Yeah well we just don't know if they are going to close the place down or not. I am at my wit's end now - I know this is meant to be a stressful but exciting time of my life but right now it just seems to be the whole world of $hit dumped on us all at once at a time when we really need to be dealing with other things... I just don't know what to do and I am so scared

It sounds like he would be better off out of there - although the timing could not be worse. If he already paid for his ticket to the UK, he'd still go, right? Especially if you are having a reception?

When will he need to get the apartment by?

I move on the 30th June... I just don't know what is going on anymore. I feel so lost and right now is when I could use a little security... and I just - I feel utterly useless because I can't do a damned thing about anything... I just don't know anymore

Oh Aly. Mega, megahugs. As Robin says, he's now the most senior person there and it is pretty unlikely Jeremy's going to be told to move on as well, given the circumstances. For what it's worth, I bet Jeremy is more than up to the task of being a manager, and it could be a fantastic opportunity to prove he's his own man, and more than up to the task. I know it sounds trite, but focus on the good here: he's now the boss, unless they bring in someone else above him. He's very likely to get a pay rise, which is good, right? And you'd be surprised at how little time it can take to find some place to live -- even if it means you can't do that until you're both out there.

Wait until the dust settles a bit, get some more info from Jeremy and then make some plans, ditch some others and be your lovely self throughout. You can vent here all you like and we'll be here for you. You have faced up to all the struggles of being in a LDR, this is just another hurdle that you'll leap with grace.

HUGS Aly. There's not much I can say that will improve your situation but we're all here for you if you need to vent or have a cry.

I think Maven is right - this could wind up being a chance for promotion, in fact, that was my first reaction when I read it. But I think the fact that you have your own upheaval ahead is going to make you feel extra anxious even if life was 100% perfect in terms of job and apartment. You will get through it though, I am sure of that.

Aly, I am so sorry to hear how stressed you are feeling. *hugs* I just want to echo everyone else's words and say that my first thoughts were that he would not be fired but promoted, if anything. But I can understand that it is a huge worry and I hope you hear some good news soon.


Weight never does want to go. It's hard work, that's for sure! Oh well, I'll continue to go to the gym for health reasons primarily, and try not to worry too much about my weight; I was never going to be a supermodel anyway.


Oh, I know, poor estadia. And she is so cheerful, and always one of the first to congratulate others when they receive their approvals. I have to admire her fortitude; there's no way I could stay that positive. I really hope she hears good news soon.

Thanks guys He still has his job - he still doesn't know what has happened and probably won't know until he speaks to Todd his now ex-boss (the good one). It is a possibility for promotion - it would be awesome but not something I want to get my hopes up about as someone out there seems to be throwing us curve balls at every opportunity - making assumptions now would surely result in us getting screwed over in one way or another...

We don't know about June still... the tickets have already been bough but we just don't know. I don't know when I am going to get a chance to see him next. I can't believe that the one thing that was close to tearing us apart has now come back to throw us yet another challenge. How much can they expect him to do? He was already working out at a worse hourly rate than he was before he was promoted due to working so many hours and being on a salary...

What makes things more interesting(!) is that he works on the Morongo Reservation so they don't have to abide by State laws... they seem to be a law unto themselves and so even if he became GM, he would still have higher ups who could screw him over should they see fit... I just can't wait until I am there and can at least feel like I have some input...

But for now, something we are all sick of and yet very good at (albeit grudgingly)...

Waiting

Does he work at the casino there, Jeraly? What kind of work does he do? I didn't know that they don't have to follow state law regarding employment on the reservations.

I'm sure most are asleep but I"m bursting here and just had to share. First off.. today was very very very draining for me. between still getting things ready for Kris coming, still dealing with the Ex (he's yet to pay support for his son ) and this guy at work that continues to drive me insane with his continue disregard for anyone that i swore tonight would just end with me crashing out with exhaustion..

