I guess this isn't really new as I have been here before... been where? You may ask. Out of work!
That is correct I am once again without a full-time job, or any paying job. On Friday afternoon I had the shock to be told that I was no longer required to come back to work. The reason given: frustration! But whose frustration? At first I was told that the staff was frustrated with me. That did not make any sense what so ever. Each and every staff member (excluding the bosses) came to me for help to fix errors they have made, or help them with something they did not know how to do, or wanted to share something about their personal life they were going through at that point in time. OK, so not the staff, maybe frustrated was the wrong word.
Then came the next item a list of things that I had supposedly done or not done, none of which are reasons to let a person go... at least I don't think so... you be the judge:
I been told to no longer purchase paper direct but to ask for boxes from one of the other stores because they could purchase in larger quantities getting a better price. Sounds like a great idea but then we are reliant on the other store remembering to place the boxes of paper on a truck or in the car that is headed to our store. So we were low on paper, the order was placed, the crunch came, the paper did not, the other store had forgotten to load said paper onto the vehicle; needless to say we ran out of copier paper completely. I asked our front desk girl to go and buy a case while we waited for the other two to arrive, someone else told her not to buy a case. Now I was her immediate supervisor so who should she have listened too?
Next reason, an invoice had been entered twice once with the numeric 0 then with the letter O. I missed the duplication and paid the account, (about $44). The cheque was returned by the supplier but did not get to my desk but to my bosses desk. This particular invoice had not been entered by me but a new girl who had just been hired, who I did not teach. (This was actually a red flag for me as I did not have anything to do with her training, yet I was supposedly her supervisor.) She even told my boss that she had made the error. While I am being told this reason I did not tell the owner, who was laying me off, that I had found numerous errors made during invoice posting by the new girl. Invoices posted to the wrong vendors; totals incorrect due to wrong GST amounts, and various other errors.
Another item on his list: A piece of equipment had been paid for twice. Did I do that? You may ask. No I did not. I paid for the item and the vendor in question sent the same invoice to a leasing company that was used and that leasing company also paid for the same item; we in turn had to pay the leasing company. I worked with this vendor from March until October trying to get our funds returned. The individual that I phoned every month on a regular basis did not know how to correct this error, their error I might add. I resorted to emailing the girl and cc-ing to the CEO of the company, the funds were returned to us withing the week.
A third itme on the list: Copies of invoices that were not paid therefore missing from our office were not requested or not reconciled in a timely fashion. Once again not an error on my part as I regularly requested copies of missing invoices. Before they can be entered into the system and payed they have to have the purchase order (PO), receiving report and packing slip attached to prove we had ordered and received the item. There were times when I would request copy of invoices several times but once I passed them to the girl who did all the matching they never got back to my desk. I would here her say: "If I see this invoice one more time I'll..." well you can guess the rest. If she could not find PO's for the invoice or other paperwork she would toss the invoice. She would not do any kind of detective work to make sure we had dealt with the original. As I am at the end of the line for all paperwork of this nature, then it must be my fault. Is this reason to lay me off?
There you have it. Ah! now the frustration is mine, that's why they are letting me go. Way to turn things around, from staff are frustrated with me... to me being frustrated and so I was being let go.
I had worked for this company for just over a year, supposedly as the Accountant but with my hands tied behind my back (figuratively of course). I had no access to the bank account to download the statements or check on direct deposits or withdrawals. I had no access to Workers Compensation to file injury reports, actually I had no access to anything... sorry I tell a lie, I could access the owners Visa account and the companies loan account. I was the Accountant and supervisor of two, none of it was reality, just fiction I was told when I was hired, the same as the salary I was to earn. All fictitious.
No I was not happy working there, they have just done me a huge favour; but hurt pride is tough. I've worked for over 30 years and never been layed off, if anything employers have done their utmost to keep me. Right now I'm hurt, angry and very upset and having a hard time not letting depression take over.
Would I take my job back if they offered it, not without a ton of concessions, a much higher salary, and everything in writing. So if I or you learn anything from this... Get it in writing!!
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Saturday, 20 November 2010
It is Over
Finally I can put the stress behind me and get on with living. Since May the stress has been awful. Neither Richard or I have talked about the what if...
