Month: January 2019

Writing Stuff

Writing Goals: Calling All Writers

Karen

Writing goals – gads, just writing those words out makes my heart nearly beat out of my chest.

Here’s the thing, I love writing, but writing is HARD, ya’ll. No joke. It’s not so much the ideas, I can sit down with a general idea and a few characters and my imagination just sort of … takes over. It’s weird. The characters come to life and just start … talking in my head.

But finding the motivation, summoning the energy, THAT’S my problem.

But dad gum, I’m not getting any younger (and if writing dad gum it doesn’t indicate I’m freaking OLD, I don’t know what will).

The question is – when to write?

Personally, I like challenges. I REALLY like Nanowrimo and the spin off Camp Nanowrimo (though I’ve yet to actually participate in it because I FORGET!)

So. Let’s make some writing goals for this year. Brace yourself, they are LOFTY goals.

January: Gather Ideas for future writing projects.

February: Getting to know your characters / putting your characters in situations

March: Flash Fiction – fiction under 250 words – Prepare for 1st Writing Camp

April: Camp NaNoWriMo

May: Vacation / Breathe

June: Blog-a-thon – write/publish something every hour for 24 hours on your blog. Also, prepare for your next writing camp

July: Camp NaNoWriMo #2

August: Flash Fiction – fiction under 250 words

September: Journal a character’s life for one month

October: Prepare for NaNoWriMo

November: NaNoWriMo

December: Enjoy the holidays

Can we do it? Can I do it? I’m certainly going to try.

My office at work is literally a storage closet they “converted” into an office. It sounds terrible, but it’s really not. In fact, I love it BECAUSE it’s so isolated and quiet.

Anyway, I think I’m going to keep my laptop in my office and then after work, just work on writing. It’s away from home, quiet, of course, private and I’m not tempted to just chock the whole thing and take a nap. (Though I guess I still could do that!)

I have a writing blog. It’s old, and has old stuff on there, so I apologize in advance but I think it’ll be easier on me to have someplace to post my work other than here. Separate my fiction life from my “real” life. I know, yet another blog, *eye roll* but I’m trying to make this as easy on me as possible though I suspect it may not be easy for you.

Anyway, I’ll be posting my fiction stories on that blog.  I hope you follow along and participate if you wish!

2019 is the year of writing!

Daily Prompts

My Life: Day Eight

Karen

I’m attempting to force myself to write in my blog every day. I’ve gotten SO BAD at keeping up these past several years and someday I’ll be dead and then what?

I’ll be gone but hopefully not forgotten. (Feel free to use these prompts for your own writing).

Today’s prompt(s):

What is your favorite way to spend a lazy day?

Any day I’m not working is a lazy day. And speaking of lazy, I HAVE been lately. Well honestly, ever since the boys moved out three, almost four (!), years ago. I mean, Kevin and I don’t really mess anything up. Other than the weekly floors, laundry and bi-weekly bathroom cleans, what is there? We both clean up after ourselves in the kitchen and we’ll ignore the layer of dust all over my house.

It’s been quite the adjustment for me since the boys moved out. I’ve not only missed them, I’ve missed their presence. The background noise, the periodic invasion of my space as one of them walks by. The occasional sneeze/cough, the “clack-clack” of keys on a keyboard.

I’ve always been a slug – I’m not big on housekeeping so wait until we can’t ignore it anymore to DO it, but now? It’s worse. All I want to do is zone out in front of the computer and/or staring at my Kindle and that’s the extent of my energy.

I’ve lived the past few years on automatic and you know? I’m sort of done with that. Life HAS to be more than just go to work, eat, sleep, poop and do it all over again the next day.

Right?

OF COURSE my favorite way to spend a lazy (i.e. every day) is to read. I need to find a way to get paid to read, THAT would be my dream job. It wouldn’t be very challenging and I’m not sure it would be very satisfying, which my current job is, but I WOULD LOVE IT.

(And out of curiosity, I just Googled “how to get paid to read books” and this site popped up. You know, I should legit try this. In fact, that was on my bucket list of things to do this year – write book reviews. I could write my reviews them submit them to one of these sites and see what happens ………………….. hhmm ……………………………….)

Another lazy day / fun thing for me is to people watch. If I’m forced to go anywhere and I’m not on a mission to get in/out of wherever I’m going, I like to sit and just … watch. (Sounds sort of creepy when I write it out like that). People are fascinating to me. I like to pretend I know what is going on in their lives by judging their body language and facial expressions. I’m hard up for entertainment, I guess.

Or, if we want to get really crazy, I love sitting on the beach alternating between watching the waves and reading a book. Filling my lungs with salty, fresh air.

Paradise.

Every day is a lazy day for me. But I feel like I appreciate life a bit more living like that. I’m forcing myself to take the time to ENJOY the little things in life.

 

Work Stuff

The Difference Between a CNA and a CMA

Karen

In case anyone was curious to know the difference between the two positions:

CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)

The requirements for becoming a CNA vary from state to state. So you may need to certify again if you move or take a job in another state.

CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) – This is me

If you’re earning your Medical Assistant Certification (CCMA), your certification will be nationally accredited and not tied exclusively to a state-run certification or license. That said, some states have specific scope of practice, training or other licensing requirements to perform specific skills such as x-rays. You should make sure you know whether your state is one of them.

CNA tasks are mostly clinical

Certified nursing assistants perform mostly clinical duties related to the patient. Common duties of a CNA include:

  • Collect laboratory specimans
  • Provide bedside assistance
  • Assist with daily activities of living (bathing, dressing, eating)
  • Monitor, record & report changes in patient health
  • Maintain a clean patient environment
  • Provide comfort to patients

CMA tasks can be either clinical or administrative or both – (This is what I do)

Medical assistants perform both clinical AND administrative duties. They are one of the most versatile members of the ambulatory health care team. Common duties of an MA include:

  • Check patients in and out upon arrival and departure
  • Answer phone calls and questions
  • Perform basic billing and coding procedures
  • Assist providers with exams and procedures
  • Assist with minor surgeries
  • Administer injections or medications
  • Work in the electronic health record (EHR)
  • Perform EKG, phlebotomy and laboratory procedures
  • Take patient vital signs
  • Help patients stay up-to-date with preventative testing
  • Perform health coaching or patient education

It’s hard to outline a “typical day” for an MA because each day is different, and there’s little repetition. Moreover, MAs work in a variety of settings and help many different types of patients. If you’re someone who likes variety in your day, becoming an MA could be a good fit for you

CNAs work with nurses

Certified nursing assistants, also called nursing aides — as the title implies — primarily assist the registered nurse (RN) or licensed practicing nurse (LPN). Because they serve as direct caregivers, they are most often employed by nursing homes, residential care facilities and hospitals.

CMAs work with a variety of providers

With a broader skill set, medical assistants assist a variety of providers including physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. They typically work in medical offices, clinics, urgent care centers and may work in general medicine or specialty practices. It isn’t typical to see MAs in the hospital, but with the need for healthcare workers increasing the opportunities for MAs are growing and changing rapidly. (Source)

It still surprises me that I’m a Certified Medical Assistant. I never had any desire to go into healthcare, never envisioned myself doing the job, and yet, here I am.

I don’t even like people that much, ya’ll! How did this happen?

And yet – why do I enjoy it so much!?

Abundant Life, Daily Prompts

My Life: Day Seven

Karen

I’m attempting to force myself to write in my blog every day. I’ve gotten SO BAD at keeping up these past several years and someday I’ll be dead and then what?

I’ll be gone but hopefully not forgotten. (Feel free to use these prompts for your own writing).

Today’s prompt(s):

Prayer

How the Devil Derailed Prayer

For many Christians, prayer is not as important as it should be. Many Christians only pray before meals, before bed (when they are children), or in emergency situations. The concept of “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17 – ESV) is not a part of the lives of most Christians. How did the average Christian lifestyle drift so far from what the Bible says to do? The short answer is that most Christians are taught that everything that happens is God’s will, or “God is in control,” and that even Satan (if the Christian believes in Satan), has to ask God’s permission before he can act.

We all hate meaningless work, and that includes meaningless prayer. Good, solid, powerful, focused prayer takes a lot of work, a lot of time and mental energy. No one wants to make that effort if his or her prayer does not really make a difference. Unfortunately, that is what the teaching that “God is in control” does; it teaches that our prayers really do not make much, if any difference.

If everything that happens is God’s will, then God’s will gets done whether or not anyone prays. If prayer does not change anything, then what purpose does it serve? We have been told it demonstrates a person’s humility and obedience to God’s command to pray. Also, it has been used as a punishment for sinning (such as in the Roman Catholic Church when prayers are assigned as a penance for sin). Also, it has been said to be therapeutic because confession and prayer are “good for the soul.” It has also been taught that we pray to help align our own thinking with what God is doing, and to humbly accept the will of God.

The teaching that “God is in control” has, knowingly or unknowingly, adversely affected the prayer lives of millions of Christians. Many people are not motivated to pray because they have been told that God’s will comes to pass whether they pray or do not pray, while many others do not pray throughout the day simply because they have never seen that modeled for them by other Christians. Prayer changes things dramatically, and God needs us to ask in prayer, so He tells us again and again to pray. God is willing to do His part if we will do ours. Let’s not sit around complaining about how bad the world is; let’s do something about it! God wants us to do something, and a powerful thing we can do is to pray [Source]

Do you believe in prayer? Do YOU pray? What is the purpose of prayer? Does it help? Is God even listening?

I suppose, if you’re not a Christian, or believe in a higher being, this post is not for you. But if you’re grappling, reaching for something you can’t quite put your finger on but know it’s juuuust out of reach, let me see if I can help with that.

I’ve been a Christian for a very long time. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was in middle school.

However, I haven’t always understood what Christianity is/was. And a large part of that reason is due to the chaos and confusion that Satan has bestowed on our civilization over the many 1000’s of years. The more confused people are, the further they will get from Christ and the closer they get to Satan and his evil ways.

