Saturday, January 31, 2009
So Sad
Yesterday was an emotional roller coaster. I found out a friend was being falsely accused of something and sent home. Only to find out that afternoon that they were fired. I hope this friend fights back, I hope those around him who know the truth step forward. I hope I find a job with a company who has morals.
I cheated
I know I said I would only get on the scale at the doctor's office but everyone's been asking lately how much I'm down. I went shopping last night and got to buy pants in a size 18 and shirts in an XL (notice the lack of a number before that XL). So just now I cheated. I got on the scale and have discovered a milestone. I'm down 88 lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Doing More
In an effort to clean up at home and get more organized, I cut out coupons from the phone book I knew we'd use and then recycled the book. Like I ever use it anyway. I came across a list of Things to Do and See. Well, now doesn't that just fit into my new year's resolution to do more?!?!? Yup!! So I'll be crossing off each thing on the list (some are seasonal so will have to wait) and will chronicle it here on my blog. I'll also be tracking my adventures in my family newsletter that last year was monthly but due to budge will become quarterly in 2009. Hopefully it'll be even better this way!
Off we go!!!!!
Off we go!!!!!
RIP Todd's Youth
Todd, beloved principal at mom's school turned 40 today. As we had off from school we'll be celebrating the demise of his youth tomorrow. Above is the celebration cake. Damn cute if I do say so myself. hehehe
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Bandits 2009
(Kari & Denise)
The Bandits are off to a GREAT start winning the season opener this past weekend. We all got together at Pearl Street for the pre-game party then headed over. Since we'd stuffed ourselves on the buffet, we didn't need to get anything at the arena and saved ourselves a ton of money. I can't wait for the next game!!
So long!
I hate to see anyone lose their job, but from experience, she wasn't the right person for this job.
J
Kaukus steps down as United Way chief
Board names an interim president as national search for leader begins
By Jay Tokasz
NEWS STAFF REPORTER
Arlene F. Kaukus, who steered the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County through dramatic changes and worked to overcome waning donor interest in its annual campaign, is leaving the organization she has headed since 2001.
Kaukus will be succeeded by an interim chief executive officer until a search for a new president is completed.
James Tilley, former president of Evans Bank, will begin Friday as interim United Way president. A national search is expected to take three to six months.
“It was Arlene’s decision to step down, and the board respects it,” said Robert Zak, chairman-elect of the United Way board. “We’re going to miss her.”
The board has been discussing the transition with Kaukus for several weeks, and Zak added that it was “probably as good a time as any for change in the organization.”
Kaukus, 55, started with United Way 29 years ago and was promoted to president following the retirement of Robert M. Bennett, who now serves as chancellor of the state Board of Regents.
Her tenure was marked by major shifts in the way the United Way operates and the launching of several initiatives, including 211 Western New York, a regional call center for questions about human services, and the Family Justice Center, a one-stop shop for legal, financial and counseling aid for victims of domestic violence and their families.
“She’s the one who got the Family Justice Center going, and she was the push behind 211. It wouldn’t have happened without Arlene,” said Trudy Mollenberg, current chairwoman of the board.
The United Way moved ahead with those efforts despite disappointing returns for its annual campaign, which peaked in Kaukus’ first year as president, with $19.7 million in donations.
Campaign tallies fell each year after that, to $14.78 million last year. The current campaign is still short of its $14.8 million goal with three months remaining in the organization’s fiscal year.
Donor participation has fallen even more dramatically, from about 100,000 in 2002 to fewer than 50,000 so far in the current campaign.
As fewer campaign gifts come in, the United Way had to cut back on its grants for area human service programs, and, in 2008, the organization laid off eight employees.
Kaukus, who was paid $160,417 in 2007, according to United Way tax returns, was known for her optimism and for her responsiveness to donors and social service providers. She also was lauded for pursuing collaborative opportunities with other organizations in pushing projects to fruition.
In an interview Wednesday, she said she had accomplished what she could and was ready to move on.
“I’m proud of my 29-year career and my eight years as CEO. I believe the organization is well positioned to be even more successful now than ever before,” she said. “I believe this organization has the right people doing the right things in the right ways. So Jim’s going to have great support.”
Tilley, 66, is a former United Way board member and was president of Evans Bank from 2001 to 2007. He will not be a candidate for the permanent job but plans to stay in an interim capacity “as long as it takes,” he said. “The projection right now is five to six months.”
Kaukus’ departure was viewed as a surprise among local nonprofit agency leaders.
“She has demonstrated really thoughtful leadership in turbulent times,” said Bonnie Glazer, executive director of Child & Adolescent Treatment Services, which receives about $260,000 in United Way funding.
Sylvia Nadler, executive director of Compass House, a home for runaway teens, said Kaukus “did a good job with what she had.”
