Tales of a Shrink

I want to direct your attention to a new blog--my friend Laura probably reads more than anyone I know, and she is very willing and happy to make book recommendations based on her vast knowledge. Laura tends to read fantasy/romance novels, usually with a paranormal flavor to them (think Laurell K. Hamilton), which really aren't my cup of tea, but still--you gotta give props where props are due, and Laura knows her shit. If you are at all interested in that sort of writing (and I know that some of you are), check out her blog: Laura Likes. It's still in the early stages, but it has big promise.

Moving on, I have come to the end of the year with my current MSW student intern, which makes me want to cry. However, I went out yesterday and picked up a thank-you gift for her: a lovely desk clock, which I'm having engraved with her name and title. (Louise, if you're reading this, act surprised.)

I had some trouble thinking of what I wanted to write on the clock. I sort of wanted to put an inspirational phrase on it, but I couldn't really think of anything appropriate. So I asked my partner to help me think of something that would inspire and thank a very hard-working future social worker. This is what we came up with:

"In Social Work, we show our thanks not with money, but with useless
crap."

"Wherever there is despair, there you will find Social Workers."

"Happily, you can only go up from here."

"You worked hard, despite not getting paid--just like a real Social
Worker."

"Don't burn out your first year; savor it over several years."