Even though I heard on Tuesday that I do not have cancer in my right arm it took me until yesterday (Friday) to take that deep breath and say it is over and life can continue as usual. All the things I have stopped doing or put off can now be done or worked on. Richard told me it was understandable that I did not jump up and down and celebrate as soon as I heard. One reason was I had absolutely no faith in the surgeon who actually finally did the biopsy, and secondly because the stress had been there for so long my mind and body did not know how to shed it.
Wednesday I had the ultrasound done and I figured the technician had found something, obviously they are not allowed to say anything to the patient, so was a bit worried about that. I saw my family Doctor yesterday and she explained first about the lumps that are called Hemangioma:
Hemangiomas usually are small, measuring only a quarter inch in diameter, but they can be several inches in diameter or even larger. The vast majority of hemangiomas of the liver never cause symptoms or health problems.
And like the above says are usually found in the liver, mine just happen to be in my right arm. We also discussed the pain that I've been having lately in my right arm, which she feels could be related to the neck damage that I acquired back in 1989 from the two rear end car accidents I had within a week of each other. This damage has caused a curvature of the upper spine and could now be pinching nerves. She sent me for C-spine Xrays and will refer me for nerve conduction tests. None of this is as stressful as thinking I once again had the rare cancer back of spindle cell sarcoma.
My plans now are to get our house appraised. I love this house it is quaint with lots of original features from the 1912's. Is far too small for Richard and I to do any entertaining. We can have one couple here but two means the dinning room chairs have to be moved into the living room and they are not comfortable for several hours of visiting. Then I need to consult with a mortgage broker and see how much we can qualify and afford in regard to a mortgage. We have seen a house, the same era as our present one, that is a lot bigger but will mean not only can we entertain more than one couple at a time but also have friends and the motor homes visit and park in the massive back yard. Right now I think the house is over priced but I don't believe it will stay on the market for very long so I have to get acting on my latest projects so we at least can maybe have a chance of moving to a house we love as much as this one.
Life is good and can now be lived. I thank everyone who has kept Richard and I in your prayers over the last seven months.
Even though I heard on Tuesday that I do not have cancer in my right arm it took me until yesterday (Friday) to take that deep breath and say it is over and life can continue as usual. All the things I have stopped doing or put off can now be done or worked on. Richard told me it was understandable that I did not jump up and down and celebrate as soon as I heard. One reason was I had absolutely no faith in the surgeon who actually finally did the biopsy, and secondly because the stress had been there for so long my mind and body did not know how to shed it.
Wednesday I had the ultrasound done and I figured the technician had found something, obviously they are not allowed to say anything to the patient, so was a bit worried about that. I saw my family Doctor yesterday and she explained first about the lumps that are called Hemangioma:
Hemangiomas usually are small, measuring only a quarter inch in diameter, but they can be several inches in diameter or even larger. The vast majority of hemangiomas of the liver never cause symptoms or health problems.
And like the above says are usually found in the liver, mine just happen to be in my right arm. We also discussed the pain that I've been having lately in my right arm, which she feels could be related to the neck damage that I acquired back in 1989 from the two rear end car accidents I had within a week of each other. This damage has caused a curvature of the upper spine and could now be pinching nerves. She sent me for C-spine Xrays and will refer me for nerve conduction tests. None of this is as stressful as thinking I once again had the rare cancer back of spindle cell sarcoma.
My plans now are to get our house appraised. I love this house it is quaint with lots of original features from the 1912's. Is far too small for Richard and I to do any entertaining. We can have one couple here but two means the dinning room chairs have to be moved into the living room and they are not comfortable for several hours of visiting. Then I need to consult with a mortgage broker and see how much we can qualify and afford in regard to a mortgage. We have seen a house, the same era as our present one, that is a lot bigger but will mean not only can we entertain more than one couple at a time but also have friends and the motor homes visit and park in the massive back yard. Right now I think the house is over priced but I don't believe it will stay on the market for very long so I have to get acting on my latest projects so we at least can maybe have a chance of moving to a house we love as much as this one.
