😉), shopping, going to eat, and having coffee at Dutch Bros Coffee. Posie drove Alex to Rosa's where my spouse's family, my spouse, and I were having dinner. We spent over an hour deciding where to eat, so when hunger started making me act like a mean ole bear (kidding); actually, we had all arrived at the point where our sugar levels were low, making us somewhat loopy and not fun to hang with. Bad! My aunt mentioned Rosa's, so we all agreed to go there and to get there fast. Heh, heh. Anyway, the food and service is quick and good at Rosa's; it reminds me of Taco Cabana. Posie left to go home (15 mins from Lubbock), and we all went back to our aunt and uncle's house. We packed up and left. I let Alex ride shotgun while I basked in the lap of luxury in my Honey's almost brand new SUV. The leather passenger bucketseats are so comfy; I would have napped had our convo with Alex not kept us all enthralled. It was such a nice weekend. I am so grateful.