Diabetes Talking

Question:

To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat   who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16 hrs./week.; or part time (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring out for myself as a way out of my predicament. It’s a challenge, facing me – but I am more excited than not, and hopeful. Yes hopeful. And beyond anything else, I will be meeting new people, entering into a new modality for a while – things could change a lot in ways I haven’t even looked into. I will end now – this has been very long – thank you for anyone who has read this. Beauty.

Response:

P.S. – Oh, yeah – and meanwhile, of course, I will continue w/my karate – I even get to continue teaching, since my hours will not conflict, at least during school semester (don’t know, after I start working – but I will do all I can to take work that allows me to continue training in karate, because I believe that is what has allowed me to become strong enough to face what I have had to face these past months and years). And I will continue to write and edit. A friend recently sent me something to work on, which she will pay me for. And also – a friend recently asked for me to do something I used to do, and she offered to pay me. She asked me to do a natal astrological chart for her daughter. I had already constructed one years ago when the child was born, so all I have to do now is finish writing up the interpretations. It’s something I enjoy doing – but haven’t done in years – I do it very, very, very gently and cautiously. I would have to explain in a different post. And I have given thought to going back to modeling (for artists). And of course, I have my own art and jewelry making and quilt making (I have a commission from a friend to do some work in the last category), and I have thought of going around to a few more of the art fairs that are around here. And a friend of mine and I – the same one who asked for the chart – have started inventing a certain variety of phrases that we think would do very well on t-shirts that the daughter could market at street fairs, where she would also be marketing her own artwork. I know some people out here in the boonies who do screening for a good price. Beauty. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat  who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16 hrs./week.; or part time (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring out for myself as a way out of my predicament. It’s a challenge, facing me – but I am more excited than not, and hopeful. Yes hopeful. And beyond anything else, I will be meeting new people, entering into a new modality for a while – things could change a lot in ways I haven’t even looked into. I will end now – this has been very long – thank you for anyone who has read this. Beauty.

Response:

P.P.S. – Oh, and I’ve forgotten to tell about a project another friend and I have invented. We have discovered that we both have a variety of memories pertaining to our childhoods that are connected to rather ordinary – or sometimes extraordinary – moments – and a magical sense, a wonderful, beautiful mood. We would like to write a book of joint reminiscence – and we are going to call it: Redbud and Appleblossom: Two Grown Girls Speak Memories from North and South. Something like that. I did mention it here in passing in another post. But I thought it bore repeating. I am going to see this friend tomorrow night to begin our project. Beauty. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat  who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16 hrs./week.; or part time (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring out for myself as a way out of my predicament. It’s a challenge, facing me – but I am more excited than not, and hopeful. Yes hopeful. And beyond anything else, I will be meeting new people, entering into a new modality for a while – things could change a lot in ways I haven’t even looked into. I will end now – this has been very long – thank you for anyone who has read this. Beauty.

Response:

yayyyy Beauty! sounds like the plans are gettin more n more real  am glad ya got some good things comin up, exitin, n futuros (k i made that word up, but liked it) n im with metta/kelly(sorry wasnt sure which to use), the more good ppl in SW the better! they need ya! thinkin of you C.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. yay for big plans!  yours sounds very realistic too, i think.  i know i’m always happy to have someone friendly and caring drawing my bl**d, especially when i’m sick and scared.  and your plan to go into social work sounds just perfect.  i recently had a bad experience with a social worker at a psych intake interview, so i would encourage anyone who is caring and understanding to go into the field to make up for the bad ones.  :-) good luck, i know you’ll do well. -kelly

Response:

To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman.

yay for big plans!  yours sounds very realistic too, i think.  i know i’m always happy to have someone friendly and caring drawing my bl**d, especially when i’m sick and scared.  and your plan to go into social work sounds just perfect.  i recently had a bad experience with a social worker at a psych intake interview, so i would encourage anyone who is caring and understanding to go into the field to make up for the bad ones.  :-) good luck, i know you’ll do well. -kelly

Response:

Thank you, kelly for reading and for your encouragement. Clarification: I would want to be a clinical social worker (i.e. ther*pist) – it would involve using many of the same skills I have learned as a cult. anthro. Beauty. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. yay for big plans!  yours sounds very realistic too, i think.  i know i’m always happy to have someone friendly and caring drawing my bl**d, especially when i’m sick and scared.  and your plan to go into social work sounds just perfect.  i recently had a bad experience with a social worker at a psych intake interview, so i would encourage anyone who is caring and understanding to go into the field to make up for the bad ones.  :-) good luck, i know you’ll do well. -kelly

Response:

First of all congrats on figuring out your new career. I’m almost at the point where I am going to do this so I know how it can seem daunting. Second, I don’t think you should worry too much about the physical strain of the job because most everyone I know who does this job doesn’t stand around all shift. They sit and do paperwork, they walk from here to there, they sit and wait for pts to show up for appts, whatever. It doesn’t strike me as a totally physically stressful job. And third and most important. I feel you are doing all of this from a position of strength. Rainbow Colors (Jill) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat  who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16 hrs./week.; or part time (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring out for myself as a way out of my predicament. It’s a challenge, facing me – but I am more excited than not, and hopeful. Yes hopeful. And beyond anything else, I will be meeting new people, entering into a new modality for a while – things could change a lot in ways I haven’t even looked into. I will end now – this has been very long – thank you for anyone who has read this. Beauty.

–      The colors blend, the edges soften. Swirling and mixing                    we are becoming white light.

Response:

Wo, and you would know about the not-good types, eh wot? I like futuros, too – it’s kind of like being furious about the present so making up something better for the future. Heh. Beauts. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – yayyyy Beauty! sounds like the plans are gettin more n more real  am glad ya got some good things comin up, exitin, n futuros (k i made that word up, but liked it) n im with metta/kelly(sorry wasnt sure which to use), the more good ppl in SW the better! they need ya! thinkin of you C. To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. yay for big plans!  yours sounds very realistic too, i think.  i know i’m always happy to have someone friendly and caring drawing my bl**d, especially when i’m sick and scared.  and your plan to go into social work sounds just perfect.  i recently had a bad experience with a social worker at a psych intake interview, so i would encourage anyone who is caring and understanding to go into the field to make up for the bad ones.  :-) good luck, i know you’ll do well. -kelly

Response:

Well, my first thought when I read your post was that you could move to CO and work at cheyenne mountain cause you know that is where stargate is and they need anthros to go to other worlds and study off world cultures *huge grin* You didn’t think I was going to pass up a chance to say something silly, right? Rainbow Colors (Jill) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – P.S. – Oh, yeah – and meanwhile, of course, I will continue w/my karate – I even get to continue teaching, since my hours will not conflict, at least during school semester (don’t know, after I start working – but I will do all I can to take work that allows me to continue training in karate, because I believe that is what has allowed me to become strong enough to face what I have had to face these past months and years). And I will continue to write and edit. A friend recently sent me something to work on, which she will pay me for. And also – a friend recently asked for me to do something I used to do, and she offered to pay me. She asked me to do a natal astrological chart for her daughter. I had already constructed one years ago when the child was born, so all I have to do now is finish writing up the interpretations. It’s something I enjoy doing – but haven’t done in years – I do it very, very, very gently and cautiously. I would have to explain in a different post. And I have given thought to going back to modeling (for artists). And of course, I have my own art and jewelry making and quilt making (I have a commission from a friend to do some work in the last category), and I have thought of going around to a few more of the art fairs that are around here. And a friend of mine and I – the same one who asked for the chart – have started inventing a certain variety of phrases that we think would do very well on t-shirts that the daughter could market at street fairs, where she would also be marketing her own artwork. I know some people out here in the boonies who do screening for a good price. Beauty. To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat  who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16 hrs./week.; or part time (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring out for myself as a way out of my predicament. It’s a challenge, facing me – but I am more excited than not, and hopeful. Yes hopeful. And beyond anything else, I will be meeting new people, entering into a new modality for a while – things could change a lot in ways I haven’t even looked into. I will end now

… read more »

Response:

sounds like a real good plan to me.   i’m sure you’ll be excellent in those fields.   you’ve given me some food for thought too about the training for taking bl**d.  sure have had enough of the ones who poke and prod but can’t find my veins.  then go to someone who gets it right away, so i know it’s technique.   way to go, linda 2creus – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat   who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16 hrs./week.; or part time (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring out for myself as a way out of my predicament. It’s a challenge, facing me – but I am more excited than not, and hopeful. Yes hopeful. And beyond anything else, I will be meeting new people, entering into a new modality for a while – things could change a lot in ways I haven’t even looked into. I will end now – this has been very long – thank you for anyone who has read this. Beauty.

