AAARRRRGGGH! **help...** sorry--long....

sweetsue617
on 11/18/08 11:33 pm - Thunder Bay, Canada
Well, kiddies, here are how things are at the moment::

--My hours have been reduced at the REAL Canadian SuperStore--my total for this week is 18--and that's with the Christmas rush. 
 
--I DID not get either WI job, which you guys are aware of. HOWEVER--getting either one was pivotal in my decision making process about my future. NOT getting either job slammed shut some 'doors'.

--I talked to the program coordinator about the requirements for entrance into the masters social work program. My good solid 'B' average probably wouldn't cut it as the competition is pretty intense. (The books say a minimum of 70 is bottom-line)   A good transcript is not the only key to getting in. Variables include how many seats are actually available, what particular discipline you are applying to, and WHO is on the committee. My interests lie in Gerontology and Palliative Care. The director--who was my supervisor for my last placement--has volunteered to be a reference.
  So actually getting into the Social Work Masters program has about much potential as anything else. (Truthfully--the idea scares the bejeebers outta me. I have little faith in my own abilities...)

--The part-time jobs that had been in the air as  possibilities have dissipated. (Assistant to the Director's Assistant where I had done my last placement, 'pill counter' at the pharmacy that handles my presciptions.) 

--My 1999 Mazda Protege is needing major rear end work, but with my financial situation that was likely to happen when hell froze over. One of my sisters suggested asking for a loan of my future inheritance $ from my mother's estate. Yup--the Bank of MOM! And amazingly--the sister who is executrix of this matter AGREED. So my poor little car WILL be once again road-worthy. (Every time I drive it, I implore God to keep it together--no breakdowns or other hassles.  There is a major rumble in the rear and the brakes NEED work.)

--My sister who lives in Tucson--who has been my LIFE support through thick and thin, is advocating that I apply to the MANY jobs posted not only where she works, but at their partners.  She is quite confident that with my degree and skill sets that landing a job in Tucson is a sure thing.  She has a PhD in couples and family counseling and has a bit of influence...

--The same sister called last night and suggested just packing up this apartment and putting it all in storage---and moving to Tucson. Safe traveling will not be problematic once my Mazda has the work done on it.  She is very confident that I will find work out there, especially as a registered social worker.  She has offered free room and board until I get my bills paid down.  ((Oh, to be in midst of loving family again....))

--I admit that last night, when she made the suggestion, I was big time freaked out.
WHY:  *a house-worth of STUFF to pack and either put in storage or get rid of.
*Thunder Bay has been my home since I got married almost 32 years ago.  (Dec. 11 is our anniversary--and this year, I will have been widowed as long as I had been married. That sucks!)   BUT this thought has come to mind: other than my MIL and FIL and my son Quin, there are no others who are significant in my life here in town. Sure--I have many acquaintances, but no CLOSE friends whose relationship with me would keep me here.
*I am sooo tired of being the 'lone stranger' who is head of the house and single parent. (Even though my 'baby' is now an adult! He turned 18 in July.) Sometimes the responsibilty is crushing.

*Just the enormity of this situation is mind-boggling. I have moved only 5 times in my life of 51 years--and 3 of those were after my husband died. My roots tend to be deep--or maybe I'm just chicken??

So, folks--does anyone have clairvoyant abilities to offer insight on what I should/could/would do?  My mind is still racing, although I'm not as freaked as I was last night. 
Any input would be appreciated.

I keep asking God for clear direction. Are there some open windows I fail to see --or have been ignoring out of fear? 

((A note: just talked with my MIL. She said she's had a feeling for some time that I might be leaving town. She said that she and FIL should not be part of the package that would keep me in town, as they both are elderly and she is in end-stage renal failure.. She said that I have been a true and beloved daughter.  WAH!!))
Diane B.
on 11/18/08 11:43 pm - Fridley, MN
Hi Sue,

It sounds like you are going thru tough times as well, as many of us are.

You have some major decisions to make, and I know how tough and overwhelming that can be. But you are obviously a strong woman, you will make it.

As far as if you should move or not... that is a big question....I will just tell you to go with your gut feeling. If I had listened to mine more over the years, I would have been in a much better spot myself.

 I am not short... I am fun sized!!

 

sweetsue617
on 11/18/08 11:48 pm - Thunder Bay, Canada
Thanks, Diane.
My MIL says the same thing. (And I so respect her!)

You are in my prayers!

((HUGS))
**SUE**

Jennifer G.
on 11/19/08 12:11 am - Minnetonka, MN
You need to go were your heart is! I'm sending HUGS and prayers your way.

Jennifer

 

    
sweetsue617
on 11/19/08 12:16 am - Thunder Bay, Canada
Thanks, Jennifer.   I REALLY appreciate your support.

Just talked to my super at the store, and there are NO extra hours to be had.  The doors are closing..

((HUGS)) back to you!

Carol N.
on 11/19/08 12:16 am - Sartell, MN
Wow, Sue.....I feel that this is God's answer for you. You have just been handed a second chance. Starting over and to be with your Sister. What a great opportunity for you. My sister who has always lived in Indiana, just in the past couple of months just 'up and moved' to Phoenix to be with her son's. She is 58 years old.
I feel that you have had so many doors closed recently, that this huge window is opening for you and you should go.
You deserve this and although Thunder Bay hold lots of deep memories and has been home for so long, it is time for a new chapter to begin. I can not wait to hear what is next for you.
I will however keep you in my thoughts and prayers!!!

CarolN

  'Live  Simply. Love Generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly. Leave the rest to God!
'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'   
                          








sweetsue617
on 11/19/08 12:26 am - Thunder Bay, Canada
Thank you, Carol. you are firming up the turf in my mind that the seeds of move have been planted in.  ((Does that make ANY sense???))

After the conversation with my MIL, I have been feeling that the move might be the next thing for me. Still scares the poop outta me--but I guess under the cir****tances that would be normal?


ALSO--just talked to my super at the store and there are NO extra hours to be had.  Crikey--I cannot live on $162/week NET!  This is NOT the safety net that I thought it would be.  Another door closing??

I truly appreciate your input and support!
((HUGS))
**SUE**
Karen H.
on 11/19/08 1:00 am - Minneapolis, MN
Sue,

I believe you already know what you are going to do. That your loving DH is guiding you to a place of warmth, sunshine and closeness to your sister. Tuscon is a beautiful place,  my mom and step-dad are about an hour SE. There are lots and lots of places to go explore and have all kinds of exercise.  A lot of elderly people relocate there because of the warmth, sun and beauty.

Besides, if I get it together to come to see my mom next year, I can come visit you!!! I will pm you my number and we can talk about Tuscon.

Best wishes for a happy transition,

Karen and gang

sweetsue617
on 11/19/08 1:27 am - Thunder Bay, Canada
Karen, my dear, I do believe that you are right.

The idea of moving so far in such a short time frame is getting less scary the more I
think about it.

((HUGS))
**SUE**

rickpete
on 11/19/08 1:44 am - Elk River, MN
Sue:

I think Karen's response is both eloquent and almost exactly what I was thinking.  From your various posts, it seems to me that, more than anything, you would rather be working in your chosen field now than going through more schooling while you work limited hours in retail hell.  You come across as a remarkably caring person who would be happiest sharing that gift with others no matter where that takes you.  Go to Tucson and blossom in the love of your sister and the opportunity to work with older folks now.  In a year or two with some experience under your belt you could relocate to the beautiful state of Wisconsin or wherever your imagination takes you.

RP
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