Janet, that is EXACTLY what my grandma said, 30 years ago about the Senior Citizen center in her little town and she NEVER went! My mom however, is a bit more open! LOL!

I don't know if she had some irregular heart beats before or after the breathing treatment, but if it was after the treatment, there's a good chance the medicine in the breathing treatment caused the irregular beats. That medicine can cause your heart to do all sorts of funny things - but it does help difficult breathing.

I finished off my work day by getting shafted by the new manager for raises and bonuses. No bonus for the first year since I started working there, and a terrible excuse for a raise. Obviously they don't appreciate all the overtimeI have put in over the last year, all the nights I spent in the office, and all of my free time I've given up. I feel like Clark Griswold from National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. I was counting on a bonus for our trip to Europe. I agreed to go 3 months early and told my manager the reason it would be hard is because we need to save more money. I am so upset and too emotional because I've been crying since I got in my car after work. You know who got a better raise than me? The receptionist who just came back after Christmas from maternity leave. I thought I proved myself over the last year.

I am starting to feel very expendable now that they have outsourced this job to actual Engineers from the states who probably only make as much as I do from the company but can do way more work and get charged out for way more money.

I am going to write the manager an email this weekend after I calm down (if I calm down) and state my points (because I will probably just cry in person) and ask if we can please have a meeting about it next week. It just feels like I've been kicked in the stomach. I've spent 4 years at this company and I have never felt as underappreciated or done as much work as I have in the past year. I miss our old manager.

Lindsay, I'm so sorry! I know you have given WAY above and beyond to your company and this is so unfair. Good employees are hard to come by and they must be treated fairly. I hope the manager is amenable to talking and hearing your rationale.

I hope things turn out better than they look right now!

Gayle, I am so glad that your mom is getting settled into her new home and that she is getting involved in the things that they provide for them. They do lot's of things where my mom is at, but she would much rather be shopping LOL though she doesn't really need anything, it just gets her out of there for a while, she has never really been able to call it home, not after liveing in the same house for 30 years and even though my brother owns the house now we all still call it home.

Janet, I hope you were able to get some much needed rest today and hope that you get to feeling better. Hope your mom is doing better also.

I went to the nuero surgeon on Tuesday for my back, I have a herniated disc on the same disc that ruptured in 2009, just the other side this time, he wants to start with cortisone shots first (2 of them) to see if it will heal on its own. I got my 1st shot on Thursday (scared the heck out of me), well the pain is gone but i still have a limp to my gait, i go next Thursday for the 2nd shot, honestly i think it is just a temporary fix to something that i will need to have surgery for later on down the road. He gave me 2 options on the surgery, #1 is to do the same surgery he did last time if he can reach it at the angel he need to because of my hip bone, #2 option is a fusion of the 2 lower vertibrase (sp) but he said the only way he would do that surgery is if i stopped smoking, because the smoking would prevent the tissue or cartliadge from growing together to fuse them together. So will give the shots some time to see if they will help, and if not then i need to stop smoking. I have talked with a couple people that have had the same sugery and they say it really helped them. It's exhausting walking this way and i think if i'm gona have any surgery done i want it to be a permante fix this time, not something that i will have to worry about having done again in the future.

Lynne,
I hope you get relief from the shots and don't have to have surgery at all - but my uncle had the fusion procedure and he is doing very well. I am NOT a fan of back surgery, most people need at least 2-4 surgeries to get relief. I think though, that the new minimally invasive fusion procedures have a better success rate.

I think since you got relief with one shot, that they might work, at least for a while. And hey! You'll be much healthier if you quit smoking too. I know it is very very hard, but it is something that you should do. I know you know that and don't need me to say it. Let us know how things go.

At the Texas women's basketball game!

I so want an IPad....lol.

I sent my manager an email on Saturday and got a reply immediately. She wants to talk with me today. I am so nervous. I didn't sleep at all last night and have huge bags under my eyes today. She's not in the office yet and I can't concentrate on anything else.

Today Mom called and told me they were releasing her and to come get her. She is at her house, but with people coming in to help. We are having a nurse, physical therapist, and home health aide come to help her. I got her home and settled, meds are all set up for two weeks and her dialysis fluid is put in place and ready for use.

My wonderful sister-in-law shampooed Mom's carpet after the mess she made the day we took her to the hospital. Mom had NEVER had her carpet cleaned and it's probably at least 25 years old, probably older. She almost started crying because it looked like new...so bright and so pretty.

This same SIL will be taking Mom to two Dr. appts. tomorrow back in Lafayette again. One is her heart Dr. and the other is her G.I. Dr. Then I'll do the ones on the 21st, 24th and 27th. Then she should be all caught up with follow up visits.

She does seem pretty good, but I still don't like the idea of her being home alone. The nurse will come on Wednesday since she'll be at Dr. appt. tomorrow. Not sure when the other two will come. We are also having Meals On Wheels deliver meals to Mom for her noon meal. That way we know she is getting a good healthy hot meal every single day.

She still has that infection in her colon, but has this med she is suppose to take and it is obviously working. Bowels are getting more back to normal...still will take time and the pain and burning of the hemorroids is gone for now.

I told her that if for some reason she didn't feel right, wobbly, bowels..anything...she is to call right away so we can get it taken care of before she lets it get out of hand.

I am so glad your SIL is taking some of the pressure off you Janet!

It's 4:00 PM and I finally got a chance to talk with my manager. She asked what I'd like for my salary, I told her, and it's done. She said she thinks I'm worth a lot more than that, and asked where I'd like to go from here. She asked if I'd be interested in project management, because she has some jobs she could give me. I didn't expect that! But she thinks I have lots of experience and she can phase me into being a project manager instead of just a drafter. It's more responsibility but I would be able to manage my time so much better instead of having people tell me what to do at the last minute. It's exciting! I told her about my interests in road design so hopefully I can get into some of our highway jobs. She asked if I'm happy working here and I told her I'm so thankful that she lets me bring Layla in because that is a huge cost saver. She said she is happy to have Layla here and she is glad that I am able to talk to her about my problems, and not to hesitate if I am not happy with anything else here. PHEW!

This morning I was worried I would lose my job. Now it turns out I'd only lose it to be promoted lol! I wish I would have slept more last night!

Janet, so glad to hear that your mom is home. Hopefully with more people keeping an eye on her things will work out this time. And hopefully having more help will give you a chance to relax and not have to worry so much. Will be praying that everything goes good this time.

Lindsey, I hope you gave yourself one heck of a raise LOL, I'm sure you deserved more than you got. Must make you feel pretty proud of yourself that someone finally see's your potential and is willing to give you a chance to move forward in your job. Good luck!!

So, she was above the new manager? I'm really glad that she changed things - why on earth did the new manager do what he/she did to you? Do you think the new manager will be mad about what this manager did. It was completely unfair for a new manager to do the raises when he/she hasn't been at the company very long!!

I'm so glad that you got what you asked for - I know you are relieved. I'm glad too that you got a promotion. More responsibility is sometimes stressful, but ultimately if you have more control, you will be happier! CONGRATULATIONS!

Janet, I"m glad your mom is home, but I am not sure that is enough help for her. Is someone coming by everyday to help - not you or family, but aid, etc. She really needs someone every day or every other day to make sure things look OK. A home aid could come in and fix her supper, clean the house, and report if she is not doing well. Usually they stay about 4 hours. I know she is getting meals on wheels for lunch - but someone in the house every day or every other day would be such a help.

Way to go Lindsey!! I hope you get things just like you want them. You deserve it for working so hard!!

Janet, I'm glad you have some extra help with your mom. Maybe she'll do ok for awhile!

Gary and I ran errands until early afternoon. I was tired! Then Brooke and the girls came over for a bit to bring some of Abigail's things (hair stuff, bath stuff, hair dryer, etc). Today was the first day her daddy has to be in Houston M-F, so anytime my daughter goes to Houston during the week to look for a place to live, Abi will have to stay with me. We set up her bed yesterday and are looking for a nightstand. Actually we have one, but are looking for a white one that will go with the bedding better.

It was the SAME woman! I don't really understand it. They increased my position from Tech 4 to Tech 5, so I guess she just gave me the minimum for Tech 5. I don't know what happened for sure. Maybe she didn't even look at my old salary, but I find that hard to believe. I'm just glad she wasn't so scary to talk to and did make me feel like I'm needed here. She's been at the company for a long time actually, but was just a project manager. She just went back to school for her masters in whatever she does... environmental management maybe? So then she took over managing our office in the last year while our old manager focuses on one of our major projects, and other big things as VP of the company.

Anyways, I guess I should have given myself a better raise lol! I did ask for double the raise I got, although still the smallest raise I've gotten at this company! It works out to 3.7%. Still no bonus though. On our way home, Scott said "Well, I guess I'm still the breadwinner in this family" (he has been for 2 weeks lol... I always made more than him before) and I said "No... we're making the same now" because I based my salary on what he now makes. He said no... his salary has an extra $40 :rolleyes: So I told him, great! I won't have to feel bad about him paying for our nights out! :D

Congratulations Lindsey....you did great girl. Always remember from now on, when someone asks how much you want....for anything...reach for the sky...lol.

Gayle..the home health aide is suppose to come and see what the needs are first, but I imagine we will want her there everyday if that's possible. If not, then we'll have to look elsewhere. I'm with you...especially after this morning.

I called Mom to see how she was and she was tired, out of breath and slurring her words a bit....sounding like she didn't have her dentures in. She didn't sleep much at all last night. I called my SIL to go get her earlier since she was taking her to two Dr. appts. today. She and my brother went down and said Mom acted a bit better, but they told her to quit "playing it up" for me. I guess she does this to get more attention from me...that the others don't give her.

Mom had me a nervous wreck so now I'll be speaking to her about the same thing.

Janet, sometimes my mom is a bit "goofy" in the mornings. We think it is due to some dehydration that occurs during the night. She doesn't drink much in the later evening because she has some trouble with urine leakage and she doesn't want to have an accident at night.

Many older people have trouble with some confusion in the early morning and again in the late afternoon evening. So, although she may be playing it up for you, it may be real.

Go for as much help as possible. Your mom needs it and so do you!

I had a really long day today! I didn't leave work till about 6:00PM - that's really late for me. I can bring anything home to work on so I generally don't stay that late, I just bring home whatever I"m working on. But today, I just stayed.

My class starts on Friday - I'm ready though, but just barely! :rolleyes:

Today....I'm here on the computer when I should be getting things done. I will though in a few minutes...I just wanted to visit here first. I don't think I will be going into Mom's....I'll just call her a few times and see how she is doing.

Today..one bathroom is finally finished. It got painted and cleaned really good!! Only 6 rooms left to paint:rolleyes: At least we've gotten started on it. We had been talking about it for months lol!

Oh painting - one of my least favorite activities! But I'm glad you are getting started, that's most of my battle, just getting started!

Another long day with a 4 hour meeting this afternoon - I thought it would be contentious, but it was not - just looooong.

Tomorrow will be a much easier day. I don't have anything scheduled, so I may actually get some things DONE! YAY!

school :o

How many classes are you taking?

I went out for supper with my old roommate last night and it was so good to get out and talk with a girl again! Lately it's just been me and Scott, all the time. I got caught up on all my hometown gossip lol!

So far, I've done my morning route, used the leaf blower to get the snow off the porch and folded some clothes. Now it's computer time and then I'm going to clean out a closet or two....maybe.

Went today for a 2nd cortizone shot, 1st one helped with the pain alot...not completely but alot...hopeing the 2nd one continues to help. I really don't think it will be a permante fix but hope it helps for a long time.

It's snowing here now and the weekend is suppose to be crappy...really needing to make a road trip...needing to take Nik to a show breeder to see if he thinks Nik will be showable. Not getting my hopes up....if he's not then i will be done breeding for a long time.

Keeping my fingers crossed for Nik.

Funny car story! When I went to get my car out of hock (I mean the shop :rolleyes:) today, I started it up and looked at the information panel - it's a scroll through screen that gives you the direction, your average miles per gallon, your oil life, tire pressure, etc etc. There are about 7 or 8 screens. I couldn't believe my eyes, because I couldn't read the screen. IT WAS IN SPANISH!!! LOL!!!

I immediately got the service technician and said, "Change it back to ENGLISH". I thought he would automatically know how - but NOOOOO, he didn't and had to get the instruction book out and still couldn't find it! I had to go on to work in Gary's car so I was a bit worried about why all the words on the dash were in Spanish.

Turns out my GENERAL MOTORS car was built in MEXICO! When they were working on my car, they had to take the battery out to fix the car and when they put it back in everything reverted back to factory settings IN SPANISH.

Did any of you see Toy Story 3? If so, do you remember when Buzz Lightyear went into Spanish mode and was speaking only Spanish. The other toys were frantically reading the instruction manual to try to change him back to English. That is exactly what was happening at the car dealership today. On retrospect it is pretty funny - at the time I was kinda worried about what the did to my car!!! But now, I can say that just like Buzz Lightyear, my car was in Spanish mode! LOL!

Gayle, that is sooo funny!!!!! I hope they were able to get your car "Americanized" again!!!!

We've been getting some snow!! Last night we got a bit more but not near what was expected. I had stocked up on groceries so I'd have enough to make soup or something if the kids were here sledding.

I can't remember if I mentioned that we bought Daya a hedgehog for Christmas!! He's soooo cute but soooo prickly!!!! They were finally able to bring him home so it's been interesting hearing about everything that's going on with him. Daya named him Stue.

I ran into town today to go to the doctor with my sister-in-law, Kathy. She's having problems with headaches and has even been to a headache specialist but they can't figure out what's going on......plus she's having problems with anxiety. She asked me to go with her because she knows that I understand about anxiety. Afterwards we went to Pizza Hut and had a coke and breadsticks. She was so appreciative about me going with her. She and I have always gotten along well since we're both married to Baker boys!! I feel so sorry for her having headaches. The doctor upped her meds so hopefully that will help.

Hubby's been home a lot. We just really have times that we don't get along very well and now is one of those times. We don't fight or argue but just seem to be at odds with each other. This learning to live with just my husband is HARD!!!! That's one of the reason's I haven't been on much.

Linda......I hope your back gets better. I'm worried about you. I'll be praying that all goes well!!

Lindsey......I'm glad that you spoke up for yourself!!! I'm also glad that you learned that you're a valuable person at work.......and yes, you should have asked for more money with all of the time you put in!!! Hopefully next time you'll know to do that!!!

Janet, I'm glad to hear that your Mom's home and is getting help. I know that you'll make sure that she gets the best of care.....you're a good daughter!!!

Diana, I saw the picture of the hedgehog and he is adorable!! I love the name, Stue!

I completely understand about you and Glen. Sometimes Gary and I just can't seem to see eye to eye and when we are together a lot, it sometimes is worse. MEN! Why can't they just see things like we do. LOL!

I'm sorry you didn't have much snow - I know you wanted more! We are very cold here tonight, but no moisture!

Gayle...I didn't get to see Toy Story 3 yet, but you make it sount fun. Glad your car is back in English...I don't understand any other language either so it would have to be in English for me...lol.
Glad you didn't have to listen to it.

Sorry you didn't get enough snow Diana. We have ground cover, but not really alot in inches. Today we have a 2-hour delay. The wind picked up overnight and caused some drifting but the temp is only 0 with a wind chill of -15. Sure will be glad when warmer temps arrive.

I also want to know more about this hedgehog Stue...lol. What do hedgehogs do and eat and well...fill me in.

I'm sure it just takes some adjustment with no kids at home. You two will work out your time. It's probably like that with everyone...I don't know if there is anyone I could spend most of my time with......a little can go a long way...LOL

We have a two hour delay this morning due to mostly the cold I think. There may be a few drifted roads, I'm not sure.

Diana, my son Michael had a hedgehog when he has in high school. Not something you can cuddle, but very interesting to watch, lol! I can SO sympathize with you about Glen:rolleyes: Mike retired 2 years ago, and we are together 24/7. Now that the kids/grandkids have moved away, it's just us. Some days are REALLY hard, but others are really fun. Marriage is just tough, no matter how many years you practice!

I'm so anxious to hear how Janet's mom is. Both of my parents had a stroke that led to their death, and my brother had a stroke at 57. In my opinion, they are way worse that a heart attack.

I'm taking four classes one is Old Testament and even thought I'm not a believer it's very interesting. I used to go to church and I was like sheeez I know all the stories in the Bible but I finally started reading the Bible and there's a lot of juicy stories. No wonder those were not told. I will probably never be a religious person but I love learning. Wish my science classes stayed in my head :rolleyes:

Glad your car speaks english again, that was funny. My mom would have loved a spanish speaking car:D

That sounds like an interesting class!!

I did some shopping on the weekend for our trip. I was looking for sales and found a cute little bolero type sweater... regular price $49.50, on sale for $14.99 PLUS an extra 25% off! That's my kind of shopping :) I needed to find a sweater that will keep my arms warm but not take up too much room in a backpack, and not get all wrinkly looking! Jackpot :D I got a few other shirts too that won't wrinkle badly. I know I still have lots of time before we go, but when I see a sale, I just can't say no!

I'm finding out about a lot more work drama going on here in my office... people quitting, people being fired, people having issues with other people.. things just aren't looking that great around here. I think everyone is just really on edge and it's not a good feeling to be around.

Wow Lindsey, just hang on tight it will all be better.

Lindsay, I just hate office drama. We don't have much here at the University, but it does happen from time to time - NO FUN!

We never used to have drama like this! I started a new thread about it so I don't hijack this one lol... I miss our old days though in our old office. That office was really crowded but we all ate lunch together and had fun together and talked to each other all day. We moved to this big nice new office and the whole dynamic changed.

Anyways, besides that, we're still spending time planning our Europe trip! We might have an extra day to put somewhere and I'm just not sure where yet! We had planned on spending 2 nights in Dublin but HOLY COW it's expensive :eek: For the two of us to stay in a hotel for two nights, it would cost over $200 CAD. So we might splurge for one night and do another night somewhere else. We had planned to skip Glasgow completely, but maybe we can fit in one night there now :) Still undecided!

Sorry about the office drama, Lindsey. I'll check the other thread for more info.

Thanks all for your concern about Glen and I. We really are struggling. I'm not sure what's going to happen.......but hopefully things will get better. He's gone hunting today so I have the whole day to myself!!!! Yay!!!

Janet, the hedgehog is soooo cute!!! They're not suppose to smell which is something that interested Amy. He eats cat food.....how easy is that? She did buy an expensive cage for him and a nice wheel. They are nocturnal and they need excerise so you really need a wheel for them to run. They don't chew on stuff like mice or rats because they're not related to them. They DO poke!! When they are upset the quills stick out more than when they're calm. He's losing quills right now which makes him grumpy so he hasn't been very pleasant. Once he gets through with that he'll be a lot better. They have a piece of fleece that they put him in to hold him so they don't get poked.....he's really hard to get very cuddly with!!! Amy's been really excited about him and she's even talking about getting a female and breeding them. She doesn't want to get big in it but just one coupld......we'll see what happens. Stue is definitely an interesting pet!!!

I spent the day yesterday at Dae Lynn's. Glen was really sick over the weekend and I didn't want to have Dean around him. But by Monday morning Glen was better. While I watched Dean I worked on getting the painting finished in her house. I worked until evening but I did finally get done what I had planned on doing and touching up. There's still a lot of trim that needs to be painted but I really don't think that it's worth the effort unless they were to own the house. I painted a red trim around the top of the kitchen cabinets and it looked really nice!!

After I got done Dae Lynn fixed some leftovers for us and we watched some tv together. Dean has definitely found his voice and while we hoped he'd be somewhat quiet....I think that he's going to be a noise maker like his sister!!! The evening there was NOT very relaxing!!! Oh to be yound and have patience!!!