Dion Family Trip 8/8 - 8/24

[Jacki]

Soooooooooo

It's a little early, but I'm starting my trip report now. Partly so I can look back in the future and see that everything turned out the way it was meant to....I hope!

I lost my job. After 25 years here, Tuesday 7/31 is my last day. The company is closing after 39 years in business. It's sad. I'm sad. My bosses are sad. I've spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week (for most of that time) here in these walls. I've had dreams about this place, I've stayed up in the middle of the night worried about where I was getting the cash for payroll. I've woken up in the middle of the night thinking of new auto attendant scripts for my customers. I've worked on marketing strategies and website redesign and work order design and custom data base creation and all forms of customer service and proposal writing, I've done all the AR & AP work for the last 8 years. I've created spreadsheets to calculate our cost & labor to get the end user pricing. I've lived and breathed the telecom industry for 25 years. I've watched my babies grow from infants in playpens in my office (when they weren't feeling well or their daycare centers were closed for random holidays). And that can be seen in all the pictures that used to hang on my walls & filing cabinets. The old ones never came down, the new ones were just added. All 3 kids' 8th grade graduation pics, my daughter's HS & College pics. Everything is here. I met my husband here (well, on my computer here back in the day when AOL was dial-up and pay per minute). I planned my wedding from here, I traced my daughter's feet and drew a ruler next to the trace & faxed that to Ireland to have her Irish Step Dance shoes made. Everything important that has happened in my life has happened here or unfolded here. I AM A MESS.

BUT..... Aruba is already planned and paid for and is happening. AND I am a FIRM believer in "everything happens for a reason". I truly believe that I will find another job and likely have a higher income and not have to stress about where that income is coming from - which would be nice.

It is truly the End of an Era and a (scary) start to a brand new one!

[Jacki]

This year's timeline:
We are bringing my Goddaughter, Mackenzie, for the first time! She is 16 and this is her first trip to an island - first trip out of the country!! And first time away from her parents. She's coming in with us & my parents on the 8th and leaving on the 12th - very short stay for her so for the first time we will be packing in some activity the first few days.

We are at Tropicana 8th - 10th, then LaCabana 10th - 24th. Mackenzie leaves the 12th, my daughter, Brianna, comes in on the 15th, my sisters in law Laurie & Ann and Ann's mom come in on the 17th.

Like I said recently....I can't tell you how much I NEED this Aruba getaway!

[FBS199]

Enjoy your time on "The Happy Island", Jacki !!!
No worries in Aruba!!

[cpjones]

Awwww Jacki..... that's a helluva milestone. I have no doubt that a new job will come along.... and it'll be better that the last one...... In the meantime.... just relax, recoup and regroup on Aruba. When you come back.... you'll hit the ground running!

[Pegmeister]

You definitely need Aruba! I’m sorry to hear about your job loss. I also truly believe that things happen for a reason and a new door will open up.

[brady bear]

You need this well deserve trip
Remember when "god" closes one door he "opens" many windows.
Enjoy your vacation..

[Andrea J.]

Jacki told me of her employment situation a few weeks ago.
I was sad and upset for her, but then thought of with her skills and work dedication she would an ASSET to any business.
It is very rare that we know of someone that has dedicated more than half of their adult life in one job.

So, although Jacki is grieving......yes this is a huge loss...........I am encouraged thinking that she will find a position that will be a perfect match!

This trip will be memorable and well deserved.

[WaltVB]

Well, heck Jacki, I'm so sorry to hear about your job. Things happen for a reason and this to will pass. You'll just have to make this the best Aruba trip ever! And although the loss of a job is not a welcome thing, when you get back from Aruba you don't have to worry about going back to work the next day! Take care, our thoughts are with you.

[Jacki]

Very true points. Love my virtual friends. Thanks all!

[Aruba4ever]

Jacki, when one door closes another is about to open. Whats behind that new door while somewhat scary will be everything you deserve, and you deserve a ton! I am glad you are going to Aruba to relax and its all paid for already. Sending good work vibes your way!