Yesterday, I rec'd a tx pic on my cell. I am a grandmother again! I have two managers who work for me ..... both who call me Mom. The female had her baby at abt 0900 and sent a pic at 0941. What a cute little girl! I am SO excited, and hope to swing by today to visit the Mom and hold the baby. I told the male manager that he is next. I had already given the female a bunch of stuff, but she didn't want the furniture. Said her family was making "stuff". The male has had me holding on to the rest. And, now that July is abt done... it is really dawning on me that my trip is only 3 months away. I am still looking at a place to stay in Venice.

It was an interesting week. Tiring, as the weather is not only hot, but rainy and humid. Thursday, I met with an old cronie, who moved with me from adult corrections to kiddie corrections. The word is that the Feds will take over the kiddie place in a few weeks, and the evil idiots up top are out. He was offered several positions back in the adult prison, and extended the offer to me also. I said I thought I was retiring soon and would not continue to work for the State, but that I would do some contract work for him. Then, when I arrived home, there was a msg from the psychiatrist at the private prison. The corporate CMO has resigned, and he submitted my name to the CEO as his replacement. The psychiatrist also submitted my name. I phoned the CEO and gave him my salary requirements. Quite honestly, they can find someone for less money than I want. I will go through the motions of formally submitting an application, but it will not pan out. On the home front, my program is slowly being dismantled by the new psychiatrist, who is clueless. She is used to working w Alzheimers pts and has no idea what she is doing. We have the worst of the worst kids, and she will fail miserably. So, I am back to the original plan ... retire the end of October. I am working on my trip still and will stay at my favorite hotel in Barcelona, the Renaissance, and am still trying to decide whether to stay on the island of Venice, or closer to the airport for the return stay.

Another interesting week at work. My boss, who beat me up, seven days a week (she would call me at home, or wherever I was) quit. Her last day is in two weeks. I think too many people complained about her, and probably went to EOC. The CMO had a fight with the CEO, and he quit ... only to take a position downtown as the CEO's boss. HR is quitting right and left. The new psychiatrist, who is now my boss, seems very nice. She is professional to me, and rumor is that her staff at other places have loved her. I wonder how long she will stay with us. Neither one of us want to go to the AM head hancho meetings, so neither of us are going. That meeting is the super beat up meeting. Anyhow, I might just re-think my retirement date, if this lady continues to act like a lady and a professional. On another note, my sisters, mother, and I are going to a five star restaurant today for a gourmet cooking class. And, I continue to work on my trip to Europe, and will prob stay at a couple of five star places prior and post cruise. It will be an awesome vacation!

Today is my niece's birthday. She was born 12 years ago, and only lived 2 days. I have her picture on my refrigerator door, so that I can look at her every day. I hope to never forget her. She was a beautiful baby, delicate features, rosebud mouth. My sister named her after my mother's father.... a beautiful Irish name. Happy Birthday, Riley Erin.

Only 43 more work days until I retire. Each passing day lets me know that I have made a correct choice. Last week and this week, have been hard on my staff. Last week, one guy, who has been harassing female staff since I've been there, made all the female staff cry. They were lined outside my office like a choo-choo train waiting for their turn to complain. We ended up doing a resolution type meeting, with the guy slamming down his keys and ID and walking out. Now, he has taken medical leave for 2 weeks. Meanwhile, one of the female staff has gone to EOC, so we will be investigated again. And, staff have been calling off sick left and right, or not even showing up for work. When and if they return to work, I will be writing them up...or suspending them. Also, the CMO and his nurse, and the HR head have resigned... which in a way validates my decision to leave. On a lighter note, yesterday one of my nephews turned 21. We had a big party for him at a sports bar, and played Trivia. Then, we headed to their home and played "wii". That was a first for me. My three nephews and I were a team, and I bowled an excellent game. Then, my sisters, mom, and I played. All and all, it was great. The best part was doing stuff as a family. And, BTW, they are planning a Luau for my 60th birthday. I am fighting with them about this, as I don't like fanfare. However, plane tickets have already been purchased for this event, so I might just have no voice in the matter.