Table of Contents
Cleint Lands Local Internship
October 18, 2013
Late for the Train, in my opinion, has benefitted me regardless of the internship. It did so by teaching me the importance of cover letters, which I did not know prior to entering Back2Basics. My cover letter was preparation to help me stand out above other applicants. It shows your interests in the company, what you have to offer, and how past experience may benefit their company. I now have a better understanding of how to stand out and look professional when applying for jobs in the community.
I find it ironic to have a possible internship there, considering I am not a big coffee drinker but, there is plenty of room for me to grasp a better understanding of the process. The company has an outstanding reputation in the community and this opportunity could open many doors for my future.
The process of the interview showed me what my job would entail, and their expectations. I toured the warehouse facility where the coffee is roasted and distributed to the cafes, and was very impressed. The process fascinated me and I am excited to see it in action. They gave me an overview of how the coffee is made and how it will be one of my many jobs. The method begins by separating the raw coffee beans by blend and weighing them out to roast. They are then sucked up into the roaster by blend and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. The computerized roaster handles the entire process and it allows workers to monitor when the coffee reaches peak temperature. The beans are then dumped into a circulation cooling bin where they are transferred to a holding bin to be weighed and measured. The café orders describe how to package the beans, and we do so accordingly.
Another job expressed to me was helping out in the kitchen filling orders. This section is only about six months old and could really use a kick start. It was made clear to me that cleaning will also be a big part of my job, but no problem there thanks to six months of Back2Basics deep cleans. B2B has prepared me for a wide array of positions while teaching me to be an effective member of society. My experience was an overall useful experience and has provided me with the skills to be a professional when applying for jobs. I am truly grateful for all the program has given me.
Family Weekend
September 29, 2013
This past weekend I enjoyed my first family weekend here at Back 2 Basics. As the days grew closer to the reunion so did the jitters. I was getting more and more nervous about seeing them all. I had come to my parents after a series of failed attempts at sobriety followed by guilt-filled binges. The relationship with every member of my family was strained to say the least.
But with the expected nervousness came the confidence supplied by the progress I had seen in myself. This confidence was reinforced by my peers and the B2B staff. The progress obtained through working the program and a willingness to change.
I was no longer the raccoon-eyed, frail son who had waved my parents goodbye at the airport. I had put on weight and gained a more healthy and attentive presence. The best proof of this was the smiley faces and tears of happiness I received upon greeting them at the house.
They were introduced to all the staff and clients and given an explanations of each person’s job and how they help us.
We then attended several therapy sessions which were very helpful in the bandaging and healing of old wounds. While the beginning of the sessions were difficult by the end we all seemed to be laughing, smiling, and reminiscing of better times.
These sessions also allowed me to be more open and truthful about my past and the history of drug use. This communication of past secrets allowed us to start this new relationship on solid ground.
When not in therapy we went with another clients and enjoyed the town and its attractions. Each clients helped led a unique perspective of the program for which my family was very grateful.
At the end of the visit they were happy with the program and the progress within me. Though I was sad to see them go, it gave me more ambition to continue on the journey of recovery.
Sweat Lodge
September 29, 2013
I recently participated in a sweat lodge, a somewhat monthly fixture in our program. This is led by one of the therapists and done in a very traditional way out of respect for Native American traditions.
Not only is it a good chance to learn some history about Native American cultures, but it also serves as a good community building exercise. We all work together to help set up and prepare for the lodge. Groups of us will splits logs stacking them or piling them up to feed the fire. Another group will start and maintain the fire, which is used to heat the stones for the lodge. And the last group helps set up the lodge up by placing blankets and fastening canvas to the hut to ensure darkness and keep the heat in. When all is said and done each member of the group has worked together to help create an experience we can all enjoy. I for one get a sense of pride watching it all come together.
The actual lodge can be both an extreme physical and spiritual experience. With a well experienced leader we are guided through the lodge and take turns partaking in the traditions, especially, prayer and meditation. We go through several rounds each getting progressively hotter as more stones are added. The heat and sweat have a cleansing effect on the body and you need only stay in as long as you want.
This has become a favorite event of mine and can really help recover or create a spiritual connection. I found you will almost always walk away with a little more than you put into it and wake up the next morning refreshed and rejuvenated.
Working the B2B Program
September 29, 2013
There was a big difference for me between admitting my life was a problem, and accepting it. I was so close minded that I thought everything, aside from drugs and alcohol, were the problem, and my fix was well…my fix. It literally took me getting sober and taking that first step to really even begin to understand where I was going with my life. Nowhere.
I’m only a little over a week into the program, but this place already feels like home to me. I was welcomes with open arms by other guys in similar situations and supported from day one. Being an addict, I was originally so scared of any kind of change, much less packing my bags for six months of rehab. But once I got into the swing of things here, I knew in my heart I was in the right place.
I’ve been in other rehab facilities before and none of them have worked. Most of them just put you in a classroom all day and inform you of every reason not to use substances in the first place to the point where that’s all you want to do. I should know. I relapsed not even two hours out of my last 30 day program because I could not take it. I felt so alone.
Here at Back2Basics I feel like I’m part of a dream. Like I’m not just making progress with my first steps into recovery, but also getting to watch these people around me all do the same. I finally have the support I’ve been craving for years and i’m not just surrounded by people who want to get drunk or high the second they get out. I’m with people who are truly serious about making the journey to recovery and getting their lives back.
I know rehab usually isn’t a place people should be jealous about going, but I couldn’t help feeling bad the other day when I wrote my parents a letter telling them what I was really doing. Backpacking, whitewater rafting, going surfing in Mexico, Skiing in Colorado – the list goes on and on. Occasionally, I have to pinch myself and remind me that yes I am in fact still in rehab and that i’m just incredibly lucky to be doing it here at Back2Basics.
This program legitimately sets up you up for success in my opinion. It gives you the tools not to only tackle your addiction but take on the rest of the your life like a hard-working individual. I’ve learned more work ethic here in my ten days then I have in the past 5 years of what I was calling a life. I’ve learned to cook a five course meal as opposed to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for dinner. But most importantly of all, Back2Basics has taught me how to accept myself and what I’ve done and move on. Just watching me and my friends succeed at this every day is a reason to be excited in itself. This program is saving my life.