...First step into a new world...

When searching for a picture to set a tone for my post, I first tried those relating to "new paths", "new directions" or "fresh starts". Although many were beautiful and scenic, the more I looked, the more they just didn't represent what I am feeling inside: Excitement, fear and everything in between. However, when I pulled back and thought of the "absolute basics" of what I'm doing and where I am in my life... the above photo fit perfectly: "First Step."

That "first step" on the moon was an event leading to a future that did not exist prior to that moment. I would imagine that it was filled with "excitement, fear and everything in between." Like those men who set foot on the moon, I am also taking my first step. Perhaps not so grand or such a dramatic mark in the pages of history, but for me, this is my first step into a dramatically different new life and towards an unknown future, but one with bright hope and possibilities.

Today I am officially enrolled in Career Step, LLC's vocational training program to become a Medical Transcription Editor. And, the Training Proposal Committee has graciously seen fit to fund all of my training expenses. [The trade-off is a biweekly update to them for accountability. No worries there.]

Hindsight has pointed out how God has taken careful steps to put this all into motion. Abundant delays and challenges after a traumatic removal from a life and job that I had grown to love. Looking back (wow - 5 months to the day was the lay-off), I know that that job was destructive to me... or at least the fragrant environment. It was damaging my health no matter how much I loved the work. After nearly 14 years in the same job, God knew I wasn't going to leave under my own volition, so it seems that He chose to give me a hard shove. It wasn't a pretty transition, but in time I saw the blessings. Especially the blessings pouring out to me over this past week as everything is finally coming together. Hmmm... That seems to be God's way sometimes though, doesn't it?

I have an enthusiasm waking up inside me and I am looking forward to this new experience. New things to learn, new skills to develop (or old ones used in new more meaningful ways). I don't know what the future holds, but God does. I wonder about the new path He has set before me. I wonder how He will use this in my life and the life of others? Truthfully, I may never know.

However, looking at the uncertainty of my future, I have to look back at that first step on the moon. What if that step had not been taken? We can only wonder what the space program would look like today.

P.S. Now that God has shown me the direction He wants me to go... I wonder what He has lined up for Mr. Squirrel.

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God Bless & Godspeed

...Great news, SPECTACULAR news...

Where to begin... except to say that God is so good! And in ALL THINGS... no matter what my weak faith might have me believing during the process (especially during the holding-patterns)... His timing is perfect!

And more of my heartfelt thanks for your prayers!

The meeting on Tuesday went great. It was basically to fill out the official paperwork for the Training Program because the deal was considered to be "done" when my original proposal was accepted by the committee. During the paper-shuffle, I found out that when my proposal was accepted, the committed authorized 100% cost coverage. So at that point, there was no question that the lion's share of the fees would be paid by the Training Program - for which I was profoundly grateful and felt almost shy about asking if they might cover the upgrade, too.

My representative gave the extra cost figures to the committee this morning, and I found out this afternoon that the additional cost for the upgrade ($500) has also been authorized!

I talked to the enrollment advisor and he will contact me when the financing has been finalized so we can complete the enrollment process. That should happen by the end of this week. So, very soon, I'll be enrolled as a student of Career Step, LLC and beginning the journey towards becoming a Medical Transcription Editor!

I won't have to continue looking for work but I will still have to continue reporting every two weeks to both the Unemployment people and to the Training Program Committee. Everyone wants to make sure that they are spending their money (i.e. tax payer's money) wisely and that I'm not goofing off. [Fortunately, I love accountability and I have no problems with their watchful 'eyes'.]

Wow! I'm so excited that I almost feel nervous!

I do have some preparations to keep me busy, though. With the "hurry up and wait" suddenly changing to "hurry up and hurry", I'm focusing on finalizing the set-up of my at-home work area so that it will be ready when the materials arrive. Oddly enough (not really), I've decided to change my birthday present request from some select DVDs to a large bookcase. ;)

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God Bless & Godspeed

...Good news, GREAT news...

Is today Christmas? THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS! Today has been a gift!

Not only did we get DSL in our home (for the first time – ever!), but I received a very important phone call. My training proposal has been reviewed and has been accepted! I will be meeting with them next Tuesday to officially “enroll” in the government program that will allow me to get enrolled in Vocational School.

Also, and with equal excitement, they may allow me to ‘upgrade’ my proposal to a more valuable package. When I submitted my training proposal, I was only shooting for a degree in Medical Transcription. However, during the down-time (i.e. the month of June), I sifted through the training documentation that I’d gathered and had several conversations with my enrollment advisor. It was my idea, but he agreed that with the job market opportunities as well as the continuing advancements in voice recognition technology, it would be a smart move to upgrade my choice to the field of Medical Transcription Editor. [This is actually training for two fields at the same time: Transcription and Editing.]

When I talked to the Job Service representative today, I mentioned to her my ‘upgrade’ decision (and why) and that I expected to pay for the upgrade by my own means. [After all, the proposal was already submitted and accepted ‘as is’.] She then asked me about the differences in cost (about $500) and commented on the enhancement of employment potential. Without promises, she told me that she would submit the new cost at an evaluation meeting being held next Wednesday (with documentation that I will put together). They very well might pad the assistance to cover the extra cost (or part of it)!

I promise to let you know what happens next!

P.S. The day was also gifted in that I was able to quickly find my diplomas, birth certificate and some other documentation that is required for the meeting on Tuesday. Whew! That was almost a panic to be sure!

Thanks for listening :)
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God Bless & Godspeed

This is reposting a photo from last year, but it still represents a soul and a spirit that I admire. America the Beautiful. The Land of the Free. The Home of the Brave. The Land of Opportunity.

There is so much to celebrate, appreciate and give thanks for... every day of the year.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
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God Bless & Godspeed

...humbling moments...

There are times when we are confronted with something that can cause a trememdous emotional surge of pride or humility.

I thought I would react with pride... but instead I was tremendously humbled.

I have in-hand a treasure of great value: A sterling letter of recommendation that reads more like an Award of Merit. It will be a welcomed addition to my resume.

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God Bless & Godspeed