An update on my trials and tribulations

Hi kids,

I am doing ok, thank you. My life is still somewhat of a mess, and I am growing used to it.

I went to visit a residence for women, on Saturday, and really liked the place. I hope to move my Mom there within the next few months. I filled out an application and now it is the sit and wait thing. It will be furnished - only 10 women, old victorian home....only about 30 minutes from my house. I have my fingers crossed.

My estimated time for leaving my current job is still 3/1/08. I have contacted a couple of companies, chatting to the appropriate persons, but it is still too early. I have lots of work to catch up on before I leave. It is the busiest time of the year for me right now. I am enjoying knowing that this is the last time for many of the things I have been doing for years.

I keep getting messages and pointers from people trying to direct me to jobs much like I have now. I don't want that...I want something different. I am not after more money or better this or that. I am totally burned out from my job. I cannot imagine doing this any longer than a couple of months. Maybe I just need a serious break.

The cats are fine. Lucy loves spending time with my Mom, downstairs. Lucy will miss her when she moves. Oh, the place where my Mom will most likely go to live, has a resident cat and two dogs visit nearly daily. Lucy has been my Mom's only companionship except for me. She isn't very friendly of a person and also, using a walker doesn't make it much fun to drag her out, especially in bad weather.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and in general, a very loving and heartfelt wish for your good health and happiness forever.

There are some great people here - day in and day out and boy do we all appreciate it. Thank you Karen and Paul, for making it all possible.

Love to all,

Sas and her campers

I have my fingers crossed that you will be able to get a place in this home for your mum. It sounds ideal.

I am sure that just knowing you are on the last stretch at work is making things easier to cope with. You truly do sound as though you need a complete break. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and that something good turns up for you very soon.

I wish you only the best, in your working life and in your personal life and I hope that all goes well w/your Mom. Best of everything to you both. Have a wonderful and blessed holiday. :)

SAS, it's nice to see you on the post but I'm sorry you are having a tough time right now!

I hope that your mom gets this new place, it sounds wonderful!!! Prayers coming for you!

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hugs,
Kim

Why even look for work just now? We all know you need a break! You must be getting that message, as you are GIVING it, he hee. Anyway, just enjoy the Spring and then start looking. Of course, this assumes you bank book can stand taking a 4 to 6 week break.

You DO sound better, just knowing as you say, this is the last time thouh so many of the tasks at work!

Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas!

That place sounds ideal - would it mean waiting for a room to become available, or does she just need approval?

Hmm, have you done "what color is your parachute" to get ideas on what you want to do next?

Thanks for the update, you'll be in our prayers still.

I'm glad to see this update. I have been thinking about you and wondering how you are. The place for your mom sounds perfect. Unfortunately good places have waiting lists. *sigh* I hope you don't have to wait too long.

It sounds like a total job change might be in order. Hey you are not too old to blaze down a new trail. I hope something will open up for you that is just perfect. I think I mentioned to you how much my SIL hates her current job (actually it is just her boss that she hates). She told me the other day she would rather be cleaning toilets in a public bathroom. Of course there was a wee bit of exaggeration in that statement but she said that she would gladly go off and do something totally different even for much less money. I hope you both find something that is rewarding and where you will once again look forward to going into work. Hang in there SAS!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and your Mom, Sallyanne. I've tried calling you but I'm sure you are very busy.

I'm praying that everything will fall into place for both you and your mom. You've been in my thoughts and prayers, honey. I'll keep trying to call to make sure you're okay.

(((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))

Donna

Good to see you here- I hope they will have a place for your mom soon.
I'll call one of these days- I have tow weeks off and as soon as I can think of anything but sleeping we can chat :)

I am glad you are feeling better about things. I do hope events all
fall into place for you. Hope your Christmas is a bright one. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lizbud

I am glad you are feeling better about things. I do hope events all
fall into place for you. Hope your Christmas is a bright one. :)

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My thoughts exactly.

Thanks for updating your situation. It definitely sounds as if things are starting to fall into place.

Good Luck.

I too have been wondering how things have been going for you. Personally, I don't think you *owe* these people anything but a two week notice. You say you have a lot of work to catch up on before you leave. It is their work, not yours. Have you been slacking off? I don't think so! If there is more to do than you have been able to keep up on, it is not your resposibility to make changes in your life to accommodate them. They obviously have not appreciated the commitment and dedication you have given over the past 8 years (or however long it has been), so your giving your all for two more months, isn't going to make a difference either.

Keep yourself open to a change of mind and schedule. The perfect job may present itself and to pass it up because of unwarranted loyality to an employer who gave you such grief would be the ultimate shame.

