Hi!

[drloretta]

Hi guys, long time no talk! Wanted to update you on what's new with us.

For once in my life my DH is NOT looking for jobs! His current job seems secure through next year so he's staying put for now and getting some experience in a related field that may open up future opportunities for him. Yay!

S just turned 10 on Tuesday! I can't believe we brought her home a decade ago today. She is still fabulous, though the tween attitude seeps through more than I'd like. She's continuing to progress at Irish step dancing (gearing up for SPD performances!) and still wants to be an engineer. We just spent a weekend at Gurney's for 2 dance competitions and she did great. She's on her 3rd school project of the year and is going to make a macaroni penguin mask this weekend.

My work was super stressful in the fall and I was really on edge, but things have calmed down. Workload is still crazy high but our team is really coalescing to get things done.

Still knitting, Sock Madness started 2/29 so I'm trying to squeeze in crafting time. Ha!

Can't wait to hear what you guys are up to.

[RockNVoll]

Hi! I'm sad about how quiet this place has become but think of a lot of you often.

I'd say I'm doing fine overall. I'm not in a great mental place about work because I still feel like I don't know what I'm doing after a year in. However, my review went well and for the first time I got to see just how golden my handcuffs are when my carried interest vests in four more years (don't worry, I still voted for Warren, LOL--not that it matters now *sob*).

We've been SO SLOW in setting up the house even though we've been in it for a year and a half now. Like we just hung our first set of curtains last weekend, and literally on only two windows (one panel apiece since they're skinny, so not even a full set per window, LOL). The place is finally starting to grow on me which I think means I'm letting go of the anger and frustration with the builders and the whole building process. I still hate them, but perhaps at a low simmer rather than a burning passion.

I'm kind of glad I've been slow about planning travel now that COVID-19 is screwing up plans left and right. That said, I really did want to do something big for our 15th anniversary (!!!) this year. I guess we'll see what happens.

Still playing volleyball, managing to get to three other workout classes a week, haven't picked up my needles in years now (whoa, where does the time go?)...overall though we're both good!

[drloretta]

Ugh, I typed a whole response and went *poof*

I hear ya on feelings about work. This place has very high expectations and I was drowning for a while. But things have turned around and I got my first bonus in years.
I'm sorry to hear the house has left such a bad taste in your mouth. I felt that way about our truck for a while--7 hours of haggling while entertaining a 3yo didn't make it seem like such a joy to have. I think you need to host a GTG at your house to inspire you to decorate!
I didn't know we were anniversary twins! Our 15th is in October. No plans for the 2 of us, we're taking MIL to Ireland in August. liveintheville, you are a travel agent, yes? We need help!

[liveintheville]

Hey! Sorry to say no longer doing travel agency stuff. But we did just plan a trip to kuaui for April break! Screw the corona virus. I have got to get away. We didn’t go anywhere for our 15th.
I’m sad about warren as well.

[liveintheville]

Hey! Sorry to say no longer doing travel agency stuff. But we did just plan a trip to kuaui for April break! Screw the corona virus. I have got to get away. We didn’t go anywhere for our 15th.
I’m sad about warren as well.

[liveintheville]

Things are going ok here. Caleb is not turning in his homework. He’s doing it but failing to turn it in so he got a c on his report card. So he’s grounded. Lucas was doing ok but since winter break he’s been having a lot of problems. I had to go pick him up at school today because he was so upset. He’s had issues at karate as well.
Dave and I just got back from San Francisco the other week. Then Dave had to go out to mn for work. He was supposed to go this week but the money wasn’t approved. We’re not upset.
We got back a large tax return (I know I know we’re not doing it right) so we’re going to Hawaii over spring break in April. I can’t wait. We haven’t been on a family vacation in years. We have enough miles to cover all the flights. So it just came down to hotel. We went with the Hyatt. Hope it’s as good as they say.

[RockNVoll]

drloretta, congrats on the bonus! Sounds like you're at a new place? This is what happens when we don't chat regularly anymore on this board--I can't keep track of anything. I actually do want to host a GTG but I've been saying that to multiple groups of friends since last year and still haven't done it. Really need to get my act together. Work is just taking it out of me though and I'm having even more trouble than usual planning ahead for personal social events. And you should totally make couple plans for your anniversary; going to Ireland with your MIL doesn't count! At this point I'm just hoping for a nice dinner since I don't feel comfortable making any travel plans right now.

liveintheville, sorry to hear the boys are having a rough time Any idea why C's not turning in his work? Seems strange to do it but not hand it in, but I don't pretend to understand how tweenagers think! I hope you can figure out how to help L, too. You guys have a lot going on, and I hope the vacation helps everyone reset a little. And yay for free flights!

