What's new Wednesday?

Well, it's almost 8:00 and still dark outside.  Seem like winter is well on it's way.  I won't complain about it because there's nothing I can do about it.  I got all of the games put together for the shower on Sunday so all I have to do is put them on the tables.  I hope everyone has a pen in their purse because I don't have enough for everyone, and I don't want to buy any.  Finally was able to walk the dogs yesterday because it wasn't raining.  What a nice day for a walk it was.
Eileen, I'm glad you're going at the new job without an attitude (visible).  It'll make your life easier if you just try to accept it and make the best of it.  If you haven't read Mitch Alboms new book, pick it up.  It's an easy read and I'm sure you could get away with it at work.
I hope to get my H1N1 shot when I see my pcp in November.  My first grandbaby is due the first part of December and the kids have asked me to come for a couple of weeks to help out.  I certainly don't want to bring anything in the house that would jeopardize Joshua's health. 
Hubby only has two more days of wor****il he's officially a retired man!  He's so excited as am I.  I don't know what I'm going to do with him, but he's got a lot of cleaning and purging to do in his garage so hopefully that will keep him busy for a while.
Jacki, I'm keeping you in my thoughts these days.  I know first hand, how hard it is to deal with all of the medical crap you're dealing with right now, and yet you still have hugs to hand out to the rest of us.  I hope you can find some peace.
Margo, I'm hoping that Michaels surgery is moved up to before Thanksgiving so you can put this behind you and get to moving forward.  Looking forward to meeting you.
Mary, good luck with your surgery tomorrow.  Can't wait to hear you're on our side of the bench and see that weight melt off of you.
I CRS so I know I've forgotten to address someone else but sorry.
Hope everyone makes the best of today and smile at someone to make their day!
Jan

Good Morning Eileen and all,

Eileen, I was just made an hourly employee instead of salary, which they did to all the social workers at my job. I was very upset and felt it was a slap in the face. It takes away A LOT of my autonomy and is sorta a thing where I work that divides the different workers from other workers. I know sounds snobby but that's how it is there. As a social worker I often have to come in earlier, stay later and yada yada...They said it was because of the new system they were using, but whatever. As I said I was not happy. Now you may think what's the problem now you'll get paid for overtime....but no, not quite...anyway...after my boss and her boss talked to me, my boss being one I respect totally, I was reassured it had nothing to do with me and that she would make things stay like they were regarding my autonomy and that I was very trusted and valued. I figured, Oh well, least I am still working... and  I have a great boss...
So what I'm saying is, and I know you know this, things are always changing in our jobs and we just have to "go with the flow" and make the best out of the situation. It is better for US and our minds and bodies because in the long run we can only react to what happens and choose to not let it eat away at us. It is hard at first, but hopefully, it will get better. I am also saying I hear ya and sometimes it sucks!
OK, I am done rambling and now I've missed my treadmill time. Darn it you guys It's all your fault!
Carolyn, I am thinking of you as yu continue with your treatments.
Jacki, you are also in my thoughts, I work with people everyday dealing with what you are dealing with and I see how much they care for their parents and try to do what's best...and it's hard for them.
Margo, thinking of you and Michael too...
Can't remember all after my long ramble...
I am still fighting the good fight with my regain so Pat...I hear ya!
Take Care,
Cheryl

HI everyone!

Worked hard in the yard yesterday. Cutting grass and pulling dead flowers and weeds from the beds.   Today, it is raining so far.  Bummer.  I wanted to work outside again today.  I guess I will do something indoors.  It is suppose to be nice tomorrow.

Cavaliers lost to the Celtics last night.   Terrible.  I was hoping they would win their first game with Shaq Oneil.  ( Basketball)

My son has a bad cold a chest cold and I hope I don't get it.  I am worried about it and feel bad he is so sick.  How do you know if it is just a cold or the H1N1.  There are so many different flu bugs floating around now.  Not even November yet and so many people are sick.  I know the flu hits hard in January too.  I guess it is going to be  a long winter. 

I hope everyone is well and prayers go out to all. 

Hang in there everyone, tomorrow is another day. 

Mary G

Aloha Mary...I just now received this list of the differences between the flu and a cold. Thought you might like to copy it. I'm keeping it for sure ........putting it on my frige.


H1N1 flu is about to be upon us and we need to be on top of information regarding it. Here is a comparison to the normal cold symptoms .

Know the Difference between a Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms:

Symptom
Cold
H1N1 Flu
Fever
Fever is rare with a cold.
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the H1N1 flu.
Coughing
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the H1N1 flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Aches
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
Severe aches and pains are common with the H1N1 flu.
Stuffy Nose
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.
Chills
Chills are uncommon with a cold.
60% of people who have the H1N1 flu experience chills.
Tiredness
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the H1N1 flu.
Sneezing
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
Sneezing is not common with the H1N1flu.
Sudden Symptoms
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
The H1N1 flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
A headache is very common with theH1N1 flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
Sore throat is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.
Chest Discomfort
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
Chest discomfort is often severe with the H1N1 flu.
The only way to stop the spread of the epidemic is to spread the awareness.

Sorry this didn't come out in neat columns like the e-mail did...not sure why not....I copied and pasted.

Stay well!

Aloha nui loa,

Maui Karen

wow, this is great info.  Thanks for taking the time to post it.

Everyone, stay well..

Thanks again Karen

Mary

Good Morning, Eileen and everyone on OFF.

Life seems to be challenging for a lot of us. I know it is for me. Things are just plain tough.

Eileen, I have been where you are now in a work setting. I worked for the same company for 33 years. The last seven years of that time were really hard. There was so much uncertainty as to whether or not I would have a job. The company was (and still is) treating their employees poorly. The hardest part was watching the change in values of upper management and the trickle-down effect on everyone. It became increasingly difficult to go to work with a smile on my face. Eventually, I retired due to my cancer diagnosis and an offer of early retirement. The stress of everything was too much and I left the working world too early. I feel for you.

Carolyn, I hope your treatment goes OK today and that you have an enjoyable time visiting your family in Oregon. (Yay, Oregon! -- that's where I'm from).

Judy, I am glad you got the police report. I can't imagine how traumitized you must have been these last few days. Know that I am thinking of you.

I can't remember what else I wanted to say.

I hope that you all have a good day today.

Cindy P.

Cindy,

I can't believe how some of these places treat their most hardworking and loyal workers. They just don't get that treating workers in an ethical and moral way makes it better for those they serve and for the company too! I have seen exactly what you are talking about and that is one of the reasons I chose to leave my last job after 8 years. I loved the job but couldn't take the management.

Take care and I hear you too on the maintenance of this WLS!

Cheryl

Cheryl:

It is so sad to see our once employee-friendly workplaces change to something else.  I know that when it first started to happen, I was in disbelief and then, over time, that changed to having an overwhelming sense of loss and betrayal.  When we first started working for our company (my husband worked there too (for 37 years)), it was a give and take situation.  Mostly, the employees gave and gave because the company took care of us all.  By the time we left in '02, it was a dog-eat-dog, competitive, negative work environment that I believe management helped to create.  Although we miss the money, we don't miss the work environment at all. 

Cindy P.

thanks cindy!!! i feel ok at home or work but driving thats another story....i am so nervous sitting behind the wheel...rick makes me drive or i will never do it he says...guess he is right but right now i sure am nervous!!

Judy: 

Rick is sure right about facing the fear of driving (or any other fear).  I find that, when I don't face my fears head on, they pick up steam and power.  Good for  you for getting back on the horse so to speak.

Cindy P.