Well looks like me going back to school isn't going to happen. I would love to but I definitely can't afford it. Plus, here's the catch with the Radiology Tech program: I'll have to take pre-reques which I had planned on and remedial math which I planned on also. But I tested out of Reading and I already took an English class at Fort Lewis so I wouldn't have to take that class. But I can't take Biology until I've take the Math so I wouldn't be able to do that until the Spring. But the school interviews for the Rad Tech program in April and I wouldn't be ready then to do the interview, so technically I wouldn't be eligible for the program until Spring 2011 and wouldn't be able to start the program until Fall 2011. And, there's always the possibility I wouldn't pass the interview because they only have 9 spots available each year then all those pre-reques would be a waste. Then, I would have to be a full-time student if I was accepted into the program, meaning I'd have to quit my job. And I don't think I could even get an evening job because they require internships and clincs that could be overnight. Plus, I don't want to work at night...
So then I looked into a Paralegal program but Pueblo CC doesn't offer that in Durango. Which honestly it was my first choice. Anyway I could take a Paralegal program online, but holy smokes do you know how much online school is?? One I looked at was $63,000!! I could go to a tangible school for less than half of that cost, INCLUDING living expenses.
It's completely bogus. How can I go to school if they're going to make it so damn difficult?? I've hit a wall. Maybe we need to move somewhere where they have a bigger school that's flexible. Isn't that the point of community college? Flexibility? That's what I always thought, but apparently not.
And I guess honestly I would quit my job and be a full time student if I could afford it. But there aren't too many corners I can cut. I'd need my computer and internet for school. And I need my phone, and trash service. The only thing I could afford to not have would be TV, which would give like an extra $70/month. We already have cheap rent for Durango, and I have animals so I can't move into a cheaper apartment or anything. I think I just have to live in small towns the rest of my life where it doesn't matter if you've gone to college or not... Which I don't want to live somewhere heavily populated anyway, so I guess that works.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
"Back to schoool, back to schoool...."
So I've applied to Pueblo Community College and am admitted (though yes, anyone can be admitted), and I've applied to FAFSA for grant money so now all I have to do is get an appointment with Admissions at the college and wait to see if I qualify for grants. If I don't qualify, I guess I'll get a loan and defer payment until after I graduate. I'm super excited. I'm going to get my Radiologic Technician "degree". It's a two year program, which is perfect and I looked at the course schedule and it's all purely radiology and patient care stuff which is great. And I have to thank our hygienist for telling me about being a Radiologic Tech. I told her I wasn't sure if I could handle being a hygienist because it can be really gross (did you know hairy tongues exist??), and she said her friend is a Radiologic Tech and he makes as much money as she does. Typically they make between $18-$48/hr, and they take and develope x-rays and CT scans and MRIs and all those things. So it's not just broken bones and teeth I've talked with my boss about it and he's cool with me going to school and said it was OK if I needed to leave work a early a day or two a week to go to class as long as I don't miss too much work.
Plus, it'll be interesting to go to school as a married adult. I don't think I'll be so socially distracted so I can really focus on my schoolwork. In High School I was always thinking about my crush-of-the-moment or wishing I hadn't worn what I did or talking, talking, talking. But since I already have my husband and am more comfortable with who I am, I hope I'll be more dedicated to school.
So to all my friends who haven't gone back to school yet, COME WITH ME! It'll be fun! Plus I need some friends in my classes.... :D
Plus, it'll be interesting to go to school as a married adult. I don't think I'll be so socially distracted so I can really focus on my schoolwork. In High School I was always thinking about my crush-of-the-moment or wishing I hadn't worn what I did or talking, talking, talking. But since I already have my husband and am more comfortable with who I am, I hope I'll be more dedicated to school.
So to all my friends who haven't gone back to school yet, COME WITH ME! It'll be fun! Plus I need some friends in my classes.... :D
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
More Job Griping
Alright, if I'm constantly this unmotivated at work, I'm pretty sure that means it's time to move on. I've come to this conclusion:
I really do like where I work, and the people I work with, and yes, even the boss. They are all good people. I complain about a couple of them a lot, but it's nothing really serious. I mean, how often do you find a work environment full of females who for the most part get along pretty well? That's super difficult to find. The last job I had that had a lot of girls was THE most dramatic experience I've ever had. Talk about back-stabbing! One girl I still avoid at all costs and this was over 3 years ago. Terrible.
But the thing about my current job is I won't go anywhere with it anytime soon; and by "anywhere" I mean "money". And don't call me shallow. Money is the only reason any of us work. See, my boss is so tight-waisted right now (and will be for probably the next 10 years) that it's like pulling teeth (pardon the pun!) to get our paychecks from him. And say goodbye to raises for awhile if you plan on working here. We at least deserve to get our paychecks in a timely matter, don't you think?
And it's not just the money, it's my actual job description. I've come to really hate insurance companies. I hate being the collector. It's not easy. It'd be different if I didn't have to collect from individuals. Doing billing and collections for a company that works with other companies would be doable. But my problem is I have too much sympathy for people who are struggling. I'm good at my job, but I don't enjoy it. I like the dentistry field, but I think I'd prefer something more hands on like assisting. I need to go get my xray license and then I'd be oh so hired.
