7 Quick Takes Friday (7)

Check out Jen's 7QTF here

I am using this this week's quick takes to update you on my current life pursuits.  I have been really busy, and absolutely loving it.

(1)

Last week I got an unexpected call from one of my best friends from high school, Zack.  We had not seen each other in over 5 years, but he called to tell me that he was in town from Minnesota and wanted to meet up to discuss a writing opportunity.  It turns out that Zack is being sponsored by the University of Minnesota to write a book on a local motorcycle club that is part narrative non-fiction and part history, and wants me to be the editor.  The next day Zack took me to one of the motorcycle club's annual events.  I had an amazing time, and got to ride on the back of a motorcycle for the first time.  I am really excited for the opportunity to work on this project.

Have you ever seen anything more awkward than me on a motorcycle?

(2)

I am still taking child abuse and neglect appointments, and while it challenges me, I really enjoy my work.  I am learning a lot and love being a part of the legal community again.

(3)

I am going back to school to get my Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration, with a focus on healthcare policy.  The past year I have done a lot of soul-searching and brainstorming about what I want to do for my long-term career (in addition to being an international bestselling author of course).  I want to do something where I can make a positive impact on the people of West Virginia.  

Several recent articles and studies have flaunted the fact that West Virginians are one of the nation’s most unhealthy populations.  The people tend to be older, less educated, and have more chronic disease conditions than their national counterparts.  We have a high prevalence of tobacco use, obesity, prescription pill abuse, and poor access to health care.  I'm convinced this affects much more than our state's overall picture of health.  It affects the economy, and the number of people qualified to work.  It affects the state's crime rates, and its level of happiness and satisfaction.  And I see firsthand the affects these issues have on West Virginia's children through the child abuse and neglect cases I am involved in.  

Anyway, I am midway into my first master's degree class, and I hope that my law degree plus this masters degree will put me in a good position to start improving the lives of the people in my state.  Because whatever problems our state is experiencing right now, West Virginians are still the kindest, friendliest, and hardest working people I have ever met.  This is the state that raised me and I'm excited to give back.

(4)

I just accepted a job with a local healthcare organization where I will spend several days a week doing compliance, audit, and legal work.  I am excited because this job will give me healthcare experience, and bridge the gap between my legal education and my up-and-coming master's degree.  It will also allow me to keep taking abuse and neglect work, which is something I want to continue.

(5)

I am still devoting one day a week to writing, editing, and submitting my work to contests and magazines.  I have gotten back several rejection letters, but I am not letting that slow me down.  I have an Excel Spreadsheet that shows me which stories I have sent where.  I love making spreadsheets.  And lists.  Man, I love lists.  Anyway, keep your fingers crossed for me!  

(6)

Obviously, I'm still blogging.  Every time someone comes up to me and says that they read my blog, I want to give them a big hug (and usually do).  This blog is such an awesome escape for me, and I'm grateful to everyone who takes the time to read it.  As always, I am enjoying the Google keywords that have led people to my blog.  This week my favorites are "jokes on popsicle looking good," "uses of the buffalo," and "ssbbw (also known as super-sized big beautiful women) using a walker."  I hope these Googlers found the answers they were looking for.

(7)

I'm still redoing the downstairs bathroom, and it is nearing completion!  My friend Josh is helping me install the floor, and we should finish tonight.  Once I install the new toilet and sink, I will post pictures for your enjoyment.  Even if you don't think it looks good, tell me it does, okay?  It will just be a little white lie and God will forgive you for it.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!