I do hope that the facility you spoke about for your mother will have an opening there for her soon. It does sound like a place that might meet her needs.

Sas, it's good to hear you are doing ok, even if your life is still messy. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...iles/Hugs2.gif

The residence you wrote about sounds ideal for your Mum, sending positive thoughts and fingers crossed it works out.

I can understand the enjoyment of knowing it's the last time you'll work at something that has become a heavy burden you wake to and dread each day. I've gone on a wing and a prayer to something else before now and survived, maybe not wealthier in monetary terms but certainly wealthier in spirit. You will too I'm sure.

Special lady, I wish you a Happy & Peaceful Christmas and a wonderful new life in the new year.

Love & hugs
Chris

Thanks kids. I don't know what I would do without the support and positive vibes from so many kind people. It is truly appreciated.....and at this point in my life, needed to get me through.

I haven't heard any word from the residence for my Mom. They have two slots available but need to do the paperwork necessary to qualify her. I am fairly sure she will get to be one of the residents. The lady who runs the show is from the town I live in and knows the house I live in.....the old Tressler house....she remembered old Mrs. Tressler sitting on my porch, years ago. I think she, the manager, will be easy to work with, although I don't think she will do anything inappropriate application wise. Fingers crossed.

Along the same lines, I spoke with my Mom's only living sister. My Aunt Carolyn is a neat lady and is a few years younger than my Mom. She knows my Mom and has NO interest in talking with my Mom or coming to see her. My Mom is and has always been an odd duck - and doesn't enjoy friends and relationships like most people do. Anyway, my Aunt was so sweet on the phone with me and kept being SO supportive to my making the arrangements for the residential care. When we went to hang up - my Aunt, for the first time in my life, and I am 59, told me that she loved me. Gosh, it felt so good. I think some people take "love" for granted. I surely do not. I have one sister who does not talk with me...and one Aunt....and that is it....no more relatives beyond a neice and nephew living in Florida and Pennsylvania. I know I am not the only one in this spot, but it sure can feel lonely at times.

I decided not to have children some years ago, knowing that I would escape the responsibility of raising kids....but also gave up the potential relationship for later years. I shall end this sob story.

Thank you again everyone.....

Lots of love and furry hugs from Camp Vermont, including Cinnamon, living in the guest room this winter! A bunny with her own room. Go figure.

Hey, Santa is coming tomorrow night.....

(((HUGS))) :) :)

Merry Christmas SAS.

It seems as though Pet Talk has become a haven for all of us and how lucky we are.

In our love for animals we also have plenty of love to share with their
humans. Allow us to shower you with it.

Hugs to you Sallyanne and many blessings are wished for you this
Christmas and in the New Year.

I wish you mother well. I know what she is going through - moving to a nursing home that is.

Hi kids.

Here is the latest.

1. I met with the assisted living person where my Mom is going....not too far from where I live right now....We met yesterday, with my Mom being here....and we discussed moving my Mom soon. Soon= this coming week. It is a matter of packing her suitcase. There has still not be a 100% approval from the licensing folks, so I am not moving my Mom until that has been accomplished/completed. It has nothing to do with me and everything to do with the facility. My Mom will not and does not remember having ever talked about this, so she will have to go through the surprise of this conversation all over again, when I do the actual move. I hope for this to be done with by Friday, at the latest.

2. Work is work. They have begun advertising for my position and have had meetings galore. They even asked if I would sit in on the interviews. I said thanks but no thanks. My office is cleared of all my personal effects, since I know they will not hesitate to fire my butt at any point. I have seen this happen earlier in the year.....just not with someone holding as many cards as I hold....I am not holding them ransome either. I have documented all my work product for the last few weeks, trying to make it a bit easier on the person coming in. I feel sorry for the person, but hey, what can I say. It is not the first time someone has left a horrible position, only to have a new body arrive - totally prepared to take on a crew of nut-cases. I am over it.

3. I have applied for a couple of jobs within my community. It is still a bit early for applications, as I want a position in the middle or toward the bottom of the ladder, not management etc. Most of these folks do not give 3 months notice...like I did. I have heard back from one that is promising but was told to check back when I get closer to the end of my current employmet....2/29/08.

So, life is still stressed for me, just not quite as overwhelming as it was. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I am not worry free by any means, just not as worried. I do have lots of concerns about how to make ends meet without taking money from my retirement accounts. I am old, just not that old quite yet, to start drawing on social security or retirement. Oh well. Life has a way of working out regardless of how hard you try or not try. I am trying to think this through before it even happens. Not possible.

I trust that everyone else has gone through rough times and made it to the other side. Life is like that. (((((((((((((((Pet Talk People)))))))))))))))

Love,
Sas and her brats...aka...The Campers

Sounds like things are moving in the right direction.

