DivaStyleCoach

Thanks, LuluC - I just got word that we're meeting again tomorrow to discuss my response to the latest verbal / written warning. I HATE confrontation - my stomach is tied up in knots and I know I won't sleep very well tonight...though I am good at fighting, I don't like it - I don't thrive on conflict. I hope this is all over soon...I wish I could just get back to doing my job and not worrying so much. Will report in tomorrow on what happens - all good thoughts / positive energy / prayers / good wishes gratefully accepted! :confused:

The first "conversation" was termed a "counseling session". Not much changed in my mind after that - same old, same old. Got called in again, this time it was termed a "verbal reprimand" and given to me in writing so I'd have a copy. More of the same - referring to my "difficulties" in completing assigned tasks, etc. I feel like I'm being crushed in a vise - if I ask a question to clarify something, I know it will be portrayed as "I don't know how to do my job". If I don't ask, complete it the was I think it should be done, and it's not right (some little detail thing) I'm portrayed as "can't do the job". I'm so ready to be outa here...have applied for 4 other jobs - was referred to the hiring manager on 2 of them, still waiting to hear on the other 2. Can't wait...just trying to keep it together until something else comes through - I really can't afford to be without a job right now with DD headed off to college... Even my union rep says it's time to go...

Teeny Tina Groupie checking in...LOL :crying: Just donated to the walk - have a wonderful time, and enjoy your new-designed-by-you life! You are definately an inspiration - in fact, I think your story would make a great book to help others who are going through what you've been through... Something to think about...as if you're not busy enough!:wub:

Congrats! I've seen your happy posts on fb - you two are so cute! :wub: G4E - you are in my prayers for a speedy (and inexpensive) recovery and a dream job in short order. I'm so sorry to hear about what you are going through...that old saying "What doesn't kill ya, makes ya stronger" is true, but dang - why do we have to get beat up so much? Hang in there...I'm rooting for ya! :crying:

Yep, but if we refuse to watch or to patronize those who sponsor / advertise on the show, it will end quickly. I agree - it would be far better for Octomom to focus on raising her children and not in seeking celebrity. It's not all it's cracked up to be...look what's happening with Jon & Kate - all their marital difficulties are played out in the public venue. I would NOT want that kind of focus on me and my family - I KNOW I'm not perfect, and would not want my every fault (and I know I've got tons) played out on video for all to see. If she edits too much out, the authorities will be even more suspicious. I think it's a no-win and she should just drift into obscurity and raise her children without the constant bother of the media and profit-seeking. But that would be too much like right...:wub:

Go Girl Go! I am so happy for you!!!!! You're going to be the hottest gal at that wedding (well, besides the bride LOL)!!! :thumbup::w00t::clap:

Hi Brandy! I've used Word and the associated templates to do my resume recently - I do like it. A google search on 'resume template' brings up a ton of different types, most of which are probably compatible with Word. Good luck!:frown:

What a crock! First to make such an accusation, and then to not even admit it...he's definately off my list of favorite contestants. Yeesh - talk about a sore loser! Just because HE couldn't hack it with Jillian as his trainer... He's had his 15 minutes of fame, now it's time to move on...let's see how HE does in getting his friends and family to adopt a healthier lifestyle and when he's had the success that Jillian has worked so hard for, THEN maybe he can comment on her methods. So far, her results speak for themselves...:frown:

Hi Tina! Drain free - yay! I'm taking notes on your experience so I'll know what to expect when my turn comes. I bet you're looking better every day! Vacation sounds wonderful - and I hope your peaceful sleep returns very soon. What happened to you was pretty startling and scary - give yourself some time to get past it. I know all about the fake smile at work thing...I'm having a tough time in my office right now, and the smile is the only thing getting me through. That, and the fact that my boss has been away on business for 5 days...:welldone2: Going back to work now...have a terrific day!:frown:

PJTP... Lulu - you, your friends and family are all in my prayers. Hang in there...and definately get a little unfill so you can keep your strength up. They need you - and YOU need you! Beth - Congrats on cleaning out the closet! You are going to have such FUN re-filling the closet...I've gotta do the same thing over the next few weeks. I've got a bunch of stuff to put on EBay as well...or I may piggyback on my neighbor's yard sale and put some of my stuff out on the weekend she does hers... Fanny - your trip sounds wonderful (the Brazilian - not so much :clap:) you brave girl you...have a wonderful time! I smiled at your note about being in love...ain't it great! :welldone2: Kat - take care of yourself as well - it's so hard when people we know are going through tough illnesses. Prayers all around! Found out one of the jobs I was going for was cancelled, haven't heard yet about the other two, but one has closed to applications, so I hope I'll hear something soon. Applied for 3 more yesterday - it's so easy to do with the online process... Boss is due back from business trip tomorrow morning - I'm not exactly looking forward to it. Waiting for a meeting to be scheduled to discuss my answer to their recent reprimand...it's not going to be fun, and I really wish I didn't have to do this, but I'm not going to be run over and left on the side of the road - you put my back against a wall, and I'm ready to fight. :frown: Band support group tomorrow night in New Haven - looking forward to it so I can catch up with my other band buddies. Some of them are here on LBT, most are not - not sure why...you guys are the greatest! :thumbup:

PJTP...Congrats to all on the wonderful weekend posts! Beth - I hear ya and totally agree...gotta find a way to release the stress. Do we need to do a road trip to punch someone in the face for ya? :thumbup: Tap - I was in my garden yesterday - some digging, some planting, helped DH move some really big stones from the edge of the driveway (he says I inspired him with my activity), and took a walk with DDog, who's always ready to go. I'm hovering at 220 and want to be BELOW that so badly! I'm hanging in there...it was my goal to be below 220 by June 1st, so I didn't quite make it, but it's the lowest I've been in quite a number of years, so I'm okay with it. One month and 3 days till Florida vacation and new, cute swimsuit...kicking the workouts into a higher gear, working the weights and drinking more water. I think I'm going to post actual pics of me when I hit the 50 lbs lost mark - I looked at my pics from last summer in Arkansas, and I was astonished at how BIG I look. I guess photos don't lie, but my goodness! It's a beautiful day, I got out for a walk at lunchtime (tougher now that we're on summer hours with only 1/2 hour for lunch) and can't wait for my walk to the train station this afternoon. Have a wonderful afternoon / evening all! :party:

I took a mini-vacation with my hubby this past weekend over the Memorial Day holiday. We spent a total of 5 days traveling and having fun... My hubby is a private pilot, and belongs to the Black Pilots Association. He flies small planes - Piper Cherokees and such - and the organization has an annual get-together called Skyhook in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. We went for the first time last year and had a ball, so off we went again this year... We flew out on Thursday - now normally flying is not a big deal for me, but for some unknown reason, during the second leg of our flight from CT to Arkansas, I had a problem with something I'd eaten. I spent the flight sliming and had a couple of minor PB's. People thought I was airsick - not entirely untrue - but since this had NEVER happened before when I flew, I was at a total loss. After we got to Arkansas, I was fine - go figure... Spent the next couple of days flying with hubby - Arkansas, a short hop to Mississippi to visit distant relatives of his, and then back to Arkansas. No problems the rest of the time. I felt a bit guilty because with our hectic vacation schedule, I wasn't getting my walks in, and I was a bit worried about how my body would react. Normally when I go on vacation the combination of lack of exercise and unfamiliar food makes for a 5 pound or so gain of weight. I ate a few fruit-and-yogurt parfaits from McDonald's and tried to concentrate on getting my water in and eating enough protein. Salads were relatively easy to get - even though I can't finish them, they still make for good protein and veggie content. There was a barbeque on Saturday night, which ordinarily would have meant waaaay too much food and dessert, but because I'm banded, I again focused on protein and veggies, plus a small amount of ice cream for dessert with fruit for a topping. I was amazed to be so satisfied with so little food compared to what I normally would have eaten - in fact, what I ate the previous year! The rest of the weekend went without a hitch - and even the ride home via commercial flight was uneventful. I don't know what caused my initial upset, but I'm certainly glad it didn't repeat itself! Flying is much more comfortable for me now that I'm down 45 pounds - I fit more comfortably in my seat, and even though my hubby has wide shoulders, he and I can sit side-by-side without feeling squished because I now take up LESS ROOM! :wub: We returned late on Monday night, and when I got up the next morning, I weighed myself - thinking the worst, but hoping I had at least stayed the same. Hooray! I actually LOST a pound! :sad: That was definately NOT what I expected...and I can only attribute it to my band. Never before (well, at least since I became an adult) have I gone on vacation and come back LIGHTER than when I left. It's all due to the great restriction I now have with my band - I have definately hit my sweet spot, and I'm on track to make my goal of being at 200 lbs by July 4th. I've just got to keep up the good work - consistency for me is the key - and with regular workouts and eating right, I'm certain I'll reach my goal and be able to wear the beautiful new swimsuit I bought for my July trip to Florida. Side note - I recently had to buy new clothes because I've lost enough so that my existing garments started to look funny on me, and I'm now wearing a size 18! I'm out of the 20's for good and I'm NEVER going back - at least, not as long as I have my band!

I took a mini-vacation with my hubby this past weekend over the Memorial Day holiday. We spent a total of 5 days traveling and having fun... My hubby is a private pilot, and belongs to the Black Pilots Association. He flies small planes - Piper Cherokees and such - and the organization has an annual get-together called Skyhook in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. We went for the first time last year and had a ball, so off we went again this year... We flew out on Thursday - now normally flying is not a big deal for me, but for some unknown reason, during the second leg of our flight from CT to Arkansas, I had a problem with something I'd eaten. I spent the flight sliming and had a couple of minor PB's. People thought I was airsick - not entirely untrue - but since this had NEVER happened before when I flew, I was at a total loss. After we got to Arkansas, I was fine - go figure... Spent the next couple of days flying with hubby - Arkansas, a short hop to Mississippi to visit distant relatives of his, and then back to Arkansas. No problems the rest of the time. I felt a bit guilty because with our hectic vacation schedule, I wasn't getting my walks in, and I was a bit worried about how my body would react. Normally when I go on vacation the combination of lack of exercise and unfamiliar food makes for a 5 pound or so gain of weight. I ate a few fruit-and-yogurt parfaits from McDonald's and tried to concentrate on getting my water in and eating enough protein. Salads were relatively easy to get - even though I can't finish them, they still make for good protein and veggie content. There was a barbeque on Saturday night, which ordinarily would have meant waaaay too much food and dessert, but because I'm banded, I again focused on protein and veggies, plus a small amount of ice cream for dessert with fruit for a topping. I was amazed to be so satisfied with so little food compared to what I normally would have eaten - in fact, what I ate the previous year! :devil: The rest of the weekend went without a hitch - and even the ride home via commercial flight was uneventful. I don't know what caused my initial upset, but I'm certainly glad it didn't repeat itself! Flying is much more comfortable for me now that I'm down 45 pounds - I fit more comfortably in my seat, and even though my hubby has wide shoulders, he and I can sit side-by-side without feeling squished because I now take up LESS ROOM! :wub: We returned late on Monday night, and when I got up the next morning, I weighed myself - thinking the worst, but hoping I had at least stayed the same. Hooray! I actually LOST a pound! :sad: That was definately NOT what I expected...and I can only attribute it to my band. Never before (well, at least since I became an adult) have I gone on vacation and come back LIGHTER than when I left. It's all due to the great restriction I now have with my band - I have definately hit my sweet spot, and I'm on track to make my goal of being at 200 lbs by July 4th. I've just got to keep up the good work - consistency for me is the key - and with regular workouts and eating right, I'm certain I'll reach my goal and be able to wear the beautiful new swimsuit I bought for my July trip to Florida. Side note - I recently had to buy new clothes because I've lost enough so that my existing garments started to look funny on me, and I'm now wearing a size 18! I'm out of the 20's for good and I'm NEVER going back - at least, not as long as I have my band! :glare:

Go CC! :w00t::w00t: That's awesome! I can't wait till I get to that point...I think y'all will hear me screaming all the way from CT!:thumbup:

Hey Beth - check this out...Lincoln Small Business University - Home Black Enterprise magazine is running a series of classes for people who either have their own business or are thinking about starting one. They are all virtual classes, and they have some really good experts lined up... Might be something interesting for you and your friends to check out! :thumbup:

Go Beth! :wub: And here I was patting myself on the back for my little 71 wpm...HAH! :eek: I think my brain would turn to mush at home as well...though DH would love it! When I worked my own business from home, he was forever "dropping" in during the day. Made it hard to get anything done, but it was fun...:tt2: I like being in an office - I admire entrepreneurs and their drive, but though I often think about going back out on my own, I just don't think I've got the temperment for it. I would rather be able to leave the office behind at the end of the day, not walk by it all the time, if ya get my drift... Good luck on the job hunt - whoever gets you will be getting a true prize: a hard-working, intelligent and gawgeous employee!