An update on my trials and tribulations

[Pam]

Sallyanne I am thinking of you and wondering if you have had a chance to visit with your mom since the "settling in time" is just about up. If so, how did she seem? I hope all continues to be well with you in this area as well as the job search.

[sasvermont]

I visited my Mom, a couple of days ago, on Thursday after work, at her new residence and she was thriving. They (the staff) said she was doing nicely, and having a good time of it. I thought she would adjust to the new surroundings easily, as her room is near everything, including the bathroom right next to her bedroom. She must share a bath with another woman, but that's ok. She did not recognize me when I first arrived which broke my heart but then after a few minutes she did say "oh, I didn't recognize you with your hair short"....and I've had my hair short for months now. Oh well. I haven't had long hair for years.

My employer is having me begin to train the new person and my replacement beginning Monday. I hope they let me go after just two weeks of one on one, if not sooner. I am not being very cooperative with the staff etc. at this point, responding to most requests with "gee, that's not going to be my problem soon".... I think by giving them SO much notice of my leaving, it is beginning to drag on the staff's outlook, as well as the attorney's outlooks. They need to get some new blood in there soon, as establish new relationships with her.... Her name is Linnie. Oh well. She seems like a nice enough of a person, but doesn't have the legal experience, which I think is the most important part. Oh well again. Not my problem. The relationship is over when I leave the place on my last day. I have already let them know not to call me.

A new tenant moved in to my Mom's apartment already! (The other person backed out of the lease for April first and the second person wanted the place ASAP!) She moved in on Friday, the first of February! It was a lot of work for me to get all of my Mom's things out of there in such short notice, but hey, I got it done! I gave quite a few things away and kept a few and sold a few. I had to be flexible since time was passing quickly. So success with the Mom/apartment move.

I have been asked to come in for an interview with the one company in South Hero that I applied to in December. At that time, the owner and I talked on the phone and she requested that I call her when I got closer to my departure time. I did contact her via email, and she responded with a "please call me for an interview". Woohoo! It won't pay much, but it is only a couple of miles from my home. I could walk to the place. It is a small import/export business. She said I could wear my PJs to work, since there is no store front etc. I wonder if my nightgowns would be hard to walk in...... while trotting down the side of the road? No sidewalks here.

So that is my story at this point. The job thing is just about ending. Still looking for a job, but have far from given up. I haven't really starting looking seriously.

Thanks for thinking of me. I know that my life isn't nearly as complicated as some folks. I have it easy.

Lucy misses my Mom. I don't, for the most part. It is a relief knowing that someone is looking after her and that she is around folks her age and her degree of needs.

Love to all,
Sas and her campers

[Medusa]

That's all wonderful and positive news. I'm so glad that things are working out for you and I'm sure that you'll find the right job w/just the right pay for you very soon.

[Pam]

Thank you for the update Sallyanne. I so heartily agree with the following statement as I felt the same way when I had to face the fact that my mom needed to be in assisted living.

It is a relief knowing that someone is looking after her and that she is around folks her age and her degree of needs.

While agreeing totally with that, I understand there may be a bit of guilt as I do live with some of that too. In a perfect world it would be different perhaps, but we deal with the cards we are dealt. My mom too, often does not recognize me. Eventually during the course of the visit she does, though, and has often commented on my *new* hairdo or *new* glasses which are really not new at all. (((hugs))) to you as you go through all of this. It is sooooo not easy.

I am laughing at the thought of you in a nightgown heading off to the job! As I have said many times, your sense of humor will carry you through. I will keep my fingers crossed for your interview. What could be better than a place of employment being so close by? At the present cost of gas, you could probably take a sizable pay cut and not even feel it!

Congrats also on the new tenant and the hasty job you had to do in getting the apartment ready. Once again you have risen to the occasion and no one here is surprised. Continued good luck and best wishes for the future. I know it will be a good one for you! Please keep us updated!

[Catty1]

I am so glad to hear your mom is "thriving"; I wonder if she and Pam's mom mention the "new glasses" or "haircut" to cover up their forgetfulness? Like - these women still KNOW they forget, and are embarrassed (that's my own KID! OMG! Cover up! )

A jammie job? LOL Sounds cute.

You know - that might just be the ticket for a while if you can afford it. Sounds like a smaller company and less stress (after the learning curve is over).

HUGS! Good news all around!

[Freedom]

Just checking in. Glad to read that you are still on track. How nice that things seem Ok with your mom; that certainly helps for you. And a tenant already -- that was quick! Praying that the person works out and stays for a few YEARS to give you time to concentrate on other stuff.

Wasn't there a mini vacation mentioned at some point???

[sasvermont]

Well, I have had an interesting week. On Monday, "the new person" started and lasted until Friday, 8:30 and then quit. Another person, male this time, will begin on the 20th, or at least that was told to me late Friday. I get to do the "training thing" again, oh boy. The person originally hired was hardly qualified for the position and had the brains to quit before things got too far in front of her and behind me. I am still leaving on the 29th of Feb. Why does all this not surprise me?

