Just a Break, Nothing Permanent

Time flies when you are reflecting.  The break was  not intentional, but evidently it was needed.  Let me first say that my parents are both doing good and things are still the same with them.  Well, my mom did discover that her cancer has traveled to her spine.  Yep, the MRI of her spine that she had during her last hospitalization did reveal that lovely bit of information. The docs have changed her meds and she has a PET scan coming up later this month to make sure the cancer is not anywhere else. Mom is a trooper and is handling it all very well.

These last couple of weeks have gone by quickly.  There have been some positive changes too.  I have another  job.  It is as a ultrasound clinical adjunct from the college I graduated from 12 years ago.  It is a part time position, (only 10 hrs a week) so I think I can handle it.  It may grow into more hours next semester, but the good thing is the other instructors know my situation and are very flexible.

Financially...... I think it took me two weeks to ACTUALLY look at my bank account.  Oh yeah.... I was just winging it with the debit card and the credit card.  Yesterday, I did pull up my accounts and had a look.  It was not pretty, but it definitely could have been worse. 

My eBay is keeping me busy and sane. The small income it provides definitely helps out.

My husband and I are living day to day.  We make no long term plans because we have learned that situations can change with a phone call.  That may not sound like the best way to do things financially, but for now the stress is off.  And yes I can admit that I was super stressed and probably still am a bit wore out from all the stuff going on with my parents.

There will come a time when we ( my husband and I) can make some some more long range goals and plans.  But that is not going to happen right now.  We are enjoying each and every day we have with our family.    Speaking of family, it is time to get the grandson and head out to SeaWorld for the day.

Thanks for all who emailed to check on me.  Much appreciated :)

Lisa

 

The New Job...... Is History

No, that did not take long at all.  The new job is in the the past.  The determining factor was the stress and its effects on me.  When I am stressed to the max, I experience vertigo.  Vertigo so severe that I cannot even get up out of bed til noon.  That is what happened today.  The vertigo is a sure sign that I will have to call it quits.  It is not worth it to me to be physically ill over a job. 

Yes, It will suck until I can secure another job.  But for now, I will be just fine.  This afternoon I will be taking my grandson to the park..... and that will definitely make me happy and relaxed.  Tomorrow is a new day!  Thanks to all for your support! 

It is Almost Time for Bed.....Again

Day three of work and I am happy to report that I still like it.  It is mentally challenging for me because it has been so long since I worked.  The studies that we perform have a set protocol for scanning based on what the radiologists require.  So for the last few nights I have been going through my notes and books to refresh my memory.  I guess I never thought I would want to scan again. 

My menu planning is non existent this week.  We have enough in the freezer and pantry to get us through this week.  Except for bread.  It always runs out before anything else.   I have been eating protein bars for lunch at work.  With the anxiety from going back to work, I can't really eat anything else or it gets caught in my throat.  Crazy, but in time it will get better.  I think tomorrow I will try a pumpernickel and hummus sandwich.  That might go down okay.

I have been so busy getting use to my new schedule that I have had little time to stop by your blogs to visit and comment.  I am hoping that will get better very soon. 

Time for bed.  

Wrapping Up Wednesday: One hurdle down, one to go

This makes me smile!  :)

Tomorrow is my first day back to work.  I have been staying busy all day trying not to get too nervous.  This morning I went down to my mom's to take her to see the neuro-onocologist.  We had to arrive 45 minutes early so she could fill out paperwork before the appointment.  The tech called us back on time, but we still had to wait for the Doctor for another 45 minutes.  During the appointment is was determined that she did not need chemotherapy at this time and she will go back in 6 months for a follow up.

We then had to go to Medical Records and pick up her AFLAC forms.  She has a cancer policy with AFLAC this particular policy did pay her a considerable amount the first time she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  Since the cancer has metastasized it wont be as much, but still a pretty good amount.

After that, we went to the grocery store and then the credit union.  This is where things got a little complicated.  I had been keeping a running total of what we had been spending on the bathroom renovation, the new bed, and the groceries I had been buying for the last 8 weeks.  I told mom that total.  I think she was shocked.  I don't know why.... the totals were kept in a notebook on the counter in her kitchen.   Then we talked about compensation for me.  If you recall, I had just started a new teaching job after being on unemployment for 3 months.  9 days into the job, I get a call from the ER nurse that my mom is being admitted because she has had a stroke. 