Response:

Heh. Well, anything’s worth a thought. Actually, I’m rather rooted for the time being (because my son is at home where we are) – though eventually, perhaps, NM sounds like a really attractive option. But the downside is being so far from my KY family. Beauty. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, my first thought when I read your post was that you could move to CO and work at cheyenne mountain cause you know that is where stargate is and they need anthros to go to other worlds and study off world cultures *huge grin* You didn’t think I was going to pass up a chance to say something silly, right? Rainbow Colors (Jill) P.S. – Oh, yeah – and meanwhile, of course, I will continue w/my karate – I even get to continue teaching, since my hours will not conflict, at least during school semester (don’t know, after I start working – but I will do all I can to take work that allows me to continue training in karate, because I believe that is what has allowed me to become strong enough to face what I have had to face these past months and years). And I will continue to write and edit. A friend recently sent me something to work on, which she will pay me for. And also – a friend recently asked for me to do something I used to do, and she offered to pay me. She asked me to do a natal astrological chart for her daughter. I had already constructed one years ago when the child was born, so all I have to do now is finish writing up the interpretations. It’s something I enjoy doing – but haven’t done in years – I do it very, very, very gently and cautiously. I would have to explain in a different post. And I have given thought to going back to modeling (for artists). And of course, I have my own art and jewelry making and quilt making (I have a commission from a friend to do some work in the last category), and I have thought of going around to a few more of the art fairs that are around here. And a friend of mine and I – the same one who asked for the chart – have started inventing a certain variety of phrases that we think would do very well on t-shirts that the daughter could market at street fairs, where she would also be marketing her own artwork. I know some people out here in the boonies who do screening for a good price. Beauty. To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16 hrs./week.; or part time (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring

… read more »

Response:

Thank you for your encouragement. I am taking it one little step at a time – I think this is the wisest and only way for me now. Beauty. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – First of all congrats on figuring out your new career. I’m almost at the point where I am going to do this so I know how it can seem daunting. Second, I don’t think you should worry too much about the physical strain of the job because most everyone I know who does this job doesn’t stand around all shift. They sit and do paperwork, they walk from here to there, they sit and wait for pts to show up for appts, whatever. It doesn’t strike me as a totally physically stressful job. And third and most important. I feel you are doing all of this from a position of strength. Rainbow Colors (Jill) To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16 hrs./week.; or part time (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring out for myself as a way out of my predicament. It’s a challenge, facing me – but I am more excited than not, and hopeful. Yes hopeful. And beyond anything else, I will be meeting new people, entering into a new modality for a while – things could change a lot in ways I haven’t even looked into. I will end now – this has been very long – thank you for anyone who has read this. Beauty.

Response:

Thanks linda – you are good to give encouragement. I’ll need lots of it, I am sure, along the way. Beauty. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – sounds like a real good plan to me.   i’m sure you’ll be excellent in those fields.   you’ve given me some food for thought too about the training for taking bl**d.  sure have had enough of the ones who poke and prod but can’t find my veins.  then go to someone who gets it right away, so i know it’s technique.   way to go, linda 2creus To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat  who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16 hrs./week.; or part time (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring out for myself as a way out of my predicament. It’s a challenge, facing me – but I am more excited than not, and hopeful. Yes hopeful. And beyond anything else, I will be meeting new people, entering into a new modality for a while – things could change a lot in ways I haven’t even looked into. I will end now – this has been very long – thank you for anyone who has read this. Beauty.