[liveintheville]

Mar 9, 2020 13:43:25 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

drloretta, congrats on the bonus! Sounds like you're at a new place? This is what happens when we don't chat regularly anymore on this board--I can't keep track of anything. I actually do want to host a GTG but I've been saying that to multiple groups of friends since last year and still haven't done it. Really need to get my act together. Work is just taking it out of me though and I'm having even more trouble than usual planning ahead for personal social events. And you should totally make couple plans for your anniversary; going to Ireland with your MIL doesn't count! At this point I'm just hoping for a nice dinner since I don't feel comfortable making any travel plans right now.

liveintheville, sorry to hear the boys are having a rough time Any idea why C's not turning in his work? Seems strange to do it but not hand it in, but I don't pretend to understand how tweenagers think! I hope you can figure out how to help L, too. You guys have a lot going on, and I hope the vacation helps everyone reset a little. And yay for free flights!

We have no idea why he doesn’t turn it in. He’s killing us. He has friends who do this as well. 12 year olds. Man.
Lucas has an appt on Tuesday where I’ll ask about the dosage of his meds.
And yeah I can’t keep up with you guys! Everyone’s moved and is so busy! I’m doing never ending laundry. Nothing exciting over here aside from ignoring the cdc and going on a trip in April.

[drloretta]

Mar 9, 2020 13:43:25 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

drloretta , congrats on the bonus! Sounds like you're at a new place? This is what happens when we don't chat regularly anymore on this board--I can't keep track of anything. I actually do want to host a GTG but I've been saying that to multiple groups of friends since last year and still haven't done it. Really need to get my act together. Work is just taking it out of me though and I'm having even more trouble than usual planning ahead for personal social events. And you should totally make couple plans for your anniversary; going to Ireland with your MIL doesn't count! At this point I'm just hoping for a nice dinner since I don't feel comfortable making any travel plans right now.

I started last February after I got laid off from the last company. It's a good group but our particular team has been slow to coalesce and they had VERY high expectations that I have been struggling to meet. It's gotten better though and I'm regaining people's confidence in my abilities. My mantra for this year is "I am in charge of my life, not the other way around".

Dinner is probably going to be as exciting as our anniversary gets. We just refinanced the house so maybe I'll get a new fence for my anniversary

[scm1011]

Hi all! So good to see updates! 

Happy 10th birthday to S, drloretta!

RockNVoll, we are so overdue for a workday lunch. I'm in the office MWF (well for now, I suspect we're going 100% remote very soon due to coronaviurs); let me know if you have availability in the coming weeks!


liveintheville, I'm sorry the boys are struggling. I hope the trip is the reset everyone needs.

As for me, I'm doing pretty well. Darby is 9 months old already and Cal is nearly 3.5. Time flies! D has had a rough winter healthwise (culminating in a hospital stay for pneumonia), but things seem to be on an upswing. She's a delight aside from the fact she sucks a sleep. I'm not sure what I did in life to deserve 2 babies who are completely unable to sleep longer than 3 hour increments lolsob.

I interviewed for a big internal promotion recently and I'm still waiting to hear the results. Corona madness planning has taken our COO's attention away from filling the role. 

[liveintheville]

scm1011, hurray for promotions! That’s awesome news! Sorry the babies aren’t sleeping. I feel your pain.
I hope to god this Hawaii thing happens.

[RockNVoll]

Oh, I want to hear more about this potential new role, scm1011 !  We've moved to voluntary wfh now, and today is my first official day of it.  I wanted to avoid the T ride more than anything; the office doesn't scare me.  Who knows when things will be back to normal, but I definitely want to catch up over a meal sometime.  Maybe we can figure something out on a weekend?  My volleyball stuff has all been cancelled so Saturdays suddenly opened up, LOL.

[liveintheville]

Well they cancelled school today and tomorrow. Supposedly for a deep clean. I’m hoping school reopens on Monday but I’m one of the lucky ones. It’s no problem for me to stay home with the kids. And Dave works from home anyway. We have to go to my nieces’ bat mitzvah and Dave’s sister insists he wear a jacket. Well he doesn’t have one. I can’t remember last time he had to wear a suit or jacket. He wears jeans and a tshirt everyday for work.

