So just a bit of an update..........

[dprince]

...........well, I'm freaking out a little.

For those of you who don't know me that well........I work for a county government as a social worker. My husband is a stay at home dad. So that means whatever money we have comes from my job and the geckos.

We were just told this week that our county CEO is taking to the Board of Supervisors a proposal for MTO (mandatory time off) the week of Christmas. This means, I WON'T GET PAID for an ENTIRE WEEK of work. We can't use sick time, or vacation time, or anything. Somehow, the CEO came to the brilliant conclusion that this time of year "would have the least amount of impact" on both employees and clients. WTF?!?!?! :main_huh:

For me, this is quite a fell blow. And we JUST found out about it this week...........and they only have to give us 7 days notice before implementing it. We love our lifestyle, we don't have a rich life, but I'm usually really OK with that. I am so thankful for having a job, but I am feeling a little...........nervous about this prospect. I know it may not happen, I know our Union has promised to fight it and take it to court and get our money back (several months/years from now.......), but I can't help but feel.............helpless.

Oh, and property taxes are due in December, as well as our HOA dues (which combines is in the neighborhood of $3K). Oh, and Christmas. Oh, and I'm about 13 weeks away from my due date. :main_rolleyes:

So if I seem a little freaked out..........I'm trying hard NOT to be, but.........I pretty much am. I'm trying to sell a few snakes (that I don't really want to sell, but christ, what am I supposed to do if this goes through?) and I'll be updating my website this weekend in the hopes of selling some geckos.

I'm also looking around my house for things of value that I could sell on ebay. So...........don't think I'm pathetic, just think of me as.............resourceful. Or at least trying REALLY HARD to be. I hope none of you thinks this is a pity party or anything - it's not meant to be at all - but I wanted to share with my friends the current status of things.

Keep a good thought or two if you can. Thanks guys.

 

[nwheat]

Yikes, Debbie! :main_no: Seems pretty harsh to me to have enforced unpaid leave at Christmas! That just sucks. I really hope your union can convince them of the error of their ways.

 

[dprince]

Thanks Nancy - you and me both. *crosses fingers*

 

[Mel&Keith]

Hopefully it all works out in the very best possible way!!! If you do decide to sell some stuff on ebay make sure to put the link in here in case I find something I need.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Hang in there, Deb... we are coming in to some hard times. Christmas and the Holidays are always a tough time, and it seems like it always coincides with property taxes, $2,000 car repair bills, $500 energy bills, and other unplanned expenses. I'm sure it's even more stressful with 3 kids and a baby coming and trying to live on one income. Hugs, girlfriend! (Call if you need to rant...)

 

[KelliH]

I feel ya, Deb, and I'm sorry you are having a hard time. It sucks you are having to sell some snakes but at least you have them to sell. For sure post the Ebay link, you may have something one of us cannot live without! We love you!

 

[dprince]

Thanks guys!! :iloveyou:

 

[Jeanne]

Wow, that is a really sucky thing for them to do (If they do it). A real life Scrooge if I've ever imagined one! I will keep all my fingers and toes crossed that it doesn't go through!

 

[dprince]

Thanks Jeanne!!

What I'm hearing now is that they may furlough us on Friday, Dec. 26 ONLY. Then, there would be 4 other days - one every other month - where they would furlough us. Now THAT I can live with!!

Thanks so much for the good vibes and wishes............I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. *hugs*