Life is good and can now be lived. I thank everyone who has kept Richard and I in your prayers over the last seven months.
Monday, 25 October 2010
Too Stressed
I can't believe that a month has gone by without writing anything. I've had a few ideas lately but not acted on them. One was to begin writing my childhood memories another was just to do a daily stream but nothing has been produced.
Just to bring you up to date. Richard finally had his hernia surgery last week, surgery he had been waiting for two years. Instead of one hernia perforation he had two that were wide open so ended up on the table a lot longer than expected. He had a consult today and although his stitches were not ready to come out he is healing OK. It may take him nearly three months to really heal because of the extensive damage that had to be repaired but he'll heal fine.
What is the other stress well I don't have any answers but I do finally have another appointment with a new surgeon this time in Saskatoon. One of his specialties is oncology so I should be in good hands and just maybe there will be no more messing around. So I hope that within the next few weeks hopefully I should have had a biopsy and know the results.
Yes stress is high and I'm extremely tired, loosing weight, and have very little energy. I go to work, come home, eat, watch a little TV and head to bed.
Just to bring you up to date. Richard finally had his hernia surgery last week, surgery he had been waiting for two years. Instead of one hernia perforation he had two that were wide open so ended up on the table a lot longer than expected. He had a consult today and although his stitches were not ready to come out he is healing OK. It may take him nearly three months to really heal because of the extensive damage that had to be repaired but he'll heal fine.
What is the other stress well I don't have any answers but I do finally have another appointment with a new surgeon this time in Saskatoon. One of his specialties is oncology so I should be in good hands and just maybe there will be no more messing around. So I hope that within the next few weeks hopefully I should have had a biopsy and know the results.
Yes stress is high and I'm extremely tired, loosing weight, and have very little energy. I go to work, come home, eat, watch a little TV and head to bed.
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Revisit the Triathlon
I finally have a couple of pictures of Richard's completion of the Triathlon as promised.
And here you are. Richard managed to find his last reserves to sprint to the finish line. I took these with his camcorder and we managed to get some still pictures from that.
And here you are. Richard managed to find his last reserves to sprint to the finish line. I took these with his camcorder and we managed to get some still pictures from that.
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Vacation Bible School
On Sunday August 8th Richard did the Triathlon the following day we began our Vacation Bible School (VBS). You are probably thinking what bad timing but it was the best timing for our congregation.
We began the process of preparing for a VBS by first seeing if our small congregation could support such an endeavour. The first meeting was called. Being the Director of Parish Education this fell in my lap. Before the meeting we heard the usual types of comments; it will be the same time as we always have, it will run during the full week, why the need for all these meetings, etc. Were there enough individuals, not only willing to teach but also those willing to be back-up teachers in case someone could not fill their slot? Did we have enough teacher aids, snack time helpers, craft helpers etc.? In order to have enough volunteers when would the best time be? How many would need to take time off work to help and was this fair to ask individuals to use their vacation time to work at a VBS? What material would we use? Would everyone be on board to come to the evening preparation classes? So many questions had to be answered before we moved forward with our plan.
It was agreed we would have the VBS the first week of August, this time suited the most individuals, and we would have it in the evenings of that week. This was something very new for this congregation who had always had daytime VBS's. I was pleased to see so many of our volunteers on board with this new time. I handed the meeting to Pastor who showed us a variety of material we could use, some of which he already owned. Again the decision was made quite quickly, we chose "Follow The Lamb" put out by Pam Dawson.
After that first meeting things fell quickly into place. Age groups were chosen by the main teachers and their material was given to them. We spent time on ideas for classroom decor, possible snacks (cookies and juice) with a BBQ on the Friday, and the crafts. A month before the actual VBS Pastor taught us the lessons and gave ideas for teaching each days material.
"Follow The Lamb" the lessons are placed in time of the early Church; we began with an Opening Worship Service using the Invocation, Kyrie and triple Alleluia. All the teachers wore togas, (white sheets wrapped to resemble these, the ladies wearing a scarf over their head during the worship)( it was too hot to keep the togas on for the whole evening), we sang the hymn of the day and Pastor gave a short devotion. Each day ended with worship in the same format the closing hymn was "Abide with me", while the children gathered for the closing worship the hymn of the day was sung and we closed with the Benediction.