Well i decided to surf (ie google) my pen name. I've not done this in awhile since my last book was released summer of last year... low and behold a new review was located. The lady who reviewed it made my night... a small piece to help make me smile. So.. she even saw into what i wrote and hoped there would be a sequel (which there is lol or at least it is planned)

So for my grins and smiles.. here is what she wrote..

After the loss of her husband, Jena is forced by her two closest friends to take a vacation. She heads for the remote areas of Scotland, planning to backpack in solitaire across the countryside. While visiting with the locals and enjoying the peaceful outdoors, she was surprised by the disturbing spirits that won't leave her in peace. When she's not having nightmares of demons she's dreaming of the man of her dreams. The man with deep blue eyes and a voice she'd recognize anywhere. Erick is baffled from the moment he meets Jena. Not used to a woman telling him no, he's instantly drawn to her.

This story has it all. Jena's friendship with Katie is very touching and will make you laugh. The loss of her husband makes Jena re-evaluate her life, her feelings, and her relationships and you feel it all right with her. The emotions in this story will drag you in and keep you engaged until the end. The chemistry between Erick and Jena is very intense, but at times can be slightly predictable. I just love a story where the main characters initially meet in dreams. The dreams added to the mystery and build the suspense.

The supporting characters really add to the story. Katie and Justin's support of Jena and Erick is phenomenal. The way they worked together helped to make a great story. While the plot of the story can fade to the background at times, the story is full of events that will keep you involved throughout. All of the emotions, especially those felt by Jena, are so vivid and real. This story amazed me at how such a large, gruff man could be so gentle and caring when he finds love. I hope there is a sequel planned for this story. I truly enjoyed Erick and Jena's story and can't wait to read about Katie and Justin.

If you enjoy books full of emotion, with strong characters and a little bit of the mystical thrown in, then this is the book for you.

Overall rating: 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Jacquelyn R. Ward


<sniffle> i wanted to reach through cyberspace and hug her

Nah - he works at A&W which is right next to the casino. I think they don't have to abide by State law period - only federal law, but being unfamiliar with all the laws I couldn't tell you which is which... All I know is that he has no contract, no union and they seem to be able to fire people at the drop of a hat...

He's ok though - they fired a bunch of people but not him so he is acting GM at the moment. His nice boss might get his job back but... it's all still up in the air... but his job is safe if nothing else... Don't know about next month though...

wow that is a situation, jeraly. i agree with previous posts that it may be opportunity knocking for him though.

so you do actually read the posts then Charles??
I thought you just posted here to keep your post count up

Haha, I was about to say the same thing but didn't want to be seen as mean.

Robyn - aw! And it's a good review, too, as in it makes me very curious about the book!

I'm always looking for something new to read and am interested in your book, Robyn. Can I find it at a bookstore or online somewhere? I'd like to read it!

Jeraly, I hope everything works out for you guys! I'm sure it'll be easier to deal with when you two are together. ^^ You'll be in my thoughts!

I feel like I've been running around like crazy trying to get everything together for the next step in this process >< At least everyone has been very helpfull so far! My supervisor even sent my letter of employment the same day I asked for it! She sent it via an e-mail scan though (in color and on company stationary) and I'm hoping that will be acceptable...

-Shannon

Well yeah - things seem to be evening out a bit - now the only real question mark is about him getting the time off next month - we bought his ticket already but it looks like if his old boss gets reinstated then he will get the time off, and if his old boss doesn't get reinstated, then he will be GM and therefore able to afford to change the ticket.

AND we could afford a nicer apartment

i read ot, polls, mena, canada ot thread, uk ot thread, sub-sahara ot thread, k-1 forum, the "divorce" forum, and the russia forum.

it's a toss up between mena and russia as to which is more interesting.

I know this is several pages back, but I kept meaning to reply.

My OH works as a Video Games Tester for the Mouse!! The Mouse himself even comes once in a while to check up on them

Really???? SM to Glendale not good??? That's disappointing. What constitutes killer? He reckons anything under an hour would be roughly equivilent to how long he spends getting to work now. Or is it just that it would be unpredictable?

