Journey of 1000 miles starts with one class

I finally started my first class towards my new career as either a radiographer or a nurse. Knocking out basically the same pre-requisites for either career started last night. I love being on campus and being around other people for the mental stimulation. Even though this class is really basic, it will help ensure that I get a good GPA later on in the other pre-requisite classes that count on my application for each major. Since competition just get accepted is very tight, GPA plays a heavily important role. In either major, only 1 in 8 are accepted.

But I feel like a milestone has been set. Sort of like when I started a company 17 years ago, I put that first dollar bill in a frame. It was only a dollar, but it symbolized hope, success and optimism. So too, does my first class symbolize life change. Being 19 or 20 years old, that kind of thinking would have totally been lost on me. But at 44, with many years of life experience behind me, little things become more pronounced and meaningful.

I highly encourage you to begin the change if you are unhappy with where you are in life. Just do it. The time is going to pass by anyway with or without you so the question is, what are you going to be doing with the time that's already ticking away. Status quo? Or pursuing your dream, whether it be a new career that requires re-enrolling in college or starting a new business.

What dream have you been putting off for far too long?

Bought my books for Fall term today, brainstorming insurance ideas too

I start back to school in 2 weeks from today. I logged into my school account and bought all of my books online from the school's online store. This is a lot more convenient than going down to the campus bookstore and they actually encourage students to do it this way. It's handy because they show up at my door via UPS and I'm ready to go.

Also, the wife and I sat down and were trying to figure out our health insurance situation, or lack thereof. As I said earlier, I've had insurance for nearly all my life but being self employed I had to self pay. But with the monthly bill hitting $2,000, the camel's back finally broke and we had to let it go. The fun thing is that I have Type 2 diabetes and so when trying to apply for any other cheaper plan I automatically get denied. It's a classic situation of "I want insurance but can't buy it anyway". Pre-existing conditions automatically kick you out, even if you have the money, you can't buy coverage. Who at age 44 doesn't have ANY pre-existing conditions of some sort?????

I can cope without insurance, but it pains me that I can't provide my 12 year old daughter with insurance to see the doctor. I feel like a failure as a parent to be able to take care of my girl. So, we're trying to see if we qualify for the Oregon Medical Insurance Pool, which is the state-run plan to cover the "uncoverable". I want to at least get something, anything for my daughter even if it means going without for a while.

My freelance work is keeping me pretty busy this month which is a blessing though which is hopefully a slight hint that the economy is trying to swing back.

Anybody out there in the same insurance place as me and what did you do about it?