YEAH!

Two weeks after I blogged my tantrum about my hearing, I received the decision from the judge. APPROVED! All the waiting, doctor's appointments, lawyers, hospital visits culminated in this one moment of ecstasy. The judge found my claim of disability from September 01, 2004 to be valid. Finally. They will contact me by mail in the next 60 days with payment information regarding back pay and future benefits. My lawyer says it may take up to 6 months to receive the first check. That's OK. I can wait. I've waited this long. As long as I know it is coming. Yeah!!

I'm Ready

I have been a Surgical Tech for 20 years now. Even thought I am not currently working, it is still how I see myself. I miss working; I never thought I would say that. I loved my job, I was good at it and I want to go back. Though I'm not sure I can, at least not as a Surgical Technologist. I have a plan for the repair of my back, though nothing is guaranteed! I cling to the hope that removing the screws and rods from my back will give me enough relief to function again. Even if this repair plan is completed, I'm not sure I can go back to being a full time scrub. Eight hours a day on my feet, holding retractors and contorting my body into unnatural positions to help the surgeons may not be possible anymore.

I have always wanted to complete my Registered Nurses degree and now seems like the perfect time. It would be a lot easier on me as a nurse in the operating room. Their jobs are less physical, and coincidentally they get paid much more! I already have 52 college credits and have completed most of my prerequisites. As luck would have it, the local college is going to start a nursing program in 2009. That will give me just enough time to fix my back and complete the 5 courses I still need for entrance to the program. I would finish with an Associates in Science degree. It may seem unrealistic to some, but you have to have a plan and a dream. I think I need something to look forward to.

Getting Hot

Another summer in Barstow. The tempera-ture hit 112 degrees today. That's the hottest I've seen it this year. Just wait though, July is coming. I'll let you know when it gets over 120!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day dad! This is my father Tony. I love you and am glad are relationship has grown over the years. Hope you have a great day!

Happy Birthday Judy!

Today is Judy's Birthday! Yeah! This is Judy with her dog, Nina. We all loved Nina very much, sadly she has passed away. Nina was a good friend of James and I. We hope you have a great birthday and we love you very much.

FRUSTRATION!

Today marks the 3 month anniversary of my hearing before an Administra-tive Law Judge from the Social Security Administra-tion. THREE MONTHS! I don't understand what could possibly take them so long. How much effort goes into saying "yes" or "no"? I have stated before that my time in front of the judge lasted no longer than ten minutes. He barely looked at me. What is the problem? I need an answer! My personal theory is that a rich judge who lives in Hawaii could care less about my problems. Sad.

Happy Birthday Sheryl!

Today is Sheryl's Birthday!! Hooray! James and I have known Sheryl since we were traveling nurses together at Torrance Memorial Hospital. We worked together from 1998-2000. We were a great team! I always loved to work with her. She is one of the best Operating Room nurses I have ever known. She is now in Oakland, CA and we hope to see her soon. Many Happy Returns!! James and I love you very much.

It's A Boy

Congrats Judy!

This is Coco. He is the new addition to my friend Judy's family. He is a one year old pit bull. Isn't he cute!