First day: the Birth of Jesus, incarnation; hymn of the day "Silent Night"; craft a mosaic.
Second day: The Crucifixion, passion; hymn of the day verses 16,17, & 18 of "Jesus, in your Dying Woes"; craft a small banner.
Third day: The Resurrection, (also word of the day); hymn of the day "Christ the Lord is Risen Today; Alleluia"; craft hand held lamp.
Fourth day: The Ascension, (also word of the day); hymn of the day verses 1-4 & 6 of "A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing"; craft stuff in water in a bottle (buttons, sparkles etc.).
Fifth day; Pentecost, (also word of the day); hymn of the day "Come Holy Ghost our Souls Inspire"; finish all crafts and also make a book of their colouring pages.
Having the VBS in the evening meant we had less time, we chose to have each class doing the same activity, it meant we did not require as many helpers because the teachers supervised and or helped their own classes during craft time, it did mean that I had all the children for singing together, this was extra challenging having to cater to all ages at once, this was not a good idea and will not be done in future VBS's.
For a small congregation we had 43 children registered and averaged 33. Considering there had not been VBS at our congregation for the past two years this was a good number also very manageable. A few pictures of the week.
The awesome work done by Gloria to the doors of our Church House
We began the process of preparing for a VBS by first seeing if our small congregation could support such an endeavour. The first meeting was called. Being the Director of Parish Education this fell in my lap. Before the meeting we heard the usual types of comments; it will be the same time as we always have, it will run during the full week, why the need for all these meetings, etc. Were there enough individuals, not only willing to teach but also those willing to be back-up teachers in case someone could not fill their slot? Did we have enough teacher aids, snack time helpers, craft helpers etc.? In order to have enough volunteers when would the best time be? How many would need to take time off work to help and was this fair to ask individuals to use their vacation time to work at a VBS? What material would we use? Would everyone be on board to come to the evening preparation classes? So many questions had to be answered before we moved forward with our plan.
It was agreed we would have the VBS the first week of August, this time suited the most individuals, and we would have it in the evenings of that week. This was something very new for this congregation who had always had daytime VBS's. I was pleased to see so many of our volunteers on board with this new time. I handed the meeting to Pastor who showed us a variety of material we could use, some of which he already owned. Again the decision was made quite quickly, we chose "Follow The Lamb" put out by Pam Dawson.
After that first meeting things fell quickly into place. Age groups were chosen by the main teachers and their material was given to them. We spent time on ideas for classroom decor, possible snacks (cookies and juice) with a BBQ on the Friday, and the crafts. A month before the actual VBS Pastor taught us the lessons and gave ideas for teaching each days material.
"Follow The Lamb" the lessons are placed in time of the early Church; we began with an Opening Worship Service using the Invocation, Kyrie and triple Alleluia. All the teachers wore togas, (white sheets wrapped to resemble these, the ladies wearing a scarf over their head during the worship)( it was too hot to keep the togas on for the whole evening), we sang the hymn of the day and Pastor gave a short devotion. Each day ended with worship in the same format the closing hymn was "Abide with me", while the children gathered for the closing worship the hymn of the day was sung and we closed with the Benediction.
First day: the Birth of Jesus, incarnation; hymn of the day "Silent Night"; craft a mosaic.
Second day: The Crucifixion, passion; hymn of the day verses 16,17, & 18 of "Jesus, in your Dying Woes"; craft a small banner.
Third day: The Resurrection, (also word of the day); hymn of the day "Christ the Lord is Risen Today; Alleluia"; craft hand held lamp.
Fourth day: The Ascension, (also word of the day); hymn of the day verses 1-4 & 6 of "A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing"; craft stuff in water in a bottle (buttons, sparkles etc.).
Fifth day; Pentecost, (also word of the day); hymn of the day "Come Holy Ghost our Souls Inspire"; finish all crafts and also make a book of their colouring pages.
Having the VBS in the evening meant we had less time, we chose to have each class doing the same activity, it meant we did not require as many helpers because the teachers supervised and or helped their own classes during craft time, it did mean that I had all the children for singing together, this was extra challenging having to cater to all ages at once, this was not a good idea and will not be done in future VBS's.
