2 More School Days Until Winter Break!

We FINALLY got the Christmas tree up tonight. This week has been very busy. Last Friday I went to the staff holiday party held at my friend, Mary's house. We went on the Naperville Trolley as a group and saw all the top notched decorated houses throughout Naperville. Then back to Mary's were about 35 of us gathered for a catered dinner. I'm so glad I went it was a lot of fun! Although I was careful on what I ate, I did have the worst glucose reading I've ever had!!  Then on Tuesday I went to dinner (Front Street Cantina) with some of my former coworkers from GOGO. (At 10:15 we realized the restuarant must be closed; as we were the only ones in there and they started turning off the lights - we asked when they closed and they said 9:00!!!) Listening to all the garbage they are dealing with right now makes me sooo happy I'm not working there!

I was asked to make a DVD for a teaching assistant who will be moving away during Winter Break after working at Brookdale for 12 years! I've put in close to 12 hours making digital scrapbook pages with "shout outs" and staff and student pictures - I am very happy with how well it turned out. If you'd like to take a peek at it - you can do so here: http://vimeo.com/17944864

I am SO close to being done Christmas shopping and wrapping. I have purchased 143 items to be wrapped- for a total of 26 people (plus 23 students) The 143 items does not count the items I am giving each of the students. With those items for each kid (pens, candy, personalize bookmark, etc... - it is a grand total of 237 items! Here is a picture of where the presents are currently stored - However, this picture was taken before I had everything in there!

(The gifts in the plastic bags to the right that are sitting on the floor are the gifts that need to be placed under our Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve after a certain someone goes to bed!)

I did allow Ryan to open one gift tonight - it was this year's ornament for his collection.  He really liked it!  I'll post a picture of the tree and him hanging his ornament in my next post. (There is a picture of the ornament in a previous post.)

Bill was off work today and it looks as if work is going to slow down until the end of February.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that something will come up........it's going to be a long winter. WINTER YUCK! 

(This was our backyard about a week ago)

Ryan was excited to see all the snow because shoveling the neighbor's driveway can be very profitable!

Until next time.................

So Long GOGO - Hello Summer!

It's official, my final day at GOGO was on June 26th. You think with all this extra time on my hands I would have posted sooner! You think after almost 27 years of working there I would have been sad.....but I wasn't - actually I was quite relieved. Ever since Flight Center bought our company a year and 1/2 ago things continuously changed - and always for the benefit of the stock holders and not the employees. Everything from the 401K employee match benefit, to the paid time off policy, to less insurance coverage for a higher premium, a new computer system with no training, and 2 days prior to my departure and entire new phone system allowing phone calls to be monitored and impossible to receive an incoming personal phone calls, and the topper was the announcement of a downsizing our office space which requires a move to another office building. The day prior to my final day they emailed over my separation package documents. I found an error on my accrued vacation time - by 2 weeks! We were able to keep 2 years of vacation time (which should have totaled 8 weeks.) However, each month they kept banking more hours into my benefits package so I had a total of 10 weeks..........they agreed to pay the entire 10 weeks! In addition I received a very generous total of 35 weeks gross pay. Net pay is close to a full year - as insurance and 401K will not be deducted. In addition, I qualified for the stimulus COBRA insurance which will only be 100.00 more than I was currently paying and I qualified for unemployment. My insurance through the school district kicks in September 1st - so since August payment for COBRA isn't due until August 30th - I most likely will only need to pay one month of the COBRA rate. Things worked out so well, I definitely made the right decision on not taking another position and leaving on the terms of position elimination! No regrets at all! However, I do feel sorry for the few employees that remain - most told me to put on my running shoes and keep running and not to look back. I have kept in touch with a few coworkers and they are miserable. I have actually been doing some "side work" at home for the team leader for some extra money. I've been asked to come in for a few hours next week to work some reports for a little extra cash also.

Summer is flying by - as you can see from the countdown clock above the posts showing how many more days until school starts up again. Ryan has been in football camp along with strength and speed training all summer long. It starts very early in the morning, so we've been getting up earlier than we had to when school was in.

I took Ryan and one of his friends to Raging Waves in Yorkville. I have free passes and thought we'd take advantage of them. It turned out to be a great time - they had a lot of fun.






Tomorrow Bill is off and we are planning another water park visit - we were thinking Great America but we aren't up for the long ride.