Mom gets on the phone and wants me to go to her house and check on my 90 year old dad.. and there I stayed for 9 weeks. I have no income during this time, only my husband's.  We are a two income family.     And after 9 weeks of living with my parents and taking care of them .... well, mom has recovered enough to resume her normal life.  I thank God daily that he has answered all the prayers that were being said for my mom. 

Getting back to the money.  Mom and I went back and forth and discussed the amount that seemed fair to both of us.  We decided on an amount, but when she was done with her transactions at the teller window, she handed me a cashier check that was more than the amount agreed upon. What a relief and a blessing as well.

Tomorrow is the first day...... my nerves are jumping and my stomach is turning.  "I can do it!"

I Am Re-Joining The Workforce

Happy Dance!

Well, how do you like that?  Yesterday morning I received a call from the HR director at the potential new job.  She greeted me and then began to explain the company benefits.  After a few minutes of going over the benefits, she said " What are your financial requirements for the position?"  I told her. ( I went a little high on the advice of a coworker)    She said that number was "fine!"    That "number" is about $2.00 higher than the position I was laid of from in August and $4.50 higher than the job I had before that.   I did not have to go back for a scanning interview, I was hired over the phone!  

 This tells me that God's hand was definitely in this. The process was easy, short and very rewarding.  All praises go to Him!  Thanks to all of you for your support during these last few crazy months!    I am thrilled to be employed again!!


With the good news yesterday, I was again very motivated to work on decluttering my stuff.    Great progress is being made and I will post pictures tonight.  Since I will be working again, I have gone through my EBay stuff and decided to donate it back to the Thrift Store.  Yes, I could have a garage sale, but I just am not feeling that.  I so much to do and finish right now.  But.... there is about a truckload of stuff ready to go! 

• Frozen Yogurt is Crack! @ Budgeting In The Fun Stuff

• Pinterest: Harmless Fun or Enabler @ So Over Debt 

• Sh*t My Tenants  Say @ Your Finances Simplified

• Is It Worth Having A FSA Account @ Ultimate Smart Money

• Amazon 25.00 Gift Card Giveaway @ Retire By Forty

• 8 Ways To Justify Buying Anything @ Cult of Money

• How Realism and Creativity can Get you Out of Debt @ My Broken Coin 

• 3 Tips For Staying On Task @ Black Freelancer

•  End World Hunger: 5 Ways You Can Make A Difference @ Prairie Eco Thrifter

Time to get back to the work at hand.  Lots of stuff to go through and pitch  donate!

Have a great Saturday!

photo credit

Update on Job Interview

Yesterday I went to a job interview.  It is a radiologist owned imaging center about 30 miles away.  Okay.... everything is about 30 miles away from where I live job-wise.  The imaging center is beautiful and has modern state of the art equipment.   I arrived 10 minutes early and checked in with the receptionist.   Of course I had extra resumes and a letter of recommendation from the imaging center that mis-hired me  in August.  My interview was with the Radiologist assistant and she was busy helping with a biopsy.

I took a seat in the lobby and waited.  And waited.  Yep, I was in the lobby for about an hour.  I actually thought it might be a test :)   But I know from experience that when you are helping with a biopsy, things do not always go as planned.

Eventually I was called back and met with supervisor.  We talked for about an hour and I shared my employment history and she asked me a bunch of questions.  I enjoyed talking to her and I kinda hope I didn't talk to much.  Anyway, I got to meet the other ultrasound techs, in fact one of them is a previous co-worker from about 9 years ago.  I think the interview went well!

In fact, my previous co-worker texted me later on in the day that she heard I did well on the interview and things might be going my way.  I will probably go back for a scanning interview, ( so they can evaluate my scanning skills) next week.  So, today I will be waiting on a call back.  Either way, the interview was a good experience.   If by chance this does not work out, I as suppose to have an interview next week at another outpatient center.

image credit

The Last Couple of Days....

The last couple of days have been BUSY!     Let me just say that being off for the last 3 months has made getting up at 5 AM quite a shocker.   Not complaining, just an honest observation.    The last two day s have been challenging, nerve-wracking, stressful, and rewarding. 

