What Do You Do?

[Jo.R]

I am a homeschooling mom of two girls, 6 and 4. We also have a 3 yr. old catahoula leopard (dog). When the girls are old enough to work more independently I would like to work on my masters. I can't decide if I want to major in something to do with family therapy (practical) or theology (my interest). In the past I have worked for a finance co. and in HR. My husband is a local truck driver, so he is home every night.

[pedro]

Great point! Did anyone see that article last week about the 95 woman who graduated from college. Certainly proves it's never to late

I did, and that lady looks amazing. I which I have her strength and spirit when I get to her age.

She is an excellent example.

Best regards

[pedro]

I am a homeschooling mom of two girls, 6 and 4. We also have a 3 yr. old catahoula leopard (dog). When the girls are old enough to work more independently I would like to work on my masters. I can't decide if I want to major in something to do with family therapy (practical) or theology (my interest). In the past I have worked for a finance co. and in HR. My husband is a local truck driver, so he is home every night.

Hi

You will make an excellent therapist. I started my masters degree in education , but with three small childrens I had to pospone it until the girl are older. I understand your decision.

Take care and best regards to you.

[Lisa]

I am amazed that so many of you are in the sciences or the numbers business. What comes to mind is detail, detail, detail. Analysis, analysis, analysis.

Anyone up to a hypothesis?

[alamaz]

Every one here is so educated! That's great!

I raise money for a non profit that provides emergency and transitional housing to women and children who are homeless because of domestic violence or other hardships. I never thought I'd enjoy it but at the end of the day I know my efforts made a difference in at least one persons life even if it is temporary.

I've really wanted to go back for my MAT and be a reading specialist but when I was sick I couldn't even fathom picking up the house at the end of the day let alone go to school. I hope when I start feeling better I'll get the energy to go for it

[Teacher1958]

I am a second grade teacher at a suburban school 20 miles from Cleveland. I have taught second grade for six years and special education for 20 years before that. I have been married to my husband, Kent, for 26+ years, and we have an amazing 18-year-old son, Adam, who is one of the funniest, brightest, kindest, and quirkiest people I have ever met. He had a rather rough start in life, but he's fine now and headed to NYC for college in August.

What else? I do not have an "official" diagnosis and haven't decided if I am going to get one. I have been gluten-free for about a month now, and my cholesterol has dropped into the normal range (hopefully, it will stay that way), my ADD is nearly gone, my depression is so much better, I don't have mouth sores, and I have more energy. In addition, I don't have to constantly repress the urge to pass gas, which is a minor miracle in itself.

I have been a vegetarian for 30 years. I never really planned to be a vegan, but at the moment I am, because I am currently lactose intolerant.

My passion is being a member of our city's auxiliary police unit. If I were 20 years younger, I would seriously consider becoming a regular police officer. Some of the jobs our unit does are to direct traffic (civic events, large gatherings, accident scenes, sporting events, etc.), provide security at high school athletic events, help to teach in the department's Community Police Academy, patrol in 6- to 8-hour shifts in the cruisers, and just basically try to take some of the burden off of our regular officers, who have so many other professional duties.

I find this board to be really helpful, and I'm glad that I found it.

[pedro]

Every one here is so educated! That's great!

I raise money for a non profit that provides emergency and transitional housing to women and children who are homeless because of domestic violence or other hardships. I never thought I'd enjoy it but at the end of the day I know my efforts made a difference in at least one persons life even if it is temporary.

I've really wanted to go back for my MAT and be a reading specialist but when I was sick I couldn't even fathom picking up the house at the end of the day let alone go to school. I hope when I start feeling better I'll get the energy to go for it

You will, and each day you feel better than yesterday. One step at a time that's my thinking.

I am very glad to be here and having the opportunity to meet all of you.

We all have many functions in life, but we share one.

Thank You for your hard work.

[Lisa]

In the two years that I have been on this site, I have made some close connections, exchanged phone numbers and have a new learning of what kindness and friendship can be. I am not a girly girl and very slow to open up my life to others. Given a baby shower or bridal shower, I would rather eat an entire Pizza Hut Pizza all by myself

But I am overwhelmed sometimes about the amount of giving that people do here and the caring for everyone who opens that door, and asks (end of sap - I have exceeded my limit)

With the experience and education of all of you, we can heal the world. Now I know who to ring up when things go awry.

[blueeyedmanda]

This thread is great, it really lets us get to know each other outside the celiac. It is amazing how talented we all are.

[little-c]

My first career was in the customer service business at a life insurance company. After my two boys were born I quit and was a SAHM for a year before going back to school (at age 32) for a BA in graphic design. After I graduated I got the job I'm at now, which is design director at a television station. I have since earned a master's degree in management. I toy with the idea of getting my phd some day, but doubt if I'll ever do it. I'm currently taking a Flash class (computer animation) for work and a watercolor painting class for fun. My sons are young adults now, still living with us and life is hectic. I'm married to a retired police officer who now works part time. Our favorite pasttime was fine dining. Celiac has put a damper on that. We're also big into wine, and I'm SOOO glad that it's gluten free!

