The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 25

[Tinkaroo]

Glad to hear you survived lol I do hope the rest of the weeks go by as smoothly for you!

What is wrong with your laptop?

I had a couple of things I've been needing to call Dell about (graphics on websites were blurry; when I've been shutting down a couple of times, there have been a lot of back programs that I'm having to manually end to get the computer to shut down), but what spurred me on was when I turned it on tonight and got a "stop" error.

Tech support fixed my screen so graphics are clear (just an advanced setting that I hadn't found on my own), and they think that the other problems are probably just aberrations, and I'm supposed to keep monitoring my system this weekend and report back to them on Monday.

It's never a good sign when you're explaining your problems to them, and the tech's response is "hmmmm."

 

[Tinkaroo]

Goodnight, DDA! I need some beauty sleep (badly!). I'm toying with the idea of taking an Ambien again, but I'm afraid it will knock me out a little more than I want. (I took one last Friday night, and slept 12 hours! )

Tammi - I hope Alyssa's ballet recital goes well!

Glynis - congrats to Alan for getting chosen to go on the road, although I'm sure it throws family life into chaos!

Elizabeth - good luck with your decision. I agree with Marci - you have to assess the whole of the situation and decide what fits best for you, your personality, what you want to be doing day in/day out, and your family. for clarity!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Yup. He's SpouseofDisneyholic. I keep telling him to pop on and say hi. So far, no luck!

That's a cute name!

Tammi - I just watched the GA finale. Wow! Lots of things I didn't see coming! Can't wait for next season!!

Marci - You are right. All of my friends are telling me that I shouldn't feel funny about taking a job for less money as long as it is enough money to pay the bills. None of us are in this career to make money. My one friend recently finished her college degree and got a job at JP Morgan/Chase (or whatever their name is today) and she HATED it. She was a nanny for 15 years before that, and now she is nannying again. It is just hard to have 14 years of experience under my belt and not price my services accordingly. On the other hand, if DH and I can manage and I will love the job then the weekly salary doesn't matter that much. Sure there are nannies making more money, but I am me, and I need to base my decision on factors other than what the other girls are making. The jobs I am seeing in my salary range are jobs I don't want. Weird hours, lots of children, parents working from home, diva-like preferences about things, just not anything I could be excited about.
This job is one child, DS would be welcome, the location is good (just west of where I work now), the hours are fine (even though they are longer), the duties are completely reasonable and the job description couldn't be better if I wrote it myself. I know DH doesn't want me to sell myself short - as he put it, 13 hours is almost 2 additional shifts per week - but my job isn't labor intensive and I would be able to structure my days the way I want them. I have to remember that some things are not about money. This job would also have more holidays and more vacation time, which is very valuable to me and should be assigned some worth. Out of the 5 interviews I have been on this is the job I can see myself in.

 

[babytrees]

Elizabeth-you have to do what's right for you...but I agree with Marci.

I've had a crappy day....we took Wheezy in to get the shocks looked at...turns out we need a new radiator(second in the time we've had the car) and because of where it's leaking....a timing belt(I think that's it).....a costly fix.

I am home alone earlier and I hear a loud crash....one of the shelves in the laundry nook came down.....spreading a whole new bottle of Oxy Clean everywhere...clean that up go back to work....come home after running a long errand (bright spot of the day...went to the Scholastic Warehouse sale) and nothing has been cleaned up from Jim and Abi's supper, laundry not switched over nothing.

Than I am doing some rearranging and laundry and a door from a cabinet in the laundry nook comes clean off....well not clean....the door can not be used again I don't think.

Friday is supposed to be a good day isn't it???

 

[PNO4TE]

Good morning, DDA!

 

[PNO4TE]

Let's see how well I did with my note-taking...

Elizabeth - I am glad your interview went so well. Salary issues notwithstanding, it sounds like the perfect match for you! Good luck on the decision.

Lindsay - one week down! Hopefully you will have some respite this weekend and can jump back into the fray on Monday rested and refreshed.

Tammi -I cannot believe it has been a year since Alyssa started ballet! I hope her recital goes well and she makes memories for both herself and you. Yay for Bob to go too! Although I am NOT suprised. What a nice guy he is.

Glynis - I LOVE Alan's user name! And what a nice piece of work he will have with the Utah Jazz. It does leave you short-handed though. We never lived close to our parents either so when one of us had to travel it really did put the other in a bind. You, however, have more children to deal with than I did. My hat is off to you. I know that you will work it all out... you always do!

Theresa - It does NOT sound like you had a good Friday. I thought they were supposed to be good days too! I hope today is better for you.

I am off to get some housework and laundry done before doing more to prepare for the recital this afternoon. Have great days, friends!

 

[tinknme]

Sorry your day did not go better. Hopefully today will be a good one!

I've had a crappy day....we took Wheezy in to get the shocks looked at...turns out we need a new radiator(second in the time we've had the car) and because of where it's leaking....a timing belt(I think that's it).....a costly fix.

I am home alone earlier and I hear a loud crash....one of the shelves in the laundry nook came down.....spreading a whole new bottle of Oxy Clean everywhere...clean that up go back to work....come home after running a long errand (bright spot of the day...went to the Scholastic Warehouse sale) and nothing has been cleaned up from Jim and Abi's supper, laundry not switched over nothing.

Than I am doing some rearranging and laundry and a door from a cabinet in the laundry nook comes clean off....well not clean....the door can not be used again I don't think.

Friday is supposed to be a good day isn't it???

 

[tinknme]

Have a wonderful day Elin!

I am off to get some housework and laundry done before doing more to prepare for the recital this afternoon. Have great days, friends!

 

[tinknme]

Good morning

I have a full day ahead, so I might not be back on till tonight.

Hope everyone has a great day!

 

[tink2020]

My interview went really well. I like the parents, the DD is adorable, the house is nice, the job description is EXACTLY what I want. They want a nanny to come in and take charge and have the initiative to get things done as necessary instead of waiting for direction. It is my absolute dream job.

Unfortunately the salaries are just not lining up. We've managed to get within $60 per week of each other, which is $3100 annually. I could come down a little bit lower, but DH is starting to get testy about me coming down THAT low. I wouldn't be making less money but I would be working 13 additional hours per week. Then again, it is just ONE little girl. And she will be in preschool 2 days a week in September so I will have 10 hours a week where she isn't even home! I think this is the job for me. Now I just need to decide if working 13 extra hours for essentially the same money is what I really want to do!

I have to be on the side of happiness, from personal experience! I recently took a job that started out paying MUCH less than my previous job, working 5 days a week instead of 3, and about 10 hours a week more than my job at Children's. For me, I was SO miserable that the decision was easy. But the philosophy holds true ... if you enjoy what you are doing every day (and can still be a responsible adult , make ends meet, have comforts that you "require", etc!), then do it! So many people work a job they hate because they have to to make ends meet, or because they want more... that's not for me! Only you can make that decision, of course, but I think you should take the job!

Jennifer - I hope as the night has progressed you have started to feel better. I was never sick at all during my pregnancies so I can't imagine what you are going through, plus having to take care of Olivia on top of it all.

Elizabeth - Good luck in your decision. If I can help you put in into perspective.....I'd say $3100 is at least one Disney vacation a year that you would have to give up. Can you live with that??? Have you watched GA yet??

Elin - congrats on 9000 as well as your students. They must be a reflection of you!

Alyssa has her ballet recital tomorrow. She is so excited about it. Her dad is working (I'm actually glad he won't be there). Bob is going to come, which helps me out. He can video while I take pictures.

Please share pictures of the recital! I am so excited for her!

So I had an interesting afternoon. When I was walking down the hallway after I put Sister's backpack away (I would make her put it away but she can't reach the hook) I saw something in the formal living room. There was a CREATURE on the brick wall where the fire place is. The question was bird or BAT? I was pretty sure it was a bird, but it was scary. I don't like birds. I called Dadboss, no answer. I called Momboss, unavailable (in a deposition), I called the pest control people, voice mail, I called DH, his phone was off because the battery was dead. So I called City Services and told them I needed Animal Control. The guy thought I was some sort of crank caller! He asked me if it was a squirrel or a possum. Um, no, you idiot! It is stuck to the bricks like somebody velcroed it up there, and it MIGHT be a bat! I finally gave up and just took the kids to Taekwondo. (Sister is SO proud of her plaque. ) When we got home it was still on the wall, but in a different position. OK, not dead then!

Momboss was 15 minutes late, which made me really nervous because I wasn't sure if she was even out of the deposition. So when she got home I was in a bit of a lather. I told her there is a creature on the wall and that City Services was no help. She went to look at it and said it's a bird, but she had no clue how to get it OUT. We decided it is Dadboss's problem.

You can't tell a story that well and end it with that! I was hoping for some hilarious ending.... please add the ending on Monday, when you talk to Dadboss!

Ugh! I'm with you on that one!!! I would have left with the kids, and not come back until someone assured me that it was quite gone!!!

On a similar note, Leslie and I got rid of a large bee that invaded our house when someone left the door open today. I am terrified of bees, so this was a pretty big thing. Alan was suitably proud of me, and gave me many pats on the back. He thinks it's hysterical that I'm so terrified of bees, given that I practically grew up surrounded by them. My grandfather was a bee keeper. Remember that scene in Fried Green Tomatoes when she charms the bees, and they don't sting her. That was my grandfather. He could calm the bees down just by talking to them. Still, they creep me out!!!!!

I'm pretty much terrified of bees as well!

I had a couple of things I've been needing to call Dell about (graphics on websites were blurry; when I've been shutting down a couple of times, there have been a lot of back programs that I'm having to manually end to get the computer to shut down), but what spurred me on was when I turned it on tonight and got a "stop" error.

Tech support fixed my screen so graphics are clear (just an advanced setting that I hadn't found on my own), and they think that the other problems are probably just aberrations, and I'm supposed to keep monitoring my system this weekend and report back to them on Monday.

It's never a good sign when you're explaining your problems to them, and the tech's response is "hmmmm."

So true! I hope it corrects itself quickly. I am all too familiar with laptop issues these days. Sorry you didn't get a straighter answer!

Marci - You are right. All of my friends are telling me that I shouldn't feel funny about taking a job for less money as long as it is enough money to pay the bills. None of us are in this career to make money. My one friend recently finished her college degree and got a job at JP Morgan/Chase (or whatever their name is today) and she HATED it. She was a nanny for 15 years before that, and now she is nannying again. It is just hard to have 14 years of experience under my belt and not price my services accordingly. On the other hand, if DH and I can manage and I will love the job then the weekly salary doesn't matter that much. Sure there are nannies making more money, but I am me, and I need to base my decision on factors other than what the other girls are making. The jobs I am seeing in my salary range are jobs I don't want. Weird hours, lots of children, parents working from home, diva-like preferences about things, just not anything I could be excited about.
This job is one child, DS would be welcome, the location is good (just west of where I work now), the hours are fine (even though they are longer), the duties are completely reasonable and the job description couldn't be better if I wrote it myself. I know DH doesn't want me to sell myself short - as he put it, 13 hours is almost 2 additional shifts per week - but my job isn't labor intensive and I would be able to structure my days the way I want them. I have to remember that some things are not about money. This job would also have more holidays and more vacation time, which is very valuable to me and should be assigned some worth. Out of the 5 interviews I have been on this is the job I can see myself in.

I think you know what you want to do! It's hard NOT to think about what you "could" or "should" be making. Again, I completely sympathize! My experience is not based on years of service, but simply on education, and "supply and demand" . I should definitely be making more, and a gal who just graduated nursing school 2 weeks ago has a job making about $15/hour more than what my salary would be if it were broken down, to work fewer hours! And that's with just a 2 year nursing degree, and I have additional ones! That's an enormous difference, but I wouldn't dream of going to her job. I LOVE what I do, the flexibility is nice, the benefits stink... but I'm happy going to work every day. Well, most days. That means more than anything to me, considering how my life felt when I was making more money somewhere I was miserable.

The other huge perk about this job is, as you mentioned, the HUGE chunk of time that you would be paid while the child wasn't even there! That seems to make up, in my opinion, for the "extra shifts" you are working. Certainly that is a time you can get some things done that you might have if you were at home, no? And the holidays/vacation time absolutely DO have to count for something!

I think the job sounds like a dream!

Good luck to you and your family, I know you'll make the right decision.

 

[tink2020]

Hello all!

I have no plans this weekend, except to catch up on housework, bills, etc and work on pictures and a few other projects. Kyle's birthday is tomorrow, but he's on call today (overnight call) and will be exhausted tomorrow, and probably sleeping.

These 2 weeks are really a downer ... or awkward struggle or something else hard to describe. Kyle was supposed to be on an Infectious Disease elective this week, that he was REALLY looking forward to. As Micro majors, we both thrive on that part of medicine, and it is something we love. We're nerds, I admit it. But he was SO excited about it. As a bonus (and really enough to make you excited even if you DIDN'T love ID), it was Monday - Friday, 8-4, no weekends, no nights, no holidays. We were going to be on very similar schedules and get to see one another! We were going to get an entire 3-day weekend together! We had plans for his birthday weekend AND said 3-day weekend! It was planned intentionally these 2 weeks for his bday, memorial day, and just the fact that we are coming off of vacation where we spent almost 24/7 together. We're young, still only married a few years, so humor me on this -- we really, truly just missed one another when we had to go back to only seeing each other in the evenings (if that). Fine, insert your puke smiley, whatever... just bear with my rant. I'm almost finished

Well, instead of all that, he's on a cardiac intensive care block. Well, half a block, since it's only 2 weeks. This is call every 3rd night (overnight, not coming home at all), crappy hours, call over the weekends the way his luck fell, very few days off, etc. UGH!

And then the tricky part....

The reason this changed, is because the first year med-peds residents were shuffled to cover Sarah's "important" rotations. Sarah is the resident who died last fall.

So we feel like crap complaining of course...... sheesh!

It will be over in less than 2 weeks, when life will return to our normal crappy conflicting schedules, but at least there aren't deeper moral struggles with those!

And on another note, we got both of our #1 requests for Kyle's vacation next year!


Have a wonderful weekend, and maybe post a bit to keep me company! I worked on our pictures yesterday, and am through day 1 (of 10 ). I took so many (well over 1000), and am really trying to get rid of a lot to make viewing a bit easier

I hope you all are doing well!

 

[Tammi67]

Yup. He's SpouseofDisneyholic. I keep telling him to pop on and say hi. So far, no luck!

That's a perfect name for him!

Theresa - I'm sorry you had such a crappy Friday. Here's hoping Saturday turns out much better.

Elizabeth - I thought that episode of Grey's was done quite well. It's going to be a long summer waiting for next season to start.

Elin - Enjoy your recital.



Good morning everyone!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Good morning, DDA!

Jennifer - Sorry I don't have an ending to the creature on the wall story! We'll have to find out what Dadboss did to chase it out. On the other hand, it could still be on the wall Monday.
Thanks for your input on the job! While DH was getting ready this morning (At 2 AM, when no sane couple would have discussions) he asked me if I really want to work for this family and I told him I do. Since it isn't money out of our pockets I think he will be fine with me taking the job no matter what the salary turns out to be. We both hope the family can come up a little more, but if they can't I will deal with it. The 6 month mark would fall right at Christmas so I could always lobby for a generous bonus if they see that the finanaces aren't as tight as they feared.
I am so sorry abour Kyle's rotation! My former Dadboss is a cardiologist and his hours were absolutely insane. My internist is an infectious disease specialist (because she is really close to the house, on my insurance, and I already knew her from doing so much AIDS charity stuff). Her job is fascinating. I know you guys are disappointed, but try not to feel guilty for being disappointed! I hope you can find some time to celebrate Kyle's birthday!

Sorry your day did not go better. Hopefully today will be a good one!

Theresa, sounds like your Friday turned out like most of my Tuesdays!

Have a wonderful day Elin!

Enjoy the recital, Elin!

Good morning
I have a full day ahead, so I might not be back on till tonight.
Hope everyone has a great day!

Have a good day, Janet!

Lindsay - I hope you have some time to relax this weeeknd! Hopefully your laptop will behave now. I am not a huge fan of tech support. Then again, at least your didn't have to call 311 and have a guy tell you a possum could be mistaken for a bat. The family I met last night has glass doors over their fire place, so I could be pretty sure that no creatures could get in!

 

[PNO4TE]

And on another note, we got both of our #1 requests for Kyle's vacation next year!

Well, that is certainly a bight note in the couple of weeks upcoming, Jennifer. I am glad that is taken care of for both of you!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Since I went straight to the interview from work yesterday I changed clothes and put my make-up on after I got the kids ready for synagogue. When Momboss came in we were talking in the kitchen. Brother looked over at me and said "You look pretty." My hair is always up and I am almost always naked-face when I am working, so my interview look is different. I have kind of managed to lose sight of the fact that when I get my new job I won't get to see Brother & Sister all the time. I am quite confident that Sister can handle it, but I think Brother will be sad. He is so sweet. (Except for the other day when he called me stupid )

 

[PNO4TE]

The laundry is going well, graduation gifts have been purchased and wrapped and now it is time to help with the lawn ... see you all later!

 

[PNO4TE]

Since I went straight to the interview from work yesterday I changed clothes and put my make-up on after I got the kids ready for synagogue. When Momboss came in we were talking in the kitchen. Brother looked over at me and said "You look pretty." My hair is always up and I am almost always naked-face when I am working, so my interview look is different. I have kind of managed to lose sight of the fact that when I get my new job I won't get to see Brother & Sister all the time. I am quite confident that Sister can handle it, but I think Brother will be sad. He is so sweet. (Except for the other day when he called me stupid )

Ahhhhhhhhh, but to children that age, stupid is a wonderful word to use! I bet you will miss the family, Elizabeth. I often miss students who I have taught for 10+ years and wonder what they are doing and how they have matured. I think it is a normal reaction when you spend so much time shaping those young lives.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Ahhhhhhhhh, but to children that age, stupid is a wonderful word to use! I bet you will miss the family, Elizabeth. I often miss students who I have taught for 10+ years and wonder what they are doing and how they have matured. I think it is a normal reaction when you spend so much time shaping those young lives.

What's ironic about him calling me stupid is that he gets on me if I accidentally say it! And I have NEVER said it to him! It sometimes slips out, mostly when we are in traffic. And he will tell me "Miss Libbiff, that is a BAD word!"
I will miss them tremendously. I hope I can still see them. I can't imagine that I wouldn't still sit for them sometimes. I am sure if I call and ask to take them for ice cream or soemthing on the weekend that would be fine, too.

 

[Tinkaroo]

That's a cute name!

Tammi - I just watched the GA finale. Wow! Lots of things I didn't see coming! Can't wait for next season!!

Marci - You are right. All of my friends are telling me that I shouldn't feel funny about taking a job for less money as long as it is enough money to pay the bills. None of us are in this career to make money. My one friend recently finished her college degree and got a job at JP Morgan/Chase (or whatever their name is today) and she HATED it. She was a nanny for 15 years before that, and now she is nannying again. It is just hard to have 14 years of experience under my belt and not price my services accordingly. On the other hand, if DH and I can manage and I will love the job then the weekly salary doesn't matter that much. Sure there are nannies making more money, but I am me, and I need to base my decision on factors other than what the other girls are making. The jobs I am seeing in my salary range are jobs I don't want. Weird hours, lots of children, parents working from home, diva-like preferences about things, just not anything I could be excited about.
This job is one child, DS would be welcome, the location is good (just west of where I work now), the hours are fine (even though they are longer), the duties are completely reasonable and the job description couldn't be better if I wrote it myself. I know DH doesn't want me to sell myself short - as he put it, 13 hours is almost 2 additional shifts per week - but my job isn't labor intensive and I would be able to structure my days the way I want them. I have to remember that some things are not about money. This job would also have more holidays and more vacation time, which is very valuable to me and should be assigned some worth. Out of the 5 interviews I have been on this is the job I can see myself in.

I think I will have to watch the Grey's finale this morning! I have it on my DVR since I wasn't home Thursday night. Last night, we watched The Office finale that we missed - that show makes me laugh!

Elizabeth - to me, this job is sounding better and better, particularly if there are better holidays and vacations, not to mention having daily flexibility. Sounds perfect - and just one sweet baby girl!

 

[Tinkaroo]

Elizabeth-you have to do what's right for you...but I agree with Marci.

I've had a crappy day....we took Wheezy in to get the shocks looked at...turns out we need a new radiator(second in the time we've had the car) and because of where it's leaking....a timing belt(I think that's it).....a costly fix.

I am home alone earlier and I hear a loud crash....one of the shelves in the laundry nook came down.....spreading a whole new bottle of Oxy Clean everywhere...clean that up go back to work....come home after running a long errand (bright spot of the day...went to the Scholastic Warehouse sale) and nothing has been cleaned up from Jim and Abi's supper, laundry not switched over nothing.

Than I am doing some rearranging and laundry and a door from a cabinet in the laundry nook comes clean off....well not clean....the door can not be used again I don't think.

Friday is supposed to be a good day isn't it???

I'm sorry your Friday was not a fun one, Theresa. Here's hoping that Saturday will be much, much better, and that there are better solutions than you're anticipating for Wheezie and your laundry cabinet!