Response:

Wow, Beauty, congratulations for taking control of your life! You CAN do this…..cuz I pretty much went thru the same story with the x and having to look for a job to support myself.  Took a little longer then I expected but my planned work, too! You sound so full of courage and strength….you go, girl!  There were days when I thought I had made a huge mistake but I know now that getting my divorce and moving on with my life was THE best decision I had ever made in my life!  And I’m 53 so that’s tells ya something.  ;] Aren’t you glad you made that stop at the church!  God does work in mysterious ways. bckwrds

Response:

hello beauty wow, this is hard work on thinking for preparations, sound very grounded and realistic and i am going to wish you a very easy road on this ) it is very well constructed indeed. wish you all the rainbows in action to give you the needed support keep fa*th in yourself !! satya —   (Y)   (..) c((")(") – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat   who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16 hrs./week.; or part time (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring out for myself as a way out of my predicament. It’s a challenge, facing me – but I am more excited than not, and hopeful. Yes hopeful. And beyond anything else, I will be meeting new people, entering into a new modality for a while – things could change a lot in ways I haven’t even looked into. I will end now – this has been very long – thank you for anyone who has read this. Beauty.

Response:

hi Beauty   That sounds so positive and is wonderful news, am very pleased for you all the best and c*rings (if ok) frankie.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat   who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16 hrs./week.; or part time (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring out for myself as a way out of my predicament. It’s a challenge, facing me – but I am more excited than not, and hopeful. Yes hopeful. And beyond anything else, I will be meeting new people, entering into a new modality for a while – things could change a lot in ways I haven’t even looked into. I will end now – this has been very long – thank you for anyone who has read this. Beauty.

Response:

beauty, i have tears in my eyes, of joy, for reading that you have hope, and are looking forward to things in your life. i do need to tell you that social workers do NOT earn a lot of money…  but i can’t fault your choice of degree.  :) *goodgoodgoodgoodgood* for you for being "proactive" (*rolls eyes at the quintessential socialworkbabble word*) about your life and needs!! i am SO happy for you.  GOOD JOB!!!! …no wonder i’ve been feeling better these last few days… i’m so glad u have a purpose now.  :)  congratulations! jt

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat   who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16

hrs./week.; or part time – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring out for myself as a way out of my predicament. It’s a challenge, facing me – but I am more excited than not, and hopeful. Yes hopeful. And beyond anything else, I will be meeting new people, entering into a new modality for a while – things could change a lot in ways I haven’t even looked into. I will end now – this has been very long – thank you for anyone who has read this. Beauty.

Response:

thank you satya – we look for rainbows – the husb. places obstacles. beautys. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hello beauty wow, this is hard work on thinking for preparations, sound very grounded and realistic and i am going to wish you a very easy road on this ) it is very well constructed indeed. wish you all the rainbows in action to give you the needed support keep fa*th in yourself !! satya —   (Y)   (..) c((")(") To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat  who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16 hrs./week.; or part time (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring out for myself as a way out of my predicament. It’s a challenge, facing me – but I am more excited than not, and hopeful. Yes hopeful. And beyond anything else, I will be meeting new people, entering into a new modality for a while – things could change a lot in ways I haven’t even looked into. I will end now – this has been very long – thank you for anyone who has read this. Beauty.

Response:

Yes G*d does. Beautys. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wow, Beauty, congratulations for taking control of your life! You CAN do this…..cuz I pretty much went thru the same story with the x and having to look for a job to support myself.  Took a little longer then I expected but my planned work, too! You sound so full of courage and strength….you go, girl!  There were days when I thought I had made a huge mistake but I know now that getting my divorce and moving on with my life was THE best decision I had ever made in my life!  And I’m 53 so that’s tells ya something.  ;] Aren’t you glad you made that stop at the church!  God does work in mysterious ways. bckwrds

Response:

oh much okay, frankie – how you beens? beauty. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi Beauty   That sounds so positive and is wonderful news, am very pleased for you all the best and c*rings (if ok) frankie. To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat  who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16 hrs./week.; or part time (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring out for myself as a way out of my predicament. It’s a challenge, facing me – but I am more excited than not, and hopeful. Yes hopeful. And beyond anything else, I will be meeting new people, entering into a new modality for a while – things could change a lot in ways I haven’t even looked into. I will end now – this has been very long – thank you for anyone who has read this. Beauty.