Hope your jetlag is wearing off now!


Charles - glad to see that you keep up with affairs all over the world I personally can't spend too much time in MENA. Sometimes if i accidentally wind up there, I get very confused till I know that that's where I am. Then it all makes sense

All of my books can be ordered through Barnes and Noble online, Amazon.com or my publisher's website. You can link to it from my website (linky is at bottom of my sig)

It did make my day.. or night heh.. this was BEFORE the massive storm that rolled through producing huge amounts of hail and tornados

We're all too much in agreement here. All cosy with our tea and biscuits and duvets.

it's better than a reality tv show

Ah, I see - I don't think I remember any names of people in that division. He didn't work for the Atilla guy, did he? (that'sa name you don't forget) I worked there from 00-05 in the non-branded TV division (or ABC Disney as it is now called). The Mouse does make appearances sometimes, yes. Sometimes you would just be working away and he would walk right by. And then you'd get those emails that said "Dear Cast Members"

SM to Glendale - people do it, but it wouldn't be for me. In fact, one of my old Burbank-based colleagues still does it everyday. He generally leaves at 7am and beats traffic and then leaves work about 4pm. The problem is the traffic - LA traffic, especially along the 405 and the 101 is just horrible. Check the sigalert to get an idea of what times might be during rush hour:

http://www.sigalert.com/map.asp?Region=Greater+Los+Angeles

If something like a brush fire where to flare up in the mountains (which happens at least once a year) it would make it even more difficult. If he doesn't mind sitting in traffic it is "doable" but I might be looking more at places like Silver Lake or Los Feliz, or even parts of Hollywood. The best place would be somewhere in the Valley, where I'd say most Disney people live, but if you don't like the humidity I wouldn't live there, plus it's very suburban (though there are parts I like).

Still, I do really like Santa Monica - having the cooler air and the sea is very nice.

jetlag has just about abated, though I think I am getting too old for doing long haul trips that last less than a week.

Poiteen -- you heard it from Robin: you have orders, yes ORDERS, to live in Silver Lake or Los Feliz. I'll be scouting there in about 7 weeks so I'll give you the straight poop on rents.

agree with all that.

I went from the edge of SM to North Hollywood on Tuesday at 6PM - took me 50 minutes. And that was a fast one I think!

Poiteen - it's just a b*tch of a drive. And if there's a Hollywood bowl concert or anything like that, it gets worse.

Drinks with Maven & rkl!!!!

UK+VJ+LA = fancy cocktails.

Robin & I go to dives - sometimes anyhow. You MUST try the garlic fries at this place. DE-LISH!

Oh, don't get me wrong. I am all about the dives, in fact my absolutely favourite place of all time is a time-warped late 1940s hole called the Anchor, right here in New Haven. It used to be Jodie Foster's local back in the 80s; she wore a wig, apparently, when she would settle in for a session there. Best jukebox ever -- big band, 50s rock and early 60s soul. Just perfect. I went there last Saturday night with a friend; we each had 2 beers and split an order of chicken tenders and the bill came to $14.

yes i'll miss old man pubs. They are my favourite. And i'll miss working in Soho. I love Soho.
Maven - You're only allowed to go for drinks with rkl and dev, if you give a full report in the morning - OK?

I've been trying to convince the boy of all the above, especially since the rents are so much more affordable in Silverlake/Los Feliz than Santa Monica. I suppose it'll be easier to demonstrate when we get there. Thanks for the heads up though. When I started to look at apartments, I was clueless enough to think that Long Beach was a possibility (VERY cheap )

Honestly, the reason he's so enamoured with SM is cos he's trying to consider me. I don't (yet) drive, and he had a hard time adjusting to over here, so he's trying to give me a soft landing by being somewhere that I can walk around to stuff before I have my licence. And I prefer walking anyway. He'll be delighted to be back in a car!

He's defo never worked for anyone called Atilla, or any other Huns that I know of . He's only ever worked for Disney in London, but we're hoping he can get transfered. That would be especially good, cos I think it would come with benefits for both of us.