[Canadian Karen]

SAHM's are SOOOOOOOOO busy. What a hard job. I was lucky enough to get to stay at home with the first one for one year, and the second one for 3.5 years. It was really rewarding, but it was hard work!

Yeah, just ask Lynne what it's like when she calls my house! LMAO!

[ootsie69]

This topic was started several years ago. We have so many new people on the forum and I thought that it would show some insight. I remember, it did for me. We had homemakers, scientist, engineers, medical techs, therapists, lawyers, teachers, nurses, MD's, professors, stay at home moms who home school.

It is so interesting that we all have a common bond, yet we do.......(I'll leave at that)

I raised my kids in a small NC town and my husband worked for a major airline and he was MIA a lot (especially during the teen years ). I was always involved in community projects. For several years I have been involved in our local Preservation Commission to insure the historical integrity of our town.

What do you do?

I work for an attorney who does criminal defense.

[Lisa]

I work for an attorney who does criminal defense.

Post # 2 and welcome to you.

[Nantzie]

Post # 2 and welcome to you.

Hey! That rhymes!

Add poet to your list!

Nancy

[DingoGirl]

I am amazed that so many of you are in the sciences or the numbers business. What comes to mind is detail, detail, detail. Analysis, analysis, analysis.

Anyone up to a hypothesis?

hmmm.....I'm about to blow your theory here.......could not be farther from science and numbers, in brain inclinations, abilities, or interests! Numbers and physics and chemistry - - these are from the devil, in my opinion...... I have not balanced a checkbook in years (just look online every day but don't know how to - reconcile, is that what you call it? - and can't be bothered.

Well, let's see, I studied languages, journalism and art history in college (would it have KILLED my parents to force me to take a business class? ), ended up w/ a degree in Liberal Arts and then a teaching credential, and speaking four languages. (well, the Spanish, not as fluently). Left teaching very soon - - very, very hard for me to manage a classroom - - felt like emptying the ocean w/ a teaspoon....and then was a starving and not-so-starving artist myself for many, many years. One of the original "faux finish" painters in this town. Then worked in some retail management positions and also administrative (read: disorganized secretary) positions to not starve so much.

And now...... after years of ups and downs and exhaustion and brain dysfunction, I work in a somewhat non-demanding job in an art supply store. Not so important. Still on disability. Hoping to climb fully out soon.....but doesn't look like it.

But as to your hypothesis, Lisa, I think that people who are actively on a board such as this, and with such a mysterious (initially) disease, have very curious minds - - hence all the scientists.

[little d]

Man everybody is so interesting I want to read all right now! But I'm at work trying to get my stuff done, Ya'll are so distracting, Is being distracted easily one of the many syptoms of celiac disease

Donna

[debmidge]

Me: Licensed insurance agent, Account Executive at Insurance Agency going to complete my designation of Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (have 3 classes left); completed my Certified Insurance Service Rep. designation, and have one more class for my AAI (another insurance designation). The trek has been long and arduous due to long hours at work. I am working because I have to have a career - I wanted to be a SAHM.

My husband: has been disabled for many, many years due to celiac and its complications. He is the "houseperson." Prior to this he was a bookkeeper/delivery man for a HVAC wholesale parts store and prior to that US Navy (Vietnam vet). This is his photo.

We have had this "alternate" lifestyle arrangement for many years. He's not thrilled about this either but it's the hand we've been dealt. He'd prefer to be at work and have me home (SAHM). We have no children.

Life is short with no guarantees; grab your happiness while you can.

[lmvrbaby]

Hi everyone,

I worked as a Home Health Aide for almost 15 years, until I was injured on the job. I went back and was retrained as a Professional Administrator or better known as a Secretary. I did the stay at home mom with my first son for 18 months, 2nd son, I went to work after 8 weeks, needed the money, after the next two, I was home the usually 6 weeks. Had family as sitters, so that kept costs down.

If you can be a stay at home mom, good luck to you. I wish I could have been home more when they were small. They are now all almost grown, youngest is almost 14 and I miss them being around.

[zansu]

My first career was in computer science - software and software process consultant for 20+ years. Now I'm back in school working on my Master of Divinity.

Since we packed up and moved for me to go to school, DH is currently working at Trader Joes. Gotta love the 10% employee discount!

[ravenwoodglass]

I spent years in retail management and then went to cooking and managing a restaurant that catered to folks with 'food allergies and intolerances'. I left that and went back to college at almost 40 because I was told it was the stress of the job that was making me sick. I had to pull out of my 2 year degree program 6 credit hours short of a dual degree and English and Human Services and give up a full boat scholarship to get my teaching certicfication because I kept getting sicker. I have certificates in Medical Assisting and also Forestry and Conservation but got those more out of interest than for a job.

