Time Flies

Well here I am again. Wondering how months have flown by without even an attempt to post a blog. How in the world do people keep up with social media… like juggle multiple platforms like a pro, blog, work and find time to have a social life and oh yes, the ever important self-care?

So, I am going to give this blog another shot. Why torture myself, you ask? I could just say, why not? Because I have a tendancy to be an over-achiever or so I am told. The truth, I used to write all of the time and I have a project in mind, so I need to dust off the cobwebs.

No way, I am telling you about this new project because it is a totally for me project. I may or may not share if and when I complete it. We will just have to see how it goes and then how I feel about it in the end. Support would be appreciated…even though you don’t know the project you can still send support that I am just me and pull off something outside of the box and crazy. You know, being my own brand of happy, crazy and entertaining.

So what to brief you on and how, with so many months and miles between us. Hmmm, so let’s go with opportunities that came out of no where, goals I set and achieved and tease you with the fact that I have a major announcement coming soon. The “act” has already come to fruition and it includes more than just me and makes the community service, teacher, and person who doesn’t take NO for an answer so unbelievable proud and happy. Surprised…not at all because I believe that everything can be accomplished if enough effort and heart are put into it. And we did and will continue to do so. Intrigued…I hope so because it is something beyond my wildest imagination. That says a lot!

Those opportunities I mentioned, came in the form of being the subject matter expert (criminologist, victimologist…) on multiple shows and a bunch of episodes for new shows on Oxygen. Mark of a Killer, Charmed to Death and a new show previewing in January are under my belt. Guess what, I liked. No, I loved it. It is something I never imagined doing. I get to bring attention to my school (Indian River State College), get my students to engage in their criminal justice studies, and made a bunch of amazing contacts and friends along the way. A lot of those have spoken with, been interviewed by, offered jobs to and given lectures to my students. That is the best part of the whole thing.

I spoke again this year at CrimeCon, and was joined by my podcast co-host PCubed (Pierre.) We are joined each year by more students and alumni. Watching them network, while I do the same is so much fun. How does the saying go, “It is amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit?” We encourage them and then watch them fly. That is the teacher in both me and Pierre - making an impression on others so that they believe in themselves and reach for the stars. And that is where they belong.

If you wondering why I haven’t mentioned the podcast that is because I have a “day job” as well. As a criminal justice professor, it has been a crazy ride, with ups and downs, changes and challenges thanks to Covid and quite a few other forces to deal with. But fear not, P’s eye rolling will be returning soon and I have researched myself up one side and down the other to bring you new cases, entertain you as well, annoy PCubed which is always a favorite and most importantly bring the victims to life as they are who we should truly focus on.

Hmmmm, so much to do still tonight, so off I run. I hope you are glad to hear from me and get back on track following me and encouraging me to continue trying new things and reach for my own stars.

Glad to be back!

Dr. M

Just a Normal Day

So what should I share with you today? Let’s see:

The Alpha Phi Sigma International Criminal Justice Honor Society, Pi Beta Iota Chapter at IRSC co-sponsored (formality) with the Clarke Advanced Learning Center’s National Honor Society to organize and participate in a one mile walk/run this past Saturday with all proceeds to support the Catch the Wave of Hope Organization, which yes is the same one my students attended a gala for last Saturday. This organization is to promote the education and many many other aspects, including treatment for victims of human trafficking. To find out more about or to support this organization please visit catchthewaveofhope.org. May is also mental health month so keep that in mind when looking for things do to people to support.

THESE STUDENTS ARE AMAZING!

I had a million errands to run which I did but accomplished absolutely nothing other than finding out what I will NOT be wearing for CrimeCon in June. House was cleaned, more of my gardens were tended to but there was probably more butterfly and bird watching going on than weed pulling and tree trimming. As you are learning this is my love, my sanity and my time to think and be creative.

Hmmm, this week starts the beginning of the first semester of the summer at Indian River State College so I had a bunch of classes to get prepared. Guess what???? DONE! I feel so ahead of the game and now I can focus the next couple of days exclusively on CrimeCon.

I am also getting reading for a local presentation at a new place…. for me anyway. True Crime and a Glass of Wine will make its first appearance in more than a year at Hop Life Brewing in Port St. Lucie on Thursday, May 20th. Looking forward to getting back out there and enjoying myself, meeting new people and having some fun.

Ok, this was just a quick catch up because now I have to get busy returning JMail…. some of these people need to chill. I can’t write them everyday let alone multiple times a day…. I have things to do because I didn’t do something to get myself stuck in a cell 23/1. Have I mentioned they are quite needy and demanding at times?

Enjoy your Monday, set a goal, get something accomplished but most of all do something to spend some time for yourself. Life is meant to be fun!

Chat soon~

Dr. M

Just Stopping By to Remind You to Enjoy Life

Today I had planned to get about a half a million things done. That darn OLD me must have reared it’s head because I thought getting these things accomplished would make me happy if for no other reason than I would stop worrying about needing to get grades done, lesson plans ready for the week, the back gardens weeded (I think my yard is starting to look like an arboretum….lol), clothes and linens washed and put away and so on and so on and so on.

BUT the NEW me who just yesterday told you about finding my peace, realized that as soon as those chores would be done then I would need to finish my taxes, finish my son’s taxes, bathe 3 insanely cute but refuse to stand still puppies; and whatever else there is.

My point, not me nor anyone else will ever be DONE with our chores. This illusion I had would not make me happy NOR bring me that PEACE I found and want to keep. What WOULD make me happy? Getting some of the items on my list done that were actual necessities, spending time laughing with my family, watching my granddaughter attempt those first steps (for me) towards me and then snuggling up with this pretty handsome man and taking an hour nap. I didn’t fall asleep but the rest was pretty darn nice.

The message for myself, and I am sharing it with you is to take time to do the things that NEED to get done but remember to take CARE OF YOURSELF as well. Breathe, smell the flowers that you were going to weed, chase a butterfly or two around the yard and just be happy in whatever way you choose. What was interesting and I just realized this, I am spending more time with one my dogs who has lived a long and crazy life. As she nestled against me on the couch and she slept, I managed to work on two projects that needed some attention. I hadn’t intended on working but it wasn’t work when I was more focused on making sure every second she has left, she is happy.

Maybe your day isn’t over so go do something you enjoy. Maybe you haven’t thought about tomorrow so make plans to talk with a friend. Get some work done but most of all practice SELF-CARE and do something for yourself.

Enjoy your weekend!

Dr. M