DivaStyleCoach

Beth, I think that's a terrific idea :party:- have mentioned it to DD as well, but she's not ready to hear it yet...got her heart set on "getting out of Dodge" so to speak. She really wants the "college experience" and thinks she has to leave home to get it...:hurray: I also encouraged her to apply to a local college - she would be living at home, we'd get her a car to drive back and forth (no bus service to the college that is reliable - it's a few towns over, about a 30 min drive), and it would be half the cost. They have her major also - which was formerly a sticking point. She's still insisting that she can raise the funds to go out of state, but she's got less than a month.:thumbup: I've told her the funds have to be committed by the time we return from Florida, or it's time to make alternate plans... Our fallback plan is to let her plans run their course, then, if she can't get the money, she goes to community college for the fall (easier to get into, schedule classes, and it's less than 15 min from our home), and then transfer for the 2010-2011 year. Happy Monday to you too, Susan, and to all my LBT fam! :party: Yay for you, G4E! The new job sounds wonderful...I pray all works out fabulously for you! :thumbup: Heartfire - I agree, this will be one of those "grow up quick" scenarios...she's learning some of that lesson (inattention to grades means less college money) as she searches, but until she has to write the letter refusing her spot at VA State, it won't really hit home. My DH and I think she'll probably blame us..."my parents don't have enough money to send me" :thumbup: and that's fine...I've been reiterating to her that we don't want her to work because working while in high school produced a drop in her grades and we made her quit. The same with being in the Marching Band - her grades dropped and we made her quit. We did the same thing with her brother - his grades were not good enough for him to try out for the basketball team (something he dearly wanted to do) until his senior year! By then, it was too late - any skill development he COULD have done while with the team, getting stronger, etc, it was just too late for. We are consistent with our messages and our discipline because it's just easier that way, and ultimately more fair. Ya think they'd learn by watching their siblings go through stuff, but no...no lesson learned until it happens to them! :hurray: Happily preparing for my second interview tomorrow ...sending up big prayers for a favorable outcome. The first interview was great, so I'm pretty confident, but not overconfident... Everyone have a wonderful day...I'm planning to do the same!

You know we got your back - electronically of course - and I am personally SO PROUD of you for being such a strong and wonderful woman. Keep on doin' you, girlfriend...sounds to me like you're on the right track!

PJTP...It's only about 2 1/2 weeks until my Florida vacation! Yippee!!!:smile: I can't wait - I'm so ready for a nice semi-long vacation, that it's not even funny...I'm already thinking about what I'm going to take with me... The goal swimsuit isn't quite looking like I want it to :tongue_smilie: - and I'm not sure if I'm being too critical, or I'm really NOT ready to wear it. I'll have to try and get an impartial point of view - or at least from someone other than myself! My weight loss has stalled temporarily :smile::mad2: - and I seem to be really hungry lately :wink2:. No - I don't need another fill, because when I DO eat, I get good restriction after just a small portion of food - this is all about my head hunger. I want stuff I KNOW I can't eat - like french fries! They get stuck on me something awful... I gotta give myself a good shake and get through this...Florida is awaiting! :tongue: DD is still making plans for college - though I have encouraged her to continue the process for a local college as well, just in case she can't raise enough money to go to VA State. It's going to cost $24K a year:scared2:, and we just can't swing that...I really don't want her to have to take out a loan if at all possible. We can only cover about half of that, and it's up to her to find the rest via scholarships and financial aid. She's making decent progress, but...the sense of urgency that I feel just isn't there for her.:frown: She thinks i'm going to "rescue" her and empty MY bank account (plus commit to a big parent loan) if she can't raise the funds. :smile: I can't do that - I have been in the situation where my payments have been so high that I couldn't breathe, and I am NOT going down that road again...not even for my beloved DD. :smile: I hope she can raise the money - I really do - but if not, I want her to have a backup plan. Most of her classmates are attending a local school, because their parents are in the same situation. I hate to say it, but her past inattention to her grades is now coming back to bite her in the tail! :sad: We'll see what happens, but right now, it's a bit stressful in EbonyRose's house! :smile2:

