LCSW Pampering + Fixing My Hair

Aloha everyone!

In my post last week, I mentioned that I passed my board exam to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Definitely an accomplishment in the world of social work.

And of course, I am the queen of celebrations and will celebrate anything big or small. Passing a crazy four hour exam definitely deserves some celebrations!

So what did I do right after my exam?

PERUVIAN FOOD
I had some Peruvian food with a former colleague. If you haven't had Peruvian food yet, ya'll must try!! Definitely delicious. I ordered aji de gallina for the first time and oh my oh my! It was really really good.

NAILS DONE
If you know me well, you know I am a nail person! I wish I can get my nails done all the time but it gets pricey yo. 
I treated myself to gel nails and finally found a baby pink that fits my skin tone. It's soooo beautiful! It's called "Rock N Rose" by DND. Love!! I can't stop staring :D

FIXED MY HAIR

As I had mentioned in my previous post, I had my hair done in July using balayage technique and I went lighter, much lighter than I have ever gone. The color was blonde-ish. After 3-4 weeks, the  color faded to a brassy and vibrant orange. Not the biz-naz! I went back to dark because that blonde-ish was definitely not the ish on me.

THE BRASSY ORANGE BEFORE:

THE BROWN AFTER:

I am very happy with the results! And I must say, it makes me look younger :D

The color is an ashy brown. My hairstylist asked if that would be okay and I said sure, I like ashy brown. She said this color will still fade, but it will not turn orange. PERFECTLY FINE WITH ME.

Darker is definitely more me, but I am happier that I gave the lighter color a try. Going bold like that is definitely out of my comfort zone and I'm totally glad I gave it a shot. 

Life is short. Just do it!

Xoxoxo

Life Update: Why I M.I.A.'d and Why 2016 Rocks (so far)!

Aloha everyone!!

I have returned (again! LOL) from a 2 month hiatus.

A lot has happened in the last two months that has caused me to skidaddle not only from my blog but from most social functions.

WHY I WENT M.I.A: 
Last Wednesday, 8/24 aka KOBE DAY!, I took my final board exam for clinical social work and I PASSED!!!!!! I am almost officially an LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am just waiting for the certificate that seals the deal. In the field of social work, it is a big deal and something super anxiety-provoking to get.

I took part one of my exam in March and passed. That was fine, not too bad.

Last Wednesday's exam was the clinical exam. 170 questions, 4 hours of critical thinking, reasoning, and anything that makes you want to bang your head against a wall and say, "Why did I do this to myself?" 

At the end of all that, I made it!! And that is all that matters. No more testing ever! Hallelujah!

WHY 2016 ROCKS:

<> I passed both board exams and have reached licensure! It is as though I am a legit social worker now. LOL

<> I got engaged to my Ben at the end of July <3 No wedding planning has commenced due to studying for my exam. I am in the midst of still celebrating (LCSW is a big deal in the field)!! :D I am debating whether to start planning now or in October when I quit my second job on Saturday nights. In my current M-F job, I have taken on the new role of intern supervisor (or field instructor for those in the social work world) and that starts in Sept - June. I really do not want to spread myself too thin.

<> I had the honor of coplanning and cohosting my former coworker's baby shower. It was such a joy and so much fun! I cannot wait to meet baby Theo!

Russian spread of homemade sweet treats

<> My beautiful nephew Eli was born making my nephew Ollie a proud big brother <3

Just like anyone else, I have had multiple downs as I had ups this year. But I really wanted to highlight what really made 2016 amazing. There are 4 more months left in the year. I hope the year continues to bring continued love, luck, health and blessings, not just to me but to you all as well.

Xoxox