Saturday, April 27, 2013

Ellie

I want to thank everyone for the ideas they had regarding teaching in a foreign country.  I called several of the places mentioned and there are several things I need to do before that's a possibility.  One thing is directly related to my childhood- immunizations.  When I finally enrolled in a community college, after being homeschooled, I had to provide proof of *some* vaccinations and take a TB test.   But, that was about the extent of the requirements.  For a job like this, it will take at least several months for me to catch up on the immunizations I missed as a kid and now need.   Some of them have to be given months apart.  Without insurance, I'm going to have to use the health department and try to arrange time off work that fits the health department's hours.  Things like this really irritate me- it seems like I can't escape the ramifications of my childhood no matter how far away I get.  Interestingly, I did have SOME immunizations when I was a newborn, they just never finished the series.  Now I have to start all over. 

I did get a promotion to head waitress at one job, so that's a small pay bump.  Yay!  I found a trailer park that has a trailer for sale and I'm about $3000 away from having what I need for the down.  That would be great.  I think I can get a loan for the rest and manage those payments.  *crosses fingers*  If I really scrimp, I can do that in a few months.  The owner said that he's willing to hold it for me so long as I cover the space it's sitting on.  I'm hoping that if I pay the stall fees reliably, that will convince him I'm serious about buying it.  :)  So, that's a step in the right direction.

I promised I'd tell you about my nieces birthday!
I can't believe she turned one.  In some ways, all of the drama with my sister seems like it was years ago!  At the same time, I can't believe that Miss Ellie is one!  She is just precious and her moms are doing a wonderful job.  She's loved and truly being allowed to bloom.  She has a few words and just took a wobbly little step this past weekend.  At her birthday party, there were at least 30 family members who clearly worship her.  :)  She had her own little cake that she demolished and her moms filled a fenced in area of the living room with plastic balls so that she, and her little friends, could have a private ball pit.  I'm just so happy for her.  To some extent, I owe all of you a big thank you in helping me help Rachel during that crazy time.  Whether you made a donation or gave advice, you had a hand in protecting my sister and getting my niece out of that lifestyle.  When people say that sites like FreeJinger don't do any good in the world, we can point to Ellie. 
OH! Ellie's parents are also thinking of adding another baby to their home.  They decided that they want one more so that they can give Ellie a sibling.  Wouldn't that be cool?

24 comments:

  1. Just a quick question, did you get a bachelors? I work at a software company that hires from all over (and all sorts of majors), but most of the positions require a bachelors. I can email you some more information if you're interested. Good to hear you're still alive and kicking.

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    1. I'm interested. Yes, I have a bachelor's.

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    2. Sorry, I haven't looked back here in awhile. I'll try to get an email to you in a day or so.

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    3. Okay, so I sent an email. Let me know if you got it.

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  2. I've never commented before, but I just had to say that almost none of the recommended vaccines are required for moving overseas. The only one I can think of that is actually required is yellow fever for some African countries.

    (Okay, I searched, so that I'm not just going off my own weak memory: CDC backs me up. :-)
    http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/vaccinations.htm

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  3. You can also get a titer to see if you are immune, then you wouldn't need the vaccine. I had to do that for chicken pox since I'd had it, but my medical records were unavailable and the vaccine didn't exist back when I submitted records to my school, which is where I got a copy of my records from, my doctor had destroyed them, which I must say really, really ticked me off.

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    1. Destruction of medical records is very common after a certain amount of time has elapsed.

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  4. please do not get vaccinations if you can avoid it. Get your titer checked first. There is so much junk in vaccinations. Research the diseases first and research the vaccine, whats in it, etc. Best wishes! I love reading your updates!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  5. I missed this whole moving out of country thing. Why would you buy a trailer if you're leaving? I'm confused.

    I've lived out of the country, and I don't remember them checking vaccines (but since I've had them, I could be wrong.) When we arrived, we had to get a TB lung scan and have a health exam, but they didn't schedule it until we'd been there 6 months, so it seemed kind of ridiculous (could have infected half of Paris by then!)

    Good to hear from you, and that you are OK. Where are you living now?

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    1. I'm not moving out of the country, as far as I know, at this moment. I followed some leads given to me about teaching out of the country and a couple of the places I checked required vaccines that I don't have and alerted me to the fact that I'm far, far behind or didn't have others I'm supposed to have.

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  6. I thought Ellie had two dads instead of two moms. I have no clue why I thought that. Regardless, I'm glad that she's doing well and that you still get to see her fairly often.

