Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Be a Queen in 2015

 
 
     When this year began I had several goals in mind that I hoped to accomplish by year's end. Not resolutions, exactly...just goals. One was to start rediscovering myself - it sounds cliché I realize - but it was really just that simple; "Who am I now?" This life of mine has been a roller coaster ride, it's been fun, sad, miraculous and tragic...and with all the changes I have faced it made me wonder how much of "me" has changed?  I will attempt to take you through some of my life story - if you care to read- in a separate blog, but suffice it to say that this year is another one that is full of promise and potential. My theme for the year (yes, I always have a theme) is to "Be A Queen in 2015".
 
    I began. like so many, on a quest to become a healthier individual - in January I purchased a FitBit Flex (yes, I have already stopped wearing it); in March I joined a gym (still going), and in May I decided to add in organic fruits & veggies (still adding). In June I had my annual physical and boy was I in for a surprise. I am now a borderline diabetic, have hypothyroid and metabolic syndrome - I am awaiting an appointment (August) with an endocrinologist in an attempt to better manage my health. I already knew some of my health challenges...from family history of diabetes, cancer and heart disease...to my own personal history of cancer and hypertension. I want to live a long and happy life - and the key to that is love, laughter, faith, and healthy choices.
 
     I also began by attempting to move - I need a new space. I have lived in my parent's home since my divorce and it is time to move on. I sent my only child off to college this past year and he just completed his Freshman year (with honors I might add). I started off the year going through my items in storage and decided what I needed to trash, donate or keep. I then began the fun part- shopping, of course - for furniture items that I would need. You see, a couple of my friends have opened this fabulous little second-hand shop and they also refinish items upon request; I have thus far purchased a lovely drop-leaf dinette table, 2 antique dinette chairs, an antique wicker bedroom set, and one art piece. I have a few items from my past housekeeping days - however, there is bound to be some bad mojo from my Ex attached to those and I want a fresh start. I also have 2 comforter sets, an antique bed (from family), my wedding china (too pretty to leave behind), some additional art items and personally cherished things.  I've also been on the lookout for houses to purchase - but at this point, I'm just saving for a nice down payment until the right place comes along. Now, as for living with one's parents...I don't suggest it unless they are unable to care for themselves...I love them, don't get me wrong...however, as an independent adult I need my space! I appreciate everything they have done for my son and I - they have loved on us, supported us, cheered us on, and are sad that I want to move - however, they do have an understanding behind my reasons.
 
    I began a new career in 2014 as a Medical Coder and finally (chalk it up to good old fashioned experience) I know what I'm doing on the job. I am a credentialed Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) - yes, I have an Associate's degree in Health Information Technology, a Technical Certificate in Medical Coding and a Technical Certificate in Pre-Allied Health. For those of you who are not familiar with this career path: an RHIT goes through the same classes as a Nurse right up to the clinical practicum...it is at that point Nurses go to the patient care side of things, and RHIT's go to the office side of things. An RHIT must know all the same illnesses, disease processes, pharmacology, treatment options, medical jargon, in addition to the coding and insurance guidelines. I love my job! This week I interviewed for and was offered a part-time job (in addition to my full-time position) in the same field. I took it with crossed fingers and toes...I don't believe a person can have too much job security. Do I have time to work another 20 hours weekly, probably not - but I'll make it work (helps toward that down payment) I am excited about the potential for both employers. Oh, and did I mention that I'm still in college? Yes, a full-time college student (one year to go) working toward my bachelor's in Psychology-Behavioral Health concentration. So let's see: I work 40 hours at one job, 20 at another, and attend college full-time...that sounds do-able, right?
 
     I'm going to end this first entry now - and get some homework done. Please say a prayer for all of those who are sick or in need - really say a prayer (don't just say you will)...prayer works!
TTFN (ta ta for now)


Thursday, May 7, 2015

Resource Notebook for Upper East Tennessee

Douglas-Cherokee Economic  Authority, Inc.
534 East First North Street
P.O. Box 1218
Morristown, TN. 37814
(423) 587-4500
All offices open 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday
Neighborhood Service Centers * Senior Citizen Services * Senior Nutrition * Head Start * Educational Opportunity Center *Education Center * Talent Search * Adult Education * Responsible Fatherhood * WIA Youth Development * Youth Build * Rental Management

Family Resource Center
(operated by Hawkins County Schools)
954 East McKinney Avenue
Rogersville, TN  37867
(423) 921-9621
Open 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday
The Hawkins County Family Resource Center provides a variety of free services to children and families of the Hawkins County School System. The goals of the Family Resource Center are: *assist the family in learning the skills necessary to promote the full development of children * encourage social support and communication * increase school, family, and community involvement in education.

Tennessee Department of Human Services
Hawkins County Office
4017 Highway 66 South
Rogersville, TN  37867
(423) 272-8705
Food Stamps * Families First * Medicade/Medicare * Disability services *etc.

Tennessee Department of Children's Services
Hawkins County Office
4017 Highway 66 South
Suite 1
Rogersville, TN  37867
(423) 272- 6479

Shepherd's Center
(Of One Accord Ministry)
306 East Main Street
Rogersville, TN  37867
(423) 272-4626
Emergency Food Pantry * Thrift Store * Neighborly Meals Program for the Elderly & Disabled * The Lunch Box Summer Food Service program * Christmas for the Children in Hawkins County * Good Neighbor Home Repair Program * Free Computer Center * Global Mission Program * Free Winter Coat Program

Frontier Health/Hawkins County Mental Health
101 Lena Drive
Rogersville, TN  37857
(423) 272 - 9239
Crisis Services * Individual & Group Counseling * Pharmacotherapy * Marital & Family Therapy * Case Management * Consultation & Education * Psychiatric Consultation * Intensive Outpatient A&D * etc.

Omni Visions
424 East Bernard Avenue
Greeneville, TN 
(423) 588-5420
Foster Care * Adoption * Adult Special Need Services * etc.

Woodridge Hospital Psychiatry
(operated by Mountain States Health Alliance)
403 North State of Franklin
Johnson City, TN 
(423) 431-7111


 Tennessee's Career Coaches
http://getonthecoach.tn.gov/
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development is proud to roll out our Career Coaches...mobile centers with services similar to what you might find in a Tennessee Career Center. These vehicles will arrive on the scene to provide a mobile computer lab with Internet access; create a venue for workshops including résumé assistance and interviewing skills; and serve as a recruitment center for companies moving into our state.