The new tenant is really sweet. I am keeping my distance until spring....when we can spend time outside and chat freely. Heather, the new tenant has a little dogie, really sweet guy.... she smokes(the person, not the dog).....sorry, if that offends anyone, the smoking thing.....and since I smoked for years, years ago, I can hardly say its wrong.... She smokes outside....on the porch! Oh well. Lots of folks smoke. All things considered, she's a nice person....and I love her little furry friend. Lucy is not impressed.

I have interviewed for the job I have wanted from day one (working for an import export company, that deals with vet orthro implants imported from Germany and Japan....) of making my career change. I think I have the job, but don't want to seem tooooo eager to work there, and make a pest of myself. During my interview, I said that I really was interested in the job. I got the impression the interview went smoothly. It is a business in the same town I live in, thus allowing me to travel less than 2 miles to work. I am not sure I will call them again, if they don't call me. I will need to move on with the job search if they are not "business like" and let me know their thoughts/feelings about hiring me. We have emailed and chatted and interviewed. What more could I do. My current boss (the managing partner) knows I have listed her as a reference and was evening will to call the company, to recommend me. Wow. I know the managing partner has a motive, so I could care less about references or not from her.

I have "re-ignited" my knitting business so that I can pay for group health insurance via the company. I have a meeting with my accountant on the 21 to discuss the mess and the positive way to deal with my expenses.

It is snowing like crazy right now...and I have dinner plans...so I must run.

Just wanted everyone to know that things are ok. A bit scary, to think that I have only three more paydays, beyond this past Friday. And then, to the positive side, just that many more days left at that awful law firm. It is torture working there now. But they pay me nicely. I feel like a prostitute.

And my Mom is thriving. She is enjoying having company 24/7. I just knew she would be fine. I am thrilled, to say the least.

L,
Sas and her campers

[lizbud]

It all sounds great for you SAS. I am so happy for you.

[Pam]

Well, I have had an interesting week. On Monday, "the new person" started and lasted until Friday, 8:30 and then quit.

Boy does this sound familiar. My office seems to have a swinging door. If the boss isn't firing people, they leave of their own accord. Our latest girl, who was quite good, quit two weeks ago. Her attitude seemed to change after she got her 90 day review. Honestly, it does make you wonder how firms/medical practices survive the kind of nonsense that goes on. Good for the girl. She got out while the gettin' was good.

she smokes(the person, not the dog).....

haha! Glad to hear that the dog has not taken up the habit. Maybe in time you might be able to share some pictures of your new canine co-tenant. Trevor and Andy send their condolences to Lucy. I am sure they would rather I brought two more cats into the fold than two dogs.

I think I have the job,

Hooray! Fingers and toes are all crossed. I hope that if this is where you are meant to be that all of the pieces will come together!

And my Mom is thriving.

You can't ask for more! I know this gives you enormous peace.

Thank you for the updates. I/we look forward to more in the future and wish you only the best!!!

[Logan]

Sallyanne, I don't comment every time you update, but I sure have been interested in how things are going for you. I'm so glad that at least the concerns about your mother are out of the way now. Isn't it great that she is thriving, already, in her new home?

I do wish you all the best. I hope that everything is going to work out for you soon so that you can put the paycheck worry out of your mind next.

I know a ton of people who would gladly be good references for you!

Best of luck.
Logan

[Rachel]

More and more pieces falling into place for you. The right job will be there for you too...one that pays sufficiently and has all the benefits you need along with a amicable working environment.

As long as you are considering ways to bring in extra income, how about writing a novel...say set in a small law office environment? I just watched the Nanny Diaries on DVD which was loosely based on the experiences of the author(s) as a nanny if I remember correctly. I'm thinking that you've got a much better tale to tell. The bits and pieces we've been exposed to here are riviting to say the least.

[Pam]

As long as you are considering ways to bring in extra income, how about writing a novel...say set in a small law office environment? I just watched the Nanny Diaries on DVD which was loosely based on the experiences of the author(s) as a nanny if I remember correctly. I'm thinking that you've got a much better tale to tell. The bits and pieces we've been exposed to here are riviting to say the least.

Rachel has a good idea there! I picture a novel that would ultimately wind up on TV as a series - sort of like The Office. You could even play yourself! Now there is a lucrative career!

[sasvermont]

I worked today, until 2:30. I have "trained" the new person, and I hope to have this job behind me. If I never hear from any of them, it will be too soon. I am exhausted.

I have not landed a new job as I really haven't spent any time looking. The vet implant place hired the part time person, full time. It just wasn't meant to be.

I will take a little time for myself and then re-evaluate the situation. I feel a vacation coming on, soon. I have to be very careful with my money, so a mini vacation, should be just fine. Maybe Montreal.

I hope to wake up tomorrow, with a renewed sense of self. I am going to consider myself on a long, long weekend. I have promised myself to never stay in any job, ever again, when it starts to go south.

Lots of "I"s in this post, eh?

Thank you for listening.

Tomorrow is a new day. Life is or can be short, so I plan to improve "on it" !

[Pam]

Sallyanne I was just thinking this morning of posting to this thread and asking how you were doing. Glad the crazy place is behind you. A mini vacation sounds terrific. Who will watch the campers while you are gone? I hope things are continuing to go well for your mom. Thanks for checking in.

[Barbara]

Sallyanne I missed some of your updates- I am very sorry.
I keep my fingers crossed. Too bad your vacation can't get you over here!