This past week I've been doing a lot of running around, renewing drivers license, getting service done on the car, luncheon with a friend, bike ride, cleaning windows, deep cleaning, and I purchased a Netbook. It only weighs 2 lbs and I got a pink snap on cover - it's a fun new toy - and the best part is it was 1/2 off at my favorite store - TARGET!!!!


Hope to post again soon - - Lisa

Middle School Graduate

WE made it through Middle School - YES, I mean "WE"! It seems like just yesterday that Ryan was having such a diffifult time transition into Middle School and now it's over. Listening to his fellow classmates speak at the recognition ceremony was such an eye opener. When looking back at their middle school "careers" many mentioned all the fears and anxieties they had going into 6th grade. Unfortunately, the kids didn't share those feelings with each other at the time and Ryan would have benefited knowing he wasn't alone.

What a growing experience middle school was for Ryan. Remember that timid immature boy, who for months needed to be led through the front doors of the school by myself, Bill and even the Assisitant Principal? That boy who had tears rolling down his checks as he left the house each morning. That boy who could not walk to school because his legs were too weak from fear. That boy who would vomit every single morning from all the anxiety he was feeling........ And now.......that boy, he was holding back tears because he was sad that he was leaving the school he had grown to love. WE too learned something, Ryan may need to be pushed; but in the end he just may surprise us!




Now he's off to a brand new high school - a school that will only have Freshman and Sophomores. An opportunity to participate in activities that are usually only available to Juniors and Seniors. Leaving the oldest and smallest middle school in the district to the newest and largest school in the district. As I watched Ryan "graduate" on Friday, surprisingly, I was not sad, not scared, but proud and content. Thinking back to when he graduated preschool, kindergarten and then left grammar school, I was very sad and full of uncertianty and fear. (I even got a job at his elementary school to make sure he was well taken care of!!!) So, in the end, middle school was not only a growing experience for Ryan, it was a growing experience for me too! I know, without a doubt, Ryan will do just fine in High School. I am grateful to feel that sense of confidence because it puts my mind at ease!

Speaking of school - - BIG NEWS!!!! I will be working at Brookdale full time beginning August 19th! GOGO will be a part of my past! After trying to get official word of when my position would be elimiated I had finally received a response that as of July 1 the PLAN was not to have any support in the branches. The day I received the email was the EXACT day I had my review with the principal at school. I explained the situation and his exact words were: DO I WANT YOU HERE FULL TIME - ABSOLUTELY. CAN I MAKE IT HAPPEN - WELL, I DON'T KNOW!?!?!?! The district is restructuring the special education program and making deep cuts. Instead of laying off any personnel, they are shifting aides from schools that have too many aides to schools that will need aides. So, for two LONG weeks we waited.....and waited....and waited. On Monday, there was an email that stated the district was retaining all TA's BUT you would not know your assigned school until summer. Of course, I always assume the worst. I'd only be part time and I'd be at some other school. On Tuesday, the principal came down to ask me to come into his office, as he needed to speak with me. His face, along with the head of the student service department had a "serious" and "sad" look on their faces. When I went into his office he said: LISA, I'VE SENT SEVERAL EMAIL'S, MADE MANY PHONE CALLS AND ALL I CAN SAY IS.........YOU ARE COMING BACK TO BROOKDALE FULL TIME!!! Full time means full benefits!!! Actually, better benefits than GOGO and much cheaper. What a relief!

So, now I wait again.........and for those who know me........I don't like to wait!!!! GOGO is now playing a "game". When asking about my separation package and when my final day of employment would be - I was informed that they are now looking into a remote possibilty of a position created for myself! NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!!!! I believe they wish to wait and have me resign, so I am not eligible for the separation package or the stimulus COBRA package. I guess I can play the game for a little while.........as school doesn't start for a couple months........but I was hoping to have some of the summer off. I'm sure everything will work out in the end................

Speaking of summer, Ryan begins his "high school football career" on Monday! GO MUSTANGS! He will have football camp along with strength and speed training 4 days a week all summer long! It's a early morning start, so no sleeping in this summer! It's good preparation for the early morning start for high school!

That's all for now..........................more updates to follow!

FOURTH QUARTER ALREADY?

It's already the end of April and were in the final quarter of the school year......and in about 6 weeks Ryan will be officially a HIGH SCHOOLER! Although our school district does not have a graduation ceremony for 8th grade, they do have a "celebration" of sorts. Ryan's will take place on June 5th.

