Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Beyond Devastated

So...this blog really isn't supposed to be for me being upset...its about my future and whats going to be great in it. Today though just didn't give me a happy face. Instead I'm filled with devastation, loss of control, and sadness.
I mentioned before that the State of Ohio has decided to make cuts to mental health funding. Well last night everything that was going to be cut became officiated by good old Governor Kasich. I was called from work today to go to an emergency meeting at my daughter's school. I was hoping that the news wasn't going to be horrible.....but unfortunately it was.
I guess maybe it could have been worse, especially since a lot is still up in the air on what is going on, but here is a list of things that happened today that is affecting my daughter and every other autistic or mentally disabled child in the state of Ohio along with what is happening to Step by Step Academy.
*They officially started with a CAP of 104  hours that the state will cover. It used to be unlimited. 104 hours is granted only per year. This is basically a month of service at Zoey's school. Everything else will have to be out of pocket.
If things don't go good with this prior authorization CAP, then the school will shut down. I'm still not sure how they are even still open with everything...but basically right now we have a month left. After that, services will be covered for 100% for an hour and then only at 50% after....so then that has to be paid out of pocket from the consumers. This is for those that are on the Autism Scholarship to use. Which Zoey does have....for now. They maybe eliminating that too.
40 people were layed off today. The facilities department that included 4 employees was layed off. The whole entire research department was layed off. All the receptionists were also let go....plus an additional 12 people that were floaters for all mental health crisis buildings were let go.
Occupational therapy and speech therapy have been eliminated along with the staff that provided those services. Oh yea...and Transportation too. 2/3 of the cuts were in the clinical department at Step by Step with 1/3 administrative.
So right now I'm sitting here wondering how I can get to Colorado or somewhere else so Zoey won't be delayed or denied anymore services. I'm so sick and tired of trying to explain to people the purpose of ABA therapy and how it changes these kids. Public school systems are incapable of providing everything that an Autistic child needs. They proved that when I did let Zoey go for the two months she was there. My daughter's future was basically cut to nothing in the state of Ohio because of signature made last night. There is nothing we can do to change it.
I had to say goodbye to someone today that was one of the first people that welcomed me to that school when I was looking for something better for my child. I knew she lost her job before she did. It was just horrible. All these kids, not just mine are being affected. These family's that are now on job hunts because they lost their job because of funding. The school is on the verge of shutting down.....which is horrible. This school has changed so much for all the kids that have been attending. They are making it possible that one day the kids maybe able to be full functioning adults. The care, the medical treatment, all the the therapies that they do are now being cut to nothing. Its not fair. It truly isn't.
I will always do everything in my power to protect my kids and give them the future they deserve. Ohio has just proved that I can not do that here.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Clearing the head

So I figured the best way to clear my head before taking a big test was to well...do this. So Hi. In about an hour I will be taking a license exam to officially sell pharmaceuticals. Kinda a big deal. Need this for my move. My new transition and hopefully new job. I'm beyond determined on what I want career wise. Super stoked about it too. I always tell people that even if I was rich or was a big lottery winner, I would still work. I love Pharmacy that much. I love what I'm apart of. How many people can say that about their jobs? Not many. Luckily in my field there is always opportunity. Its just getting in the right company and working with the right drugs. Right now I just want in any pharmaceutical company and will consult on any drug they assign. I will be picky though one day. Just not in a position to yet. So if its Viagra I have to promote....okay. I will make sure there will be happy Penis's everywhere damn it!

Great...now I have writer's block. Well...I guess that's it for now. Not really anything to bitch about. I'll let you know about my test and well my big move. Peace out!

Oh...and if you ever have a topic that you might want my input on or perspective, just email me or send an anonymous comment on something. :)







Monday, June 20, 2011

Shake your money makers

Anyone watch the Miss America pageant last night? I didn't. I didn't even know it was on until this really funny chick I follow on Twitter was of course providing a very intriguing commentary.
Our society no matter what is surrounded by image. Whether its your looks, your ethical standing, or how much your got in your trunk...wait, I meant bank account. Every now and again your intelligence may help you move forward in life, but if your without common sense your kinda going to be at a stand still.
Since I went back to being a brunette, I've actually been taken a bit more seriously vs. when I was sporting the Blondie strands. I do lack common sense, poor grammar occasionally as you all know, but I think its safe to say I'm not an idiot. I just have my moments and at least I'm aware of it. I'm good at what I do career wise, I can talk my way almost through pretty much anything.....and it does help that I can cry on cue. I'm lucky enough to have some additional assets to help me along the way with making connections but right now I'm at my stand still.
So its only been one week that I've been trying to gain employment/internship in Colorado. No hits...not one. So, I guess it comes down to a cover-letter. Have to sell myself without using my eyes, cleavage or my great taste in shoes. I've already asked others for ideas on my cover-letter...but really haven't gotten good advice yet.
I've even been doing some reading that people actually add a photo to their resume. Really? Weird...or is it? Prospective employers get to read about you, talk to you, why not see who they are talking to? It makes sense to a point, except if you have someone just hiring you based on your looks then that isn't cool. Well...depends on the pay-scale. hahaha.
Any ideas???

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Hi

Hey again friends! So here we go. I need my place to share my thoughts. This time things are MUCH different. I'm no longer lost in my head nor my heart. I know what I want and I'm more driven then ever.

My family is my core. My husband Joe is my backbone again. My kids are my life. My passions are still the same just enhanced. My tolerance for ignorance is non-existence. Your going to still hear me complain every now and again about the way things are.....but that should always be expected. I'm looking to share my life but with more happier notes.

I will not let my past hold me back. My blunders and poor decision making has lead me to deal with a lot of consequences but it has not faltered me. I've made some new friends, lost some, and even lost family.....but it just goes to show who counts when things get ugly. It is true in the saying that you know who counts in your life when something dramatic happens and they are still there holding your hand. Their not backing away no matter what the situation is.

Changes are coming. Its not just this new blog with a new name...but BIG changes. Due to the lack of support of our piece of shit Ohio Governor, the future of my mentally disabled child is being budgeted cut to nothing. This has lead to moving. Not just out of county....out of the damn state. We are looking at Colorado Springs, CO. Everything about that place is more appealing to my family's future with a fantastic background. The area is filled with magnificent beauty and the job market especially in my field is thriving. Oh..and get this: When you have private health care out there, they cover Autism. No more pinching pennies to make sure you stay under the Ohio guidelines to get Mental Health Assistance. You can actually enjoy thriving in your career and still have your child's needs met.

I have three reasons to move to Colorado and these will never change. There are in this order: 1. Zoey. Having no more disruptions in her future because of her disability. 2. Pharmacy heaven. 3. Fresh Start.
There is no doubt in my mind that I will be missing my friends and family. All I've ever known was Ohio. Here I am...born and raised. I've changed counties and gone on vacations...but that's pretty much it. Ohio will always be my home, but we are all destined for a different future. I have to look out for whats best for my family and its just no longer Ohio. Thanks to the government for that.

I don't know yet when the move will take place. Ideally, if my house is sold and I have a job in CO before school starts this fall then that's awesome. But this may take longer then expected. Only time will tell. No matter what though, its happening and I'm beyond excited about it!