Today is my husband Phil's 30th birthday. He says he feels old, but I told him that he is still a spring chicken. I wish I had the money to give him a really fantastic birthday and maybe even a party, since turning 30 is a big birthday, but my parents are taking us out to dinner tonight to the new Texas Roadhouse that just opened up not too far from here, and since we all love that place, it should be fun.
Speaking of Phil, he has decided to go back to school and further his education. Work has been really slow in his trade and he wants to finally get out from being the low man on the totem pole and actually make it up into the big leagues. So we found that ITT Tech has a Bachelor program in Construction Management, so we made an appointment and went through the whole process of getting him enrolled. He starts school on Sept. 8th, and will be entering at first the Associates Degree program in Drafting and Design. He'll learn such programs as Autocad, and will learn how to draft up housing plans and do 3D modeling and such. The recruiter said that after the two year program, he will be able to enter the job market working for an architect or even for the city designing plans for commercial buildings. After he receives that Applied Sciences Degree, he will do another year and 9 months in the Construction Management Program, where he will get his Bachelor's Degree. This is really a great step he is taking not only for his future, but for our future, and the future of our family down the road. I am very proud of him and can't wait to see him succeed as I know he will.
With me, I am still here, processing those rebates. It is definitely turning into a job where I am spending a lot of nights up late trying to get my work done before my deadline, which is mainly because I have had so much to do during the day that I don't get a chance to do my work until after dinnertime. Like today, I picked up new mail, 330 pieces of mail due by Thursday at 4pm, and I won't get a chance to do any until maybe later tonight because we are going to dinner for Phil's birthday. I just need to get into a good schedule where I work during the day and have less work at night, so I don't have the tired and bloodshot eyes that I do today.
About Me
- Kimbo Central
- San Tan Valley, AZ, United States
- A wife and mommy to a beautiful three year old son, blogging about being a mommy, and taking care of my family.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
My Doctor Appointment
So I've been talking about how my right elbow (the one I broke back in 2004) has been giving me a lot of trouble, and that my arthritis doc felt it was time to have the elbow replaced. Well, I finally was able to get in and see the orthopedic surgeon who did the surgery the first time. He is an amazing doctor and the only way I would ever consider getting any surgery done on my joints would be if he were to do it.
Funny part was, when the doctor first came in the room, I didn't think it was the same guy! 5 years ago, the last time I saw him, he was a pretty big guy, but he has had to have lost about 150-200. He looks great, it was just a shock when your expecting the guy you knew before to come walking in.
Anyway, he took a look at the elbow and the x-rays and said that doing a replacement due to arthritis or due to trauma is two different things. If it were just because my arthritis was acting up, the replacement would last longer, but because it has to be replaced due to trauma, it won't last as long, and he really doesn't want to see me go through that at 29. I told him that over the years I have learned to adapt to losing half the movement in the arm, and it doesn't bother me the way it is, except for the pain, popping, and clicking that has been going on the past few months. So he said he is going to do an outpatient procedure, were he will remove the radial head of the elbow, that is the bottom part of the elbow, think of where your elbow points. He thinks that will get rid of the pain and give me another 5 years with the elbow the way it is before we really have to consider replacement.
I then decided to ask him about knee replacements. I really wasn't, because frankly I have resigned myself to the fact that I was never going to walk again, and I've been ok with that. At this point it has been 4 years since I've last walked. Plus, my arthritis doctor said that with my osteoporosis, that doing a knee replacement might shatter my legs, and finding a doctor to do both knees at the same time, and at my age, will be difficult. So I asked the surgeon first about the possibility of my legs shattering during surgery and he said no, then asked if I ever had a bone density test and why I wasn't on meds for osteoporosis. I told him I've never had a doctor mention bone density or meds, so he is sending me in for the test (you stick your foot in a machine and it measures your bone density), and after that he will put me on some meds to make my bones stronger. He also said he could do the replacements. He asked if my ankles and hips were ok, and I told him my hips are fine, but my ankles always hurt me when I walk, a lot of that to do not only with the arthritis, but my weight. So he told me that last year he did the same surgery on a women who was 62, hadn't walked in 4 years, and was heavier then I was, and now she is doing great, walking on a treadmill everyday. I told him that frankly, I just would love to have the ability to walk around my house, and even go out by myself and be able to put my chair on the lift that's on the car, and then get out and go somewhere by myself. I still will need the chair to do any shopping or long walking, but being able to stand at the sink and wash my dishes would be great.