Anyway, today I've decided that I'm going to casually start job hunting again. If something great comes along in the paper, I'm all over it.
Nothing good in today's paper....
I really do like where I work, and the people I work with, and yes, even the boss. They are all good people. I complain about a couple of them a lot, but it's nothing really serious. I mean, how often do you find a work environment full of females who for the most part get along pretty well? That's super difficult to find. The last job I had that had a lot of girls was THE most dramatic experience I've ever had. Talk about back-stabbing! One girl I still avoid at all costs and this was over 3 years ago. Terrible.
But the thing about my current job is I won't go anywhere with it anytime soon; and by "anywhere" I mean "money". And don't call me shallow. Money is the only reason any of us work. See, my boss is so tight-waisted right now (and will be for probably the next 10 years) that it's like pulling teeth (pardon the pun!) to get our paychecks from him. And say goodbye to raises for awhile if you plan on working here. We at least deserve to get our paychecks in a timely matter, don't you think?
And it's not just the money, it's my actual job description. I've come to really hate insurance companies. I hate being the collector. It's not easy. It'd be different if I didn't have to collect from individuals. Doing billing and collections for a company that works with other companies would be doable. But my problem is I have too much sympathy for people who are struggling. I'm good at my job, but I don't enjoy it. I like the dentistry field, but I think I'd prefer something more hands on like assisting. I need to go get my xray license and then I'd be oh so hired.
Anyway, today I've decided that I'm going to casually start job hunting again. If something great comes along in the paper, I'm all over it.
Nothing good in today's paper....
Thursday, July 9, 2009
My Travel Plans for the Next Year
I plan on doing a bunch of traveling during the next year or year and a half. I think I'm trying to squeeze it all in because I feel like I'm running out of time. See I have a deadline because I want (and have always wanted) kids before I'm 25. And I'm 21. So, here's what's happening:
This August Erin and I are going to California for 8 days. We'll spend the first 2 or 3 days in San Diego, then the rest up in the L.A. area. I wish Zack could come with me. But work won't let him leave for a week, which sucks. But I know that Summer is their busiest time, plus Dale and Indie won't have any seperation anxiety if Zack's there. So, that's good.
Then I really want to go see Britney in Montana, but it looks like we're going to wait until Spring Break to go. It'd be early March of '10, and it'll be cold I'm sure. But it'd be so much fun to see her. Plus Zack's always wanted to take me to Montana.
Then in January while my boss goes to Denver for the Dental Convention, the two assistants and I will go to San Dia Casino and Resort in Albuquerque for 2 or three nights. I haven't told Zack this yet, but I have a little bit of time :D.
And I want to get out to New York to see Valen sometime. I doubt it would happen this year, but maybe next Fall. Maybe Thanksgiving! That'd be really cool; Fall on the East Coast is supposed to be very pretty. I've never been East of Colorado, can you believe it??
Then of course, there's Ireland next August. I've been saving for a month and I have $208 in my savings account. Not much yet, but in 4 more months I ought to be able to buy tickets for me and Zack. Assuming they're moderately affordable at the time. When I checked a month ago they were about $600, but right now they're up to $1000! But, I have at least 5 months until I can buy them anyway. I was talking to Zack about us going and he said "What if we go and don't want to come back?" Hmm... I don't know what would happen. I told him we couldn't not back at least for our stuff. Plus, there's Dale. I couldn't leave him nor could I put him through quarantine. So yes, we will come home. I told him if we really love it that much maybe we could just retire there, instead.
This August Erin and I are going to California for 8 days. We'll spend the first 2 or 3 days in San Diego, then the rest up in the L.A. area. I wish Zack could come with me. But work won't let him leave for a week, which sucks. But I know that Summer is their busiest time, plus Dale and Indie won't have any seperation anxiety if Zack's there. So, that's good.
Then I really want to go see Britney in Montana, but it looks like we're going to wait until Spring Break to go. It'd be early March of '10, and it'll be cold I'm sure. But it'd be so much fun to see her. Plus Zack's always wanted to take me to Montana.
Then in January while my boss goes to Denver for the Dental Convention, the two assistants and I will go to San Dia Casino and Resort in Albuquerque for 2 or three nights. I haven't told Zack this yet, but I have a little bit of time :D.
And I want to get out to New York to see Valen sometime. I doubt it would happen this year, but maybe next Fall. Maybe Thanksgiving! That'd be really cool; Fall on the East Coast is supposed to be very pretty. I've never been East of Colorado, can you believe it??
Then of course, there's Ireland next August. I've been saving for a month and I have $208 in my savings account. Not much yet, but in 4 more months I ought to be able to buy tickets for me and Zack. Assuming they're moderately affordable at the time. When I checked a month ago they were about $600, but right now they're up to $1000! But, I have at least 5 months until I can buy them anyway. I was talking to Zack about us going and he said "What if we go and don't want to come back?" Hmm... I don't know what would happen. I told him we couldn't not back at least for our stuff. Plus, there's Dale. I couldn't leave him nor could I put him through quarantine. So yes, we will come home. I told him if we really love it that much maybe we could just retire there, instead.
