Independence Day?

Everybody should buy Glenn Beck's book "Common Sense", inspired by the original writing of Thomas Pain.

I started this book today and I can hardly put it down. In the midst of my training, my family, my quiet time and my work, I am still trying to find time to squeeze Mr. Beck in because the book is just truly fascinating. At the same time, his view of the current state of our government and our apathy towards it is eerie and yet frightfully true in my most humble opinion.

I am about halfway through and I cannot wait to see what has to say next. I don't really know anything about Mr. Beck except that one time at my sister's house I saw him on the television and he was crying a lot. I didn't take that as weakness; rather, I understood him to be very passionate about his country and its direction. I don't sit in a seat of judgment with anyone, I just listen and try to determine for myself what I think of what is said. What do I believe? What do I want to teach my children?

So far, from what I've read in his book, I can't disagree. I don't know the parties or representatives in question, I don't know much about the changing legislations, and I become overwhelmed at the insane amount of money discussed in political debates. I am guilty of shutting the TV off, putting my hands over my ears, and singing the Smurfs theme song hoping it will all go away. Obviously, that's not working. I don't want to sit by idly anymore.

So, what do I do? Can one person really change anything?

Before Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" (which, Mr. Beck reminds us, sparked the writing of the Declaration of Independence which was signed a short 7 months later...think how long it takes us to get ANYTHING done anymore in government!!!), there were individuals bucking the system, ready to fight Britain and whatever/whoever else stood in their way of freedom of complete government control. Now we are giving the government control little by little, hoping they will fix everything with money they don't have and power they abuse. We see it all the time.

When will 1 become 2 and 2 become 10 and 10 become 1000s and 1000s become millions? In a democracy, it should be the voice of the people; not the voice of the guys who get paid by the lobbyists, who will never have to worry about retirement, who will never stand in a line to file for unemployment/WIC/etc....it's us -- down in the trenches, paying THEM and allowing them to make decisions for us as they just move us deeper into a hole we'll never be able to crawl out of...as they create a multi-trillion dollar debt of legacy for our children and grandchildren.

I am not going to sit here and "worry" about it, however, because my God (which, by the way, our Nation was FOUNDED under) does not give me the spirit of fear/worry/anxiety, but of peace and a sound mind. He gives me the commandment to pray for my government, to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's (pay taxes), and to work for the Lord and not for men. I cannot just say "forget you, President Obama and Capitol Hill!". No, rather, I agree with Mr. Beck that we must proceed peacefully and (in my words) put the battle in God's hands. Spread the word, talk to others, educate, and liberate.

Otherwise, Independence Day, July 4, 1776 is nothing but a story in a history book.

If anyone wants to agree/disagree that is perfectly fine, for as Mr. Beck so aptly puts it: "I sincerely believe that no discussion or debate is un-American. I agree with the Founding Fathers that it is only on the battlefield of ideas that the best ones can be recognized and ultimately prevail. Only those afraid of truth seek to silence debate, intimidate those with whom they disagree, or slander their ideological counterparts. Those who know they are right have no reason to stifle debate because they realize that all opposing arguments will ultimately be overcome by fact".

Well said, Mr. Beck...and I'm only halfway through!!!

Moving into the Land of the Employed

Yesterday I had 2 interviews back to back and while it was exhausting both mentally and physically, it was definitely rewarding!

They were both group interviews, which reminded me very much of the scene of the Jim Carey movie "Fun with Dick and Jane" when Dick finally gets an interview only to find that his nemesis is also in the same parking garage and headed to the same interview. My nemesis wasn't there (I don't have one), but when Dick and his nemesis get to the suite where the interview is to take place, there are hundreds(?) of people in line for the same interview! LOL

It wasn't that bad. I was in a room with about 10-12 other candidates and I liked the concept actually. The interviewer wanted to see how we acted in a group environment, where we sat, how we interacted with him in front of others, etc. I had no problem with this whatsoever at either interview. I actually thrive more in this environment.After the presentation(s), we were given the option to leave if the opportunity wasn't what we were looking for and some did. I am not that easy to deter, however, so I stayed in both situations...much to my reward.

I'm not going to go into a long tirade here, but suffice it to say that I accepted the second offer and will be getting licensed by the State of Florida to help individuals find the type of health insurance they need, can afford, and will be happy with. The way the industry is about to be turned on its ear, more people are seeking out options other than HMOs and that is where I will be able to help...I love to help, love to serve, etc...and this is right up my "alley" - wanting to make a difference (see previous post).

The best part -- I make my schedule. Yes, there are expectations and meetings and calls, but overall, I know I will be here for my kids, for Cornerstone, for LIFE.

So far, I feel really great about it. I prayed a lot about it and I have such peace along with this intense excitement and joy...it's AMAZING! What was I EVER nervous about?

I also did not burn the bridge with the first company, and that's an important lesson I've learned over the years. I had nothing against the first company -- they were awesome too in their own rights...I just felt that with my medical background, the second company was a better fit.

I'm very excited and I feel incredibly blessed.

2 Interviews Back-2-Back Monday

...and I'm N-E-R-V-O-U-S...

to say the least.

yet, I feel blessed.

In our market in Florida, unemployment is now beyond 10%. Therefore, to receive 2 phone calls in less than a week is flattering and exciting. Hopefully, the opportunities will not disappoint.

The interesting thing is, the jobs are not in fields that I would have normally considered as my groove. I have 10 years telecommunications spread across management, technical writing/testing/analyzing, residential repair, as well as regulatory and commission affairs. After being forced to leave telecom with the downsizing of the last company I gave my heart to (awwww), I sought certification in medical transcription so I could work from home and be with my small children. Now, they're not so small; however, the amount of work has dwindled significantly and has put me in a seeking position again.

So, I find myself up late night after night, going over site after site, looking for that "perfect" position. I've received a couple of responses in the field(s) I have experience in indicating I am a year shy of the experience they are looking for (5 versus the 4 I have in transcription) or that because it is home-based and not hospital-based that won't work either. One other email from an unnamed company indicated that my requested salary was "too high"; therefore, I responded that salaries are negotiable and, if that was the only thing holding me back...let's talk. It's a hard market out there, and it's funny that where I have experience, no one wants to give me the time of day....but, where I've never considered, I have recruiters interested in molding me and shaping me into what they want. They like what I write, what they hear, what they see.

We'll see how it goes Monday. It could be a bust. I maybe won't like what they have to say. I could show up and it be a mass interview process like on "Fun with Dick and Jane" with Jim Carey (that scene was HILARIOUS) and I might be just part of a herd of people going to a presentation...who knows? It'll be great experience if nothing else and I'm excited, because it just might be the beginning of something great.