I started my new job Monday afternoon, and was in full swing by Tuesday morning.  As I said before, the job is not a full time position, but is three days a week.   I am an ultrasound instructor.... I teach a two hour scanning lab, and then after lunch we have a 3.5 hour to 4 hour lecture.  I have been an ultrasound tech for 11 years and now that I am preparing for lectures I realize how much I USE to know.  I honestly think I am studying more than the students.

And with this job, I have the opportunity to overcome one of my biggest fears.  Public Speaking.  Oh yes, I have a paralyzing fear of getting up in front of people much less speaking in front of them.  I would rather eat dirt!     But, I knew somewhere down the road, that I would have to overcome this fear.

When the offer came for this position,  It had all the right pieces in place.   The subject matter was something I was very familiar with.  Only have to work three days.  I have met the staff previously and was impressed with their credentials and background.  And most importantly,  the class size was small.  Five students.   I knew this was the perfect time for me to face my fear.  

Truthfully, there were a few sleepless nights.  And no doubt, that will be the case for the next couple of weeks.  I am also discovering that I have a lot of studying to do to be prepared for the daily lecture.   But over all, I am quite content with this new position. 

It was definitely time to get back in the real world again.  





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A Change in Status

 Yesterday my husband and my son J, spent about 6 hours working on my "oil leaking" car.  They had to jack it up, remove the right front tire and a bunch of other assorted parts to try and figure out what was the problem.  Towards the end of the evening, they did discover what was wrong.  It was a small gasket that is near the oil pump thingy...( not really sure exactly where).  The gasket is about 2-3 inches in diameter...and it had a tear in it.... which lead to the puddle of oil that followed me everywhere I went.

They called around to find the part and finally ended up calling the Toyota dealer because no one else had it.   You know when you call the dealer for a part, it stands a great chance of being quite expensive!    After getting through to the parts department (which was open until 6pm on a Sunday) my husband was able to locate the elusive gasket.

And when he asked the parts guy how much.... we were all pleasantly surprised   when he said it was only $12.00!  Awesome!!   So he will stop by today after work and pick up two.  Our other Toyota has the same kind of leak.  Time to get all the cars up and running.  

I am borrowing my daughter's car today.....Because  "the change in status" is I have a job!  Yep, this all took place before the long Thanksgiving weekend.  I was checking my Emails and I had an offer for apart time job to teach ultrasound.  It is only 3 days a week!  And to tell you the truth... after this break from my last job I really did not want to go back full time.   I went down to the school and talked to the program director and worked out all the details.   All I wanted was to work about 3 days a week for now.  It is amazing how God answers prayers!!

I am excited AND nervous about this new job. 

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Happy Friday!

My Latest Thrift Store Finds click here to read more

I can hardly believe that it is Friday already!  This week, I have been able to get more organizing done around the house, the last of the boxes from the move have been unpacked.  There are still two garbage bags full of my husbands camouflage hunting stuff to be put away.  Sooner or later that will find its home too.

This week, I have applied to three ultrasound jobs, I went on one interview, and ha e had one phone interview.  There are a few more online that I can apply for, but they are much farther from home.

I have been to the thrift stores this week, and you can read all about my finds by clicking the link under my picture in the beginning of my post.  Definitely should not be spending any money right now, but a little thrifty retail therapy does go along way.    

No plans this weekend, just to hang out and enjoy.  I am grateful that hurricane Irene has chosen a different route and will NOT be visiting us here in Florida.

Hope your weekend is wonderful!

I Filed For Unemployment

Men waiting in Unemployment in Pittsburgh 1930's

Earlier this week, I filed for unemployment.  It is not a process that I am unfamiliar with.  Over three years ago, my husband was laid off.  He collected unemployment for about 18 months. Then two years ago,  my oldest son was laid off for about 19 months, and he too collected unemployment. For the last three weeks, he has been working full time and is getting back on his feet again.  Now, It is my turn.  I checked with the website this morning and I am eligible to claim my weeks beginning Monday.

Yesterday, I did receive a call from an area health care system.  They have two ultrasound positions open and asked me to come and interview for them on Tuesday.  I am excited about the opportunity!  One is a full time position, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from 7PM to 7AM.  That is a tough shift.  And the other is for a as needed (PRN) tech.  I am not sure how many hours that involves.  Either way, I feel tons better that I did get a call back from one of my resume submissions.