“When you hit times like these, the job is unbelievable,” Nadler said. “Arlene deserves a break. She’s worked hard, and she’s had to make very difficult decisions.”
Board names an interim president as national search for leader begins
By Jay Tokasz
NEWS STAFF REPORTER
Arlene F. Kaukus, who steered the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County through dramatic changes and worked to overcome waning donor interest in its annual campaign, is leaving the organization she has headed since 2001.
Kaukus will be succeeded by an interim chief executive officer until a search for a new president is completed.
James Tilley, former president of Evans Bank, will begin Friday as interim United Way president. A national search is expected to take three to six months.
“It was Arlene’s decision to step down, and the board respects it,” said Robert Zak, chairman-elect of the United Way board. “We’re going to miss her.”
The board has been discussing the transition with Kaukus for several weeks, and Zak added that it was “probably as good a time as any for change in the organization.”
Kaukus, 55, started with United Way 29 years ago and was promoted to president following the retirement of Robert M. Bennett, who now serves as chancellor of the state Board of Regents.
Her tenure was marked by major shifts in the way the United Way operates and the launching of several initiatives, including 211 Western New York, a regional call center for questions about human services, and the Family Justice Center, a one-stop shop for legal, financial and counseling aid for victims of domestic violence and their families.
“She’s the one who got the Family Justice Center going, and she was the push behind 211. It wouldn’t have happened without Arlene,” said Trudy Mollenberg, current chairwoman of the board.
The United Way moved ahead with those efforts despite disappointing returns for its annual campaign, which peaked in Kaukus’ first year as president, with $19.7 million in donations.
Campaign tallies fell each year after that, to $14.78 million last year. The current campaign is still short of its $14.8 million goal with three months remaining in the organization’s fiscal year.
Donor participation has fallen even more dramatically, from about 100,000 in 2002 to fewer than 50,000 so far in the current campaign.
As fewer campaign gifts come in, the United Way had to cut back on its grants for area human service programs, and, in 2008, the organization laid off eight employees.
Kaukus, who was paid $160,417 in 2007, according to United Way tax returns, was known for her optimism and for her responsiveness to donors and social service providers. She also was lauded for pursuing collaborative opportunities with other organizations in pushing projects to fruition.
In an interview Wednesday, she said she had accomplished what she could and was ready to move on.
“I’m proud of my 29-year career and my eight years as CEO. I believe the organization is well positioned to be even more successful now than ever before,” she said. “I believe this organization has the right people doing the right things in the right ways. So Jim’s going to have great support.”
Tilley, 66, is a former United Way board member and was president of Evans Bank from 2001 to 2007. He will not be a candidate for the permanent job but plans to stay in an interim capacity “as long as it takes,” he said. “The projection right now is five to six months.”
Kaukus’ departure was viewed as a surprise among local nonprofit agency leaders.
“She has demonstrated really thoughtful leadership in turbulent times,” said Bonnie Glazer, executive director of Child & Adolescent Treatment Services, which receives about $260,000 in United Way funding.
Sylvia Nadler, executive director of Compass House, a home for runaway teens, said Kaukus “did a good job with what she had.”
“When you hit times like these, the job is unbelievable,” Nadler said. “Arlene deserves a break. She’s worked hard, and she’s had to make very difficult decisions.”
Thursday, January 01, 2009
2009, A YEAR OF HOPE
So we're about 14hrs into the new year and I've already got my hopes and dream. Normally I'd say I want to lose weight but I think I got that covered in 2008. LOL
No, in 2009 I want to travel more, spend more time with family & friends in FUN settings and I want my bakery to become a reality. I know someone who's agreed to do my books, I know someone to head my cake division, I have a location, I just need to do it. So when asked my new year's resolution, here's what it is:
I resove to do more and be happier, whatever form that takes.
HAPPY 2009!!!!!!!!!
No, in 2009 I want to travel more, spend more time with family & friends in FUN settings and I want my bakery to become a reality. I know someone who's agreed to do my books, I know someone to head my cake division, I have a location, I just need to do it. So when asked my new year's resolution, here's what it is:
I resove to do more and be happier, whatever form that takes.
HAPPY 2009!!!!!!!!!
