A Gift Of A New Beginning

December 1st and we are at the beginning of the giving season. Walmart ads everywhere you look, charities that come calling, it's enough to drive you crazy! Fortunately, I believe the best gifts aren't the material ones, but ones that can change a life, be it yours or someone else's.

I was given such a gift about a month ago and it came straight from God! Granted, it came rather harshly but God knows sometimes I need that harshness to get my attention. I am talking about my recent surgery and how it gave me a major "do over".

Friday night, about a month ago, I was driving home from work. Although it was the start of a weekend, I wasn't happy. I was feeling very burned out and overwhelmed. I wasn't happy with my job, I was gaining, not losing weight and I was wondering if school and working full-time was really the route I should be going. I wasn't sure nursing is for me. I felt bored, frustrated and didn't know what to do! Little did I know that 48 hours later I would be in the ICU, facing emergency surgery.

As it turned out, the surgery cured the problems I had with my digestive system and I came home 12 pounds lighter. The hospital stay gave me a new-found appreciation for nursing given the amazing care they all provided me. My 3 week recovery and the boredom I had at home made me grateful to have a job to go to. I even have a do over for school as I had to drop out this semester but was able to get my classes at a campus 1/2 mile from my office starting in Spring.

I do feel I have a new lease on life. I was forced to stop and take a step back, look at my life and see that it isn't so bad. I am grateful for my blessings and consider the surgery one of them. It is amazing when you look back and see that God used something so scary for something good. It's awesome! Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

A Gift Of A New Beginning

December 1st and we are at the beginning of the giving season. Walmart ads everywhere you look, charities that come calling, it's enough to drive you crazy! Fortunately, I believe the best gifts aren't the material ones, but ones that can change a life, be it yours or someone else's.

I was given such a gift about a month ago and it came straight from God! Granted, it came rather harshly but God knows sometimes I need that harshness to get my attention. I am talking about my recent surgery and how it gave me a major "do over".

Friday night, about a month ago, I was driving home from work. Although it was the start of a weekend, I wasn't happy. I was feeling very burned out and overwhelmed. I wasn't happy with my job, I was gaining, not losing weight and I was wondering if school and working full-time was really the route I should be going. I wasn't sure nursing is for me. I felt bored, frustrated and didn't know what to do! Little did I know that 48 hours later I would be in the ICU, facing emergency surgery.

As it turned out, the surgery cured the problems I had with my digestive system and I came home 12 pounds lighter. The hospital stay gave me a new-found appreciation for nursing given the amazing care they all provided me. My 3 week recovery and the boredom I had at home made me grateful to have a job to go to. I even have a do over for school as I had to drop out this semester but was able to get my classes at a campus 1/2 mile from my office starting in Spring.

I do feel I have a new lease on life. I was forced to stop and take a step back, look at my life and see that it isn't so bad. I am grateful for my blessings and consider the surgery one of them. It is amazing when you look back and see that God used something so scary for something good. It's awesome! Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Giving Thanks

Things I am grateful for this Thanksgiving:

1) Having a job
2) Having a comfortable place to live, food on the table and clothes to wear
3) Friends that are forgiving, kind and loving
4) My family
5) The awesome fur children in my life: Beanie, Thor, Theo, Brunswick! I am grateful for their unconditional love and the humor they bring to my life
6) Living in L.A., where it is 80 degrees and gloriously sunny on November 26th
7) A new Bon Jovi album and their upcoming tour (NYC...May....YIPEE)
8) The amazing doctors and nurses at Northridge Hospital that assisted in my surgery and recovery. They are doing amazing work in sometimes difficult circumstances.
9) The wonderful care the nurses gave me reinforcing my desire to go into nursing.
10) The 12 pounds I lost after surgery and my renewed desire to keep it off and to take of the remaining 80.
11) TiVo, XM Radio, the IPod and my Blackberry. I am a techno geek and love gadgets!
12) My lack of desire to be at Old Navy tomorrow at 3AM, WalMart at 6AM or anywhere near a mall all weekend!
13) Coffee Bean
14) Getting my classes for Spring Semester and my love of going to school
15) Our selfless men and women in uniform and the freedom their sacrifices afford all Americans.
16) The Butterball hotline. I don't cook....never called it....but I am grateful it exists in case I ever need to roast a turkey.
17) That our house isn't in danger of being burned to the ground by someone deep fat frying a turkey. We are eating out this year.
18) The Food Network. I'm grateful for Alton Brown showing me the science being food, Guy Fieri showing me the best Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Paula Deen showing that butter isn't something to be feared.
19) My friends and I making it to the end of an insanely wild year with our sanity relatively intact
20) Humor. It will get you through any situation

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Giving Thanks

Things I am grateful for this Thanksgiving:

1) Having a job
2) Having a comfortable place to live, food on the table and clothes to wear
3) Friends that are forgiving, kind and loving
4) My family
5) The awesome fur children in my life: Beanie, Thor, Theo, Brunswick! I am grateful for their unconditional love and the humor they bring to my life
6) Living in L.A., where it is 80 degrees and gloriously sunny on November 26th
7) A new Bon Jovi album and their upcoming tour (NYC...May....YIPEE)
8) The amazing doctors and nurses at Northridge Hospital that assisted in my surgery and recovery. They are doing amazing work in sometimes difficult circumstances.
9) The wonderful care the nurses gave me reinforcing my desire to go into nursing.
10) The 12 pounds I lost after surgery and my renewed desire to keep it off and to take of the remaining 80.
11) TiVo, XM Radio, the IPod and my Blackberry. I am a techno geek and love gadgets!
12) My lack of desire to be at Old Navy tomorrow at 3AM, WalMart at 6AM or anywhere near a mall all weekend!
13) Coffee Bean
14) Getting my classes for Spring Semester and my love of going to school
15) Our selfless men and women in uniform and the freedom their sacrifices afford all Americans.
16) The Butterball hotline. I don't cook....never called it....but I am grateful it exists in case I ever need to roast a turkey.
17) That our house isn't in danger of being burned to the ground by someone deep fat frying a turkey. We are eating out this year.
18) The Food Network. I'm grateful for Alton Brown showing me the science being food, Guy Fieri showing me the best Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Paula Deen showing that butter isn't something to be feared.
19) My friends and I making it to the end of an insanely wild year with our sanity relatively intact
20) Humor. It will get you through any situation

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Friends Are Family

I don't have a problem being single. I totally buy into the idea of being able to do what I want, when I want. What scares me about living life single became glaringly apparent after my recent health scare: when you are single, who takes care of you when you are sick or when you get old?

The truth is that when you are single, your friends become your family! The good friends step up and take care of things when you can't. Thank God I am blessed with some wonderful friends. Val, who took me to the hospital, had the presence of mind to remember what hospital contracted with my insurance and sat with me in the ER. Selena, Robert and Shannon, who came to visit and comforted me with pictures, books and just their presence. In return, I entertained them with incoherant, morphine induced mumblings and ramblings. Terri, who checked in and prayed for me! There are many others who left wonderful get well messages on Facebook. I am grateful for all of them! Their love and support helped greatly!

So when I get scared of being alone and sick, I think of the wonderful friends that helped me recover and know that if the tables are ever turned I would do the same for them. Just like family. Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Friends Are Family

I don't have a problem being single. I totally buy into the idea of being able to do what I want, when I want. What scares me about living life single became glaringly apparent after my recent health scare: when you are single, who takes care of you when you are sick or when you get old?

The truth is that when you are single, your friends become your family! The good friends step up and take care of things when you can't. Thank God I am blessed with some wonderful friends. Val, who took me to the hospital, had the presence of mind to remember what hospital contracted with my insurance and sat with me in the ER. Selena, Robert and Shannon, who came to visit and comforted me with pictures, books and just their presence. In return, I entertained them with incoherant, morphine induced mumblings and ramblings. Terri, who checked in and prayed for me! There are many others who left wonderful get well messages on Facebook. I am grateful for all of them! Their love and support helped greatly!

So when I get scared of being alone and sick, I think of the wonderful friends that helped me recover and know that if the tables are ever turned I would do the same for them. Just like family. Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Surprise!

Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. Oh boy, did I live this addage two weeks ago! I left work planning to spend the weekend studying for my mid-term. 24 hours later I was in the ICU at Northridge Hospital, dehydrated, borderline septic and looking at emergency surgery to fix a diaphragmatic hernia. What?? I am someone who never goes to the doctor. I am remarkably healthy, but it is God given and not because I am acting responsible for my health. Needless to say, I have never been to the ER.

I hadn't been feeling well and thought it was the overly spicy burrito I had eaten at midnight. The diagnosis at Urgent Care was gas. A $40 prescription for Previcid didn't help because 12 hours later I still felt crappy. Sunday afternoon, as my roommate and I were discussing whether or not to spent the $100 copay and go to the ER, I felt a searing pain shoot across my body and up my left shoulder. It felt like someone was slicing me open with a burning hot knife. I broke out instantly in a cold sweat and the question was answered. We were off to the ER.

The average wait in a L.A. County ER is 4 hours. I knew I was seriously in trouble when I got in after 45 minutes. I was severely dehydrated and had a very high white count. Luckily for me, I was busy concentrating on breathing through the pain otherwise I probably would have been terrified. I was just happy to be out of the misery that is the ER waiting room and on the way to having the problem solved. After a CT Scan, X-Rays and an Ultrasound, the culpret was found: I was born with a hole in my diaphragm and my bowel, stomach and intestines had moved up through the hole causing it to tear right behind my heart. The great thing is that once they knew what the problem was, I got drugs....good ones...morphine...wahoo! Relief!

I had surgery the next morning. I remember being woke up, wheeled into the surgery room and then waking up in recovery. The surgery was a success. They tried to do it laproscopicly but got in and found the hole was too big so I was opened up all the way. (I have a lovely scar that runs from the top of my chest to my belly button, no bikini in my future). They put a mesh wiring over the hole and pulled everything back down where it is supposed to be. I even have a DVD of the aborted laproscopic attempt! Cool!

The next 3 days were spent in the monitored care unit. I was hooked up to the heart monitor, catheter, IV and oxygen! This was the real deal. The day of surgery I slept. I remember 5-10 minutes of Gossip Girl but that is it. On my second day I was sitting in a chair and walking with the nurse without a walker. I only went a few doors down but by the time the physical therapy staff came, I could do two laps around the unit with the walker. This is probably why when Selena, Robert and Shannon came to visit, I could barely stay awake. Well...the walk and the morphine! On the third day, more sitting and walking and less morphine. Fourth day, doc came in and asked how I felt about going home! I said great! He said my progress was remarkable but there was no real reason for me to stay. Fine with me! I was home to watch Grey's Anatomy on Thursday night and actually stayed awake to see it.

Recovery is a work in progress. I feel less and less pain every day and last night I was actually able to sleep without a Tylenol PM! I can bend over but still am not supposed to lift anything. I am back to work next week and I am actually looking forward to it. Cabin Fever assists you in appreciating having somewhere to go everyday!


It has been two weeks...just two weeks... but I am feeling better and better every day. I am grateful for my health and will take a more active role in maintaining it! Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Surprise!

Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. Oh boy, did I live this addage two weeks ago! I left work planning to spend the weekend studying for my mid-term. 24 hours later I was in the ICU at Northridge Hospital, dehydrated, borderline septic and looking at emergency surgery to fix a diaphragmatic hernia. What?? I am someone who never goes to the doctor. I am remarkably healthy, but it is God given and not because I am acting responsible for my health. Needless to say, I have never been to the ER.

I hadn't been feeling well and thought it was the overly spicy burrito I had eaten at midnight. The diagnosis at Urgent Care was gas. A $40 prescription for Previcid didn't help because 12 hours later I still felt crappy. Sunday afternoon, as my roommate and I were discussing whether or not to spent the $100 copay and go to the ER, I felt a searing pain shoot across my body and up my left shoulder. It felt like someone was slicing me open with a burning hot knife. I broke out instantly in a cold sweat and the question was answered. We were off to the ER.

The average wait in a L.A. County ER is 4 hours. I knew I was seriously in trouble when I got in after 45 minutes. I was severely dehydrated and had a very high white count. Luckily for me, I was busy concentrating on breathing through the pain otherwise I probably would have been terrified. I was just happy to be out of the misery that is the ER waiting room and on the way to having the problem solved. After a CT Scan, X-Rays and an Ultrasound, the culpret was found: I was born with a hole in my diaphragm and my bowel, stomach and intestines had moved up through the hole causing it to tear right behind my heart. The great thing is that once they knew what the problem was, I got drugs....good ones...morphine...wahoo! Relief!

I had surgery the next morning. I remember being woke up, wheeled into the surgery room and then waking up in recovery. The surgery was a success. They tried to do it laproscopicly but got in and found the hole was too big so I was opened up all the way. (I have a lovely scar that runs from the top of my chest to my belly button, no bikini in my future). They put a mesh wiring over the hole and pulled everything back down where it is supposed to be. I even have a DVD of the aborted laproscopic attempt! Cool!

The next 3 days were spent in the monitored care unit. I was hooked up to the heart monitor, catheter, IV and oxygen! This was the real deal. The day of surgery I slept. I remember 5-10 minutes of Gossip Girl but that is it. On my second day I was sitting in a chair and walking with the nurse without a walker. I only went a few doors down but by the time the physical therapy staff came, I could do two laps around the unit with the walker. This is probably why when Selena, Robert and Shannon came to visit, I could barely stay awake. Well...the walk and the morphine! On the third day, more sitting and walking and less morphine. Fourth day, doc came in and asked how I felt about going home! I said great! He said my progress was remarkable but there was no real reason for me to stay. Fine with me! I was home to watch Grey's Anatomy on Thursday night and actually stayed awake to see it.

Recovery is a work in progress. I feel less and less pain every day and last night I was actually able to sleep without a Tylenol PM! I can bend over but still am not supposed to lift anything. I am back to work next week and I am actually looking forward to it. Cabin Fever assists you in appreciating having somewhere to go everyday!


It has been two weeks...just two weeks... but I am feeling better and better every day. I am grateful for my health and will take a more active role in maintaining it! Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Reinvention: A Work In Progress

A big part of my reinvention program is improving the parts of my life that need work. One of the areas of my life that could use improvement the most is my finances. I have a real instant gratification problem: I think about what feels good for that moment and not worry about the big picture. Consequences, like high interest rates and overdraft charges never enter my mind. Pay $35 for a latte due to overdraft? Oh well! Its the Thursday before payday and I really want that latte!

I do believe in God and know that He gives us opportunities to the right thing, and when we slip and do less than what we should, he lets us try again...and again...and again. Such is the case with me and my finances. I am out of the never ending cycle of overdraft and have my credit cards paid down and what does God present me with? One of the biggest Bon Jovi tours in a decade! Six shows readily accessible on the West Coast and THREE in New Jersey! The biggest test of my finances is concerts and even worse than that, a Bon Jovi tour!!

How am I doing? Well...The best seats available are almost $200 a pop! If I went to all those shows it would almost cost $2k for just tix alone! I can't do that! I don't really even want to get myself in that big of a hole! I have tickets to the NJ shows and will wait and see for all the West Coast ones. I can't say I haven't been tempted to overdraft and grab a KILLER seat for the LA show but I didn't do it! It just feels better not having that stress of only having $5 in my wallet! The tickets are on presale and the general presale is a week from Monday...after payday...when I am in a better position to buy. I feel good about waiting!

Sometimes delayed gratification feels better than then instant gratification. I am on the way to reinvention after all. Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Reinvention: A Work In Progress

A big part of my reinvention program is improving the parts of my life that need work. One of the areas of my life that could use improvement the most is my finances. I have a real instant gratification problem: I think about what feels good for that moment and not worry about the big picture. Consequences, like high interest rates and overdraft charges never enter my mind. Pay $35 for a latte due to overdraft? Oh well! Its the Thursday before payday and I really want that latte!

I do believe in God and know that He gives us opportunities to the right thing, and when we slip and do less than what we should, he lets us try again...and again...and again. Such is the case with me and my finances. I am out of the never ending cycle of overdraft and have my credit cards paid down and what does God present me with? One of the biggest Bon Jovi tours in a decade! Six shows readily accessible on the West Coast and THREE in New Jersey! The biggest test of my finances is concerts and even worse than that, a Bon Jovi tour!!

