My name is Marva Watkins. I am a 67 year old female, a widow of 26 years with no children. I have been employed as a Medical Technologist for over 40 years and have worked two jobs most of my adult life. In addition to working in a medical laboratory, I have also done insurance physicals and worked as a disability adjudicator for Social Security. When I graduated from college, I had high hopes of a blazing career in the medical field. My desire was to make a great income, while helping the sick. My bubble was busted by the beginning of my tenth year in the workforce. I had reached my maximum salary. There was no upward mobility in my profession without a PhD in a related field. By that time, I was too much in debt to return to school. There were no great goals set for retirement, as 401 K plans were not available to health care workers until much later. It seemed that every position held for the next thirty years paid less than the previous one. The worst slap in the face was a $4,000 a year decrease when I moved from Ohio to Kentuckiana area.

After graduation, I foolishly overextended my credit. Everything started downhill at age 40. I lost my husband, had several years of ill health, multiple surgeries, no insurance coverage and a period of unemployment. The IRS garnished my wages for 3 years. The motors burned out on two automobiles and I was forced to file bankruptcy.

I was constantly looking for ways to generate extra income.
I did the home parties with Tupperware, hydroponic plants, and painting on cloth. These were all great fun things, but I never made any money.

My passion has always been with nutrition. During my illnesses, I sought alternative remedies to avoid drugs and more surgeries. Through much personal research, I found ways to manage health and wellness with nutrition and supplements. The main conclusion from my research was that no one product met everyone’s need. Products could be classified as poor, good, better and best based on the quality of their ingredients. So, I selected the best products from different companies to meet my needs. I have managed most of my impairments with alternative products and therapies.

I had become reconciled to working two jobs, until two years ago, I decided that I wanted financial security in my old age without having to depend on Social Security income.
Currently, I am learning marketing strategies to become a blossoming entrepreneur.

I am a born again Christian and active in my home church, serve as volunteer visiting prisons with Prison Fellowship Ministry and Alcoholics for Christ meetings. I also have a gospel music ministry and go wherever there is an open door.

http://www.marvawatkins.homestead.com

I love to read, listen to Classical and Gospel music, do gourmet cooking and surf the internet. I love animals, especially dogs. I lost the mother and son within two years of each other and have not replaced them, but am waiting for the right match.