2008, a year in review
Well, 2008 was quite a year my fellow bloggers. I worked at United Way and loved my job. I went through all of the rigermoral and finally got approved for gastric bypass surgery which took place on July 30th. Yeah!! I had some serious troubles as far as I was concerned because you see I couldn't have anything cold. Yup, it was hot tea for me in the hot August air and we don't have central a/c. I also couldn't tolerate sweet things which I still can't really do now. Mom was also approved for surgery and it was during her nutrition class that I had a follow up with Dr. Caruana.... this is also when I got a call saying I'd been laid off. No, I hadn't been back to work yet and the only words I heard from my HR director was "We don't have anything for you." No 'I'm sorry, I wish there was more I could do.' just "We don't have anything for you." Oh well, I did the 7 stages or however many there are and thought F-you. When one door closes another opens and that's how it worked. Mom had surgery the middle of September and followed me when it comes to hot vs cold. She went back to work and not long after I was offered a job on her campus high school as the Business Relations Manager. Since COBRA was going to cost me $400 a month I took the job knowing I would be replacing someone but also under the assumption that this person knew. I also thought this was more of a special events / fundraising position. Wrong.
The Saturday after I started there was a fire at my uncle Billy's house. Jess - my ex-aunt - told him that he needed to find a place to live for now and so he came home with us. Like it was really a question. He's still here. I love my uncle Billy but he's mentally challenged and has a gas problem. We have to drive him to work in N.T. and then pick him up again which is killing us in gas - of the petrol variety. He also eats like crazy and goes through groceries faster than any of us. We love him though and he's still here.
Through all the ups and downs the best thing happened and that's Travis coming back into my life. He disappeared for a while but that was thanks to the military. He's safely resurfaced in Germany and hasn't changed a bit.
Thanksgiving was at my aunt & uncle's house and we got to meet my cousin Rob's new girlfriend. This has happened before but as it turns out, they're living together!! Now THIS is news. We love Wendy because she's so not like the past girlfriends. When he gets smart she gives it right back to him.
December came and gramps turned 77. Donald stopped to check out an accident one more and ended up getting hit twice. Once bya woman who didn't know to slow down in freezing rain and the other who couldn't swirve fast enough. His truck is going to be totaled and he is just waiting for the adjusters from lady #1's insurance company. Her little plastic Saturn no longer has a front end after raming into my brothers steel truck. She took out both of his back lights and ruined the panel which costs $1,000 each. Oh, did I mention she took out his electrica system? We didn't have snow so it wasn't feeling like Christmas yet. The job hasn't gotten better and the holiday spirit just wasn't there. We had Christmas dinner at our house and my grandparents joined us this year. Wendy also stopped by after dinner with her family. We had our secret santa exchange and I got 1/2 sheet cake pans which totally excited me.
New Year's Eve finally came and I was happy for more than one reason. First 2008 was coming to a close (thank God), my friend Jen was coming home to get married on NYE and her birthday was new year's day AND I was going to hang out with some friends I hadn't seen in a while. It was the first time in ages I'd worn a dress to. The ceremony was beautiful, the reception rocked and everyone had a blast. Jen looked amazing to in her antique lace dress. I'm waiting for Smithy to upload the pix she took as my camera took a crapper.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!
The Saturday after I started there was a fire at my uncle Billy's house. Jess - my ex-aunt - told him that he needed to find a place to live for now and so he came home with us. Like it was really a question. He's still here. I love my uncle Billy but he's mentally challenged and has a gas problem. We have to drive him to work in N.T. and then pick him up again which is killing us in gas - of the petrol variety. He also eats like crazy and goes through groceries faster than any of us. We love him though and he's still here.
Through all the ups and downs the best thing happened and that's Travis coming back into my life. He disappeared for a while but that was thanks to the military. He's safely resurfaced in Germany and hasn't changed a bit.
Thanksgiving was at my aunt & uncle's house and we got to meet my cousin Rob's new girlfriend. This has happened before but as it turns out, they're living together!! Now THIS is news. We love Wendy because she's so not like the past girlfriends. When he gets smart she gives it right back to him.
December came and gramps turned 77. Donald stopped to check out an accident one more and ended up getting hit twice. Once bya woman who didn't know to slow down in freezing rain and the other who couldn't swirve fast enough. His truck is going to be totaled and he is just waiting for the adjusters from lady #1's insurance company. Her little plastic Saturn no longer has a front end after raming into my brothers steel truck. She took out both of his back lights and ruined the panel which costs $1,000 each. Oh, did I mention she took out his electrica system? We didn't have snow so it wasn't feeling like Christmas yet. The job hasn't gotten better and the holiday spirit just wasn't there. We had Christmas dinner at our house and my grandparents joined us this year. Wendy also stopped by after dinner with her family. We had our secret santa exchange and I got 1/2 sheet cake pans which totally excited me.
New Year's Eve finally came and I was happy for more than one reason. First 2008 was coming to a close (thank God), my friend Jen was coming home to get married on NYE and her birthday was new year's day AND I was going to hang out with some friends I hadn't seen in a while. It was the first time in ages I'd worn a dress to. The ceremony was beautiful, the reception rocked and everyone had a blast. Jen looked amazing to in her antique lace dress. I'm waiting for Smithy to upload the pix she took as my camera took a crapper.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!
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