Since my last post, Ryan has joined the Track and Field team. His "specialties" are the 100 yard dash, discus and shot put, as you can see from the above photo. We also just enrolled him into the summer football camp for his new high school.

Speaking of school, this time of the year is so chaotic! We have so many projects going on and will be entertaining the parents with poetry this up coming week. We have also compiled recipes for a cookbook we will be using as a Mother's Day gift. On top of the regular curriculum and our field trip to Naper Settlement, I've been working into the wee hours of the morning to make these projects "extra special" !

Training has begun at GOGO for our new system. Unfortunately, it takes place in New Jersey. Once again, I have told them I WILL NOT TRAVEL. Apparently, this "new" company feels that everyone enjoys to travel and your job should be your first priority.....NOT.... I have mentioned several times my family and teaching position takes priority, and traveling is not an option. My "work-life" ends at 7:00pm and no amount of money will interfere with MY time.

My evaluation from the school should be within the next 2 weeks. (the union contract states it has to be done prior to May 8th) At which time I will mention to the principal the possibility of returning there full time in the fall - in order to receive the union benefits . I am hoping by mid -summer that I will know my options with GOGO and make a decision base on what is going on at that time. After turning down several offers of Future Team Leader, Area Accountant, ticketing agent and most recently Sales Consultant - I'm not quite sure what would be left! Then we have uncertainty with the school district as there will be budget cuts , due to the fact that Illinois is the state with the least funding for schools and is 3 months/15 million dollars behind in payment to the district! The superintendent is trying to change the special education program AND our union contract is up at the end of this school year and in the bargaining stages right now. So, I'm trying to be patient......because good things come to those who WAIT!!!!

Here's Ryan's Easter "basket" from this year -
We also just celebrated my Mom's birthday!




Hope to update soon!

Lisa

SNOW DAY!!

~Let it snow....Let it snow....Let it snow~

The day before Winter break we end up with a SNOW DAY!!! I told Ryan he's going to wish we had this day on the first day back instead of today! I am so glad I was thinking ahead and brought the 37 Christmas gifts I had under the tree for students, faculty and staff. Otherwise I would have had to store everything for over two weeks! Ryan decided to experience a day at work with Mom! He got to see how long the day can be at the office!

This past week has been a trying one! First I was rear ended while Christmas shopping, my check engine light has come on, I fell on the back of my head on the icy parking lot at work and ended up getting many X-rays of my skull - which is still extremely sore! It's causing me headaches and periods of nausea along with times of "confusion". A few people have told me that I've been repeating myself within an hour or two. The doctor explained that I hit my head so hard that it caused my brain to move in my head and I'm experiencing these symptoms because of it. It's been 3 days now and the second day was worse than the first......hopefully soon I will start feeling "normal".

At GOGO our area leader flew in under the impression I would except a position as "area accountant". This would require lots of travel throughout the United States! Not too sure what she was thinking after I've already turned her down as future team leader and to train in New Jersey since "I DON'T WANT TO TRAVEL OR WORK FULL TIME" there. The position I hold is being "restructured" and they keep giving me other duties with other offices to insure I will continue to work there. After turning down the area accountant position I explained that I had an opportunity to go full time with the school in insure I would have benefits. They keep telling me I'm a valued employee and they will fight tooth and nail to keep my there......what ever happens - happens.

For the holidays I will be off on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.....it will be a nice break, as I haven't had that many days off ever!!!!!

Ryan's been doing well with wrestling. I was able to go to my first meet on Wednesday. I arrived while the other team was practicing and wasn't sure how I would handle seeing my son's limps, head and body tortured! What an awful sport!





Hope to post again real soon - HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!! ~Lisa

Quick Post

It's been a while since my last post. Things are extremely hectic with the end of school arriving next week. Between Ryan's school agenda and my school agenda, it's hard to keep everything straight.

I started a blog for the office and the home office was extremely impressed and will now be starting one of their own with my guidance.

Bill and Ryan leave for Tennessee on Friday evening and will be gone until Monday evening. This will be Ryan's first time on an airplane. He's looking forward to going but seems to be a little uneasy about the airplane ride.

We needed to decorate the office with a Hawaii theme for an area competition and a free lunch - Here's my entry:

I've begun decorating our last bulletin board of the year - it's something the kids are really enjoying. I left the black paper covering the board and the kids are taking colored chalk and drawing a First Grade Friends Theme. I'll post a picture as soon as it's complete. Here's the insect board I finished last week - - unfortunately it will have to come down in a day or two!

Until next time.......