Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch Changes

I still don't know what I was waiting for/And my time was running wild/A million dead end streets/Every time I thought I'd got it made/It seemed the taste was not so sweet/So I turned myself to face me/But I've never caught a glimpse/Of how others must see the faker/I'm much too fast to fake that test/ Ch-ch-ch-ch changes/Turn and face the strain

Much change is afoot in our household.  First of all, we have made the decision to get out from under this money sucking house with the exorbitant property taxes.  The house needs a new roof, a new drainfield at the very least and possibly a new septic system, the basement continues to leak after being "fixed" three times and we have various other smaller issues that just add up to more than we are able or willing to invest in it.

We will be finding a smaller space probably in town.  You'd think I'd be upset about this.  After all, my father built this house.  I spent a considerable portion of my childhood here. 

It doesn't bother me a whit.

I look forward to not having to block out an entire day to clean the house and take care of the yard.  I look forward to being able to take Mia for walks on sidewalks, not down the side of a dirt road.  I might be able to own a black car again that won't constantly be dirty to the point I give up having it washed and wait for God's Little Car Wash. I plan to use this time to downsize and simplify and declutter.

The second big change is that Martin will be returning to school to pursue a nursing degree.  He's undecided if he is going to start with an LPN and then go for an RN while working or just go ahead with the RN to begin with.  (I know I have a couple nurse readers, so throw me some advice.)  There are several great programs nearby and although we will be living as poor students, in the long term, it's a great opportunity and a plan for our future. 

None of this would be possible without the love and support, both financially and emotionally, of my wonderful in-laws.  I am a very lucky woman in that I truly do love Margaret and Peter and enjoy spending time with them.  It means even more to me since both my parents are gone and I'm an only child. 

NOTE: I think Martin will be a great nurse, since he is great in sciences and has a lot of interest in them and also, he is a compassionate sensitive man. 

SECOND NOTE: I once wrote a paper based on David Bowie's song Rebel and used Marilyn Monroe and James Dean as guideposts.  I think I got a B on it.  I'm such a dork. 

Comments

[nicole]

He should just go for the RN degree...he can even go to a community college for cheaper, and get a good education. It does pay slightly better to have your BSN, but honestly, there is such a shortage, I do not think the emphasis is on this as much as it was previously. The thing about being an LPN is you get paid half the money for doing basically the same job. The difference is LPN's have to work under an RN but are not allowed to "assess" patients, only "gather data" that is reported to an RN. In my experience, it seems that LPN's are being taken out of a lot of the cool settings, i.e. hospitals, etc. I have no idea how it is where you live, but I am a big proponent for going for the RN thing. It is such a cool profession, under utilized by men, but men make great nurses. In my experience here in CA, there is really barely a difference b/t AA degree RN's(community college) vs. BSN nurses. BSN nurses get their public health liscense in addition to their degree. And, as you have seen, there is so much oppurtunity for RN's. I hurt my back, and I still have a job that challenges mymind and spirit, and I cannot complain about how much I get paid, I make a good living. Sorry to wax poetic, but I am passionate about nursing, and we need them, damnit. If you or martin have any questions, email me. I would be happy to answer them!

[Holly]

In town ,In Town IN TOWN!!! by "town" I am going to assume you mean here in my town right? Honey there are houses galore for sale right now.. several on Clinton, several on Riddle and everywhere else!
Ohmygod we'd be neighbors!!

I love the idea of Martin going back to school to be a nurse..that's brilliant! I could tell he is the compassionate sort just by our brief meeting. There is such a shortage too..
Yeah Martin! You Rock!

[Lisa]

Sadly, Holly, it will be the next town, Brighton. Closer to work for me and Martin's parents.

We'll still be neighbors! Howell and Brighton are merging into one place.

[Nadine]

Hi Lisa, It's Nadine from Misfits. I love your blog, by the way. I wanted to comment that in addition to your other pros for getting out from under your "Money Pit" house, you'll also lose your Asshat neighbor we've heard so much about! Who hoo!

[Lisa]

Don't think that hasn't occured to me!

[dragonlady474]

Excellent! Congratulations!
You'll have to let us know all about your new house when you move. And tell Martin he's definitely making the right decision, it's never too late! Just look at me, I'm an old geezer and I still don't think it's too late lol. As for which degree to go for, I'd go for an LPN first, that way he can work part-time as an LPN and still go to school and STILL make big bucks. Nursing shortage in this country you know. Also, if he gets an LPN job his work just might pay for him to continue to get an RN. :)

[dragonlady474]

lol I just got this mental picture of Martin bending over a patient with his HST cigarette holder sticking out of his mouth saying "Of course I'm compentent I'm a Registerd Nurse for F****'s sake.

[greenie]

Congrats to Martin. As you may or may not remember, I was going back to school for my RN. Just started at my community college. 2 yrs and for an RN. That is my suggestion. Some community colleges have accelerated program like Henry Ford Comm. There may be one near you. Is there a Livingston Community College? I go to OCC.

lisa

[greenie]

P.S. Brighton is a hop skip and a jump from me over in Commerce Twp.

lisa

[Michelle]

Nadine makes a DAMN fine point about the neighbors...heh heh.

[Sain't Christopher]

My sister is a real estate type person in your area. Let me know if you want her phone#.