Monday, July 6, 2009
One Hell of a Week
Ho-ly cow, there has been so many things that has happened this week I don't even know where to start. How about the beginning?
Well there were all those crazy celebrity deaths the week before which added to the mood of the week, for one thing. And of course there's my boss' sour outlook that dampens my good nature. Then we went out for one of my best friend's Going Away party on Saturday of last week, which was fun. But I missed my step-sister-in-law's One Year Anniversary of Her Death party which was the same night, which I'm sorry about, but I don't think it warranted the reaction I got from my other step-sister-in-law. I think a bridge has been lightly burned. The next day (Sunday) we drove down to Cuba, NM for the Gathering. All of this, we already know.
Now, for the new stuff:
My poor big brother has been majorly overloaded with information. Turns out his step-father who raised him is someone completely different. I don't know how I'd handle it, but it seems like he's surviving gracefully enough. I won't go too much into here because I know it's not my story to tell, but someone should seriously make a movie on "The Workings of Big Ted", I think.
And my dad was sick all week, I hope he's feeling better. He doesn't get sick very often. But he's strong, so I'm sure he'll pull through.
Then my mom calls one morning last week and says "Have you heard from your sister?"
"No." I say.
"Well she ran away last night, let me know if you hear from her."
Ummmm ok. It turns out my mom and my sister had an argument and my mom told my sister to get out. So she did. She only went to her friend's house down the road and was back home the next night, but still. Then I avoided calling that night because if they were fighting I didn't want to get involved. So I called the next morning and they were absolutely fine! Perfect, perky, and chipper, even! I swear, those two drive me nuts sometimes. It's amazing because they'll be about ready for murder and then they go to bed, and then they love each other in the morning. Crazy. My dad always said that the Chinese symbol for war is two women living under the same roof. I don't know if he's right, but it's true nonetheless.
What else?
Oh, my best friend from the party moved away Monday and I miss her terribly. She's a little homesick, but she'll get tough. Plus, she can always come home!
And of course it was the 4th of July, which is an event in itself.
Then my other best friend had a huge blowout with her boyfriend and Zack and I gladly rescued her. But I'm so relieved that she's finally done with him. He was such a jerk. He was verbally abusive, and then it got slightly physical Saturday, which was the heaviest straw yet, and it was enough. Good riddance. So she's staying at my house for the next week or so. She found a great apartment downtown which she gets to move into on the 15th, which is awesome. I'm proud of her.
Gosh, well I think that's it. I think....
Well there were all those crazy celebrity deaths the week before which added to the mood of the week, for one thing. And of course there's my boss' sour outlook that dampens my good nature. Then we went out for one of my best friend's Going Away party on Saturday of last week, which was fun. But I missed my step-sister-in-law's One Year Anniversary of Her Death party which was the same night, which I'm sorry about, but I don't think it warranted the reaction I got from my other step-sister-in-law. I think a bridge has been lightly burned. The next day (Sunday) we drove down to Cuba, NM for the Gathering. All of this, we already know.
Now, for the new stuff:
My poor big brother has been majorly overloaded with information. Turns out his step-father who raised him is someone completely different. I don't know how I'd handle it, but it seems like he's surviving gracefully enough. I won't go too much into here because I know it's not my story to tell, but someone should seriously make a movie on "The Workings of Big Ted", I think.
And my dad was sick all week, I hope he's feeling better. He doesn't get sick very often. But he's strong, so I'm sure he'll pull through.
Then my mom calls one morning last week and says "Have you heard from your sister?"
"No." I say.
"Well she ran away last night, let me know if you hear from her."
Ummmm ok. It turns out my mom and my sister had an argument and my mom told my sister to get out. So she did. She only went to her friend's house down the road and was back home the next night, but still. Then I avoided calling that night because if they were fighting I didn't want to get involved. So I called the next morning and they were absolutely fine! Perfect, perky, and chipper, even! I swear, those two drive me nuts sometimes. It's amazing because they'll be about ready for murder and then they go to bed, and then they love each other in the morning. Crazy. My dad always said that the Chinese symbol for war is two women living under the same roof. I don't know if he's right, but it's true nonetheless.
What else?
Oh, my best friend from the party moved away Monday and I miss her terribly. She's a little homesick, but she'll get tough. Plus, she can always come home!
And of course it was the 4th of July, which is an event in itself.
Then my other best friend had a huge blowout with her boyfriend and Zack and I gladly rescued her. But I'm so relieved that she's finally done with him. He was such a jerk. He was verbally abusive, and then it got slightly physical Saturday, which was the heaviest straw yet, and it was enough. Good riddance. So she's staying at my house for the next week or so. She found a great apartment downtown which she gets to move into on the 15th, which is awesome. I'm proud of her.
Gosh, well I think that's it. I think....
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