Double Whammy :-( :-( :-(

www.geocities.com/thedawnofanewdayna April 28, 2006 Been a week since my last update. Since then, I traveled to New Orleans for French Quarter Fest, and saw a lot of old friends that I hadn't seen in years. It was great seeing them again, and yes, they were surprised with the change in my figure! I also traveled to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to visit Ship Island. I had traveled to Ship Island about half dozen times prior over the years, and had always loved it - although I didn't look forward to the long trek over the 1/3 mile boardwalk to the other side of the island. This time, it was a BREEZE!! Only bad thing was, due to Hurricane Katrina, everything on the island was gone, except for Fort Massachusetts. They had a really nice concession stand, bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, ranger station and lighthouse on the island. It's all gone now. http://www.msshipisland.com/ I enjoyed my time on the island, and also meeting with my friend Vernon who took me to the Humane Society of Southern Mississippi where he volunteers. He also took me on a short tour up the coast road. The devastation along the Gulf Coast is incredible. So many historical buildings were lost. Everyone always hears about the flooding in New Orleans, but the MS coast has seemed to have been overlooked. A favorite saying there is "Sure glad the hurricane missed us". I had a double whammy hit me yesterday. First I opened a letter from my medical group, saying my request for Reconstructive Brachioplasty was denied. I have 30 days to file an appeal. I had my coworker take photos of the rashes on my upper arms and will send them in with a letter, and hopefully a letter from my doctor saying the surgery is not cosmetic, but is medically necessary. The other "whammy" was that my job was eliminated yesterday. After 16-1/2 years with my company, it was quite a shock. I can't say that I didn't see it coming though. Anyone that is close to me knows I had that fear. Particularly since I was cut from two recent trips that I had scheduled for work. The good news is, I did receive a nice compensation package, so I will be okay for awhile, while I regroup, gather my thoughts and begin a new job search. For some reason, this song came to mind...... To everything - turn, turn, turn There is a season - turn, turn, turn And a time to every purpose under Heaven A time to build up, a time to break down A time to dance, a time to mourn A time to cast away stones A time to gather stones together To everything - turn, turn, turn There is a season - turn, turn, turn And a time to every purpose under Heaven ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One thing I think I will do during my down time is volunteer at a local animal shelter. I think that will really help me with adjusting to this change. I will also spend a lot of time at my fitness center as well. And yes, will be on a job search.

Dana, I am so sorry to hear about your job. Perhaps you are right and there is a time to every purpose under Heaven and it may just be a new beginning into a fantastic new career for you. I hope to come up with a new idea for a new career soon, too. hugs from down under Helen

Hi Dana, I am sorry about the turn of events. I work at AT&T and the cuts did not affect me but my sister was cut. I understand what you are going through. I am sure you will find another job. I truly believe that whenever a door closes another one opens. God Bless! Pam