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  8. OMG, ignore Christina. Get the vaccines your parents irresponsibly failed to get for you. You will protect yourself from dangerous diseases that are back in circulation due to paranoid gasbags and also contribute to herd immunity, protecting the people who legitimately CAN'T get vaccinated (due to immune disorders or whatever).

    If you're seriously thinking of teaching abroad once your vaccinations are done, I think you may want to hold off on the trailer home. They can be really hard to re-sell.

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    1. I am considering teaching abroad but honestly it's not looking as promising as it did at first.

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    3. Vax or not, it's your choice, but do understand that lots of people don't vax, for a variety of very legitimate and valid reasons, and that just because your parents didn't do it doesn't mean everyone else who chooses not to are "paranoid gasbags."

      Just sayin'

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  9. Le R., the vaccinations are necessary for a teaching situation when Ruth would be exposed to germ strains she hasn't been exposed to in the US.

    I know a lot of people who teach overseas, majority English, and the worst thing is the culture/food shock. After what you've been through, IMHO, I don't think this is the best idea for you right now. Had you been raised in the full bore of society, I'd say go for it, but the countries that hire us as teachers are countries whose local economy is still heavily based on haggling. I don't feel that you are strong enough to haggle, being raised to trust and obey and all that crapola.

    Stay put, get your trailer, and continue to be "Auntie Ruth" to Ellie. You are the only connection she has to her birth mother, who may be able to escape again, if your father passes.

    BTW, what's the news on that front? Anything new?

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    1. I'm starting to feel the same feelings, Nancy. I went to an intake interview with one company (which required an interview in L.A., which required gas money I could've better used) and it was pretty shady. They were talking about countries that I wouldn't be comfortable going to and talking about the waivers you sign and the pay you get (which was pitiful, really, but they say it's because you're in a low cost country). I'm just barely making my way in this country- I'm not sure if I'm mentally prepared for the things I might see in other places.

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    2. Dad is, from what I hear, degrading pretty quickly. He's still seeing a quack-ATI known doctor.

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    3. If you do teach abroad, a good option financially would be South Korea--they usually pay well, especially if you find a reputable company/agency to go through. Just throwing that out there--it sounds like it might be better for you to stay put right now, though of course only you can make that decision.

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  10. Ruth, have you looked into filling out a deferment for your student loans? You can usually get one based on financial and/or personal hardship. I'm sorry if this sounds crass or uncaring, I don't mean for it to be that way. I haven't been close to my father for years, and we had a strained relationship to say the least. I used his passing last year as a means to delay my student loans so that I could pay for some medical bills. Maybe you could do the same so that you could buy your trailer sooner. I'm sorry if that sounds awful, I don't mean for it to be. I'm just throwing that idea out there.

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  11. I had to post this for you, whenever I feel too blue I read it and it perks me up a little. I also listen to Beethoven's Ode to Joy. Keep your head up and know that you are an inspiration.
    Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
    and remember what peace there may be in silence.
    As far as possible without surrender
    be on good terms with all persons.
    Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
    and listen to others,
    even the dull and the ignorant;
    they too have their story.

    Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
    they are vexations to the spirit.
    If you compare yourself with others,
    you may become vain and bitter;
    for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
    Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

    Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
    it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
    Exercise caution in your business affairs;
    for the world is full of trickery.
    But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
    many persons strive for high ideals;
    and everywhere life is full of heroism.

    Be yourself.
    Especially, do not feign affection.
    Neither be cynical about love;
    for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
    it is as perennial as the grass.

    Take kindly the counsel of the years,
    gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
    Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
    But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
    Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
    Beyond a wholesome discipline,
    be gentle with yourself.

    You are a child of the universe,
    no less than the trees and the stars;
    you have a right to be here.
    And whether or not it is clear to you,
    no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

    Therefore be at peace with God,
    whatever you conceive Him to be,
    and whatever your labors and aspirations,
    in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
    it is still a beautiful world.
    Be cheerful.
    Strive to be happy.

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  12. I looked into that idea of teaching English in a foreign country and was shocked by the low level of pay, although people seemed to think it paid well. It must be my age (in my 40's.) I'm thinking that younger people in their 20's have different pay expectations.

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  13. I wanted to send you an email, but this seems like the only way of talking. I found your site many years ago and it inspired me to do something. I'm an ex-ATI kids and your site gave me confidence to share my story. I would share your blog and talk about it with my friends from ATI. A friend and I have recently started a site designed to help ex-homeschoolers with abusive upbringings to share their stories, without fear of reprisal.

    http://homeschoolersanonymous.wordpress.com/

    Your writing is never in vain! Your vulnerability is inspiring. I'd love to chat about at least cross-posting your basic story on our site. Thanks. :-)

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