NO - it's not wrong...it's perfectly normal! ITA - have fun! Yay! Good for you G4E!!! We'll keep sending the good vibes and prayers your way...great progress! Mac - I love it! Serves 'em right... Aww...Hugs, LJM! Update on the job front...I was called back for a second interview! :thumbup: I go in Tuesday morning to meet with more of the admin / mgmt staff, and they said to block out 1 1/2 hours for the visit! I don't know what they want to talk about for that long, but I'm up for whatever...I hope this means that they are leaning toward offering me the job, and I can get out of the toxic situation that I'm in right now. I'm thinking positively - and feeling very hopeful!:confused::thumbup::thumbup:

ROFLMBO....thanks, Beth!

Just got back from doing mine...humid as all get out today (74 but feels more like 84) but off I went anyway. Couldn't wear a jacket (my normal don't-look-at-me-coverup-garment) so it was just me and my slightly fitted black wrap dress (which on me is VERY fitted because of "the girls")...I got whistled at when I passed the construction site! :laugh: A little ego boost never hurt anybody! :thumbup:

Hi Beth! I'm hoping they don't have a problem with it...that didn't come up during the interview yesterday, and they asked some borderline "inappropriate" questions... Questions came up on subjects like discretion with confidential records, getting along with all types of people, handling conflict, how to deal with difficult co-workers, etc, etc. They even mentioned at one point that they preferred someone more - ahem - "mature" because there wasn't the problem with confidentiality that they feared with younger workers. If they ask, I'll just let them know that fulfillment in the position is more important to me than the title. My union rep said I would not have to take a pay cut, but at this point, I'm really not caring :thumbdown: The difference isn't that great, and I think with a better work environment, I'll match and surpass my previous pay level in a short while. I guess that's part of being more "mature" - you realize that small pay differences are not as important when balanced against your mental well-being and level of job satisfaction. I'm not ready to hang up my pumps yet, but the kind of drama that I was experiencing at my current position had me seriously considering it...:laugh:

G4E - thank you for your prayers and good wishes! I, like you, think the job sounds promising and I'm really excited about the possibilities. Right now, ANYTHING would be better than where I am... I talked to my DH about it, and there is a remote possibility that I may have to step back a pay grade (my current position is an E, the new one is a D level). He put it all into perspective for me when he reminded me that I was doing just fine at the D level before, and then said that my health, happiness and well-being was worth far more than any temporary increase in pay. Plus with the new job, there is room to move up...unlike at either my old position or my current one. That's important to me - I gotta have somewhere to go...I'm not ready for the ROAD program just yet (old Navy term - Retired On Active Duty)...:thumbdown: Blessing to you that you asked about your doc's vacation - I'm glad you didn't have to waste your time. Sounds like your doc is a good one - I pray there is an easy solution to your physical challenges and that you'll be at 100% soon. I hated being on steroids - gained 30 pounds with them before I was banded, and it seemed to take FOREVER for them to come back off. They did eventually come off, but...it wasn't fun. Maybe you can do cold soups - gazpacho and fruit purees could be nice when it's cold out. Perhaps a slushy kind of thing would work instead of soup - just take it easy on the sugar...:laugh:

PJTP...Hi Y'all! I know I'm late, but... Ain't it great when you get to buy new clothes! I love shopping anyway, so... Long time no see, BBK! Very good to see you... I think it went well - from an outsider's perspective, he's thinking about how he wants to set up the office. Since he's had over 100 applicants, he's probably a little burnt out, and you're a known quantity - that will ease his mind, and I'd be surprised if he doesn't hire you. Well...I arrived a bit early for my interview, as is my habit. My first interviewer was another Admin Assistant - she works for one of the docs in the section. The section is busy - 4 doctors, plus they are planning on adding staff and moving to a new facility which is being built for them as we speak. It will be primarily clinical in nature, so the admins will stay where they are... The job sounds really interesting - multi-faceted, working for one of the top guys in the section. It's open because the previous person got a promotion. That's a good thing - she's still there helping out, so I won't be walking in blind...notice how I'm thinking positively! :laugh: They seemed impressed with my range of experience - asked me a LOT of questions regarding work situations. Very heavy on the "how do you get along with others" kind of stuff. They want someone to be a leader - no problem with me on that front - and someone who can play well with others. No problem there either. My previous experience in the residency office was great - I was able to talk a lot about that. I even had an answer for the "why do you want to leave your current position" question. I told them (truthfully) that I miss the day-to-day contact with the people in the program that I'm working for. I don't see the applicants here - just phone and email, and I do miss that. They told me they'll be doing a second round of interviews - and they kept me there until 5:15 pm! I started my interview at 4 pm. The first AA who interviewed me then took me over to meet one of the senior folk (I got the impression if I'd been a dud, she would not have introduced me) and we talked another few minutes. I'm feeling really hopeful about the interview - in fact, I'm going to compose a thank you email and let them know I'm still very interested this morning just to reiterate... I've already told them about my vacation plans so they know...hopefully when I come back from Florida in early July, I'll be coming back to a NEW JOB!

Yay for you, BBK! Persistence pays off - you have refused to give up, and now you're going to be even more beautiful... I hope you're feeling better soon - can't wait to see your pictures. Much love, girlfriend! :thumbdown:

Sure - that could come in handy during corporate takeovers... Thanks, slim! It's rainy here today, so somebody has been practicing their ancient nekkid rain dancing...we're supposed to have rain the next two days! :eek: You are just too funny! Ain't THAT the truth! G4E - I love the little dancers! Thanks for the good wishes - will definately check in tonight to let everyone know how it's going... Thanks everybody - you are truly good friends and I :wub: ya!

That's too funny...I've worn my suits here before, usually when I have something going on after work, so they are kinda used to that...they know I am active in the community, so that's going to be my reason for "dressing up" tomorrow. Normally I wear dresses and unmatched suits (pattern in the jacket, solid shirt and pants or skirt) but a full-on interview suit might raise a red flag. At this point, I really don't care what they think about my attire, so I may just wear the interview suit anyway! Now I DO know it's time to go...I'm starting not to care what they think of me...and for me, that's a dangerous place to be. Makes my ghetto side come out and I want to fight...:ihih: I'll keep it in check until after I find out about the new job...taking out my supervisor might not look really good...LOL

Drive by PJTP... G4E - congrats! I'm doing the happy dance for you over here as well...makes my co-workers look at me funny, but who cares?:eek: Beth - glad you've feeling better after your slight unfill...I haven't had that happen yet - and I think I'm glad!:thumbup: Feeling like I can eat the whole world lately - including one of those awful Domino's bread bowls!!! :eek: SnT - thanks for the good wishes...I'm a little stressed about tomorrow, because I SO badly want out of my current situation, but I'm going to breathe and try not to stress too much. Already picked out my outfit for tomorrow - not too dressy, because that will make people suspicious, but nicer than normal so I feel my best. Somehow, I've not gotten any LBT update emails today - came in and found I'd missed a few messages :ihih: Don't they know what an LBT-addict I am? That, and FB...but then, I'm a geek, so it figures...everyone have a wonderful evening! :thumbup:

Oh dear...I shall miss Green also - I liked reading her posts... Please pass along my condolences to her dear mate - so sad when you lose a friend, even one who I only knew online...:ihih:

Hi all! Had to chime in on this one...I'm 5'11" tall, my DH is 6'3" tall, and he and I both LOVE me in heels! I like being tall, LOVE being able to look him in the eye, and he thinks heels are the sexiest. If he could get me to wear 7" heels, he'd do it! For erinshel - take a look at EBay, and search for the crossdresser's sites - they often have a wide selection of heels (and other shoes) in sizes that will fit a taller woman. I have a good friend who is 6'3" tall and she buys her shoes there all the time. When I was 45 lbs heavier, I often wore a size 12W, sometimes a 13, so I would shop there too - thanks to the band, my foot has decreased in size to an 11W, occasionally a 12M, so I shop differently now, but for boots, the crossdresser sites are still the best. Good luck, and ROCK THOSE HEELS!:ihih:

If the spirit moves ya, girlfriend...rip away! :thumbup: OMG - it's funny, but not funny...I've been there, done that...

Drive-by PJTP... Fanny - AWESOME pics - love the frog, too, along with everyone else...and congrats on the new job! :wub: Plain - I think I love you, darling...thanks for the compliment! It couldn't have come at a better time...:eek: Beth - that is Providence working in your favor, girlfriend! I pray you get that job...and he'll be blessed to have you! You deserve nothing less than the best...:wub: G4E - good luck with the job - and the upcoming surgeries. I pray your full recovery and lots of financial blessings... Heartfire - thanks for the virtual kick in the pants...I think I needed that! :thumbup: Tap - miss you much, my friend...though I know you won't see this until you return, I hope your trip was at least a LITTLE fun! Lulu - the mystery trip sounds like fun! I hope to do some of that once my DD goes off to school, because there will just be me, DH and the dog! Glouc - how wonderful! I am constantly lusting after the HGTV dream homes, so now I can live the dream through you! I hope it all works out better than you could have imagined... If I missed anyone, I'm sorry! Job interview moved to 4 pm - I don't mind, I get to end my day on a HIGH note, and the interviewer now feels like she owes me one for being gracious about rescheduling. Keep the good thoughts / prayers / nekkid dancing (LOL Beth!) / sun salutations / incantations and rituals coming...I can use it all! :wub::w00t::tt2:

But if you're in prison, I don't think it's a 'sneak attack' - they just come at ya full force!:eek: Why anyone would want to 'sneak attack' their spouse that way is just incredible...how selfish and inconsiderate can you be? It's far more enjoyable for ALL concerned when you make a conscious decision to indulge...it's way more fun when you have two willing partners!:tt2: It's not something I'd do for just anyone...though I've been married to my current stud :wub::wub::wub: for nearly 19 years, I was married before, and it was OUT OF THE QUESTION. I didn't feel as comfortable with husband #1, and he never got up enough nerve to ask...his loss!:thumbup:

Wow, Mac...that's harsh. Glad you weren't in the group that was let go...similar things are happening in my company. We found out the folks down the hall from us in my building were eliminated - the entire department! Just gone - just like that! I would HATE to be the one making those decisions - I know sometimes you have to do it, but I would not want to be the one...:biggrin:

My other friend here thinks that's part of it...that it is indeed personal, and yes, ugly. She believe that because we are both WLS patients, my boss is unwilling to share the "limelight"...she's lost over 80 lbs and looks good, but now that people are noticing my losses, she may be threatened by that. There's also some who think that two strong women can't work together - I hope that's not it, but I'm starting to wonder...I don't challenge her authority in any way, I give her the respect her position is due, and I don't tell tales out of school regarding her personal activities (which I knew far too much about earlier in the year). Maybe that's her problem? My mom LOVED crossword puzzles - she had an amazing vocabulary because of them...I like them too, and word searches to pass the time. I also crochet and occasionally knit...:biggrin:

PJTP...I just got called to interview for one of the other jobs I applied for...Thursday at noon. Send up the good thoughts / prayers / positive energy! I'm so happy I could scream!!!!!:biggrin: Of course, I haven't got the job yet, but I'm hopeful, which is more than I could say an hour ago!:biggrin::thumbup:

Thanks, Slim - I really needed to hear that... Gosh, Susan - makes my work drama seems much less important...I'm glad you and your hubby are on the same page and that you're willing to start over TOGETHER. I pray everything works out the way you want it to...it would really crush me to lose my home right now, with everything else that's going on. My nephew is a Chrysler employee and has been off work for a while - luckily for them, they are living in my family's home in Detroit and don't have a mortgage to deal with. This economy is such a killer right now...I hope it turns around for ALL of us really soon...:biggrin:

PJTP... G4E - you are in my prayers...what's going on with me seems like a trivial drop in the bucket compared to what you are dealing with. I pray your full recovery...it stinks that you have to deal with this, but it's great that you have us! Kat - bless you for offering your perspective and your help. It helps to talk with someone who's been there and - unfortunately - done that. Tap - sounds like a really intensive conference...can you formulate a 'food preference' kind of request early enough to let them make accommodation for you? Perhaps listing a "digestive issue" would help them arrange for band-friendly food? Maybe you don't want to tell them that much... The second meeting with the bosses was...weird, sad, unproductive and did I mention weird? I laid out my responses to their verbal / written reprimand, and they immediately started defending their conduct. Then the HR person said they were just "examples" and not an all-inclusive list of their concerns. WTF? Why can't they just be up front and straightforward...why the cloak-and-dagger games? Anyway - my union rep asked them point blank if they want me to stay...the big boss said yes, the HR rep said yes if I can perform the job to their standards, my manager said nothing. Not sure really what that means, except that they have not, to my mind, made their expectations clear, so I'm not sure how I can ever fulfill them. My manager took offense at the fact that I said the difficult relationship between her and I is creating an adversarial work relationship. She admits to "having no patience" but seemed to imply I was taking her behavior too personally...not quite sure how I want to feel about that. My union rep doesn't want me to throw in the towel - she says I should try to start "fresh" so to speak and attempt to stay in the position because finding another one in the current climate will be tough. It's also an issue that I'm an E-level - that includes supervisory capabilities, but I'm not the same as the managers here. I'm willing to stay in the position, because it's interesting and challenging, but I don't deal well with being hammered all the time. Nothing was said about anything I do RIGHT - just all the things they see I need to improve on. I got no sense that they are truly "invested" in me. I'll see what the next few weeks bring - I am still looking for other positions within the company, but with the recent layoffs in other areas, those folks have first crack at open jobs - as it should be. I'll continue to try and talk to my manager - figure out what they want and give it to them - but if they aren't willing to be CLEAR about their expectations, I don't see how I can possibly be successful here. Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes, folks - I really needed them and still need them now. I'm a bit of a mess this morning - frustrated and teary - which is really not like me. I told them that in my 30-plus year work history, I've never experienced anything like this. I've never had any supervisor / manager be this dissatisfied with my work product and I admit I don't really know what to do about it. I think I'm giving good effort, but it's obviously not enough. They actually admitted yesterday that they want the statistics to be "perfect" that there is no room for error. That is one of my charges to myself - figure out a way to automate the darn things so I don't have to create them manually - that will eliminate chance for error, especially if I can do it with THEIR rules for creation. I feel like I'm rambling...gonna sign off for a bit and give this some additional thought...:biggrin:

G4E - you also have my prayers for speedy healing and a wonderful job opportunity... Be blessed, my friend.:redface:

This meeting was called by my union rep and I - it's to present / discuss my response to their most recent "reprimand". I have pretty good responses to everything they slammed me with, but I'm not at all sure it will do any good. I think they've made up their minds and are just "going through the motions" until they can suspend or fire me. Have I said how much I HATE being in this position? :confused: I've never had as much trouble on a job as this one - now I wish I'd never left my old department...at least there I KNEW where the lunacy was coming from - it was all personal favoritism toward one person, not attacks on my job performance, and it didn't really matter. None of the crap at my old job affected how I did MY job...they could play favorites all they wanted...I thought this was a good opportunity - a promotion and a move to a different department where everyone said things would be great. Not so...