Taylor started Kindergarten today. It was so adorable seeing all the kids and parents at school. I think she'll have a good year. She has 3 friends from daycare in her class so it'll be an easier transition but I am hoping she'll break out of that bubble and make more friends. The parents I've met so far seem really nice. Her teacher is new and seems sweet but fierce. I heard that some parents were concerned having a new teacher but I am not concerned. She has a great background and I think she'll do a great job. It's a learning experience for all of us involved, so here's hoping for a successful first year!

I lost my 2nd job this year at the beginning of August. It was total BS. After I finished all of my project billings for the month, the Controller and Manager came to me (4pm on a Friday) and said that they were making the decision to let me go. I kinda saw this coming but thought maybe it wouldn't happen. They said they loved my work but I was just unreliable. When pressed further they said it was because I had a couple of days of being 10 minutes late. They said they were going in a different direction and I replied "good luck with that" because seriously? What a waste of time. I'm not mad, just annoyed. Who fires someone for being 10 minutes late for a job that has no time responsibility? I could see if I was a medical professional or an air traffic controller or doing shift work but for a project accountant?? The best part was that the manager was wearing a polo shirt with stitched crabs on it and flip flops. Obviously they are higher caliber professionals.

My gut told me this was coming because they hadn't paid the headhunter fee. It hadn't even occurred to me when I first accepted the job that this could happen. They had been working with the recruiter for 5+ years so they knew what it could cost. I nearly crapped my pants when I saw the fee - $13,500.00. I am in the WRONG business, amirite? The terms were due on hire but they extended it by 30 days and then the invoice just sat on the manager's desk until the week before I was fired. I would check the GL to see if it was paid or entered by him and nothing. The week they fired me I noticed he was speaking to me less, preferring the conversation of my 19 year old intern (owner's grandson) and asking him to do work that I was qualified to do. So I figure they balked at the fee and had to turn me loose. Coming up with the 10 minute tardy reason was the best they could do. I will miss their coffee.

This week has blown up with interview offers. Had a great one yesterday and I hope I get the job. I just need to find a culture that is more laid back. If I have to miss a day because of a sick kid, I don't want to be asked if I have a neighbor I could just leave my kid with. Yes, that actually happened at the last job. Of course I laughed at them and said OH HELLS NO (but in a professional way). A job that would allow me to work remotely for a sick kid day. A job that won't freak out if I am running a bit late for whatever reason. A job that appreciates my work and says I'm reliable because I get the work done, correctly and on time. That's a true measure of reliability.

Zach has been working weekly in Phoenix. He flies out early Monday morning and returns late Thursday evening. It has been a great assignment for him and I appreciate the stability of the travel. I know when he's home, so I can plan around it easily. He's thriving at his new-er job (Tableau) and getting recognized often for his work. I'm really proud of him and grateful he found a great employer for him. I was jealous earlier this year but now I've worked through it and am truly grateful.

Kids are doing well but growing fast. Jr turned 4 last Monday. Taylor turned 5 in June. Slow down kids!! They are at a really fun age in which we can take them out and have a great time. They love Legos. We spent an hour last night building together and it was really nice. Zach is working remotely from home this week so he could be there for Taylor's first day which is nice because he missed their birthdays this year with his travel, so it's nice having him home this week.

That's about it for now. Just staying busy with house projects and interviews. Can't wait to go back to work for the 3rd time this year.

http://www.waitingwithyou.com

Suzanne was my doula for Jr's birth 3 months ago. She is amazing and I recommend that you check her website out if you are local to me and in the need for a doula either now or in the near future. My testimonial is on her website but if you have any questions, you can ask me too. Doulas are amazing! It doesn't matter what kind of birth you want to have, doulas help you through the process and they help birth outcomes.

Alright, I am finally putting this together! This is all pieced together from my doula's notes and my memory lol.

( Click to read the birth story of Zachary, Jr!Collapse )

I took a right on a red even though I made a complete stop and got a stupid ticket in the mail for $124.

What is the best way to contest it? Any personal stories, etc.?

This happened in Redmond

My friend Sheri sent me this via a e-card and I lolled. She says her kids are running around the house pointing at things saying "you can't wrap this"

I found this funny, I'm sure some of you have seen this!

Would you cross the picket line to go grocery shopping at the stores (Safeway, Fred Meyer, Albertsons and QFC) whose workers are threatening to strike, if they do end up striking? Why?

Do you believe that postage should be prepaid for voting by mail?

Why?

ETA: Also, I am asking questions on your comments to help me fully understand your views :)

Also I am arguing with a socialist...

Thanks to everyone who commented on my recent post about this meme. The blog entry was posted like 6 days after Taylor was born so I had missed it, but that's ok, I don't feel too late to the game. Or something. IDK

So yeah, please to be stealing this icon as my token of appreciation and friendship.

That is all!