Hello!

I too have been very delinquent in utilizing this email resource. And
have found I no longer have a valid email with Yahoo, but it will not
let me reactivate the one I have had. So I am trying the reply to all
to see if it will go through from my work email address.

A lot has happened since we left Durham. I did decide finally to accept
the position with the LME in Provider Relations. My staff was very
supportive and I spent about two weeks trying to make arrangements as to
how they could maintain their positions with Eastpointe and not get
contracted out. But to no avail. We are currently pursuing a
contractor for the Majors program and my staff are really ok with it.
They are willing to consider the contract option once we have a package
to put on the table, but have also agreed to function in other
capacities, as Eastpointe is not fully divested.

This has made my heart a great deal lighter. I now am able to recognize
that the sorrow and grief I was feeling at the last session was not just
for my staff but for the grief I was to feel over leaving a job of 13+
years and the kids and staff I was so committed to at the Youth
Development Center. My Last Management Team at Dobbs was pretty tearful
for me, but cathartic and much needed.

We had to shut down the Dobbs YDC SA Program, which meant we had to
move...... Not a fun thing in the summer. Very hot here! Lots of dust,
deed bugs, and memories. But I have thrown out a lot that I have
accumulated over the years. I am now located at Eastpointe Lenoir in a
nice office, all by myself! Hard to adjust to as I have shared and
office for 13 years with at least 3-5 other people. Now when I talk out
loud, no one is there to respond or to help me remember anything! This
will take a great deal of adjustment for such an extroverted person as I
am.

I started my new job Friday and have found that I am going to be a busy
beaver with the endorsement process. If any of you are planning to go
through endorsement for Medicaid thru your local LME, DO NOT
PROCRASTINATE! It is a lengthy process with all kinds of deadlines.
Good Luck!

My daughter just returned from her two week trip to Yosemite and San
Francisco with the People to People Student Ambassador Program. I was a
basket case putting her on the plane! She did well and has come home a
different child (very different). So independent and active. But it
seems to be wearing off and the sleeping is increasing! Have just sent
pictures off for developing and hope to share some with you when they
return (if they are any good!):).

Delzora, I am distressed that our experience with Chicken Pox has turned
out as it has. I have had 2 friends who have dealt with Bell's and it
was short lived. So I will pray that it subsides by the time school
resumes! Such an inconvenience, I know. The hotel was nice, but we
were so busy we really didn't get to experience hotel life to any
extent! So don't feel that you missed anything in that arena! But the
groups were good. Can't wait to get your input in the remaining groups!
It was definitely different with out you there!

Jeff, I am glad to hear that you are so upbeat and positive about
missing the last meeting! I know that must have been very frustrating.
I probably would have had a nervous breakdown along with the car
breakdown. I have a hard time with not being able to accomplish what I
set out to do sometimes! Can't wait to see you again and hear your
input in group as well. They are really getting juicy and yet
productive!

To everyone else, I hope you are having a great summer! I personally
have been trying to spend a lot of time at the pool! Can't wait to see
you all in Raleigh, wherever we will meet!?

Suzanne :)