For a small congregation we had 43 children registered and averaged 33. Considering there had not been VBS at our congregation for the past two years this was a good number also very manageable. A few pictures of the week.
A few of us dressed in our togas... our Pastor was poor so his outfit was short on material.
Pastor assisting during craft time.
Snack time helpers taking a short break
The awesome work done by Gloria to the doors of our Church House
Saturday, 21 August 2010
August 8th Triathlon
Back in March Richard made the decision to train towards taking part in the Frank Dunn Triathlon at Waskasew. Before he changed his mind he paid the necessary fee and began training. He was not able to train with the Triathlon club here in Prince Albert as they were doing all their training on Sunday mornings and of course there is no way for Richard to join them at that time. I wasn't sure about this new goal of his but it was something for him to aim for.
He spent several hours each week at the gym until the snow was gone and he could once more get his bike out and start riding again. He had managed last year to ride to Emma Lake and swim then ride back home again which totaled about 120 kilometers biking and about an hour of swimming. This spring he added running to his training and was up to running 10 K. The triathlon would require swimming 1.5 K. biking 62 K. and running 13 K. this would be quite and undertaking for someone who is over weight.
On the Saturday August 7th we took our motor home out to Elk Ridge Recreation Spot and camped over night. At 6:00 am we packed up and headed the final five miles into Waskasew. While I fixed a breakfast for myself Richard took his gear over to the pen, transition spot, where his bike and running gear would sit while he took part in the three stages of the Triathlon. Once he was set he came back to the motor home and collected me and a chair etc. and we walked to where I would have a good view of the swimming.
Richard was one of the few who did not wear a wet suit, this is a picture of him, at least the back view. He is wearing his heart monitor which was allowed. Now Richard does not do a crawl when swimming but a side stroke which means he is not very fast and the 1.5 K. swim took him 55 mins. to complete but he was not the last to finish the swim.
Here he is just about ready to set out on the bike portion. I'm afraid this is the last picture I have as I took video after this shot and as of yet have not loaded it onto the computer but will add anything that has come out later. Even though he was not the last to set out on the 62 K. bike portion of the race he was the last one to arrive back and so the last to set out on the 13 K run portion.
As 2:00 was getting close I realized that the organizers were beginning to pack everything up and yet still no Richard had arrived back. Finally one of the volunteers saw me still sitting waiting and asked if I was waiting for someone. I explained that my husband had not yet arrived back from the run and I was a little worried. They took time to check with the various water stations along the route and found that he was still 6 K. out. At that point Richard said a couple of the girls from one of the drink stations began to run (walk) with him along the final stretch of the route... a vehicle was sent out to see if he wanted to quit and get a ride back but he persevered and kept going. From that point on they kept me informed of his progress. When he made his appearance at the edge of the park all the volunteers lined the last few 100 yards and cheered him on.
The race took him 6 hrs and 2 mins. but he completed it and I am proud of him. The majority of participants in the event were part of teams where only one person does one of the events. There were only about 30 who did the whole triathlon themselves. He was the last man to finish but was not truly last as there were a couple of disqualifications and a few who did not finish.
He spent several hours each week at the gym until the snow was gone and he could once more get his bike out and start riding again. He had managed last year to ride to Emma Lake and swim then ride back home again which totaled about 120 kilometers biking and about an hour of swimming. This spring he added running to his training and was up to running 10 K. The triathlon would require swimming 1.5 K. biking 62 K. and running 13 K. this would be quite and undertaking for someone who is over weight.
On the Saturday August 7th we took our motor home out to Elk Ridge Recreation Spot and camped over night. At 6:00 am we packed up and headed the final five miles into Waskasew. While I fixed a breakfast for myself Richard took his gear over to the pen, transition spot, where his bike and running gear would sit while he took part in the three stages of the Triathlon. Once he was set he came back to the motor home and collected me and a chair etc. and we walked to where I would have a good view of the swimming.
