I'm shocked! Shocked, I tell you!!! (but in a good way)

[JonHM]

So up to this point we've only taken elaborately planned trips that have been booked well in advance. But then the state of NC came along and gave us 10 extra vacation days (in lieu of a raise), and suddenly the idea of taking an extra trip in January looked possible. We mapped out all of these plans, to take a 3 night cruise and then stay 2 nights in VWL in late January/early February, but I had TONS of second and third (and fourth) choice options all written down, expecting MS to tell me that everything was all booked up. After all, we are only 2 months out. But I called up and they had *everything* that we wanted: the dates, the cruise, VWL, the 1BR, even the type of stateroom that we wanted on the ship.

I really am still in a state of shock... (but in a very, VERY good way)

We have never been on a cruise before, so we are extremely excited about this.

 

[RobDoc]

Sounds like a GREAT vacation to me!

Enjoy!

 

[patsal]

WOW!! Sounds like you made the best of a bad situation (no raise). Enjoy the vaction!

 

[Doctor P]

Have a great trip!

 

[JonHM]

Well, that's OK - last year all state employees got a raise of $600. The advantage was that it was permanent, but the disadvantage was that it was split up over many months, and then after taxes, had almost no impact. Whereas 10 vacation days, even if only a one time deal, make a HUGE impact on our vacationing plans!!! We are both much happier with this year's solution!

 

[JudithM]

What shocking news! Glad you got everything you wanted when you want it! Have fun!

 

[yasuern]

I would like to be shocked in that way - Have a great trip!

 

[Scoootch]

That is so cool ! Enjoy!!

 

[Muushka]

JonHM, I really lucked out with the state (NC). I just started working with the Dept of Health on 9/5/02 and got quite a surprise (the 10 bonus days).

Now, if only my husband would receive some extra days .

 

[Andrea T]

WOW...10 extra vacation days!!!!! My DH started a new job this year. With the old company we were up to 28 days...now for the next 3 years he gets only 12!!!!! His review is coming up and I told him that instead of a raise, ask for 5 more vacation days! (He did not think that was a good idea...) Enjoy your extra days!

 

[DeeP]

Wow, what an early holiday present!! I am jealous!! I am not only jealous, I am green with envy! I would MUCH rather have the 10 vacation days, they are worth much more monetary wise than $600.00 for the year, and now you have 10 more paid days off per year; that is 2 more weeks of vacation! I'd be dancing in the streets! Enjoy, enjoy! BTW do you have any openings in the HR dept? Only kidding! LOL

 

[anniet]

Hey JohnHM-

I'll be at VWL from 1/21 thru 1/31. See you there!

 

[Niagara2]

It was meant to be....now go and ENJOY!!!!!!

 

[RellingTwin]

You will LOVE the cruise. Don't forget to check out the "Cruise Board". Lots of great info, and great people!

 

[JonHM]

Thanks for letting me share my excitement!

 

[iLovDisney]

DH's salary is based on a 6-month productivity average. He has no paid vacation days... being gone actually lowers his numbers and therefore his salary. I never knew how good paid vacation days were until they were gone.

Sounds like a wonderful break to me!

 

[DVCajun]

Great news, Jon!