Today is clean the house day!  Gotta get ready for the weekend!

Related Posts:  Yesterday Was My Last Day

So This Is How You Treat Family

I have been at the new job for approximately four weeks.  When I was hired, the HR director and General Manager were quick to say "Welcome Lisa, you are now a part of the family!"  They also stated that my employment here will be the best employment ever and that I will definitely be here many years.  To quote the HR director " This is the job you will retire from Lisa."

Enter new Vice President of Operations ( since last Monday).  He is a lawyer with a background in outpatient imaging centers.  Since is arrival, the HR director is now gone.  A mutual decision of course. (wink, wink).   My hours are reduced to almost 30 hours a week, from the promised 40.  Since I am not registered in Vascular Ultrasound, (RVT), I no longer have an vascular studies on my schedule.  Medicare requires a registered tech perform the studies in order to get reimbursed.  The former HR director and General Manager both knew and that I was not registered in vascular yet, but knew that I am planning on taking the boards before the end of the year. 

Now, I work 3 & 1/2 days a week.  And typically there use to be about 10 to 15 vascular studies on my schedule.  The company needs to be profitable, and if they are turning away patients they are not making  money.  ( A registered RVT tech from a contract service is there 1&1/2 days a week).

Yesterday I was online looking for another part time Ultrasound job to fill in the days I am not working.  Guess what I saw?  Yep.  An ad for a full time US tech registered in Vascular, General and ECHO (hearts) for the small town in which I live.  There are only two outpatient facilities in this  town, and I called the other facility to see if they were hiring.  They were not. 

The signs are there.  And I don't think it is paranoia.  Of course, I could ask the General Manager at work if this is all true, but why would she tell me the truth?  They need me there for now.  If they had to call in another service tech, they would be paying double. So, for now I will be looking for other employment, and continue to work here.  If they do let me go, maybe I can get unemployment?

God has a plan.  And I know it will work out.  But.... ironic isn't it?  I really didn't like this particular work environment and now I may be going to a better facility to work.  

Is it the Weekend Yet?

The new job is still challenging me.  But, I have to admit, I am feeling a little bit better about it.  Currently, my schedule is work 1/2 day on Monday, off on Tuesday and work eight hour shifts the rest of the week. I am averaging about 30 hours per week.  I was hired for 40 hours per week, but it is another tech that performs Echos of the heart works the other day and 1/2.  Not that this is what they told me when I was hired.... but it is what it is.   

The days I do work are still busy, and I am exhausted when I get home.  So maybe having the one day off is a blessing in disguise.

There is a sense of being overwhelmed with the new house, the  perpetual projects, the new job, and other family related drama.  To help solve that problem, we are escaping to the beach this upcoming weekend.  I am definitely looking forward to that! 

Hope you all have a great week!

Am I Tired Of Health Care or Just Stressed?

I don't think change is for me. This is week two of my new job, and I am stressed. About what you may ask? Learning new vascular scans/ techniques. I did not reuse that it would be so challenging!!I have never been a big fan of vascular anyway, but I did want to improve what I already know. Now I am being required to perform vascular studies that I am not familiar with. Stress!!!!
I know, I know, give it more time. Stop being a perfectionist. Maybe this is God's way of improving my skill level in preparation for the next stop in my career.

Finding a Routine

I think things  are settling down a bit around here.  Tomorrow I go to the part time job to train.  I originally took every Monday off this month to get things around the new house.  So much for that idea.  As is typical for me, I am rethinking the second job.  It is a on call position  so every other weekend nights I will be required to drive to the hospital in the middle of the night.  Perhaps numerous times.  When we were at the old house, the distance was about 12 miles.  Not a biggie.  Now the distance is 25 miles and takes me about 35 minutes.  So, if I am called out 3 times in one shift, I will be driving close to 150 miles in one night.  That will suck. But.... on the other hand, it will be financially rewarding.  From previous experience, at 4 in the morning, after being up all night... I did not  care one bit about the money.  All I wanted was to be in my own bed. Yeah.... I know.  I may have bitten off more than I can handle.  Typical.

On the other hand, I have decided to put AVON on the back burner.  Most of my customers are at my soon to be former employer.  And to tell the truth... I did not make that much money.  Whew..... there, I confessed.  I feel a little better.

This week, we are signing the lease to rent our former house.  I still have to put a lease agreement together. That is becoming harder and harder to do.  I keep changing the agreement, and updating it.  Making a mistake on that could be costly, to say the least.

I really wish I had tomorrow off.

~~~~ UPDATE~~~~  I resigned my pool position.  Money is not everything.  So often I forget that. 

Busy All The Time

There have been a lot of changes the last couple of weeks that have kept us all very busy.  The same week that we closed on the house, I received a call from an outpatient imaging center located two miles from our new home.  Over the course of the last 6 months, I have been faxing resumes to different  imaging centers and hospitals.  This particular center had kept my resume on hand, and due to accreditation issues this center needed a new US tech. 

I had a phone interview with the HR dept and then I met with the center manager.  Within two days, they called me back with an offer!  After a few minutes discussing wages and benefits, I accepted the position.  I start in July. My current employer requires 4 weeks notice.  I am excited and nervous to change  work places, but I am sure it will be for the best.

Oh, and one of the hospitals I applied to called me for a "pool" position.  This position is for taking call ( being called in for an ER patient or in patient)  on Friday night and Saturday night.  It is a super small hospital and they say the call is not bad.  I am going to give it a go..... The pay is something that I cannot say no to.  So, I started training there last night.  A totally new machine to adapt to, different and more detailed scanning protocols to learn.  A bit of a mental challenge for me.  I am kinda set in my ways. 

Are Changes Coming?

Yesterday, I had a conversation with a new potential employer.  It is about a full time teaching position.    I would be teaching Ultrasound at an accredited school nearby.  We meet on Monday to discuss the possibilities.  I do love my job, ( not necessarily my employers)  but  I do want a new and exciting challenge. Did I mention that the other two ultrasound techs are seeking other jobs too?  What does that tell you?   This may be it.  I am excited and nervous!!   ( Big Sigh!!)

My Realtor called last night and left me a message saying that the broker handling the Short Sale will be contacting the bank today and that we should have some sort of word about the house.  Okay... I want to be excited, but I am just going to wait and see.  ( Another BIG sigh!)

Looking forward to positive news on all fronts!

Hope you all have a great Thursday!

SwagBucks To Date:  1556

How I am using my SwagBucks

Phone Interview

The phone interview that was scheduled for yesterday was postponed at the the last minute. I will now have to wait until next week to have the interview. I guess it will be Christmas before I find out if I get the job or not :). It is okay, I am kinda relieved that I have an extra week of freedom. I want the money for working Saturday nights, but I really don't want to give up every Saturday night either. I am sure God has a plan for me so I will wait patiently.

Hubs did go to the store for me, and he stayed pretty close to the list. It is a relief to not have to go grocery shopping this week.

I am enjoying my iphone. It it taking some time to get use to it, but overall I am glad I did get it.

New Job Update

New job update. It's only the second day and I don't want to go back. I have been up since four AM and I really think I want my old job back. My job is dependent on the particular machine I use. I HATE the machine I have to use. It is suppose to be user friendly and it is not. I left the new job yesterday almost in tears.

Where does that leave me now? Give it more time would be the logical answer. I am not feeling logical today.

Last Day...

Today is the last day of work at my present employer. Saying good-bye to friends who have been a big part of my life for the last four years was not easy. The tears were flowing and I was more overcome by emotion that I thought I would be.

When you say your farewells, you intend to stay in touch by calling or stopping by for lunch. But I know that for the most part there are only a few close friends that I will stay in touch with.

That is a part of growth and moving on. I hope that I was a positive influence on their lives as much as they were on mine. On the brighter side, there are new friends to be made and new experiences to take part in.

I can't wait!

New Update on Job Opportunities

Friday after work, I received a call from the manager that I interviewed with on Tuesday. She said that after a brief discussion with her management team that the center wanted to offer me the position.

I am thrilled to say that I accepted the job and will be starting there around the middle of January. I plan to take a week off before beginning the new position. A brief vacation will be a welcome refresher before starting a new job.

I feel really good about accepting the position and I am comfortable in knowing that this new opportunity will be the right move for me.

The new year is off to a great start!