Can you write a note with your mom and put it some place where she will see it every day about the upcoming move? I did that with Aunt Bertha, and to my surprise, moving day went without a hitch. I was stunned. But we had written that note together, and looked at it every day and read it aloud - maybe we somehow moved it into longer-term memory, I will never know.

Karen, the suggestion you made sounds right but you have to know my Mom to know that her memory loss is a bit of a blessing in many cases. The last time we moved her from assisted living to my house, I wrote her a note and all she did was worry and write note after note to me about what she thought she should have me do. I am a highly organized person and I think it just added more stress for me, to an already stressful sitatuation. She will have little stress until the move, if she just doesn't know about it or remember it..... I know I cannot have it both ways.....but actually would prefer her stress be kept down, day wise. She has already had three strokes....among other things.....I am hoping this will be her last move.

My Mom is tough in many ways. She is very lucky to have someone still caring for her health and welfare. I will not be so lucky, as I have no children and few relatives. I will most likely be a ward of the state when I am her age. I am trying to hang on to my health, both physical and mental, long enough to get her through to the other side. She may just out live me!

Thanks for your thoughtfulness Karen. It is always appreciated.

Well, that is a huge step. I've not been through this particular one but I suspect, don't expect a feeling of relief the day after Mom moves. More a bit of a low, I expect.

It is good that youa re taking steps to improve your life. And caring for your Mom in the bargain. Hang in there.

Sallyanne I send {{{{{warmest hugs}}}}}.
Just like you I believe you have incredible hard times sometimes and somehow they will work themselves out if you do your best- and you do!
You are just such a good reliable person- I would hire you for any job here anytime and I know there will be people who recognize that and you will have a better job again.
Not to talk about your mom- we have been through that in detail last summer when we came to see you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sasvermont

her memory loss is a bit of a blessing

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I know very well what you mean when you say that. Although my Mom knows me most of the time when I visit (or at least a portion of the time while I am there) she doesn't get upset when I leave like she used to when she had her complete memory. The thing that matters most to me is that she is in no pain and is treated with respect. She says she is pain free (thank God) and I have come to know the caregivers there, and they are all very compassionate and loving.

It seems to me, and those of us here who know you, that you have gone the extra mile to check out this facility and the fact that you live so close will give you an advantage to be able to check in on her frequently.

Sallyanne I completely agree with Barbara's remarks. You are a good person and you have a good head on your shoulders and lots of smarts. There is something out there for you I just know it.

In the meantime just rest in knowing that you have finally taken the steps to a better life - steps that have worried and scared you for so long. I love your comments in point #2. Soon someone else will be dealing with the nutcases! Please do keep us updated as to how your mom adjusts to the move this week.

((((hugs))))

I am moving my Mom to the assisted living place at 1PM this Thursday. Then the dismantling of her apartment begins. It seems as though I just finished putting it all together for her. Oh well.

Five more weeks here at the job. Things are ok. They are struggling with the change, but hey, I don't give a (*&^ anymore and find it rather humorous. I will begin looking for a new livelyhood soon. I am planning a minor vacation between jobs.

Life goes on....just not as smoothly as I had hoped. I am fine though.

Peace.

SAS and her campers
;)

Sallyanne, I'm glad to hear you managed to get that place for your mom, that's one problem solved. :) Hope the move goes smoothly!

A vacation in between jobs sounds like an excellent idea, and I bet you need it too! I'll keep my fingers crossed that you find the perfect job.

Sas, glad to hear your Mum got in, hope the move goes well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...iles/Hugs2.gif

Prayers & good thoughts continuing.

Sallyanne- that is good to hear- even when it has been less than a year you put that lovely apartment for your mom together.
You know what I would recommend for a short vacation between jobs ;)

Glad you found an assisted living place for your mom.

Oooh, a vacation! Some of my BEST vacations have been between jobs. You don't worry about that return to a desk piled high with a week's worth of stuff. Ha haa. And yes, I have taken several with no job lined up to return to at all.

Best wishes with the moving on Thursday.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sasvermont

Life goes on....just not as smoothly as I had hoped. I am fine though.

Peace.

SAS and her campers
;)

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You are doing a whole lot. This all can be physically & emotionaly
demanding, so give youtself credit for that. :) I's good to know things
are starting to fall into place for you. :)

Sweet SAS,

I'm sp sorry I didn't see this thread until this afternoon. I wish I'd seen it and had been able to offer my support sooner. You've been such an amazing friend to me, I'd so love to return the favor.