So I am going to get x-rays done of my knees, and we'll go from there. He said be prepared for some hospital time, and then in patient rehab before I'll be allowed to go home. Sometimes I've heard of people having to be at a rehab facility for a few months, but I think it will be worth it. First and foremost, I need to lose weight, and when you can get up and move, it is very hard to lose it. Being able to walk again will allow me to use some exercise machines and get my body moving. I want to be able to actually give my husband a hug standing up, and maybe even dance with him, since we've never gotten to do that. And for the future, I want to be able to take my kid to the park and push them on the swings and really play with them, not watch from the sidelines.
So all in all, the appointment went well. I haven't had a chance to blog about it until now because I have been so busy with my new job of processing rebates. It is a lot of work, and time consuming, and I will have to process a lot of rebates in order to make some good money, but I am willing to put in the time and effort to do it to help my family.
Funny part was, when the doctor first came in the room, I didn't think it was the same guy! 5 years ago, the last time I saw him, he was a pretty big guy, but he has had to have lost about 150-200. He looks great, it was just a shock when your expecting the guy you knew before to come walking in.
Anyway, he took a look at the elbow and the x-rays and said that doing a replacement due to arthritis or due to trauma is two different things. If it were just because my arthritis was acting up, the replacement would last longer, but because it has to be replaced due to trauma, it won't last as long, and he really doesn't want to see me go through that at 29. I told him that over the years I have learned to adapt to losing half the movement in the arm, and it doesn't bother me the way it is, except for the pain, popping, and clicking that has been going on the past few months. So he said he is going to do an outpatient procedure, were he will remove the radial head of the elbow, that is the bottom part of the elbow, think of where your elbow points. He thinks that will get rid of the pain and give me another 5 years with the elbow the way it is before we really have to consider replacement.
I then decided to ask him about knee replacements. I really wasn't, because frankly I have resigned myself to the fact that I was never going to walk again, and I've been ok with that. At this point it has been 4 years since I've last walked. Plus, my arthritis doctor said that with my osteoporosis, that doing a knee replacement might shatter my legs, and finding a doctor to do both knees at the same time, and at my age, will be difficult. So I asked the surgeon first about the possibility of my legs shattering during surgery and he said no, then asked if I ever had a bone density test and why I wasn't on meds for osteoporosis. I told him I've never had a doctor mention bone density or meds, so he is sending me in for the test (you stick your foot in a machine and it measures your bone density), and after that he will put me on some meds to make my bones stronger. He also said he could do the replacements. He asked if my ankles and hips were ok, and I told him my hips are fine, but my ankles always hurt me when I walk, a lot of that to do not only with the arthritis, but my weight. So he told me that last year he did the same surgery on a women who was 62, hadn't walked in 4 years, and was heavier then I was, and now she is doing great, walking on a treadmill everyday. I told him that frankly, I just would love to have the ability to walk around my house, and even go out by myself and be able to put my chair on the lift that's on the car, and then get out and go somewhere by myself. I still will need the chair to do any shopping or long walking, but being able to stand at the sink and wash my dishes would be great.
