Finally, after two temporary layoffs & medical leave (broken ankle), back to work! 

As written in my other journal entries, I took a temporary layoff from work, returned, and on my first day back, later broke my ankle at home.

I've been able to get around some because I've had walking casts, that includes grocery shopping at my place of employment.  Co-workers never cease to stop me and tell me of hourly cuts and how they've had to bump in order to get decent hours.  

At the start of every new year, the store has always offered the temp layoff and this makes the second time I've taken it in the nine years I've been with them.  Here's a first!  Now they're offering another temp layoff which runs May thru Sept!  I also learned that the photo lab and card party shop departments (in my store) are being closed!  Last time I was there, was told that the store lease ends in Feb 2010 and employees are anticipating the store closing...

Thankfully, I have something to fall back on should this happen...but I feel bad for those who may have to turn to other alternatives.

Thanks for listening! 

Update on my broken ankle:  The cast was removed on my last appointment with orthopedics.  X-rays showed it is still broken and I was fitted with what I'm calling the Herman Munster Foot!

It's a big, black "soft cast" with five large straps, three around the calf and ankle areas and two across the top of my foot.  At least I can take it on and off... Next appointment is May 13th.

p.s.  It is UGLY!

Even tho I enjoyed the TLO, it ended March 28 and I returned to work March 29.

I was scheduled a six-hour shift which ended at 2:00 that afternoon.  I ran a couple errands and went home.  Later that evening, I tripped on some stairs in the home and broke my right ankle!  So, I'm off at least three weeks as I cannot work wearing a cast.

My next appointment with orthopedics is April 22.  Wish me luck so I can return to work! 

All interested parties:  Please visit ZooToo.com and vote!

I learned of this site in our local newspaper.  There are 10 shelters throughout the US vying for the million dollar makeover and one of them is in the town I live in!  You can vote up to ten times per day for the shelter of your choice.

Voting ends at midnight April 19!

What is TLO?  It is temporary layoff.  That is what I opted for .  At the start of each year, the company I work for offers this.  Instead of risking being cut to down to as little as 14 hours/week, I will take the TLO.  I do miss my regular income, but do receive unemployment.  I do not miss getting out in this weather!   BRRRRRRR!!!