Misc web browsing finds......

Is that your final answer?

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
- Mark Twain

Well if that isn't fitting for the "What do I want to do with my life?" questions I've been trying to figure out lately.....

I think I'm going to go for an RN. I shadowed the x-ray department yesterday and while it seemed interesting, CT in particular, everyone I talked to said the job prospects weren't looking good. They also said that it ebbs & flows. They don't need anyone now but in a few years, who knows?

With nursing there seem to be so many more options for jobs; hospitals, clinics, doctors offices, nursing homes, hospice, home health, & maybe more I haven't thought of or know about.

When I make it through school I think I might have to buy this:

me - worried??

Grandma does this & I'm worried about college....

A sounding board without judgment would be nice. That and shadowing a couple departments at the hospital hopefully will help. Gotta love my aunt & her connections! I just wish I knew what I really wanted to do....

Scary news

Found out today that for this year there are 95 openings into the Nursing program. They have 315 people to choose from. They start with the highest grades and go from there.

I found out yesterday that they only admit people to the program once a year. They choose during May for the following Fall. So the earliest I could get into the program is Fall 2011. But now knowing about the amount of people looking to get into so few spots... has me wondering how soon I'd really get into the program.

Another bad thing - In order to get the money from the state you have to be "enrolled in the program". I've heard from some people that you're not eligible for the money if you're taking the pre-reqs to get into the program. Once you're accepted into the program then you can get the money. But will the program still be around in a year (at best)?

Cheerleader

You know what people could really use? There own personal cheerleader!

Someone to tell you they're not crazy for thinking something totally beyond what you've ever thought.

Someone to give them a big shot of confidence if yours is lacking at the moment.

Someone to tell them "You can do it" when you're convinced you can't or that it's too much.

Someone to not project their own fears/concerns on to you.

Someone who believes in you no matter what - even when everyone else is saying you can't or shouldn't.

Someone who has faith in you and that things will work out even when you can't see it right now.

Now I'm not just saying the typical high school cheerleaders - rah rah go team.... kind of stuff. Or some who just "blows smoke up your ass". But more like the boxing coach who is always in your corner rooting for you even when you're stumbling and can barely open one of your eyes for the swelling.

I remember an episode of an old tv show from too many years ago. A guy, who was an incredible nerd, kind of had the same thoughts I just shared. He made a box - in the music box fashion - that when opened it gave you a standing ovation. Applause, cheers, whistles - the whole 9 yards.

Kinda wish there really was one of those out there in the world....

Seriously?!? I'm actually thinking about it??

It's been over 4 months since Shorty passed away. And for me avoidance seems to be working well on allowing me to keep going. Sometimes sad thoughts hit but then I just stuff them down & go on. One of these days that 10 gallons of shit in a 5 gallon bucket will spill over... that will not be a fun day.

About 3 months ago - On the day before a trip PB & I couldn't afford but got guilted into going on (family wedding in Vegas - we're in MI) - I got laid off. Talk about timing! Try to have fun after that.... Ok it was my first trip to Vegas so I did have fun but the worry was still in the back of my mind.

Michigan has a program to help displaced workers (that'd be me!) get money for school/training in a high growth field, up to $5,000 for 2 years - $10,000 total. That got me thinking about what I might like to do. After thinking & debating for a while decided on Radiology Technology. Talked to the MI program about funding & started getting things together to get enrolled in college for xray tech.

After talking to my aunt today & her talking to her contacts in the hospital and that department I find out that xray techs are about a "dime a dozen" lately. So after going to school for 2 1/2 years or so, depending on how many pre-reqs I'd need, it sounds like there won't be a job available or certainly very few.

More talking to my aunt & thinking (& talking & thinking...alot) I'm thinking about possibly going to school to be a Registered Nurse. Me - a nurse. After hearing from my (the same) aunt ever since I can remember that I'd be a great nurse. Her logic for this I still don't know (may have to ask her that one!) other than she always wanted her 2 kids to be doctors, the oldest is - the younger not. Me - the person who never wanted to be a nurse, partly probably because my aunt wanted me to be (I can be stubborn to a fault sometimes).

Really?!? I'm seriously thinking about an RN??

It's still a 2 year program, again plus whatever pre-reqs. It's still at the school I was already thinking of attending. The money is better for an RN than an xray tech. I could take another year after becoming an RN to get a B.S. (Bachelor's of Science) which would then open up more opportunities & larger pay scale. Plus I could do the B.S. online. Plus if I were an RN it would open up a variety of job options other than bedside - since I'm not sure if bedside is something I'd enjoy. But who knows, after going through school for it I might actually enjoy it.....

ME - maybe an RN.... really???