Workin' for a livin'

One of the things I hope to accomplish this year is to find some renewed satisfaction in my work. For the past eight years, I've worked from home as a medical transcriptionist, specifically radiology. For three years now, I've been on an account for a large, very busy hospital. The work never seems to end, and there never seem to be enough transcriptionists to keep the work current on the account. We have a one-hour turn around time (once the doc dictates the report, it must be transcribed and in the hospital system within the hour). This is stressful especially when there's more work than usual, and we (all the transcriptionists as a group) are constantly being barked at about how we are not keeping up or what we're screwing up. Nary a word is ever said if and when we actually do a good job.

This time last year, I was blessed to have the opportunity to reduce my work to part time hours. The company I am contracted with graciously allowed me to do this rather than put me on another account, so I took this gesture as a sign that I do a good job, that they do need me and want me to stay on the account.

Still, I'm the kind of person who thrives on praise. I don't necessarily need it to get the work done (obviously) but a pat on the back here and there or even a kind word never hurts. I would even appreciate some kind of report card, negative or positive, just to see how I'm producing overall but we are never provided with this. So, I've been wondering lately if there are better opportunities out there for me. After all, I have been doing this for a while. Since I'm such a fanatic about grammar and punctuation, I have thought that editing might be a next step up, too.

What I'm finding out in my search is that maybe being 'pigeon holed' into radiology hasn't been such a good thing.

When I was in transcription school 10 years ago, I learned all different types of transcription reports, medical terminology, English, grammar and punctuation. I was placed in radiology for my externship and just stuck with it through the years. There's a lot that I've forgotten when it comes to acute care, or general medicine.

So, rather than look for another job right now I've decided to refresh my skills and to also become registered and certified. So, I'm going to hit the books and start an online study course. I've become so complacent over the years, working from home and not having much professional interaction. I've lost confidence in myself and in my abilities to a certain extent. I love what I do for the most part and don't want to give it up. Hopefully this will revive me and renew my passion for my work.

It's exciting to have a new challenge to look forward to. Wish me luck!

Happy New Year!

"Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind". (from Jesus Calling)

It's been the most relaxing of days. I got up to feed the kitties (who both have alarm clocks in their heads for 6:30 a.m., no matter what day it is) but then, I luxuriously went back to bed. I normally will not go back to sleep when I do this, but then woke again at 9:26. How unusual for me - but then again, we didn't go to sleep until 1:30 a.m. (I was trying to be a better sport about staying up to midnight and enjoying bringing in the New Year!) I awoke to find my hub staring at me and telling me about all the funny noises I was making in my sleep, which I thought was kind of sweet that he was observing me.

It's raining, so not much was planned for today and we didn't get out of our jammies until about 1. We lounged and played Words with Friends in front of the fireplace and watched The Price is Right. A perfect morning.

I then reluctantly went out in the rain to Publix to get ingredients for a nontraditional New Years dish, a Mexican chicken stew. Along with cornbread and freshly sliced avocado, it was a delicious midday meal on this chilly day.



With my hub still lounging and watching football (go, Gamecocks!) I called my mom to check on her and thankfully, she has had a good couple of days. All is right with the world for now.

So, with a thankful heart for all we have been blessed with in 2012, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2013!

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. Psalm 25:4-5

I am thankful this morning that my mother called me and she asked me for the name and phone number of a doctor who will give her a second opinion. Rather than being angry at me about blowing up, she has a renewed desire to find out what is wrong.

I thanked God immediately for this change as I know it couldn't have come without His help.

Why am I amazed when He comes through for me? Why do I feel so unworthy of His love and mercy? He is proving to me that He is here, that He hears me, and that I can depend upon Him.

"Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything". James 1:2-4

 

I pulled this scripture from a previous post. My life seems to be nothing but trials lately. And even though I try to do the right thing to get through these times, life still overwhelms me.

 

Today I sit here with a stiff neck from stress and an overwhelming feeling of depression. I, a person who has depended upon her faith to get her through most everything, am being crushed under the weight of my own regret.

 

My parents are in their 70s and getting more feeble by the day. My mother in particular, who has had manageable issues with her spine up until this past August, has been crippled by what should have been a simple surgery to reinforce her arthritic spine. Since mid November, she's been housebound and in what she describes as "horrible pain" from her back into her right thigh. My father, weakened by COPD and on oxygen 24/7, is her caretaker. I am three hours away.

 

Her doctor, supposively against ordering physical therapy, continues to keep my mother drugged up rather than finding a solution to her pain. Weeks ago, I suggested getting a second opinion but was rebuffed. My parents think that I think they are fools and can't take care of themselves. In the meantime, mom tells us of her crying in pain every morning as if it is something she just has to get used to. This stresses my dad and he encourages her to do nothing but sit. Sitting gets her stiff and the pain just keeps getting worse. They are their own worst enemies.

 

They have friends, and their church supposively is sending over people to help - but to hear her talk, no one is responding to their needs.