Hey I can do fancy cocktails or dive bars. I'm not fussy!

Fancy cocktails at the Sky Bar is more LA than 500 blondes shopping at Kitsons!

Atilla worked in London but I believe he left - there were so many changes in the last year I was there with who did what in the gaming and digital world I couldn't really tell you who was who and what was what.

You can walk around Silver Lake and there are lots of nice shops and bars - don't know the bus situation though. Bus situation in SM is actually pretty good.

I was pretty clueless about LA too - once you get here, you need to drive around all the different places to get a feel for it. I have a book maps for hte county I'd recommend getting if you don't know the area (kind of like the London A-Z). Can't remember what it's called - but I will report back when I next go to my car.

I *think* it's the Thomas Guide. We found it very useful when we visited in September.

First thing anyone must be when arriving in LA! I used it 2 days ago.

http://store.randmcnally.com/category/thom....do?code=tbhome

---

Poiteen, there are plenty of neighborhoods that have walkable stuff. An apt close to walking stuff in SM will be just as expensive as the same in Silverlake. Same size too. We looked all over SL at first, then West LA. I've seen far too many apts & know the going rate tho!

West LA is good. All my co-workers live here, cheaper than SM, but only 3-4 miles from the beach!

Culver City is walkable too.

That's it, the Thomas Guide - I tried driving around without one my first weekend here - not recommended!

My fave place for margaritas in LA/group outings: http://www.elcoyotecafe.com

I think my friends & I must go here at least once a month - and always with guests. It's an LA landmark!! He!!, Sharon Tate ate her last meal here...

Oh my god -- I always ALWAYS go to El Coyote when I'm in LA! My BF from high school dragged me there for the first time about 4 years ago and I love it. He lured me there with the Sharon Tate tale; being a fan of the Valley of the Dolls I couldn't resist.

Hi everybody! I haven't been here for a couple weeks, just wanted to pop in and say hello.

I booked mine and doggies airline tickets this week, we both fly out on June 17th. The movers are coming to pick up all of our boxes on June 2, so I've been frantically packing! I can't believe how much stuff we have, even though I got rid of so much stuff prior to moving here 2 years ago! Still need to sell our sofa, bed and some misc furniture. I can't sleep at night! My mind just won't stop...then I wake up exhausted! I'm sure some of you can relate!

Anywho, hope you are all well and getting some sunshine wherever you are! We've had great weather here in Bristol until today...the rain and cooler temps are back. And my friend from back home just called to tell me they are having a heat wave in San Francisco!!!!!!

MEXICAN!!!

I have tried in vain more times than I can remember to schlep my boy off to one Mexican or other masqurading as 'authentic'. The most I have got for my troubles is 'it's ok, i like my Mexican food from a cart in a parking lot'.

Course the flip side is, as soon as he gets back to all the things he misses, I start missing things..

will defo get me on of them thar Thomas guides. I spend most of my days poring over the google maps as it is

Freak out! I just emailed the draft of my paper to my supervisor! AAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!

Okay, it needs proofing, a bibliography, appendices numbered and a draft code of conduct (which I will totally just do in like an hour when he's back in the office on Monday, so I can bounce ideas off of him) but it is done. Of course, then there will be all his edits to incorporate; doesn't help when your boss was nominated for a Pulitzer and you hand in work that's totally half-azzed.

Totally half-azzed -- but done!

Oh, and did I say:

wake up! it's friday!

Woo! Congratulations maven!

A few more for good measure!

Gratzies Maven!! Now you can enjoy the weekend!!

g'morning all, wake up!

wrong as usual, it's the afternoon!!

Totally missed this post!!! You must be sooo glad to be going home soon!!!

What movers did you use out of interest? I am still kinda packing things up so haven't called anywhere yet but I am collecting names

maybe where you are
and now it's afternoon here, so good afternoon

g'morning everyone - even if it is monday

Today is a sunny day here in the Westcountry!