More to Come...
I have traveled
throughout the United States. I have lived in several cities and
attended so many different schools. I enjoy meeting and talking to
different people. I have taken on several different positions to support
myself and my family.
I started out as a teacher assistant. I
took on a second job as a cashier and a cook at a fast food restaurant.
Soon the manager made me an offer I couldn't refuse. I was promoted to
an assistant manager with a fair pay. I accepted a job as a fast food
restaurant manager. I worked there for several years while I was raising
my children. The bonus was excellent. We took trips to California theme
parks. Managing took up a lot of my time, and I didn't make it to my
children's school activities, or after school activities. But I was
providing a decent house, and provided transportation for my children. I
always made sure the children had nice clothes, toys and a home.
After
my children graduated from high school, I decided I needed a job that
wasn't so demanding. I took up several odd jobs with temporary agencies.
I was a time keeper, receptionist in the office, and a security officer
at the hospital. I trained for phlebotomy, and a clinical laboratory
assistant. Its at this point, I decided to train for a full time health
care worker. I made up my mind to leave my husband of 25+ years and move
to Phoenix to go to school. I knew if I stayed with him, he would not
let me attend classes. He had not been supportive in any way. I couldn't
imagine my life with just him. Especially after the children left our
house. This was a perfect opportunity to leave him and live the life I
always dreamed of. I was finally able to go to college without anyone
harassing me. I had made several attempts at attending college, but I
never finished any programs I enrolled in.
I couldn't decide what
to study, but I knew I enjoyed working in the hospital. I checked into
several different programs at various schools. Tuition was too high at
the private universities and colleges. Community colleges were the best
deal. Nursing was still my choice but the waiting period to get into the
program was two years. I didn't want to wait for two years. I figured
by then, I could have my degree in another field. I chose respiratory
care.
My primary residence is in New Mexico. I have dual
residence in New Mexico and California. But, I keep coming back to
Phoenix. It is one of the hottest places on the planet in the summer
time. My son and grandchildren live there so I am drawn to that
location. Arizona is a good location for me. It is in the middle of New
Mexico and California. The cost of living is decent. The extreme
temperatures, and the current job market in the respiratory field are
the only factors keeping me from moving to that location.
My
daughter lives in California, so I moved out there to be close to her.
The cost of living there is outrageous for a single woman. We help each
other while she is attending the university in Fullerton. I am very
happy and proud of her.
I love to go sightseeing, travel, visit
my family back in New Mexico, but lately I have not done the things I
enjoy. lol! The climate is perfect all the time.No icy roads, or snow to
dig. lol! All the amusement parks are close by, the entertainment world
is a few minutes drive, beaches are down south, its great! If you
really feel like you want to get in the snow, you drive north to Big
Bear! lol!
My job as a respiratory therapist is very rewarding
in its own way. I meet so many people from all walks of life. My job is
to help sick patients breathe better by treating them with oxygen
therapy, medication, bronchial hygiene, and in some cases managing the
ventilators. I performs tests to see their progress with the therapy,
and consult with other health care providers. Words cannot express the
gratitude of helping ill patients.
Patients are feeling their
worst when they come to the hospital. They are so grateful, and
thankful. Doing small things for the patients such as getting them a
warm blanket, and listening to them means so much to these very ill
patients. Some of these people were living perfect lives, and all of a
sudden they are struggling with everyday activities. Things we take for
granted can be taken away so quickly. I see so much every day, its
amazing! I care for patients from all ages groups; the newborn,
pediatrics, adults to geriatrics.
I've always been passionate
about health care. I enjoy taking care of patients. You can have a bad
day, but the nice people always make up the difference.
Tempe, Arizona
Having a great time at Canyon Lake in Arizona.
Playing with big toys on the Lake!
I
like to enjoy the lakes, and the rivers! Water is very precious. We
can't live without it. So abundant in the desert of Arizona. Almost
every house has a back yard pool, and yet we have some Navajo families
who are still hauling water for every day usage.
Who is
responsible for the huge difference? That's a good example of red tape
on the reservation. In some areas of the reservation, we have third
world conditions. Most of the time this depends on the chapter officials
who represent the area. If there is a strong leadership, the residents
are living well within decent living conditions. But if the officials
are not assertive, the funds are allocated to other locations and their
residents needs are never met. Some areas of the reservation have paved
roads, residents all have indoor plumbing, beautiful houses with
garages, remodeled chapter houses, and nice senior citizen centers.