[liveintheville]

Ok schools are closed for 2 weeks from Monday. And my sil has postponed my niece’s bat mitzvah. Guess we’re home bound for a while.

[scm1011]

Cambridge Public is closed so its only a matter of time before the kids daycare is closed too (they use Cambridge Public as a proxy for snow days). BPS is stubbornly staying open right now (they sent an email out about 30 minutes ago). I was kind of counting on DH being home if the kids are so I could effectively WFH but its looking dicey. Ugh.

[scm1011]

Mar 12, 2020 13:45:56 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

Oh, I want to hear more about this potential new role, scm1011 !  We've moved to voluntary wfh now, and today is my first official day of it.  I wanted to avoid the T ride more than anything; the office doesn't scare me.  Who knows when things will be back to normal, but I definitely want to catch up over a meal sometime.  Maybe we can figure something out on a weekend?  My volleyball stuff has all been cancelled so Saturdays suddenly opened up, LOL.

I tried to PM you but posted it here instead :headdesk: I deleted without copying first, so I'll re-write the long PM again later/tomorrow, but long story short I found out today I didn't get the promotion. Blah. 

[RockNVoll]

Mar 12, 2020 18:58:40 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Mar 12, 2020 13:45:56 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

Oh, I want to hear more about this potential new role, scm1011 !  We've moved to voluntary wfh now, and today is my first official day of it.  I wanted to avoid the T ride more than anything; the office doesn't scare me.  Who knows when things will be back to normal, but I definitely want to catch up over a meal sometime.  Maybe we can figure something out on a weekend?  My volleyball stuff has all been cancelled so Saturdays suddenly opened up, LOL.

I tried to PM you but posted it here instead :headdesk: I deleted without copying first, so I'll re-write the long PM again later/tomorrow, but long story short I found out today I didn't get the promotion. Blah. 

Boo! I'm sorry Text or email if that's easier.

[RockNVoll]

Mar 12, 2020 16:45:22 GMT -5 liveintheville said:

Ok schools are closed for 2 weeks from Monday. And my sil has postponed my niece’s bat mitzvah. Guess we’re home bound for a while.

My sister decided to cancel her 40th birthday party, too.

I can already see myself going stir crazy at home.

[5kcandlesinthewind]

Mar 12, 2020 18:57:04 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Cambridge Public is closed so its only a matter of time before the kids daycare is closed too (they use Cambridge Public as a proxy for snow days). BPS is stubbornly staying open right now (they sent an email out about 30 minutes ago). I was kind of counting on DH being home if the kids are so I could effectively WFH but its looking dicey. Ugh.

I think part of the reason they're staying open is the sheer number of kids who rely on the school system for meals, and the number of parents who rely on it as a place to send their kid so they can work. But I don't know how long they can keep going, given all everything.  It's awful.  Our district decided last night to have a half day today, and then close for a minimum of 2 weeks.  And then we got a call at 10 pm that there was a presumptive case in the district, so they were closed immediately. I would be surprised if they're back before April vacation, and I wouldn't be surprised if the preschool is done for the year. Poor Ben cried when we told him he wasn't going back to school today, because "Miss Nicole said she'd see us on Friday!" (My husband ALSO shed some tears, as you can imagine.)

We have canceled everything here at work (except online classes) through the end of April, and it's unclear what, exactly, "near future" means for us, but we know degree students won't be back the rest of the semester. They've told us to plan to start working remotely full time (I already do 2 days per week), and are using today and Monday as a "trial run."  Though the email also said it could start full time officially as soon as Monday, so I don't expect to be back here.  I WFH on Thursdays, so I wasn't here yesterday, but my boss told me it was like a fire sale, with people taking monitors and docking stations and all everything home.  

Anyway, hi all! Hope you and your loved ones are all safe and well. Be careful out there!

[scm1011]

5kcandlesinthewind , oh that is for sure the reason and I didn't mean to gloss over that very important consideration. At DH's school, 100% of the kids are on free breakfast and lunch. He's struggling to put together distance learning plans when the majority of his kids don't have internet access beyond phones. It's a mess.

That said, DH's school (a public charter) decided to close today at noon for at least 2 weeks. They have a little flexibility as a charter to break from BPS, but I imagine BPS will eventually follow suit.

ETA: also, poor Ben and your poor DH! Godspeed to you all lol.

[RockNVoll]

Hi, 5kcandlesinthewind! Just glad to "see" you