I then worked for a couple of years running a Sex, Drug and Alcohol Program for The Boys and Girls Clubs. I took the program into the middle schools and that was a lot of fun. Sometimes the teachers reaction to the topics was the most humorous. We would divide the classes into gender for more sensitive topics. I thought one male teacher was going to dive under his desk when some of the boys started asking questions and getting answers about wet dreams. He asked how I could talk about that type of thing in a room full of adolesent boys, I told him it is just biology and I just thought of them as my son asking the questions. After opening the first teen center for my community for the club I had to leave, I was just too sick to continue.

After my diagnosis I went to work for the school system as a sub in special ed. The next year I spent the year bring back a wonderful young lady who had had a traumatic brain injury when she was hit by a car on her bike. She was wearing a helmet but her TBI was still so severe she had no short term memory at all. She had to relearn everything from walking to talking. She could read and communicate at about a kindergarten level when we started in Sept. with me with her in all her classes and I formulated lesson plans she could work with to progress her hopefully to the level of her classmates. By the next fall she had recovered enough to go into regular classes, now she graduates HS this next month a couple years late but she did it. I am so proud of her.

I am now a stay at home artist working with stained glass, jewelery making and painting. I tried to open my own store but my optimism about my making a full recovery were a bit dashed. I closed the store and now have all the art supplies I will ever need.

My garden is also an important part of my life, I hope to finish redoing one of my ponds today.

[Cheri A]

Ravenwoodglass ~ wow, how great that you helped that girl!! What an accomplishment to her!!

Debmidge ~ I know all those insurance designations! I forgot to list what I did before having kids. Before having ds and moving to MN, I was working in an insurance agency and was an agent who preferred to be a customer service rep. I worked on commercial accounts. After Hurricane Andrew hit S. FL, it was no longer fun for me. When we moved, I decided to stay home with my son and find a new career later. Congrats to you for being so close to your CPCU!!

[dally099]

hi, i am a SAHM of 4 kids, 17month old, 2 year old (3 next month), 5yo, and 7yo, busy enough doing that, i also have a college diploma in interior and landscape design, my hubby and me buy houses on fix them, make them pretty and sell them, we are currently living in a 1917 victorian house that we are renovating constantly, this house we are staying in for a long time, but one day my hubby will build me a house. he is a mechanic in the army with less than a year left, thank goodness. the canadian arm isnt its all cracked up to be but he will have 20 year and a pension so thats nice, he's a heavy duty mechanic he went to college on the side and got his certification's so hell be twisting wrenches when he retires. im going to university (online) for by degree in psycology and sociology. i am taking lots of criminology courses and hopefully will get a job with the RCMP here, im going to start volunteering with them they have a youth justice project here so im going to get my feet into that. i am the presidant and co founder of our speed skating club here, i help communities in bloom, and in my "spare time" spend way to much of it on the internet.

its fun to see what everyone here does!

[2Boys4Me]

I direct the late news for the local CTV affiliate 4 nights a week. It's part time, 25 hours a week. I'm free to goof off during the day, volunteer at school, etc. I'm home for supper M-F and work 8pm - midnight Th/Fri and 4pm - mid Sat/Sun. I mostly boss people around and count backwards. I've been doing that for almost 9 years at this station. I've been in the tv business a long time, though. My husband is a post production editor. He edits commercials, the odd music video, tv special and does a lot of sports opens. He has two Emmy awards: one for the Heisman Trophy presentation show tease in 2000 (for ESPN) and outstanding show open/tease for the 2005 World Figure Skating Championships that took place in Moscow, Russia (for ABC). If anyone in Canada is reading this he cut the Avril Lavigne Exclusive that ran on CBC last month and will run again May 18.

MommaGoose - re: speaking French, I have high school French and can get by enough to say things like please/thanks, open/close the door/window. where is the beach, where is the bathroom, etc. I can understand more by reading French than listening to it. People talk so quickly, it's hard for me to translate. Je parle fran

[ravenwoodglass]

Ravenwoodglass ~ wow, how great that you helped that girl!! What an accomplishment to her!!

I could not believe how hard she worked. It can be really demoralizing for a teenager to have to start with grade 1 - 4 workbooks. She never gave up and I never lost patience. Two key elements. I thank goodness for the Oz series we worked with those a lot.

Sometimes things make you wonder, if I had never been sick I would have never learned how to be patient and I would not have been around to be there to work with her. It was even an 'experiment' by my school system, they had never sent someone to a private school before. I am still so proud of her, I will be waiting outside the auditorium with flowers for her when she graduates.

[kbtoyssni]

I'm an electrical engineer at a medical company. Outside of work I'm a huge gymnastics fan - I do gymnastics and will probably start judging high school meets next year.