 

So yesterday, after a phone call of TMI from my mom, I snapped. For the past two weeks, I myself have struggled with the flu, what I think is a bleeding ulcer, a rapid heartbeat, and too much company over the holidays. Yesterday was the first day that no one was here and I could focus on taking Christmas decorations down. I was feeling overwhelmed already from phone calls from both my daughter and sister talking about what mom is doing and saying. So when mom called and shared WAY too much, I lost it.

 

Now I really don't know what to do other than pray. My heart tells me God sees the big picture and has everything under control. How come I can't just let go and trust Him? The fear that my parents will live out the rest of their lives in pain and without hope is so much to bear. But if God could send His own son to the cross, who could say that their pain or mine is even comparable to that? The key to trusting Him is living without fear. Why is this so hard for me?  

 

 

 

 

Has it really been that long?

Wow, I just read my last entry and realized it was almost 10 months ago! Shame on me. I get the lazy blogger award.

A lot has happened since we've moved but much has stayed the same too. My furry children, Maddy and Mason, are doing great! Mason was diagnosed with kidney disease last year but to be 15 years old, he is doing well. Princess Maddy is healthy and happy as long as she gets lots of attention, her shrimp every day (yes, spoiled, I know) and gets to go outside.

 Maddy - Me is sunbathing



Mason - I'll stay on my heating pad

We have settled in well to Greenville, SC. It is beautiful here, and we love the urban lifestyle that we now have. We live three blocks off of Main St. where there is always something going on. We have shops, restaurants, concerts, baseball games, bike trails and parks all within walking distance.

Petting the boar's nose downtown

Breaking news...I just turned 50 years old! We went to Cancun to celebrate...

Sunrise in Cancun

...and then visited Georgia for what turned out to be a surprise party courtesy of my beautiful daughter.

Yep, they got me

On the homefront, my hubby has gone from working at home for many years to now working in an office. Working at home and being removed from the office politics is easier but sometimes it keeps you out of the loop. He is fully in the loop now, and much is being uncovered. If you read my posts from the past, you know we had a side business that failed. We've trusted God throughout this journey and He is showing us that He can use that failure for good. All of the knowledge that my hub gained from that failed experience is now being used to make things better for his employer. I'm proud of him for what he is accomplishing for them, even if he doesn't get the pat on the back (yet) that he deserves.

I'm still working as a radiology transcriptionist but happily went part time as of the first of the year. I'm also working with my husband's company to process book orders for retailers. I'm able to do both of these jobs from home, which I love!

That's all the news for now. I will try to stay current!

My Adventure!

I has been doing lots for the past two weeks!

One day, all of our stuff was put in boxes.  Here is me supervising -

Mommy, I counted over 200 boxes!

 Then one day, mommy put me in my crate and we rode in the car for a really, really long time.  I cried a lot, and so did my bubby Mason.

Me in daddy's office - not happy

We ended up at a big house in the sky (mommy said we were on the 6th floor).  I could see cars and peoples everywhere way down on the ground!  I was scared and hid under the bed for two days.  My bubby Mason was mad and hid in the poopy box until mommy took him out and fed him, and then he was happy.

I could see water too

When I came out a couple of days later I wasn't scared anymore and I LOVED sitting in the window watching the wind blow the trees and all the cars go by.

This is peaceful me



Then one day, mommy put me back in my crate.  Me and Mason got REALLY, REALLY mad and we screamed for a whole half mile to our new house (that is NOT in the sky).

Our new front door

So, here I am again, under the bed for a few days (it IS nice and cool under here)...

Go away, mommy!

 But guess what?  I came out today and slept on mommy's desk, just like at our old house -

I sleep with the mouse

Mommy was SO happy.  Maybe it won't be so bad after all.  Look at how happy mommy and daddy are to be here -

 Love, Maddy

In Less than Two Weeks

Well, things have changed in a mighty way over the past month.

We put our house up for sale the Monday after Easter.  Two and a half weeks later, this is what our real estate sign looked like:

Yes, that says Contract Pending - as of May 13

And now, with all the inspections and appraisals done and a closing date set for June 16, this is what my house looks like:

In less than two weeks, we will be moving north to Greenville, SC.

We love Greenville and I've been excited about the move.  We found a wonderful townhouse that we will lease for a year until we get to know the area, and then after that we hope to buy our forever home.  We will be living within walking distance of the beautiful downtown area, and we won't have a lawn to mow or a pool to tend to.  In other words, my hub and I will finally have time for hobbies, and each other.   

But, I find myself very sad today.  There are things happening in the life of someone I love and it is causing me such distress.  I am leaning heavily on my faith, and praying for the peace that has been in my heart and mind until this point to return.  It's just a situation that has blindsided me and, on top of the stress of a move, is hard to take. 

So, those of you who pray, please say one for me if you don't mind.  Thanks :)

"Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance.  Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything".  James 1:2-4