How am I doing? Well...The best seats available are almost $200 a pop! If I went to all those shows it would almost cost $2k for just tix alone! I can't do that! I don't really even want to get myself in that big of a hole! I have tickets to the NJ shows and will wait and see for all the West Coast ones. I can't say I haven't been tempted to overdraft and grab a KILLER seat for the LA show but I didn't do it! It just feels better not having that stress of only having $5 in my wallet! The tickets are on presale and the general presale is a week from Monday...after payday...when I am in a better position to buy. I feel good about waiting!

Sometimes delayed gratification feels better than then instant gratification. I am on the way to reinvention after all. Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

People: A Necessary Component To The Nursing Profession

It has been said....mainly by me...that I don't like people! What's to like? People abuse defenseless animals, abandon kids, act horribly towards each other and that is what you hear about on a GOOD news day! Look no further than at what the health care debate has turned into: hate and fear mongering! Makes me wish I was a dog!

 

I might be turning a corner though and coming back around to appreciating my species. I was enlightened today at, of all places, work. Today was one of those days I hate, all claims calls, all whiners, no one was happy…most of all, me! At about 6PM, my co-worker told me to take a deep breath and to remember that we don’t know what is happening on the other side of that phone. It could be illness, unemployment or sometimes both! We must be outside of ourselves and think about the other person!

 

It was then that I realized what I don’t like about customer service is that we are just the bearers of the bad news. We can’t control what is happening as there are procedures in place. We exist only to tell people what those procedures are! In nursing, I will actively be able to make a difference in people’s lives, not assist some huge corporation in screwing them.  

 

 

All of sudden, my future became clear. I have been nervous about going into nursing for the very fact that I just have no patience with crabby, stupid people! I am looking forward to the science medicine aspect just not the bitchy family members! Taking me out of my shoes to walk in theirs makes sense! The people are still going to be crabby but in the hospital they have reason to be! I think I am much more capable of handling the crabby cancer patient than the guy bitching about paying $25 for his $200,000.00 open heart surgery! I will be armed with the skills necessary to handle those family members with the skills I am learning as a Customer Service person.

 

I’m thinking I just might learn to like people again. We will see.

 

Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

People: A Necessary Component To The Nursing Profession

It has been said....mainly by me...that I don't like people! What's to like? People abuse defenseless animals, abandon kids, act horribly towards each other and that is what you hear about on a GOOD news day! Look no further than at what the health care debate has turned into: hate and fear mongering! Makes me wish I was a dog!

 

I might be turning a corner though and coming back around to appreciating my species. I was enlightened today at, of all places, work. Today was one of those days I hate, all claims calls, all whiners, no one was happy…most of all, me! At about 6PM, my co-worker told me to take a deep breath and to remember that we don’t know what is happening on the other side of that phone. It could be illness, unemployment or sometimes both! We must be outside of ourselves and think about the other person!

 

It was then that I realized what I don’t like about customer service is that we are just the bearers of the bad news. We can’t control what is happening as there are procedures in place. We exist only to tell people what those procedures are! In nursing, I will actively be able to make a difference in people’s lives, not assist some huge corporation in screwing them.  

 

 

All of sudden, my future became clear. I have been nervous about going into nursing for the very fact that I just have no patience with crabby, stupid people! I am looking forward to the science medicine aspect just not the bitchy family members! Taking me out of my shoes to walk in theirs makes sense! The people are still going to be crabby but in the hospital they have reason to be! I think I am much more capable of handling the crabby cancer patient than the guy bitching about paying $25 for his $200,000.00 open heart surgery! I will be armed with the skills necessary to handle those family members with the skills I am learning as a Customer Service person.

 

I’m thinking I just might learn to like people again. We will see.

 

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Youth, Wasted On The Young

I've been thinking lately about the decisions we are faced with when we are young. The fashion dos and don'ts, keep the cool superficial friends or the uncool yet interesting loser ones, meet curfew or be grounded, go to the prom or party with friends at a kegger not sanctioned by any parental units, get a job or not have a car....all perfectly stressful decisions for a teenager, right?

 

There is a reason why college isn't mentioned in that list. It is because I didn't really stress over whether or not to screw around in college, I just screwed around. I never took it seriously. I did well in the fun classes and flunked/dropped out of the boring, yet mandatory, ones. Mom said I would regret that one day. Did I listen? No. I had no time to worry about the future, I was having fun! I did just enough to get by and live at home…that is…until I left home and college altogether.

 

Life is funny. The older you get, the wiser your parents become. Mom was right, school is important. She also was right in that it gets harder to complete the older you are. When you are young you don’t have to worry about working, your TiVo filling up, your dogs missing you because you are either at school or at work. You don’t have to worry about finding time to study or if the bills are getting paid! Parents took care of all that pesky life stuff. All I had to worry about was studying but I was having too much fun to see the big picture. Life was so much easier back then.

 

I sit every week and see kids making the same mistake. They talk about blowing off tests and dropping out of classes. They are planning parties, downloading movies, not a care in the world. I’m jealous. I want to go back and do school over without the worries I have today. This is what I wish for the kids in my class. I hope they learn the value of education before they are in school in their 40’s, listening to the kid next to them plan the next kegger.

 

Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Youth, Wasted On The Young

I've been thinking lately about the decisions we are faced with when we are young. The fashion dos and don'ts, keep the cool superficial friends or the uncool yet interesting loser ones, meet curfew or be grounded, go to the prom or party with friends at a kegger not sanctioned by any parental units, get a job or not have a car....all perfectly stressful decisions for a teenager, right?

 

There is a reason why college isn't mentioned in that list. It is because I didn't really stress over whether or not to screw around in college, I just screwed around. I never took it seriously. I did well in the fun classes and flunked/dropped out of the boring, yet mandatory, ones. Mom said I would regret that one day. Did I listen? No. I had no time to worry about the future, I was having fun! I did just enough to get by and live at home…that is…until I left home and college altogether.

 

Life is funny. The older you get, the wiser your parents become. Mom was right, school is important. She also was right in that it gets harder to complete the older you are. When you are young you don’t have to worry about working, your TiVo filling up, your dogs missing you because you are either at school or at work. You don’t have to worry about finding time to study or if the bills are getting paid! Parents took care of all that pesky life stuff. All I had to worry about was studying but I was having too much fun to see the big picture. Life was so much easier back then.

 

I sit every week and see kids making the same mistake. They talk about blowing off tests and dropping out of classes. They are planning parties, downloading movies, not a care in the world. I’m jealous. I want to go back and do school over without the worries I have today. This is what I wish for the kids in my class. I hope they learn the value of education before they are in school in their 40’s, listening to the kid next to them plan the next kegger.

 

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Following Your Bliss When The Bliss is Money

My co-worker and I got into a heated argument. I mentioned my goal is to finish nursing school, work as a nurse for 15 years making tons of money and then retire on my ranch to rescue dogs…that is, after I travel to every National Park in my RV! She asked why nursing when I don’t even like people! I said I am working now for $15 an hour in a job where I don’t like people and have to deal with them, why not do it for $75-90k a year? She said that it’s a shame to be working toward the goal of making money! I should be doing something I like and the money will come, follow my bliss and I would never have to work because bliss isn’t work! When I asked how well that was working for her, the subject suddenly was changed! I asked how much she loved listening to people complain about health insurance but she rushed off in a hurry. Imagine that!

 

This did get me to thinking: what is wrong with delaying the bliss following? For the first time in my life, I have a long-term goal in view. Sure, working full-time and going to school is hard and I might have to sacrifice an hour or two with the Desperate Housewives or Jack Bauer to study. It will be worth it! Put up with a few nasty family members? That can’t be any different that someone cussing you out because they didn’t’ bother to get pre-approval for their MRI and now they are getting a bill!

 

If I am going to not LOVE what I am doing, I might as well make money while I am doing it! That way, I can have enough money to be blissful in retirement. I may not be following my bliss now, but if I keep on this path, there will be plenty of bliss as a result.

 

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Following Your Bliss When The Bliss is Money

My co-worker and I got into a heated argument. I mentioned my goal is to finish nursing school, work as a nurse for 15 years making tons of money and then retire on my ranch to rescue dogs…that is, after I travel to every National Park in my RV! She asked why nursing when I don’t even like people! I said I am working now for $15 an hour in a job where I don’t like people and have to deal with them, why not do it for $75-90k a year? She said that it’s a shame to be working toward the goal of making money! I should be doing something I like and the money will come, follow my bliss and I would never have to work because bliss isn’t work! When I asked how well that was working for her, the subject suddenly was changed! I asked how much she loved listening to people complain about health insurance but she rushed off in a hurry. Imagine that!