This is him about half way point and I figured I had time to go and find a washroom and then find a coffee. I missed seeing him come out of the water having not yet got back from my coffee and pancakes that I found being served in the community hall. I did catch up to him at the bike pen though.
As 2:00 was getting close I realized that the organizers were beginning to pack everything up and yet still no Richard had arrived back. Finally one of the volunteers saw me still sitting waiting and asked if I was waiting for someone. I explained that my husband had not yet arrived back from the run and I was a little worried. They took time to check with the various water stations along the route and found that he was still 6 K. out. At that point Richard said a couple of the girls from one of the drink stations began to run (walk) with him along the final stretch of the route... a vehicle was sent out to see if he wanted to quit and get a ride back but he persevered and kept going. From that point on they kept me informed of his progress. When he made his appearance at the edge of the park all the volunteers lined the last few 100 yards and cheered him on.
The race took him 6 hrs and 2 mins. but he completed it and I am proud of him. The majority of participants in the event were part of teams where only one person does one of the events. There were only about 30 who did the whole triathlon themselves. He was the last man to finish but was not truly last as there were a couple of disqualifications and a few who did not finish.
God at Work in our Congregation
Around Easter time we had several visitors attend our services. One couple in particular are planning to be married by a LC~C Pastor but required instruction before he would preside over their wedding. As they live here in Prince Albert the Pastor suggested they approach Pastor Mensch (Richard) and attend Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Ron and Michelle have been attending services and Bible study each Sunday since that time. Richard has provided them with catecheticle instruction. Ron has never been a church goer and never been baptized, Michelle is baptized and been a member of an other denomination. What a joy it has been over the past months to see the spiritual growth in both Ron and Michelle as they have not only received instruction but attended services and Bible study on a regular basis.
On August 1st Ron was baptized. It is always a wonderful miracle to see a baby receive the gift of faith through baptism but it is awesome when that miracle is shown in an adult through baptism. The joy on Ron's face as Pastor Mensch baptized him was wonderful. Once Ron was baptized both he and Michelle were confirmed and received into membership of Redeemer Lutheran Church and Lutheran Church~Canada.
This is the cake Michelle made for her Fiance which we shared during the coffee fellowship after the worship service.
In a few weeks they will become one as they are joined in marriage.
We had no need of special programs or music just pure Word and Sacrament and God's Kingdom here on earth grew by two. That same Easter week-end brought another visitor to our congregation who is also now taking Catachetical instruction from Pastor Mensch. Unlike Ron and Michelle she had no suggestions given to her to attend Redeemer Lutheran Church but just joined us at Easter and after attending a few other denominations she returned to our small Church family and is attending regularly.
Christ is always at work in us as we serve others through our vocations. God does not need our special programs and music. All that is required is that we remain faithful to His Word and Sacraments and it is His hand at work not ours.
Ron and Michelle have been attending services and Bible study each Sunday since that time. Richard has provided them with catecheticle instruction. Ron has never been a church goer and never been baptized, Michelle is baptized and been a member of an other denomination. What a joy it has been over the past months to see the spiritual growth in both Ron and Michelle as they have not only received instruction but attended services and Bible study on a regular basis.
On August 1st Ron was baptized. It is always a wonderful miracle to see a baby receive the gift of faith through baptism but it is awesome when that miracle is shown in an adult through baptism. The joy on Ron's face as Pastor Mensch baptized him was wonderful. Once Ron was baptized both he and Michelle were confirmed and received into membership of Redeemer Lutheran Church and Lutheran Church~Canada.
This is the cake Michelle made for her Fiance which we shared during the coffee fellowship after the worship service.
In a few weeks they will become one as they are joined in marriage.
We had no need of special programs or music just pure Word and Sacrament and God's Kingdom here on earth grew by two. That same Easter week-end brought another visitor to our congregation who is also now taking Catachetical instruction from Pastor Mensch. Unlike Ron and Michelle she had no suggestions given to her to attend Redeemer Lutheran Church but just joined us at Easter and after attending a few other denominations she returned to our small Church family and is attending regularly.
Christ is always at work in us as we serve others through our vocations. God does not need our special programs and music. All that is required is that we remain faithful to His Word and Sacraments and it is His hand at work not ours.
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