Not Quite Doing What I Want

Writing is a big part of my life. I do a lot of writing almost every day.

Writing fiction is what I enjoy doing the most.

However, I spend far more time writing program designs for people wanting to start residential care homes. Usually the ones I work with want to start homes for persons (children and adults)  with developmental disabilities, though I've done day programs for all ages including supported living, homes for the mentally ill, residential programs for teens in trouble, and residential homes for the elderly--both folks with developmental disabilities and without.

I've done this for a long time. It's interesting because regulations and philosophies keep changing and I have to keep up with the changes. And to complicate matters, regional centers who vendor the homes for the developmentally disabled all have different criteria for their homes.

Why do I do this? Mainly, because I'm paid to do it and I'm good at it. Back when I had my own care home, I learned early on that you fared better if you learned and understood all the many regulations that were the same as laws.  I got so good at it understanding regulations, I soon began teaching about them, and became a Department of Social Service approved instructor. Along with three other women, I taught Administrator and Continuing Education classes from Bakersfield to Fresno. I did that for about 20 years.

However, I'd rather spend my time writing fiction. 

I have a busy life--mainly at this stage it is wrapped around caring for my husband. And let's be honest, I'm much slower than I used to be and I can't work the long hours that I once did.

So, the mystery I'm working on now is at a standstill because I'm working on two program designs.

I've given you a little peek into my life as it is today.

Marilyn