 

This did get me to thinking: what is wrong with delaying the bliss following? For the first time in my life, I have a long-term goal in view. Sure, working full-time and going to school is hard and I might have to sacrifice an hour or two with the Desperate Housewives or Jack Bauer to study. It will be worth it! Put up with a few nasty family members? That can’t be any different that someone cussing you out because they didn’t’ bother to get pre-approval for their MRI and now they are getting a bill!

 

If I am going to not LOVE what I am doing, I might as well make money while I am doing it! That way, I can have enough money to be blissful in retirement. I may not be following my bliss now, but if I keep on this path, there will be plenty of bliss as a result.

 

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The Hard Part

I was told going back to school wouldn't be easy! I thought they were talking about studying. Studying is the easy part. Finding the time to do it has proven to be very difficult!

I have too many things to distract me. I have 4 episodes on Oprah on TiVo, 2 Rottweilers that need a love fest, 2 months worth of magazines and catching up with my roommate to do. On top of all that it is National Blog Posting month and that means I have to blog every day! None of this should be more important than school but it always seems to be!

I have always had plenty of time. I am single with no kids so time has been strictly my own. Having time hasn't been a problem but setting priorities has been. I have been self-indulgent, only caring about fun.

Times, much like myself, are changing. I am finding the best time to study is in the morning and I stick to that. I watch TV only for an hour when I get home from work, to wind down. The magazines and books will wait. I am setting priorities that will serve me best in the long run, not just what will make me feel good now. That indeed is a change, one for the better. Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

The Hard Part

I was told going back to school wouldn't be easy! I thought they were talking about studying. Studying is the easy part. Finding the time to do it has proven to be very difficult!

I have too many things to distract me. I have 4 episodes on Oprah on TiVo, 2 Rottweilers that need a love fest, 2 months worth of magazines and catching up with my roommate to do. On top of all that it is National Blog Posting month and that means I have to blog every day! None of this should be more important than school but it always seems to be!

I have always had plenty of time. I am single with no kids so time has been strictly my own. Having time hasn't been a problem but setting priorities has been. I have been self-indulgent, only caring about fun.

Times, much like myself, are changing. I am finding the best time to study is in the morning and I stick to that. I watch TV only for an hour when I get home from work, to wind down. The magazines and books will wait. I am setting priorities that will serve me best in the long run, not just what will make me feel good now. That indeed is a change, one for the better. Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Clarity

There is a moment in life where you have no doubt about the path you are about to take. You have no control over when it comes to you but you are sure when it does. Pop culture psychologists call it a "moment of clarity". I call it welcome relief!

Last night after a day of listening to podcasts of pundits arguing about health care, it dawned on me: if I quit my job and go to school full-time, I will be in the bracket of those without health care! I am too old for that! Then my thoughts progressed to other things: I work mid-afternoon to evening which makes going to school in the morning a breeze (the class selection is much better during the day) AND I work at a job that gives me 5k a year educational reimbursment that ISN'T tied into my current position (meaning they will pay for any major...not just what's related to your job) Ok...why was I thinking about leaving?

I am so relieved! The solution to my current worries was right in front of me all along: stay put! Keep my current job! I know the ropes, won't have to learn a new job on top of going to school and I have my benefits, health care and other wise. This way, I can leave community college debt free, with my RN and hit the ground making money instead of spending the first couple of years paying it back!

I feel much better that I know where I am going to school and who is going to pay for it! I don't have to worry about where to find financing or how I am going to live. I'll save all that for when I go back to get my advanced degrees. Right now, the plan is in place and all the details are starting to come together! This feels good! Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Clarity

There is a moment in life where you have no doubt about the path you are about to take. You have no control over when it comes to you but you are sure when it does. Pop culture psychologists call it a "moment of clarity". I call it welcome relief!

Last night after a day of listening to podcasts of pundits arguing about health care, it dawned on me: if I quit my job and go to school full-time, I will be in the bracket of those without health care! I am too old for that! Then my thoughts progressed to other things: I work mid-afternoon to evening which makes going to school in the morning a breeze (the class selection is much better during the day) AND I work at a job that gives me 5k a year educational reimbursment that ISN'T tied into my current position (meaning they will pay for any major...not just what's related to your job) Ok...why was I thinking about leaving?

I am so relieved! The solution to my current worries was right in front of me all along: stay put! Keep my current job! I know the ropes, won't have to learn a new job on top of going to school and I have my benefits, health care and other wise. This way, I can leave community college debt free, with my RN and hit the ground making money instead of spending the first couple of years paying it back!

I feel much better that I know where I am going to school and who is going to pay for it! I don't have to worry about where to find financing or how I am going to live. I'll save all that for when I go back to get my advanced degrees. Right now, the plan is in place and all the details are starting to come together! This feels good! Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

What Is Your Legacy?

I was saddened to hear about the death of Eunice Shriver. For those of you that don't know she is John F. Kennedy's sister and Maria Shriver's mother. And that is legacy enough. But for millions of people with special needs and those that love them, she is the beloved founder of Special Olympics.

Special Olympics was born out of a family who had a member with special needs in an era where the mentally challenged were treated as pariah. Eunice's sister, Rosemarie, was one of them and was given a labotomy as a form a treatment. Eunice saw this destroy her sister and vowed to not let it happen to others. And the Special Olympics was born. Special Olympics gives those with special needs a place to shine! The athletes are made to feel like nothing less than what they truly are: humans who have the right to live with dignity! As a volunteer, your life can't help but be changed forever by being around people with such inherantly loving spirits!

It is a wondeful legacy born out of family tragedy! If Eunice Shriver can take tragedy and turn it into an amazing organization that will forever benefit millions, what can we do with our lives? What will your legacy be? Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

What Is Your Legacy?

I was saddened to hear about the death of Eunice Shriver. For those of you that don't know she is John F. Kennedy's sister and Maria Shriver's mother. And that is legacy enough. But for millions of people with special needs and those that love them, she is the beloved founder of Special Olympics.

Special Olympics was born out of a family who had a member with special needs in an era where the mentally challenged were treated as pariah. Eunice's sister, Rosemarie, was one of them and was given a labotomy as a form a treatment. Eunice saw this destroy her sister and vowed to not let it happen to others. And the Special Olympics was born. Special Olympics gives those with special needs a place to shine! The athletes are made to feel like nothing less than what they truly are: humans who have the right to live with dignity! As a volunteer, your life can't help but be changed forever by being around people with such inherantly loving spirits!

It is a wondeful legacy born out of family tragedy! If Eunice Shriver can take tragedy and turn it into an amazing organization that will forever benefit millions, what can we do with our lives? What will your legacy be? Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

God Shot Part 2

I have perfected the art of self-defeat. In fact, its one of the things I do best. I know the decision to go back to school and go into Nursing is the right one. I know switching to working part time while I do it will make things go quicker and make the process easier. Yet, when I am at home on the internet I'm doing everything BUT researching ways to make this happen!



That ends tonight! If my soul-sucking full time job weren't reason enough to stay up until dawn looking for ways to finance my education, God sent me a message in the form of a Joel Osteen podcast. The message was titled "Stay Open To The Possibility Of Something New". This message spoke to every doubt I have about weather or not nursing is for me! I may have my doubts but God dosent and that podcast was on my IPod to let me know that His dreams are bigger than mine.



So tonight, no virtual farming or reading up on Bradley Cooper and his "date" of the minute. I'm going home to find out how to finance my future. Anything that will get me out of the 9-5 grind is good!

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God Shot Part 2

I have perfected the art of self-defeat. In fact, its one of the things I do best. I know the decision to go back to school and go into Nursing is the right one. I know switching to working part time while I do it will make things go quicker and make the process easier. Yet, when I am at home on the internet I'm doing everything BUT researching ways to make this happen!



That ends tonight! If my soul-sucking full time job weren't reason enough to stay up until dawn looking for ways to finance my education, God sent me a message in the form of a Joel Osteen podcast. The message was titled "Stay Open To The Possibility Of Something New". This message spoke to every doubt I have about weather or not nursing is for me! I may have my doubts but God dosent and that podcast was on my IPod to let me know that His dreams are bigger than mine.