Response:

Thank you nicky. I have missed you, you know. I still think of some of the many things we have talked about – including – well, some unfinished stuff, you know? It’s fine – I’m not trying to say there is stuff that needs finishing – just saying I remember. And – I am grateful for your faith in my faith. I affirm yours, and your caring for those you care for, as well. Beauty. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Beauty, I really believe things are going to come around for you soon. Things never stay the same, even though we believe nothing changes (especially when times are hard). You are a wonderful person. You are working tremendously hard not only for yourself but for others (your son) and I truly believe your faith and efforts will be rewarded. Yours sounds like a wonderfuly plan. In our thoughts, nicky — For more information about this posting service, contact: If you want an anonymous account, visit our sign-up page: https://asarian-host.net/cgi-bin/signup.cgi

Response:

THank you for trhe joy – we have not joy tonight, but we understtand – it’s been a hard time, why we can’t speak – yes we know sw is not rich-land, but neither is anthro so whatya gnna do?? see ya – beautys. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – beauty, i have tears in my eyes, of joy, for reading that you have hope, and are looking forward to things in your life. i do need to tell you that social workers do NOT earn a lot of money…  but i can’t fault your choice of degree.  :) *goodgoodgoodgoodgood* for you for being "proactive" (*rolls eyes at the quintessential socialworkbabble word*) about your life and needs!! i am SO happy for you.  GOOD JOB!!!! …no wonder i’ve been feeling better these last few days… i’m so glad u have a purpose now.  :)  congratulations! jt To all: This is a bit long, but it tells what I have been figuring out about how I am going to solve the practical problems facing me in the current situation in my life – it is a practical plan, ready to go into action at the end of this month, that will begin to establish me as an independent woman. Okay, here is what I have been figuring out for myself, and putting into place, over the past few months. I’ve been in a pained p*r*lysis for so long, and now I’m moving forward. It has taken a long time – and because it has been so painful and so scary, I have not been prepared to talk about it, until it has been put into place. And so now – I will unveil the situation and the plan. My situation is that I need to become independent – I need to become able to support myself and to gain health benefits for myself. I cannot say more about the reasons for this, but you can guess. Well, okay, for one thing, I have intimated that my marriage is not sturdy at this point, to say the least. And the second issue is that as of this past November, the husb. left his second job and turned to me and said, "Your turn." (Which was unrealistic, but that didn’t matter, because that was what he did, and we were sinking fast economically.) I have been p*r*lyzed about this because of the pain and because of fear – and because of pragmatics. I couldn’t figure out how I was supposed to earn an income in my field, anthropology, because there are no jobs in general, and esp. not for people my age who have not been active in the field in a big way (only small ways, comparatively) for years – and in particular, the opportunities where I live (in the middle of nowhere) are nil. And besides that, I have a son at home – he is home schooled (a choice made mainly by the husb., but one that it seems is probably correct – but one that couldn’t logically or pragmatically have been taken w/out my being at home). Even w/my son *in* school, it would have been a stretch, w/great cost to my son, to have me working somewhere (unless I worked at night – but that would have been difficult in other ways). So between the career path problem and the child care problem, I didn’t know what to do. Finally, one day, the husb. had an anxiety attack thing and ended up in ER – and the woman came to take bl**d. On a whim, I asked, "What kind of training does it take to do that?" Turns out the answer is – 15 weeks at our community college, which course includes the clinical training at a hosp., and I will be ready to take Fed. certification test so that I will be ready to work anywhere in the US. The program has virtually %100 employability, and students are often offered jobs at the places where they do their clinicals, or often places put up notices or contact the school, if they need workers. So – here is the pro-active thing I did. I called the community college – and there was a waiting list. I asked for my name to be on the list and for them to send my materials on the program. I called later to find out how things were going, and it turned out that there had been a slip-up and my name wasn’t on the list – I was going to have to wait until January! I was bummed out, needless to say. But one morning this summer, I happened to be walking into chrch w/a woman I have a speaking acquaintance with – actually, she was one of the ones who was so glad to see me after I had returned to chrch – she made a big point of coming up and welcoming me, telling me news of her daughters, etc. (who had been children when last I knew them, and who are now grown and educated and working). Turns out one is a phlebotomist (one who takes bl**d), and she went through the program – and the woman’s close friend is one of the teachers. So she said – "Call them back, because often, people sign up and then just disappear, so there are spaces left open." So I did – and after a few calls, it turns out, I did get an invitation to come into the office and meet the head of the division that offers the course. I went – and it felt so natural and right to be back on a campus – I’ve spent so many years as a student, or teacher, or faculty spouse, or having a shared office on campus because of editing, or whatever, so it felt so good. And when I met the woman, it was amazing – meeting the secretary and meeting her – it was just like meeting new friends. She was just so warm and things went so smoothly and naturally. And there I was – ready to register – and so I registered, got into a payment program, and got an appt. w/my MD for a physical (next week). And as of December, if all goes right, I will be ready to take my exams for work!!!!! For anyone who wonders, there are many jobs in phlebotomy. You don’t have to know a bunch of math or anything – it’s a skill, that’s all. And I know I will be able to do it. It’s like things have been set up for me that way, too – I had gestational diabetes, which means I had to overcome, to some extent, my phobia about n**dles – and then I had a cat  who became diabetic and one who needed hydration, so I had to learn to help other living beings that way. So I know I could do it. And I believe that people who are in need of having bl**d drawn are also in need of a little humanity and tender care – so I could to that, too. Meanwhile – another part of the plan. There is a university about 90 miles away that offers a good program in social work. I have long, long desired to re-train as a social worker. So I have investigated that, too. And it turns out that there are two options there: full time is two days a week (either Thurs. Fri. or Sat.) plus immediate placement in a field setting (of one’s own design and choice – one finds the institution and makes it up and goes in) for 16 hrs./week.; or part time (Sat. classes only) and you do your field placement beginning in the second year. The full time option certifies you in two years, and the part time option takes three years. I have discussed having some of my credits transferred, being that I have a Ph.D. in a related area, and they may accept a few of them. I have yet to visit the place and show them my transcript and work this out in detail, and I have yet to formally apply and be accepted and so forth – I don’t have any doubt that I will be accepted. They seem interested in me. So that is my long range plan – to become certified as a phlebotomist, and then while working, to do my re-training as a social worker. Things might not work out that way – I might decide to go further in med. training and become a med lab tech – which is a two year certificate program at the community college – and which leads to a job that brings down good money. Techs are much in demand – and if I am also a phlebotomist, even more so. My only anxiety is my health – will I be up to it physically? Will my legs and back stand the strain? Will my emotional health be okay? The former is a real question. The latter – well, I just have to be okay. I don’t have a choice. I have to "get a grip." So that’s the story, folks. That’s what I have been figuring out for myself as a way out of my predicament. It’s a challenge, facing me – but I am more excited than not, and hopeful. Yes hopeful. And beyond anything else, I will be meeting new people, entering into a new modality for a while – things could change a lot in ways I haven’t even looked into. I will end now – this has been very long – thank you for anyone who has read this. Beauty.