So I am going to get x-rays done of my knees, and we'll go from there. He said be prepared for some hospital time, and then in patient rehab before I'll be allowed to go home. Sometimes I've heard of people having to be at a rehab facility for a few months, but I think it will be worth it. First and foremost, I need to lose weight, and when you can get up and move, it is very hard to lose it. Being able to walk again will allow me to use some exercise machines and get my body moving. I want to be able to actually give my husband a hug standing up, and maybe even dance with him, since we've never gotten to do that. And for the future, I want to be able to take my kid to the park and push them on the swings and really play with them, not watch from the sidelines.
So all in all, the appointment went well. I haven't had a chance to blog about it until now because I have been so busy with my new job of processing rebates. It is a lot of work, and time consuming, and I will have to process a lot of rebates in order to make some good money, but I am willing to put in the time and effort to do it to help my family.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
My new job
Yesterday was the start of my new job, where we attended the training class. I had to admit, I was a little nervous, seeing as the last time I was in the workforce was back in 2004, before I was put on disability by my doctor. But on the other hand, I was really happy to be back doing something that I have experience in, and use the knowledge that I had gained from my career in customer service.
The training class started at 11:45am and we were there until 4pm. We got a ton of information, everything that we would need to know to do this kind of work from home, such as training manuals and things we might need if we run into any problems doing this from home. Then we got introduced into how to load the software onto our computers, and then got introduced to the fabulous world of data entry and rebate processing. Basically, anytime you submit a rebate for a product, there is a very good chance that is will go to the company that I now work for, and I just might be the one who enters in the information into the computer and submits it so you get your rebate. This company is the largest fulfillment company in the country, and also does fulfillment for international companies.
It seemed like everyone in the class was getting it, except the teacher did kick out one woman about two hours in. She was just not getting anything that he was saying and he would say something, then she would ask him a question, the answer being that he just said to the class. He said at the beginning that he can tell within the first hour and a half whether this job will work for you and if he thinks it won't, then he has to send you home without mail. So he escorted her out. The the older man sitting in the aisle next to mine kept farting...lovely.
So we came home yesterday with mail, 100 for me, and 100 for my mom. We have until Friday to have to submitted, and for the next two weeks we go in three times a week to pick up mail. After that, we can chose the amount of mail we want to have per week, and only have to go in once a week to get mail. I loaded my software when I got home last night, and did about 20 rebates before I decided to head to bed because I was so tired. Today I have been helping my mom get her software loaded, so tonight after dinner I will work until bedtime again getting as much mail done as possible.
This seems pretty easy, it really is right up my alley, and I think I really will be able to make some good money at it for my family once I really get the hang of it and get faster. But for now, it is nice to have a job again, and even better, one I can do in pj's!
The training class started at 11:45am and we were there until 4pm. We got a ton of information, everything that we would need to know to do this kind of work from home, such as training manuals and things we might need if we run into any problems doing this from home. Then we got introduced into how to load the software onto our computers, and then got introduced to the fabulous world of data entry and rebate processing. Basically, anytime you submit a rebate for a product, there is a very good chance that is will go to the company that I now work for, and I just might be the one who enters in the information into the computer and submits it so you get your rebate. This company is the largest fulfillment company in the country, and also does fulfillment for international companies.
It seemed like everyone in the class was getting it, except the teacher did kick out one woman about two hours in. She was just not getting anything that he was saying and he would say something, then she would ask him a question, the answer being that he just said to the class. He said at the beginning that he can tell within the first hour and a half whether this job will work for you and if he thinks it won't, then he has to send you home without mail. So he escorted her out. The the older man sitting in the aisle next to mine kept farting...lovely.
So we came home yesterday with mail, 100 for me, and 100 for my mom. We have until Friday to have to submitted, and for the next two weeks we go in three times a week to pick up mail. After that, we can chose the amount of mail we want to have per week, and only have to go in once a week to get mail. I loaded my software when I got home last night, and did about 20 rebates before I decided to head to bed because I was so tired. Today I have been helping my mom get her software loaded, so tonight after dinner I will work until bedtime again getting as much mail done as possible.
This seems pretty easy, it really is right up my alley, and I think I really will be able to make some good money at it for my family once I really get the hang of it and get faster. But for now, it is nice to have a job again, and even better, one I can do in pj's!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Last Day of Unemployment
Tomorrow I go to my training class for my new job, processing rebate checks. My mom is doing this with me, and today I was able to get my aunt Kelly registered into the class tomorrow too. I am looking forward to being able to do something to help us make more money, pay off our debts, and get enough money put away that we can have enough to get a home of our own.
I'm also a little nervous. 2004 was the last time I worked, when I had to go on disability. I have always been looking for something that I could do from home, but so many times jobs from home require you to put money down, and those are always scams. This job is legit, and we know someone who is doing it, and the are BBB Accredited, so we're good on all accounts. I am looking forward though to going out and doing a training class, learning something new, knowing that I can do this job from the comfort of my own home, even in my jammies if I want!
So wish me luck tomorrow, and I will update you all on how it went with a blog tomorrow!
I'm also a little nervous. 2004 was the last time I worked, when I had to go on disability. I have always been looking for something that I could do from home, but so many times jobs from home require you to put money down, and those are always scams. This job is legit, and we know someone who is doing it, and the are BBB Accredited, so we're good on all accounts. I am looking forward though to going out and doing a training class, learning something new, knowing that I can do this job from the comfort of my own home, even in my jammies if I want!
So wish me luck tomorrow, and I will update you all on how it went with a blog tomorrow!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Lappy is here!!
Finally...my new laptop, or as I can it..Lappy...has finally arrived!!!!
Lappy was supposed to arrive last week, but when it never did we called and they said the batteries were on back order, so it would be shipping by August 1st. Well, true to Dell's word, it was shipped on Friday, sent through DHL express, and it showed up this afternoon!
I love it, it is a Dell Inspiron 1525, with Windows Vista that I am trying to get used to. I have only used Windows XP so this is a little different, but getting used to it. It also has a built in webcam, which I am trying to figure out, so I can do video blogs again!
This is so nice though to be able to be in bed and be online. My back hurts after sitting in this chair for too long, the padding on it is going bad, so basically I am sinking into the chair and it is making my lower back hurt like crazy. And it also is easier for me to type, since working on the desktop computer really hurt my bad elbow.
Ok...enough blogging...off to play....
Lappy was supposed to arrive last week, but when it never did we called and they said the batteries were on back order, so it would be shipping by August 1st. Well, true to Dell's word, it was shipped on Friday, sent through DHL express, and it showed up this afternoon!
I love it, it is a Dell Inspiron 1525, with Windows Vista that I am trying to get used to. I have only used Windows XP so this is a little different, but getting used to it. It also has a built in webcam, which I am trying to figure out, so I can do video blogs again!
This is so nice though to be able to be in bed and be online. My back hurts after sitting in this chair for too long, the padding on it is going bad, so basically I am sinking into the chair and it is making my lower back hurt like crazy. And it also is easier for me to type, since working on the desktop computer really hurt my bad elbow.
Ok...enough blogging...off to play....
Saturday, August 2, 2008
All sorts of news!
As I had mentioned, I realized on my birthday that one of the diamonds in my engagement ring was missing, and after a little bit of a hassle, I was finally able to send it off to repair, no charge. Well, the store called Thursday afternoon and said it was ready for pickup, so Phil went over to get it, and now I am able to wear my complete wedding set again.
Thursday was also the day when I had to take the truck in for emissions. It is a '99, so every even year they require any vehicle which isn't a 2004 or newer around here to go through emissions. I am used to do the type of test where they hook this thing to your tailpipe and rev your engine a few times and check under your hood, praying all the while that the thing passes so you can get your new tags. Well, the guy this time just hooked up something under the steering column for a few seconds and it was done, guess anything 1996 and newer is all run by computers now, so no need for all that other testing. We paid our fee, got our paper that said we passed, and headed over to the DMV to get our tags. Luckily the place we went to wasn't very crowded, and we were only there about 5 minutes before our number was called. (Side note: Have you ever, when at the DMV, wanted to shout out BINGO when you number is called over the loudspeaker?). So now we are legal to drive for another year.
