Friday, July 29, 2011

Times are changing - Ready or not

This may come as a surprise to a lot of you but this "old" man is going to begin college courses week after next. I have wanted to do this for a very long time and a couple of weeks ago I made the decision to further my education with a college course at home after being out of school for 44 years.

I used to be able to say that I really enjoyed my job a lot but so much has changed in the industry I work in and it is affecting the employees I am with on a daily basis to the point that my stress level is way too high. I can only see this situation getting more severe as time rolls by so I want to be prepared to stay productive and to do that I need to shift gears and enter a different area all together.

All three of my daughters are either in the health field or training to be there. Just try to get a doctors appointment and they are usually booked ahead weeks or in some cases months so I decided to concentrate on the area concerning medical records and information technology that is becoming a desperately needed field to keep offices operating efficiently.

I know it will be a change for me but I am ready and I also know that certain aspects of my life will have to change in order to do my best. One area, sadly, will be blogging. I don't intend to stop blogging but once my books arrive and I start my study habits I will not have the hours a day I usually spend checking and posting blogs. So my friends, this does not mean I am disappearing but my daily comments may be less frequent but I will do all I can to stay in touch.

Being 64 doesn't bother me as I have extremely good health and have no plans for retirement any time soon.I am looking forward to this new adventure and will keep you posted on my progress.

26 comments:

  1. Wow!! Odie, good for you! What a big decision you've had to make. I really hope and pray the best for you.

    I'm proud of you.
    I'll miss you and your sweet comments, but I understand and look forward to the time you will have to correspond.

    Looking forward to updates!!

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  2. Odie, you look great for your age. I'm happy for you and I'm sure you'll do just great. Good going!

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  3. YAY!! that's so awesome...count me in as one who will be cheering you on from the sidelines!! Hugs.

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  4. Odie, that sounds so wonderful! Good on you and I sure do hope that you enjoy this new and exciting adventure. Of course we will miss you and your sweet comments but this is far more important and we'll all be here when you need a break from all of that studying!

    Take care sweet Odie and good luck!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

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  5. This is a smart and resourceful move on your part, Odie. I'm proud of you!

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  6. Wow, Odie!! Good for you. I'm sure with your great attitude it will go really well. Congrats!!

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  7. Way to go, Odie! I know it will go well for you.

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  8. This is exciting news! You are wise to get into the health field. I know studying will keep you very busy. I will miss you posting so often and comments, but I understand. Please let us know what the course is like and if you enjoy it. Please, please don't disappear. Stay in touch dear friend.

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  9. Way go Odie, that's great. It's always fun to learn something new and broaden our horizons. Best of luck and hope to get updates on your blog every now and then, now go crack open that book, LOL.

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  10. I am so proud of you, Odie! What a wonderfully proactive course of action and how enriching it will be for you, both mentally and emotionally! Obviously, a big challenge, too, but I have no doubt at all that you will do yourself proud.

    I am cheering for you in the sidelines and wish you everything of the very best!

    Big hug,
    Des xoxo

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  11. I love new adventures and you are never too old to learn. Have a great weekend Odie :)

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  12. What a brave new adventure! I work as a medical transcriptionist, so yes, we need people who are dedicated in every aspect of Health Information Management. Are you studying to be an RHIT, coder or ??? Stay cool this weekend! Raquel

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  13. Odie - I just had to come across and comment on this very important post my friend. Good for you. I really can't tell you just how much I admire you for wanting to do this. It's brilliant that you want to learn something new and I'm sure it will stand you in good stead in the future. I really do have a big smile on my face as I type this, as I think it is wonderful news! Go Odie!! To keep on top of your studies, the blogging will have to take a bit of a back step, but you will know that we are all here rooting for you to do well. Drop by as and when you can, as we love reading your posts. Have a lovely weekend with Linda and Rocky my friend. I'm still smiling!! I'm so happy for you.

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  14. Wonderful Odie, this sounds great! Good luck and do not worry about us, we will be here!

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  15. That is great Odie. I am going to be taking an online course in Health Information as well. Not sure if you are familiar with it, but Pitt Community College in Greenville is offering a 6 month program and when you complete it they reimburse you the cost of the program! You are such an inspiration and reading your blog makes my day.

    Angela :)

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  16. great Odie, life has unending knowledge. keep us posted =)

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  17. Good for you Odie. You are never too old for some things. I admire you for making this move.

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  18. How Wonderful! My husband has been going to college for the past three years. A class every semester or so. He is always referring to himself as the class Grandpa. But I love it! I can';r wait to hear all about your school days. Big hugs!! P.S. Hope Linda is feeling well.

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  19. WONDERFUL! I am happy for you. And 64 is young!!

    I am 64.

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  20. Congratulations on your new adventure! I just found your blog and am looking forward to reading more. :-)

    ~Tracy
    www.evolvingsoul11.com

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  21. GO Odie! This is such awesome news! We'll miss you, of course, but yay for school. Sounds exciting. Have fun and study hard. :)

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  22. Hi Odie,
    I worked for many years in the Undergraduate Admissions Dept at NCSU and the last few I specialized in Transfer Students. These came in all ages and experience. We loved when we had applicants with life experiences! You will be a wonderful asset wherever you go! I will look forward to any and all postings you are able to write and to hear updates on your new adventures!

    Hugs~

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  23. That's wonderful Odie! Good luck! =)

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  24. That sounds great, Odie! Congrats! How exciting to embark on a new journey. I think you'll do great. :)

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  25. Good for you Odie! I'm so happy for you to be taking this exciting next step in your career. I'm also glad to know that there are people like you behind the scenes when I need medical attention. All the best on your journey. I'll miss your supportive comments but know that you're thinking of us.

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  26. Good on you Odie! You're never too old to make a change.
    Sometimes that's just what we need to feel renewed.
    It'll be odd to see the empty space where your comment would normally be but its a necessary sacrifice to see you happy :)

    Best of luck blog buddy xo

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