So tonight, no virtual farming or reading up on Bradley Cooper and his "date" of the minute. I'm going home to find out how to finance my future. Anything that will get me out of the 9-5 grind is good!

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Impulsive No More

In the little slice of heaven known as the weekend, we are not tied down by the restrictions of the work week! If you are like me, single-no kids, during the weekend you are free to go where the wind blows! You are free to change whatever plans you are silly enough to make in the first place!

Case in point: today! I had it all planned out. I was going to get coffee, go grocery shopping, and then hang out in the backyard with my boys and "The Time Travelers Wife". Lovely and relaxing, right? Then I saw Shan's text: John Mayer...Troubador...tonight! Wrist bands handed out at noon!

That, my friends, is why I have an empty fridge, an unread book on the night stand and I am at The Troubadour waiting for John Mayer to play about 5 feet in front of me! It is because when I get an email saying one of favorite musicians is playing a show in a club in West Hollywood....a small club...I am free to pick up and go!

I have always been impulsive and have done whatever sounds good at the time! However, now these decisions are going to have consequences that effect my future! I'm going to school to study for that career that will eventually let me retire and travel the rest of my life! I can't blow off a paper, test or final to go clubbing....even if its Mayer! Gone is the freedom to pick up and go to New York to see Bon Jovi or being able to waste time hanging out in bars hearing my friends bar band launch into the version of "Sweet Home Alabama" that they are sure will change music as we know it! All spare time from September until 4 years from now will be study time!

I worry about that potential loss of freedom but I am comforted by the knowledge that is temporary. I will keep my eyes on the prize. The prize is turning 70 and not being encumbered by the restrictions of working or restrictions of not having money to do anything. If I do this career change right, I'll retire with the rest of my life to do what I want and the money make it happen.

I haven't lost freedom, I am just putting it on hold for awhile! It is cool I am free to make that decision.

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Impulsive No More

In the little slice of heaven known as the weekend, we are not tied down by the restrictions of the work week! If you are like me, single-no kids, during the weekend you are free to go where the wind blows! You are free to change whatever plans you are silly enough to make in the first place!

Case in point: today! I had it all planned out. I was going to get coffee, go grocery shopping, and then hang out in the backyard with my boys and "The Time Travelers Wife". Lovely and relaxing, right? Then I saw Shan's text: John Mayer...Troubador...tonight! Wrist bands handed out at noon!

That, my friends, is why I have an empty fridge, an unread book on the night stand and I am at The Troubadour waiting for John Mayer to play about 5 feet in front of me! It is because when I get an email saying one of favorite musicians is playing a show in a club in West Hollywood....a small club...I am free to pick up and go!

I have always been impulsive and have done whatever sounds good at the time! However, now these decisions are going to have consequences that effect my future! I'm going to school to study for that career that will eventually let me retire and travel the rest of my life! I can't blow off a paper, test or final to go clubbing....even if its Mayer! Gone is the freedom to pick up and go to New York to see Bon Jovi or being able to waste time hanging out in bars hearing my friends bar band launch into the version of "Sweet Home Alabama" that they are sure will change music as we know it! All spare time from September until 4 years from now will be study time!

I worry about that potential loss of freedom but I am comforted by the knowledge that is temporary. I will keep my eyes on the prize. The prize is turning 70 and not being encumbered by the restrictions of working or restrictions of not having money to do anything. If I do this career change right, I'll retire with the rest of my life to do what I want and the money make it happen.

I haven't lost freedom, I am just putting it on hold for awhile! It is cool I am free to make that decision.

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Coping With Wine and The Hangover

I am a little overwhelmed these days. After struggling for two months with deciding if nursing was for me, I am now trying to find out how to flip my life around and go to school full-time while working part-time. There is so much info out there and so many opinions to be had that I am overwelmed! And I am coping with wine and The Hangover.

Ha...you are thinking that one is the consequence of the other. Au contraire my friends! The wine was brought home from a recent wine tasting weekend and "The Hangover" is the blockbuster movie of the summer! I am discovering the restorative properties of both!

The movie came at the right time for me because in the midst of plotting out the rest of my life, once in awhile I need to escape. Where better than to a movie that is hysterically funny, well written and not only gives you plenty of shots of Bradley Cooper's amazingly gourgous blue eyes but a few of him shirtless as well! Yowza! Can I just drop out of society for a night and go on a binge with Bradley??



I'll return to reality shortly.... but for right now...me, Bradley...Vegas...heaven! This glass of wine I am drinking and my fantasy life beats reality any day! ;) Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Coping With Wine and The Hangover

I am a little overwhelmed these days. After struggling for two months with deciding if nursing was for me, I am now trying to find out how to flip my life around and go to school full-time while working part-time. There is so much info out there and so many opinions to be had that I am overwelmed! And I am coping with wine and The Hangover.

Ha...you are thinking that one is the consequence of the other. Au contraire my friends! The wine was brought home from a recent wine tasting weekend and "The Hangover" is the blockbuster movie of the summer! I am discovering the restorative properties of both!

The movie came at the right time for me because in the midst of plotting out the rest of my life, once in awhile I need to escape. Where better than to a movie that is hysterically funny, well written and not only gives you plenty of shots of Bradley Cooper's amazingly gourgous blue eyes but a few of him shirtless as well! Yowza! Can I just drop out of society for a night and go on a binge with Bradley??



I'll return to reality shortly.... but for right now...me, Bradley...Vegas...heaven! This glass of wine I am drinking and my fantasy life beats reality any day! ;) Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

A "God Shot"

God has a wonderful way of letting you know when you are headed down the right path. Boy, did He give me a virtual thumbs up today!

I was researching financing nursing school and came across information about a program that will finance your education if you commit to working 1-4 years in an under served area when you get out. That just screams prisons and ghettos but I thought I would take a look at the list to confirm.

There it was! Top of the list! God's way of saying "you go girl"! Santa Catalina Island....one of my most favorite places on the planet!!! I get can get my education financed by working at the place I vacation at every year?! How can a beautiful island paradise be under served?

I don't know but I do plan to investigate further! God is good! :)

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A "God Shot"

God has a wonderful way of letting you know when you are headed down the right path. Boy, did He give me a virtual thumbs up today!

I was researching financing nursing school and came across information about a program that will finance your education if you commit to working 1-4 years in an under served area when you get out. That just screams prisons and ghettos but I thought I would take a look at the list to confirm.

There it was! Top of the list! God's way of saying "you go girl"! Santa Catalina Island....one of my most favorite places on the planet!!! I get can get my education financed by working at the place I vacation at every year?! How can a beautiful island paradise be under served?

I don't know but I do plan to investigate further! God is good! :)

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Checking Out

I came to a startling conclusion today:. I am ready to check out of corporate America and go live the life of the student. A life where I can be mentally challenged….wait, that is what this job makes me feel like…..lets make that a life where I can be challenged mentally.

 

This is my third go around in customer service and I hate it just as much as I ever did. What made me think taking this job was a good idea? Oh yeah, I was unemployed at the time! I know a job right now is a good thing its just that I am tired of existing to listen to people whine and complain about their health plan. That is what the press is telling people, right? Health Insurance is the evil one! We are just out to screw the members.  Due to the abundance of garbage in the media about how bad health care is, they are going over every claim explanation and calling to complain, question and otherwise just drive me nuts!  

 

Then we have corporate politics or as I like to call it, life in the sandbox. It's a life of catty gossip and everyone climbing over you to advance their own agenda! They form alliances and work to get you kicked off the island….if you don't submarine them and kick them off first! Just like grade school when you and your bff stood in the corner to laugh at the kids you didn't like! Corporations like you to think the culture is that we all work for the good of the company and are all in this together! Give me a break! Ill believe that when it shows up on my paycheck!

 

The irony of a blog complaining about people complaining isn't lost on me but after 8 months of this, I am really ready to check out! Go be a student and then start a new career. Nursing won't be easy but at least the patients have something to complain about!

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Checking Out

I came to a startling conclusion today:. I am ready to check out of corporate America and go live the life of the student. A life where I can be mentally challenged….wait, that is what this job makes me feel like…..lets make that a life where I can be challenged mentally.

 

This is my third go around in customer service and I hate it just as much as I ever did. What made me think taking this job was a good idea? Oh yeah, I was unemployed at the time! I know a job right now is a good thing its just that I am tired of existing to listen to people whine and complain about their health plan. That is what the press is telling people, right? Health Insurance is the evil one! We are just out to screw the members.  Due to the abundance of garbage in the media about how bad health care is, they are going over every claim explanation and calling to complain, question and otherwise just drive me nuts!  

 

Then we have corporate politics or as I like to call it, life in the sandbox. It's a life of catty gossip and everyone climbing over you to advance their own agenda! They form alliances and work to get you kicked off the island….if you don't submarine them and kick them off first! Just like grade school when you and your bff stood in the corner to laugh at the kids you didn't like! Corporations like you to think the culture is that we all work for the good of the company and are all in this together! Give me a break! Ill believe that when it shows up on my paycheck!

 

The irony of a blog complaining about people complaining isn't lost on me but after 8 months of this, I am really ready to check out! Go be a student and then start a new career. Nursing won't be easy but at least the patients have something to complain about!

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Hope

I have been exceptionally happy lately. I just feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I wasn't sure why. I am still working at a job I am not wild about for far less money than I have made in years. I am still single with no prospects. Still broke. But I am happy.

 

Today I figured it out. I am happy because I know I am not destined to be permanently broke, single or in a job I am not wild about. I am headed for some hard work and lean days money wise but they are only steps on the journey to better things. The hope of a better day makes all the craziness of the current mess I am in melt away. Hope is a unique thing! It helps us to keep our eyes on the future when the present is too crazy to deal with.  

 

Hope was delivered by my aunt in the form of a suggestion to go to nursing school. Nursing gives me a career and a way to give back by helping people. It will provide a secure career and money to make up for the last 28 years I have spent goofing around! I see retirement in my future and that gives me hope, makes me happy.      

 

With nursing, I have hope that I won't have to work at a dead end job forever. I will have a career and the education to back it up. Hard work will have to happen but at the end of it, I know that retirement is only a relative few years away. It is then that I will blissfully canvass the country on my National Park RV tour! Me and my dog…and hopefully that funny, gorgeous doctor I picked up along the way.

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Hope

I have been exceptionally happy lately. I just feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I wasn't sure why. I am still working at a job I am not wild about for far less money than I have made in years. I am still single with no prospects. Still broke. But I am happy.

 

Today I figured it out. I am happy because I know I am not destined to be permanently broke, single or in a job I am not wild about. I am headed for some hard work and lean days money wise but they are only steps on the journey to better things. The hope of a better day makes all the craziness of the current mess I am in melt away. Hope is a unique thing! It helps us to keep our eyes on the future when the present is too crazy to deal with.  

 

Hope was delivered by my aunt in the form of a suggestion to go to nursing school. Nursing gives me a career and a way to give back by helping people. It will provide a secure career and money to make up for the last 28 years I have spent goofing around! I see retirement in my future and that gives me hope, makes me happy.      

 

With nursing, I have hope that I won't have to work at a dead end job forever. I will have a career and the education to back it up. Hard work will have to happen but at the end of it, I know that retirement is only a relative few years away. It is then that I will blissfully canvass the country on my National Park RV tour! Me and my dog…and hopefully that funny, gorgeous doctor I picked up along the way.

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Everyone Has Advice

Deciding to hit the ctrl-alt delete on my life took about a month. It was a month of prayer, thought and worry if I was doing the right thing. A little divine pep talk given to me while in Yosemite let me know I am headed in the right direction but what are the steps necessary to get to the destination?



Deciding to go back to school only opened up a hornets nest of questions! Where to go? Private, community, mail order? Do I go part time, full time, all the time? In state, out of state, under a bridge? Financing? That is a whole other set of crazy questions! Student loans, scholarships or sugar daddy?? So many options!



Everyone knows someone who is a nurse, is becoming a nurse, dropped out of nursing, loves it, hates it, best thing they did or the worst! Everyone has someone who has wizzed through school in record time and is now making a fortune!



I love my support system. My friends and family are the best in the world, don't get me wrong. I know they have my beat interest at heart and I love them dearly! Its just that with a decision this big, I need to take in all the advice and do what's best for me.



I need to go back to Yosemite and get some more advice of the "divine" variety. Come to think of it, I can get that anywhere!

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Everyone Has Advice

Deciding to hit the ctrl-alt delete on my life took about a month. It was a month of prayer, thought and worry if I was doing the right thing. A little divine pep talk given to me while in Yosemite let me know I am headed in the right direction but what are the steps necessary to get to the destination?



Deciding to go back to school only opened up a hornets nest of questions! Where to go? Private, community, mail order? Do I go part time, full time, all the time? In state, out of state, under a bridge? Financing? That is a whole other set of crazy questions! Student loans, scholarships or sugar daddy?? So many options!



Everyone knows someone who is a nurse, is becoming a nurse, dropped out of nursing, loves it, hates it, best thing they did or the worst! Everyone has someone who has wizzed through school in record time and is now making a fortune!



I love my support system. My friends and family are the best in the world, don't get me wrong. I know they have my beat interest at heart and I love them dearly! Its just that with a decision this big, I need to take in all the advice and do what's best for me.



I need to go back to Yosemite and get some more advice of the "divine" variety. Come to think of it, I can get that anywhere!

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When All Else Fails, Reboot!

Selena and I are addicted to this game on Facebook that when the server become over loaded, the game freezes and the system crashes. I find myself rebooting my system every time I play.



We can do that in life as well. I am giving my life a major reboot! A much needed swift kick in the priorities! It is something I didn't even know I needed until divine intervention came in the form of my wonderful Aunt Pat!



Last month she called out of the blue and said she wanted to come and hang out! I was expecting bad news as the visit was unprecedented and unexpected! Why else would she be coming? What I received, however, was a question from her that started my future in motion: have you ever thought about going into nursing?



No I hadn't but I am tired of drifting through life and nursing makes sense. Short term education time, long term job security and big money! It was something I had never thought of but after thinking and praying about it for a month, I'm going for it! I can make up for my 44 years of playing around with my time and money by working hard for the next 20. Make a boatload of money and retire at 65!!



With a long range goal in sight, I have rebooted my life! I am off to college, this time with a clear goal in mind! I hit the ctl-alt delete on life and I am starting over! I'm taking a do-over for what I should have done at 18! It will probably be the hardest thing I've done but the most rewarding! Who knows, maybe I'll meet a funny doctor who looks like McSteamy and rescues dogs while I am at it! :)

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When All Else Fails, Reboot!

Selena and I are addicted to this game on Facebook that when the server become over loaded, the game freezes and the system crashes. I find myself rebooting my system every time I play.



We can do that in life as well. I am giving my life a major reboot! A much needed swift kick in the priorities! It is something I didn't even know I needed until divine intervention came in the form of my wonderful Aunt Pat!



Last month she called out of the blue and said she wanted to come and hang out! I was expecting bad news as the visit was unprecedented and unexpected! Why else would she be coming? What I received, however, was a question from her that started my future in motion: have you ever thought about going into nursing?



No I hadn't but I am tired of drifting through life and nursing makes sense. Short term education time, long term job security and big money! It was something I had never thought of but after thinking and praying about it for a month, I'm going for it! I can make up for my 44 years of playing around with my time and money by working hard for the next 20. Make a boatload of money and retire at 65!!



With a long range goal in sight, I have rebooted my life! I am off to college, this time with a clear goal in mind! I hit the ctl-alt delete on life and I am starting over! I'm taking a do-over for what I should have done at 18! It will probably be the hardest thing I've done but the most rewarding! Who knows, maybe I'll meet a funny doctor who looks like McSteamy and rescues dogs while I am at it! :)

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Bliss Part 2

So I have been thinking and as a addendum to yesterdays blog I have decided that bliss can be something that is worked towards. There is bliss in having a goal, working towards something. Who said bliss has to be instantaneous? Why do we just assume that we aren't happy if we don't have what we want right now. Can't we be less blissful while working towards something that will ultimately bring us joy?

That is where my life is at right now. Until now, I was wandering aimlessly through life, no goal, no idea how it was going to work out. I wasn't really contributing to the greater good, not leaving a legacy. Those fears and thoughts aren't blissful by any stretch of the imagination. Then, by an intervention that I will write more about tomorrow, I was given a push towards something that I had never thought of but makes perfect sense. It is something that I will have to sacrifice and work my ass off to obtain (two things previously not in my wheel house) but once I achieve what I am working towards, life will ultimately be blissful! I can't wait!

Stay tuned...more detail tomorrow! :) Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Bliss Part 2

So I have been thinking and as a addendum to yesterdays blog I have decided that bliss can be something that is worked towards. There is bliss in having a goal, working towards something. Who said bliss has to be instantaneous? Why do we just assume that we aren't happy if we don't have what we want right now. Can't we be less blissful while working towards something that will ultimately bring us joy?

That is where my life is at right now. Until now, I was wandering aimlessly through life, no goal, no idea how it was going to work out. I wasn't really contributing to the greater good, not leaving a legacy. Those fears and thoughts aren't blissful by any stretch of the imagination. Then, by an intervention that I will write more about tomorrow, I was given a push towards something that I had never thought of but makes perfect sense. It is something that I will have to sacrifice and work my ass off to obtain (two things previously not in my wheel house) but once I achieve what I am working towards, life will ultimately be blissful! I can't wait!

Stay tuned...more detail tomorrow! :) Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Bliss

John Lennon once said "life is what happens when you are busy making other plans". This is true. You cruise along, dreams in hand and suddenly you find yourself somewhere unexpected...if you find yourself anywhere at all.



California...land of dreams! I'm a native Cali girl and believe in dreams. I've always believed that following your bliss was the way to go and that if you love what you do you wouldn't work a day in your life. My problem was that the dream was that I would be the rock star/actor, marry the rock star/actor or write about the rock star/actor. The closest I've come is almost getting arrested at KLOS trying to simply meet the rock star ( A story best left for another blog).



Needless to say I'm not on the billboard charts, I haven't written for Rolling Stone and Bradley Cooper lives with his two dogs, not me! My dreams didn't quite come to fruition. So maybe bliss takes a while to get to. Is bliss something you "follow" or something you work towards?



As I sit on the south side of 40, I am coming to realise that life might have other plans for me. Plans that don't involve rock stars, actors or even writing for that matter. Can your bliss change when you get older?





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Bliss

John Lennon once said "life is what happens when you are busy making other plans". This is true. You cruise along, dreams in hand and suddenly you find yourself somewhere unexpected...if you find yourself anywhere at all.



California...land of dreams! I'm a native Cali girl and believe in dreams. I've always believed that following your bliss was the way to go and that if you love what you do you wouldn't work a day in your life. My problem was that the dream was that I would be the rock star/actor, marry the rock star/actor or write about the rock star/actor. The closest I've come is almost getting arrested at KLOS trying to simply meet the rock star ( A story best left for another blog).



Needless to say I'm not on the billboard charts, I haven't written for Rolling Stone and Bradley Cooper lives with his two dogs, not me! My dreams didn't quite come to fruition. So maybe bliss takes a while to get to. Is bliss something you "follow" or something you work towards?



As I sit on the south side of 40, I am coming to realise that life might have other plans for me. Plans that don't involve rock stars, actors or even writing for that matter. Can your bliss change when you get older?





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Second Chances

Image via Wikipedia

Michael Vick was reinstated by the NFL today. He can play games after week 6 and generally go back to the way things were before he aided in the mercenary and unmerciful activity of dog fighting.

Do I agree with the NFL? Well...I am conflicted! As you probably know, I am a major dog lover! The fact the Vick assisted in the torture and brutal murder of innocent dogs...pit bulls mostly....turns my stomach even today. The man has paid his debt to society by serving jail time and making restitution. He has lost everything! Would I like him to do more? Absolutely!! Instead of worrying about the NFL, I would like to see him work for a rescue or maybe do a PSA regarding the evils of dog fighting or maybe do something to better the image of the pit bull!

Fortuately the fate of the dogs rescued from Vick's kennel is a much happier story. Due to the efforts of wonderful organizations such as Best Friends, the dogs many thought were beyond rehab has gone on to live happy lives! Some of these dogs have gone on to be therapy dogs and two Vick dogs finished their court mandated year waiting period, passed their CGC tests and were officially adopted this week! The first of hopefully many!

So the question remains that if the dogs once thought to be mean and vicious succeed after they were given a second chance, should Vick? Should he be able to go back to the life he led before his egregious crimes? Not sure! I don't know if that is possible! There will be protests galore thrown the way of any team that picks him up! He is a PR nightmare! This story is still being written and I truly hope it has a happy outcome for all involved

Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Second Chances

Image via Wikipedia

Michael Vick was reinstated by the NFL today. He can play games after week 6 and generally go back to the way things were before he aided in the mercenary and unmerciful activity of dog fighting.

Do I agree with the NFL? Well...I am conflicted! As you probably know, I am a major dog lover! The fact the Vick assisted in the torture and brutal murder of innocent dogs...pit bulls mostly....turns my stomach even today. The man has paid his debt to society by serving jail time and making restitution. He has lost everything! Would I like him to do more? Absolutely!! Instead of worrying about the NFL, I would like to see him work for a rescue or maybe do a PSA regarding the evils of dog fighting or maybe do something to better the image of the pit bull!

Fortuately the fate of the dogs rescued from Vick's kennel is a much happier story. Due to the efforts of wonderful organizations such as Best Friends, the dogs many thought were beyond rehab has gone on to live happy lives! Some of these dogs have gone on to be therapy dogs and two Vick dogs finished their court mandated year waiting period, passed their CGC tests and were officially adopted this week! The first of hopefully many!

So the question remains that if the dogs once thought to be mean and vicious succeed after they were given a second chance, should Vick? Should he be able to go back to the life he led before his egregious crimes? Not sure! I don't know if that is possible! There will be protests galore thrown the way of any team that picks him up! He is a PR nightmare! This story is still being written and I truly hope it has a happy outcome for all involved

Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Last Week In God's Country

A week ago today, this was the view when I woke up:



Last week I woke up in Yosemite Valley to views of granite vistas, tall trees and waterfalls. This week, it's waking up to Dallas Raines telling me it's going to be 103 degrees in the Valley. Oh, joy!

Last week, I was talking to the very friendly wildlife:



This week I get to speak with wildlife of a somewhat unfriendly sort, the customer who's claim was denied.

Last week while in Yosemite, I learned that speeding kills bears:



This week, I learned speeding kills your bank account too as I work to pay off a $312speeding ticket I got while coming back from Vegas last year.

Those are just a few of the differences between last week in Yosemite and this week in the real world. The trip was amazing as was the park. Yosemite is truly God's country and I can't wait to go back! Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Last Week In God's Country

A week ago today, this was the view when I woke up:



Last week I woke up in Yosemite Valley to views of granite vistas, tall trees and waterfalls. This week, it's waking up to Dallas Raines telling me it's going to be 103 degrees in the Valley. Oh, joy!

Last week, I was talking to the very friendly wildlife:



This week I get to speak with wildlife of a somewhat unfriendly sort, the customer who's claim was denied.

Last week while in Yosemite, I learned that speeding kills bears:



This week, I learned speeding kills your bank account too as I work to pay off a $312speeding ticket I got while coming back from Vegas last year.

Those are just a few of the differences between last week in Yosemite and this week in the real world. The trip was amazing as was the park. Yosemite is truly God's country and I can't wait to go back! Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

A Little Bit Of Heaven

" A Little Bit of Heaven....94.7 KMET....Tweedle Dee"! If that just brought a smile to your face and nostalgia to your heart, you aren't alone! Yesterday, 100.3 The Sound brought that smile back to many faces as they broadcast the first "Finally A Friday" in years! It was KMET day on the station and many of the DJs from back in the day did shows, played clips from back in the day and joined us in reliving the memories of back when commercial radio was worth listening to!

For Southern California music fans, KMET was and always will symbolize the glory days of LA rock radio! The station who told us to "fly low and avoid the radar" did just that as the music was not subject to corporate whims! The cuts went deep into the albums...yes, albums...and the DJs were deep into the topical humor! The boundaries were pushed and listeners loved it! Think "WKRP In Cincinati" and I think you have the picture!

KMET was a huge part of my high school days! I discovered my love of rock music through KMET and the station was the first place I heard Journey! I remember fondly wearing my KMET shirt as all the cool kids did! KMET wasn't just a radio station, it was a state of mind...an altered state at times but it was all ours. We claimed it proudly!

I miss KMET for what it was and what it represents to me! It represents a day when things weren't corporate and overly "PC"! And for all who listened to the "Fish Report With A Beat" yesterday and were taken back to the days when radio was good, I give a shout out with the signature greeting of the "Immoral Minority"...YOOO-YA!! Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

A Little Bit Of Heaven

" A Little Bit of Heaven....94.7 KMET....Tweedle Dee"! If that just brought a smile to your face and nostalgia to your heart, you aren't alone! Yesterday, 100.3 The Sound brought that smile back to many faces as they broadcast the first "Finally A Friday" in years! It was KMET day on the station and many of the DJs from back in the day did shows, played clips from back in the day and joined us in reliving the memories of back when commercial radio was worth listening to!

For Southern California music fans, KMET was and always will symbolize the glory days of LA rock radio! The station who told us to "fly low and avoid the radar" did just that as the music was not subject to corporate whims! The cuts went deep into the albums...yes, albums...and the DJs were deep into the topical humor! The boundaries were pushed and listeners loved it! Think "WKRP In Cincinati" and I think you have the picture!

KMET was a huge part of my high school days! I discovered my love of rock music through KMET and the station was the first place I heard Journey! I remember fondly wearing my KMET shirt as all the cool kids did! KMET wasn't just a radio station, it was a state of mind...an altered state at times but it was all ours. We claimed it proudly!

I miss KMET for what it was and what it represents to me! It represents a day when things weren't corporate and overly "PC"! And for all who listened to the "Fish Report With A Beat" yesterday and were taken back to the days when radio was good, I give a shout out with the signature greeting of the "Immoral Minority"...YOOO-YA!! Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Listening and Following The Path

I am a person who likes to just dive in! I get excited about something or get an idea that I feel is worth pursuing and it's off to the races. I jump in and then think about it along the way. I have a tendency to believe in "go big or go home" but thankfully I am also a firm believer in God and the power of prayer!

This all comes into play today. I have been thinking and praying about my mid-life shift because I have been feeling overwhelmed! As is my nature, I started to embark on 3 major projects all at once and what I am finding is that I am devoting little time to any of them! 5 minutes on a dating website, 10 minutes researching career options, 4 minutes working on the blog....this is getting me nowhere but frustrated and depressed.

This morning in the shower I had what Oprah calls an "ah ha" moment but I prefer to call it a "God shot"! See, I think thoughts can often be little shout-outs from God! He often speaks to me in the shower...don't know why! Anyway, His current missive to me was that I am trying to do too much at once! He advised me to "prioritize...put the career and blog upfront and the romance will come when you aren't looking"! Wow!

I instantly felt better and hopped on line! I updated my resume and cover letter and found a very interesting opportunity I am perfect for with EBay! That got me to thinking about maybe researching jobs in technology. I love technology! My IPod and Blacberry are permanent extensions of my body! I am very active in the wave of the future, social media! I don't know what getting a high paying job in technology will involve but this may be the path I am meant to take. I know I am much more excited about this path than nursing (sorry Aunt Pat, love you but I just don't like people...LOL)! Plus, you all know I love my "geeks" and where else to find the geek of my dreams that working in the tech sector...BONUS! :)

This is exciting on many levels! See, I haven't been exactly walking with God these days but he hasn't forgotten that I am down here. God is amazing! He doesn't forget and when you take the time to ask and then, more importantly, take the time to listen, He will give you the information and guidence you need. He never fails!

This journey is a work in progress, as they all are, and I am sure this isn't the last revision. A work in progress makes for an exciting blog, right?

:) Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Listening and Following The Path

I am a person who likes to just dive in! I get excited about something or get an idea that I feel is worth pursuing and it's off to the races. I jump in and then think about it along the way. I have a tendency to believe in "go big or go home" but thankfully I am also a firm believer in God and the power of prayer!

This all comes into play today. I have been thinking and praying about my mid-life shift because I have been feeling overwhelmed! As is my nature, I started to embark on 3 major projects all at once and what I am finding is that I am devoting little time to any of them! 5 minutes on a dating website, 10 minutes researching career options, 4 minutes working on the blog....this is getting me nowhere but frustrated and depressed.

This morning in the shower I had what Oprah calls an "ah ha" moment but I prefer to call it a "God shot"! See, I think thoughts can often be little shout-outs from God! He often speaks to me in the shower...don't know why! Anyway, His current missive to me was that I am trying to do too much at once! He advised me to "prioritize...put the career and blog upfront and the romance will come when you aren't looking"! Wow!

I instantly felt better and hopped on line! I updated my resume and cover letter and found a very interesting opportunity I am perfect for with EBay! That got me to thinking about maybe researching jobs in technology. I love technology! My IPod and Blacberry are permanent extensions of my body! I am very active in the wave of the future, social media! I don't know what getting a high paying job in technology will involve but this may be the path I am meant to take. I know I am much more excited about this path than nursing (sorry Aunt Pat, love you but I just don't like people...LOL)! Plus, you all know I love my "geeks" and where else to find the geek of my dreams that working in the tech sector...BONUS! :)

This is exciting on many levels! See, I haven't been exactly walking with God these days but he hasn't forgotten that I am down here. God is amazing! He doesn't forget and when you take the time to ask and then, more importantly, take the time to listen, He will give you the information and guidence you need. He never fails!

This journey is a work in progress, as they all are, and I am sure this isn't the last revision. A work in progress makes for an exciting blog, right?

:) Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Mid Life Crisis Is Tiring!

I am getting overwhelmed with trying to figure out what I want to do with my life! I know there is a ton of money to be made in nursing but I just don't get excited thinking about doing it for the rest of my life. My heart sings when I think of working with animals but I don't know if there is money to be made, one and two, if I have the time to devote to the education. Plus of nursing: short education time-frame, making base salary of $75k a year! Minus: working with sick grumpy people, working nights, weekends and holidays which is what I am trying to avoid. I love to write but when I feel like doing it! Deadlines aren't my friend! Just ask my friend who has been waiting 2 months for her article on animal fostering!

I am at a crossroads at my life and I don't know if I will be given another chance to get this right. I'm not old but I am not young enough to have all the time in the world! I need to figure this out for once and for all. I am waiting for a sign. Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

Mid Life Crisis Is Tiring!

I am getting overwhelmed with trying to figure out what I want to do with my life! I know there is a ton of money to be made in nursing but I just don't get excited thinking about doing it for the rest of my life. My heart sings when I think of working with animals but I don't know if there is money to be made, one and two, if I have the time to devote to the education. Plus of nursing: short education time-frame, making base salary of $75k a year! Minus: working with sick grumpy people, working nights, weekends and holidays which is what I am trying to avoid. I love to write but when I feel like doing it! Deadlines aren't my friend! Just ask my friend who has been waiting 2 months for her article on animal fostering!

I am at a crossroads at my life and I don't know if I will be given another chance to get this right. I'm not old but I am not young enough to have all the time in the world! I need to figure this out for once and for all. I am waiting for a sign. Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.

A Maverick Not A Quitter!

I never thought in a million years I would say this but here goes: I have something in common with Sarah Palin. I don't support her politics and I think she may be opportunistic when it comes to the "selling out" of her children. We do agree on one thing: when you aren't happy with where you are in life, make a change!

I recongnize that this isn't easy! I am now just starting to search career opportunities and have actively searched on the online dating sites for the second day this week! For me, action goes a long way towards limiting fear in change! Change can sometimes be good! Besides, the fear of changing is far less for me than the fear of being 65, alone and living in a box! No room in the box for a dog so that isn't an option, no sir!

I just turned 44! I am by no means "old" but I am not getting any younger! Age is just a state of mind! My aunt graduated nursing school after her husband died and is making 6 figures...at 61! My mom graduated college and became an accountant after raising 3 kids on her own...at 45! Mid life changes can be good if they are planned and executed! I am not going to sign my life away on student loans to become a underwater basket weaver but with some thought and hard work, I just may be able to find a career I enjoy and make money! Retirement may be a possibility after all!

So hats off to sister Sarah! Go do what is you want to do and don't listen to your critics! In this instance, I truly believe you are a maverick! Like this post? Please share it, bookmark it or leave a comment.