Response:

Like? Beauty. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Maybe time to focus on grounding and centering things? Rainbow Colors (Jill) Am feeling very wiped out and depressed right now, and not in control.

Response:

Go out and appreciate nature (hug a tree:), walk barefoot in the grass and really pay attention to it. Eat something you really really like and close your eyes and just focus on it’s taste/smell/whatever. Get a massage. Take a long hot bath and focus on nothing. Wear stuff that feels very soothing to you (like a snuggly fleece bathrobe or whatever). Try to really notice people as you walk around in public (notice what they are saying, how their perfume smells, what they are wearing). Go to an art museum and really look at various art you like. And so on… Rainbow Colors (Jill) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Like? Beauty. Maybe time to focus on grounding and centering things? Rainbow Colors (Jill) Am feeling very wiped out and depressed right now, and not in control.

–      The colors blend, the edges soften. Swirling and mixing                    we are becoming white light.

Response:

Beauty, I really believe things are going to come around for you soon. Things never stay the same, even though we believe nothing changes (especially when times are hard). You are a wonderful person. You are working tremendously hard not only for yourself but for others (your son) and I truly believe your faith and efforts will be rewarded. Yours sounds like a wonderfuly plan. In our thoughts, nicky — For more information about this posting service, contact: If you want an anonymous account, visit our sign-up page: https://asarian-host.net/cgi-bin/signup.cgi

Response: