Since I have worked like crazy from day 1, and havent had much time to post, I guess I should fill in what I didnt on my post Monday morning-- I was hired on November 8 to fill a newly created position in the accounting department. It was the position of Accountant/Supervisor, and I was told that a 4-year degree was needed for this position. I was also told that I would learn the 5 audits that the department performs, as well as any other additional accounting functions that were needed. I was not given a deadline in which to have finished my training. During the last 2 weeks of November, I was taught one audit, and in December, I was sent to supervisor training, and then my direct supervisor, "H" re-certified as a supervisor me on December 28th and wrote on my evaluation "Good Job!!". I also started learning the slot audit about during the first/second week in Dec. And that is where I stayed until. On or about January 4, "H" called me into her office to say that from the reports she was hearing, that I was "burnt-out" (wtf???) on the slot machine audit, and that I was being put on another audit on January 8. When I asked what the problem was, she replied that she had received reports that I was stressed out. The only slot auditor for the week in question (December 25 to December 29; that supposedly burnt me out; it was also the busiest week at the property) was "R", who at one point told me to "stop f*cking things up", among other various job-misleading "help" she gave me while she was "training" me. I was told previously that she ("R) was very angry with me coming on board as she thought she should get the new position, even though she does not have the required degree. She ("R") was hostile to me while training, uncooperative and very demeaning to me and my background. She refused to help me on more than one occasion when I had problems with the audit, and would have a negative attitude when I asked for advice. And no, she wasnt too busy with her work to help-- I went to the other audit, and have been there ever since. "H" called me into her office on Sunday, January 22, told me that my position was eliminated because I wasnt trained enough to supervise the office for the week of January 23 27 (since the other supervisors were in training that week), and that I had had problems with that week in the slot audit. (Seems to be a re-occurring theme.) At this point, told her that I had never been given any specific guidelines as to when my training was to be finished, and this was the first I had heard that the other supervisors were to gone from the office that week. Then, I spoke up, and finally told her the conflicts with "R", and some of the things she said to me, and that she deliberately tried to teach me wrong procedures concerning the slot audit. (I learned about the wrong procedure from the other slot auditor when she came back to work, and I asked the correct procedures.) I also pointed out that I was never given a timeline that I was to know the whole department, and that she, "H", was my supervisor, and had failed to inform me of this. "H"then kept repeating that that week in the slots was bad (see, keeps re-occurring), and that I was being demoted to this other position, with a 50% reduction on pay (and I now became hourly; I was salaried before) and that my off days would be changed to reflect my new status. She also asked me not to say anything to the rest of the department until next week. (I assume the week starting January 29.) On Tuesday, January 23, I was sorting paperwork at the printer, and "H" apparently did not see me standing there, and I over-heard her, speaking in a low voice, tell "R"that my supervisor position was open, and she should go apply for it. No one else in the accounting department knew, as they might have a degree and be qualified for the position, but "H" did not choose to share that information with anyone other then "R", who has been sabotaging me since she had the chance in December. So, at this point, I figured that since it was, ahem.. public knowledge at this pointhey"H" told "R"and I let it slip at lunch to the others. Everyone was shocked, as I get along with them, and have helped out with their problems before. And, I figured that it was best to hear it from me, so that I dont look like a whipped pup. One of the guys that reported to me went back to the department and let it slip that he found out, and "R"s face was pricelessshe got defensive and her voice got high. It was funny to see and hear. He said that he overheard "H" tell "R", and she immediately started to backpedal. I did go to HR, and register my complaints, and the rep asked what I thought the repercussions would be, and I told her that I figured Id be fired, and she said "Well see about that", and smiled. Throughout all of this, I have kept my composure, and have smiled and not acted any different. I still talk and laugh and cut up, and I have kept the same level of work standards that I have from the first day. I finished one audit by 10am yesterday, the second by 4, and still and time to deal with other peoples problems with their work. So, I am still employed, but I think things will change on Sunday. And probably not for the better. Oh well. Its just a job that paid very well; its not my life and it does not define me. I did tell Rog on Monday, after I took a good assessment of things, and he is OK with things, no matter what happens. I told him everything, and I told him the reason that I could not tell him Sunday was that I couldnt bear the look of disappointment in his eyes, he told me I was silly, and that I couldnt disappoint him, ever. BJI love you, my sisnothing you can say to me would ever hurt me, b/c I know you speak from your heart. If I were hourly, I would say you are right, but I was salaried, and all supervisors must stay until all the work is finished, even if they themselves have been done for hours. And I was told that everyone must help the others out to finish up, which is fine with meso, thats why I would always ask, when I was finished, if I could help with someone elses work. (Although, in retrospect, I never did see any of the other supervisors do thatever. ???) My insurance will not kick in until Marcha long way to go--, and I was not given any type of review until this past Sunday. Nor any sense of unfilled expectations on anyones partI was told by one of me peers that I was going a very good job And as for the "down with" statement, I merely meant that I was now down in the pit with themnot a put down (LOL!) in anywaythey are great people! J The coatit is a Burberry, and it came form a consignment store with a no-return policy. (I rarely buy anything from a mall.) Still, even for that price, I wouldnt have bought it now. Its so gorgeousI feel like a million bucks with it onJJJ And---about the attitudeyoure right, and thats exactly what Ive been doing all week. Im still the same person I was this time last week, and Ill be that same person this time next week. While I hate being in this position, it is just a job, and it does not define me anymore than my MIL does. So, Im disappointed, but Ill liveits OK, and Ill just start over again Enough of me Patti(((((hugs))))) to you and your friendI can not imagine that pain NHSuzannegreat pics! JJ Marcithanks for the birthday exchange! Gotta goRog will be home in a bit Love and hugs to all Maddie

Hi! I am here, just in a funk and slowly coming out of it. DD moved last week to Lousiana and it hit home that I now officially have an empty nest. At least while she was at school, I knew she could come home any weekend she chose. Lousianna is just so FAR away. But they made it safely (in a U-Haul towing her car!) and I have kept in touch with her almost daily. So the comunication is there, but I miss her. I have been keeping busy reading, scrapbooking and cleaning out DD's empty room. It has been so HOT here, that I have been content to stay inside with the AC on. It is supposed to be nicer tomorrow and I am going with DH to a car show (he will drive his 62 Nova). Besh - I have read so many books this summer that I would have a hard time listing them all. I did read "The Glass Castle" and loved your comment about it being a "real" memoir! LOL I too thought it was an amazing book and marveled that she and her siblings survived at all. I am reading "Thunderstruck" by Erik Larson right now. I love his writing and attention to detail. I also read "Isacc's Storm" and "The Devil in the White City". He must do an incredible amount of research before he starts a book. I just finished listening to "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer. I have to say I cried. Other notable recent reads are, "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen, "Left to Tell" (about the genocide in Rwanda) by Immaculee Ilibagzia, and "The Butterfly House" by Marcia Preston. Next up, "Lean Mean Thirteen" by Janet Evanovich. DeeMarie - I have been doing exercises to strengthn my back and keep the muscles stretched and it seems to be helping. I can't sit for too long at the computer, so I haven't been logging on as often as I used to. I can't even sit and read for too long without needing to get up and stretch and move around. I love getting books on tape at the library and listening to them where ever I am. I am considering getting an MP3 player and using my library's resources to download books. Have you read LM13 yet?? Jen - Poor Erica! One time my DS broke his finger and I didn't take him to the doctor's until the next day. He also needed 2 pins to reset the finger. I felt like the worst mother of the year that day. Glad to hear she is on the mend. Patti - Glad Dave got a good report and you can go forward with your trip to TX. I never did get to see those pictures of your DGD! If you get a chance, email me. NHSuzanne - We had such severe storms the last few days too. Trees down in the neighborhood all around me, but we didn't suffer any damage. I am glad you got the brakes fixed and were able to go to VT. I don't have much of a backyard, but I did get some pictures of our local wildlife last week. Can you tell what this is a picture of? DH's is letting me know he is hungry, so I am off to the kitchen. Later, Marci

QOD: Youngest DD went to a friend's house to spend the night. 2nd youngest DD had a summer slumber party here-I don't know why they call it that; no one sleeps and she has a party to go to today! 15 y.o DD was out last night with 18 y.o. BF - he now has his own apartment whcih she likes to visit. She starts pilot ground school today 8-6 for the next few Saturdays and Sundays. Oldest DD got a job running projectors at the local movie house, so she was working the last couple nights till 3 a.m. w/ the "Pirates" openings? I haven't yet. Me, I'm walking dogs, watering lawns, studying philosophy, ethics, and moral obligations, topped off with a load of meteorology and LOTS of laundry and weeding! I am going to spend an hour in my office as well--cleaning! DH is taking the bar study course 24/7, so things are running smoothly around here, really. GOOD LUCK, ERICA!!! Pictures, please! You are our "SS Daily Queen" mascot EVERY DAY! Zig~ Hope the funeral was okay for you. Those things are tough, but bring people together---and that's a good thing. Dee- Good to hear you're continuing the walking, but sorry about the pain of all. Syill thinking of your co-worker and her DH... Donna~ Did you get to go out to dinner? Raeanne: The questions on the body shape quiz didn't give many options for answers. I was an hourglass too, but have never thought of myself this way---I really think I have a boy's shape, sort of squarish w/ large shoulders. I was wondering how much stock to put in that quiz. Work-outs with enough weight to cause a fair amount of resistance is a great way to prevent bone disease and just plain be healthier---so I'm foregoing the femmy looks for that. Besides, as I get older, I sort of want to look like I can kick some @ss---lol!!! As well, I have really enjoyed increasing the weight at the gym from time to time--POWER! John-cats yet? Besh-CONGRATS on the 2.6 at WW Friday!!!!!!!!! I read about you unpacking your canvas bags and had to laugh---I have the same deal after an outting! Sounds like your weekend is FULLLLLLLLL! Be good! Milkdud~ What kind of swimming do you do? I've been hitting the pool for low key water walking twice a week. It's just a nice way for me to mellow out really. Maddie! Let us know how the Tedster's concert is. We are going to see Kenny Loggins in August at Saint Michelle Winery--1/2 hour from our house--so beautiful out there. Good luck on Monday's interview---I didn't catch what kind of business you're interviewing for... NHSuzanne~ You are so lucky to live where you do. Haven't heard you talking about DH and his sons lately...how's that going? Marci~ Cookie Lady! Good luck--taste and walk, taste and walk! It's sunny here---RARE, so I better finish my indoor stuff so I can get outdoors! Make this weekend a good one! Has anyone seen "The Inconvenient Truth?" (The Al Gore movie) and Has anyone seen "Pirates of the Carribean?" I haven't seen either but want to.

Thanks, I knew you guys would help. The odd thing is, I know better. I feel like I got pulled in in a way I didn't expect. Besh, your comment about the anger was helpful. If I sounded angry to you, then I'm sure I did to him, too, and I wasn't really angry, just feeling desperate and scared and hurt and sad. I thought if I'm not as angry as I sound, he probably isn't either, and that helped to think of that. Email is hard, too, or private messaging, as there are only the words, and they almost always sound harsher than they are meant or felt by the other person. Dee, your metaphor helps,too. I used to have an guided visualization audiotape where I was guided through giving up carrying around my own rocks. Now here I am picking up someone elses, and they are some rocks, believe me! To look at them and give them back is a good way to think of it. Actually, maybe I'll look at them and ask him if he wants to give them to the angels to carry away for us. In any case, I don't have to drag them around. I hate losing people I love, we all do, and things got hard recently. He feels so trapped. But I was thinking it's not like he is harassing or threatening me, so I don't think I should have to get away from him if I can just get my own feelings back under control. Marci, that's great about your colonoscopy results. I'm happy for you that you don't have to go through anything difficult there. We had the remains of Tropical Storm Daniel pass by here today, but it was refreshing, nothing damaging. Did I tell you I had mice? About three months ago, two or three came in and I didn't want to kill them. After procrastinating and watching one litter be born, I had my home helper buy me a live trap, but it turned out to be a rat trap, and they just climbed out through the holes. I ordered a Havahart live mouse trap from the net and just got it a couple of days ago. So far, I have relocated 16 mice to a field several blocks away, and there are still about 5 to go. Those things breed like crazy. They look like pet mice though - not just gray, but some white, one kind of a silver cream, some black and white spotted. They are very cute.:) gretl, I hope things go well with your DD, Hi, Wild Chicken if you get by, and Maddie and Patty and Raeanne John and others. And thanks for calming me down and talking some sense back into me. (((hugs))))