I don’t think people purposefully set out to live evil lives, I think everyone, on some level, either consciously, or subconsciously, wants to lead a good, wholesome life. But outside influences are sometimes too hard to resist.

The media is a huge one. Everyone takes everything they read/hear as gospel truth. Oh, so-and-so said it so it MUST be true. But, this big news site wrote it so it MUST be accurate.

That’s not even close to being true. Which is why I HIGHLY recommend that people stop and ask questions. THINK for yourselves. Do not be led around by the nose like a bunch of sheeple.

But that’s a post for another day.

Loved ones, friends, “successful” people who appear to have it all together and make unwise decisions but always seem to come out on top anyway – it’s just too tempting to mirror that person’s decisions in the hopes of obtaining the same things, are outside influences. Trying to emulate these people often leads to disappointment and resentment, which only leads us down yet another wrong path.

Prayer is necessary in that it helps guides us, it helps purge our souls and cleanse our consciousness. Prayer is a line to God – He’s someone to talk to, to vent to, to ask for guidance. But just like when we’re in a crowded room, with a ton of people, all talking at once, it’s hard to hear one individual voice. So we have to continuously pray and make our voice heard.

This crowded room could be unholy decisions you’ve made, or being around someone who is influencing you and directly you down an ungodly path. It could be evil spirits purposefully blocking your voice from being heard.

The more you live outside God’s commands, the further you get from God and the less God can protect you.

I  know that sounds all “hocus-pocus” but we ARE in a spiritual battle, every day. It’s real.

Are you lost? Do you feel hopeless? Is no one listening? Do you need help? Then pray to God. There is no right or wrong way to do it, you’re having a conversation with God. Unload on God, allow him to guide you and comfort you. Pray continuously. He may not hear you right away because of all the spiritual noise surrounding you, but don’t give up, He will hear and He will answer.

I hope this post blessed you in some way.

 

 

Daily Prompts

My Life: Day Six

Karen

I’m attempting to force myself to write in my blog every day. I’ve gotten SO BAD at keeping up these past several years and someday I’ll be dead and then what?

I’ll be gone but hopefully not forgotten. (Feel free to use these prompts for your own writing).

Today’s prompt(s):

Do you believe in soul mates?

Yes.

But first, let’s define what a soulmate is. I feel like many people have a misconception of soulmate:

Merriam Webster defines soulmate as:

1 : a person who is perfectly suited to another in temperament
2 : a person who strongly resembles another in attitudes or beliefs

I feel like that is a bit misleading. A soulmate is not PERFECT, I feel a soulmate is a missing piece to your soul. Someone who completes you, someone who GETS you.

I also don’t feel like a soulmate is necessarily a romantic interest, it could be a friend as well.

Here’s a cute little video that explains soulmate better than I can.

I’m pretty sure this video forgot #5, ha!

Anyway, I felt that way with Kevin. It’s hard to explain but the minute we met, we felt comfortable with each other. It felt “right.” Even though I was cautious given his recent breakup, I just … knew. I wish I could break it down even further, it frustrates me that I can’t find words to describe the feeling, but it’s a gut feeling, you just … know.

So. Do I believe there is a soulmate for every person? Yes. Do I think people recognize a soulmate when they come along? Not always.

Daily Prompts

My Life: Day Five

Karen

I’m attempting to force myself to write in my blog every day. I’ve gotten SO BAD at keeping up these past several years and someday I’ll be dead and then what?

I’ll be gone but hopefully not forgotten. (Feel free to use these prompts for your own writing).

Today’s prompt(s):

What scares you?

The usual: snakes, spiders, large dogs, distracted drivers, icy roads.

But really, my biggest fear? Dying. Either me, the boys, my parents, Kevin.

I’m a Christian and I know that dying is not the end for me, or my family, but dying and just … missing out on stuff. Missing out on the boys growing old, missing the people I love, missing out on the little things, a beautiful sunrise/sunset, not seeing more of the world, the day-to-day of life itself.

Every year, the number of years I’ve been alive on this Earth gets higher and higher. Which, I know, duh, it happens for everyone. But my number is starting to concern me. I don’t FEEL as old as my number. I feel like I’m just getting started, not winding down.

True. I’m not THAT old, but I’m not THAT young, either. I guess I feel like I have some unfinished business ahead of me. And maybe that’s why I’m no longer watching TV but reading more (so many books, so little time!) and itching to get back to my writing, whether it’s on this journal or leaving a little bit of my creative writing behind. When we’re gone, WE’RE GONE, until Christ comes back to get us.

And then, will we know our families? Kevin and I plan on being buried side-by-side. When we rise from the dead, will we know each other? I don’t really know if the Bible says anything about recognizing each other in our new life. Kevin doesn’t think so, and that SCARES me.

And makes me incredibly sad.

It also scares me that not all of the people I care about will be around in the new life. Some people I care about are not believers and they won’t be around AT ALL.

Christ coming back and leading us into a new, much better life is exciting, but what scares me is … what then??

If you would like to know more about Christ and possibly accepting him as your Lord and Savior, please check this out.

Let’s plan on seeing each other in the new life, shall we?