Laptop..it is still a no show. It was supposed to be here on the 28th, but the 28th came and nothing. So we called and it turns out that the batteries were back ordered, so it isn't going to be shipped out until Aug. 5th. Ugh..more waiting!
My final piece of good news though..I got a job! My mom delivers the local newspaper around here and we are always trying to find something we can do from home so she can quit that route. Well, one of the fellow carriers mentioned to her the other night that she had started a new job working for a company that processes rebate checks. They are looking for people who want to work from home to enter these rebate checks in their system. So mom got the number and talked to the guy yesterday morning. He said there is no money needed to start this, which if money is needed to do anything work from home, it is a scam. There is a training class on Wednesday that we go to from 11:30-4pm, and they pay us for it, and they give us the software for free. For the next two weeks we go into the center to pick up mail, they give us a certain amount during the training period, and you take it home, work on it and get it done by a certain deadline, then bring the mail back and get more. After the two weeks, you can pick up as much mail as you want, and earn as little or as much as you want. We looked up their business on the Better Business Bureau and it is a legit company, BBB Accredited. Mom's friend has been doing it for a few days and says she likes it, and it takes about 3 minutes per rebate check. I used to do this sort of thing when I worked for Verizon Wireless, on slow days when there wasn't a lot of calls coming in. So we are all set for training on Wednesday and I can't wait. This is the kind of job that is perfect for me, and something I know I can get real fast at doing. And it feels good to know that I will be contributing more to our finances.
Thursday was also the day when I had to take the truck in for emissions. It is a '99, so every even year they require any vehicle which isn't a 2004 or newer around here to go through emissions. I am used to do the type of test where they hook this thing to your tailpipe and rev your engine a few times and check under your hood, praying all the while that the thing passes so you can get your new tags. Well, the guy this time just hooked up something under the steering column for a few seconds and it was done, guess anything 1996 and newer is all run by computers now, so no need for all that other testing. We paid our fee, got our paper that said we passed, and headed over to the DMV to get our tags. Luckily the place we went to wasn't very crowded, and we were only there about 5 minutes before our number was called. (Side note: Have you ever, when at the DMV, wanted to shout out BINGO when you number is called over the loudspeaker?). So now we are legal to drive for another year.
Laptop..it is still a no show. It was supposed to be here on the 28th, but the 28th came and nothing. So we called and it turns out that the batteries were back ordered, so it isn't going to be shipped out until Aug. 5th. Ugh..more waiting!
My final piece of good news though..I got a job! My mom delivers the local newspaper around here and we are always trying to find something we can do from home so she can quit that route. Well, one of the fellow carriers mentioned to her the other night that she had started a new job working for a company that processes rebate checks. They are looking for people who want to work from home to enter these rebate checks in their system. So mom got the number and talked to the guy yesterday morning. He said there is no money needed to start this, which if money is needed to do anything work from home, it is a scam. There is a training class on Wednesday that we go to from 11:30-4pm, and they pay us for it, and they give us the software for free. For the next two weeks we go into the center to pick up mail, they give us a certain amount during the training period, and you take it home, work on it and get it done by a certain deadline, then bring the mail back and get more. After the two weeks, you can pick up as much mail as you want, and earn as little or as much as you want. We looked up their business on the Better Business Bureau and it is a legit company, BBB Accredited. Mom's friend has been doing it for a few days and says she likes it, and it takes about 3 minutes per rebate check. I used to do this sort of thing when I worked for Verizon Wireless, on slow days when there wasn't a lot of calls coming in. So we are all set for training on Wednesday and I can't wait. This is the kind of job that is perfect for me, and something I know I can get real fast at doing. And it feels good to know that I will be contributing more to our finances.
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