I'm sorry about all the emotions you're going through with your mom. Even if your mom was sweeter than sweet, it would still be so hard. You know its the best place for her, but having to move anyone is hard, moving someone to a care home is harder. It sounds so wonderful though! She'll love the resident kitty...they'll find it missing and end up finding your mom and kitty in bed together cuddling or sitting out in the sun together. Just watch... :) And getting to have all the fun of dogs, but not the hard part like picking up after them, maintence and financial responsibilities - sounds like the perfect dawg to me!! And she'll get to visit with TWO of them. Wait, this place, its peaceful and quiet and in Vermont? Hmmmm.....they have another place left you say? Maybe they'll take ME! Then you can come visit me and your mom! ;)

All joking aside, it DOES sound like a really nice place. The good thing about the short-term memory loss is that she wont remember the shock for very long. I'll be praying it all goes smoothly...I'm sure it will. We'll have all our prayers and good thoughts coming your way, it just has to go well. I'm sure that when its all overwith, you'll feel as though a weight has been lifted. This is a lot for one person to have to organize and deal with.

If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

I wish you lots of luck in finding your next job...I think its great that you've realized what you are doing isn't what you need or want to be doing - and you have the courage to change that. I just know the next place you work will be so happy to have you, and they'll be LUCKY!

So, a mini-vacation, huh? Anywhere tropical?? Somewhere local?? I can't wait to hear...you so deserve it, SAS.

Hugs,
Kelly & Kitties xoxoxoxo

One situation almost rectified and one in progress. Sallyanne I know you will come through this asking yourself why you didn't do it sooner.

Peace to you my friend and thank you for the update. I hope your mini vacation will help to recharge your batteries. :) Thanks for letting us know how you are doing.

This obviously is the first piece that is falling into place. The others are due to follow in an orderly fashion. Thanks for keeping us up on the situation. We really do care.

*hugs*

You are taking care of yourself...I have a feeling things will fall together wonderfully for you and your mom too. :)

Hi kids,

I took my Mom to the assisted living place just yesterday. It all ran smoothly and I was asked not to return for a week, to give her time to settle in. I feel so guility, just leaving her, but there is a plus side to having such freedom to come and go now.

My employers have hired someone to replace me. I cannot wait to give up the crown. I hope they give me a break and have me over lap only two the first two weeks of February and pay me to leave for the last two. I think they want to see this over with too. It isn't good for office morale to keep me (the new smiling me) around the place. Things are falling apart before me, job wise. They are at each other's throats. One partner called two nights ago (before they officially hired the new person) and said that one of the attorneys promised to behave himself and increase his medication, if I would stay. When asked the following day about why I didn't return the message, I said that it was "funny, and made me laugh" and I didn't need to return the call. My mind was made up!".....

I have been lucky and rented my Mom's apartment 4.1.08! I have sold and given away lots of the furniture....and have about a day's worth of work to clean out the small items and organize what is left, for sorting out, this spring when it is warmer out.

So things are running on schedule. Gosh. I feel sooooo much better. I still have to land a job, but having lots of these things just about behind me, I feel as though I have lost tons of weight! Weight off the shoulders!

Here's to progress!

Thanks for listening.

Sas and her campers :eek: :eek: :cool: :D

Progress is right. You're taking care of your mom and yourself and you're "taking care of business", so to speak, at the same time. You owe yourself a big "Whew!" when it's all finished. You're doing a great job.

SAS, I'm so glad to hear that things are going well for you.:) I'm sure that you won't have any problems finding a new job but hopefully it'll be one that you enjoy. Good luck.:)

Sallyanne, I never knew what your specific job was, but I sure hope they paid you alot for putting up with that mess. Geez.

Best of luck to you. You are going to be just fine and your mom is too. :) I'm sending you my best wishes.

Logan

To the Campers at Camp Vermont,

Please go give your mommy a kiss and some nose rubbies at least 5 times a day. While the worst is behind, she still needs your love and reassurance - and she can get it from you, but also through her PT Family through your cute little bodies, OK??

Thank you, sweet fuzzies.

Love, Kelly & Kits

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Dearest SallyAnne,

Things are really shaping up for you and I'm so glad! :) (((((((((SAS))))))))) I'm sure your mom is going to love her new place. The first time you go for a visit, she's going to be excited about her own new digs and be happy to get to show you, her daughter and favorite visitor. Make sure and fill us in on her furry co-resident, the live-in cat. :)

I'm so happy that the worst is behind you. I know you don't want to stay, but its nice to be and feel wanted, right? The next hurdle wont be a hurdle at all, you're going to find the best job, and it'll be perfect for you.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers...

Hugs & Love,
Kelly and the furballs :)

You are so......."on the right track"............I couldn't be happier for you.