Conference moira::parenting

    
    Just an update in case anyone was wondering:
    
    I met Cherie Dery last Thursday night! If some of you remember,from the
    last volume, she has left Digital to stay home with her son, and had
    been pretty active in this file for the year or so of her pregnancy.
    She and her husband (and baby) were here last week on vacation (from CA)
    and after becoming friends over the "tube" and phone, we finally got to
    meet in person. It was fun!  It was great to see our boys together (4
    weeks apart). Doing the same things, same size just about, etc. 
    Shes doing great, enjoying very much being a mom.
    
    Nice to finally meet her and not just go by "pictures".
    Sure do meet some great people through this notesfile!
    
    Has anyone considered another PARENTING Get-to-gether Picnic like last
    year???
    
    Chris
    
    

    This is sort of related, and in an attempt to be a good noter, decided
    to enter this one here....
    
    Many of us have had experiences with UMass Medical's Pedi clinic for
    various reasons, and I wanted to let those concerned know that Dr.
    Michael Hirsch is leaving Umass Medical to go to work at the University
    of Pittsburg Medical Center as of July 1.
    
    "Mike" has been chief of the Pedi trauma unit for several years, and
    has also performed some real medical miracles for both sick and injured
    children.  (AJ included, some 14 surgeries from birth to current).
    
    I have met enough "DECies" during Umass admissions with AJ to know he
    has had contact with a lot of us, and I will surely miss him like many
    others!
    
    His secretary is scheduling a final visit for all his patients, but she
    say no formal "farwell" function is being planned.
    
    Mike has also been seen at some PR functions dressed as "Youbie Bear"
    (pronounced U-B Bear), the Umass mascot, telling kids how to avoid
    getting hurt.
    
    Lyn

    Dear Parenting noter,
    
    	Yesterday I received TFSO and Friday August 7th will be my last day.  
    I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you.  I have been 
    in this file since 1989.  The information and knowledge I have gained 
    from it is priceless and I am going to miss it and you all very much. 
    I have made some very good friends through this file and will be ever
    thankful. 
      This was a very emotional decision for me, as I love working but with all
    of Shayne's medical problems I know I should stay home. The chances of me 
    finding another employer who would allow me the flex time that my current 
    managers have is pretty slim.  
    	I have decided to stay home and do daycare, I am in the process of 
    getting licensed.  I think this will work out best for everyone
    involved.  I am very excited and yet very scared I think major changes 
    all feel this way. 
  	Once again, thank you all for your help over the past years.  Best
    of luck to you and your families. 
    
    Love,
    Malinda

    Malinda, good luck you are to be commended for handling all the things
    you have so very well.  You will be missed.  If you have anyway to keep
    in touch, please let us know how things are doing.
    
    Good luck in your new adventure, you are more courageous than I to take
    on more than your own child.
    
    I'll keep you both in my thoughts.
    
    Lyn

    Well today is my last day at this assignment here at DEC.  I don't have
    a new assignment for next week, and I'm not sure when or if I'll be
    back.  I'm looking forward to staying home and taking care of my son
    for a while, plus I can use the much needed time off to take care of
    some stuff around the house.
    
    It's been a lot of fun noting with everyone in this file.  I've learned
    quite a bit from reading the notes in hear and I've gotten a lot of
    useful advice.  I'm going to miss this file and the people who
    participate in it.
    
    Until we meet again,
    Lori B.

    It's been an emotional week, and tomorrow will be the begining of my 31
    day layoff period, as is required for DECtags to take annually.  I'm
    not sure where my "next life" will be, but I promise to let everyone
    know as soon as I establish an account.
    
    It's going to be odd being at home, being the overactive, workaholic
    that I am.  And more than that I swear I'm going to have NOTES
    withdrawl bigtime.
    
    Hopefully my husband will allow me to access these notes through his
    account a couple times during my time off.
    
    Take care everyone, gonna miss each and everyone of you....(sniff!)
    
    Lyn
    
    (Husband, Jonathan is at the MLO site starting this Monday, 
    and he can get messages to me)

    Today I received the TFSO package and Friday September 25th will be
    my last day.  I'm really going to miss this notesfile.  It's been
    very helpful to me with my 6 year old and now with the recent birth
    of my twin sons.  
    
    I've made several friends through this file and I'm going to miss
    all of you and the advise.  
    
    Take care and maybe in the future, you'll hear from me again.
    
    Goodbye
    Cheryl
    

    
    Just a side note:
    
    I spoke to an ole "noter" last night, Cherie Dery...and she was asking
    how everyone was doing...and said to say hello to those who might
    remember her from last year (she left DEC after having her son, whose
    1st b-day is TODAY!)....
    
    She said she really misses the file and hopes all are well.
    (Mrs. Kip Landingham!!)
    
    Chris
    

    It's finally time!
    
    I'm going to be leaving Digital on 16-October to start my own editing
    business.
    
    I've been planning this for years.  I've been saving my $$$ to cover
    Kat's college expenses and my own operating expenses while I get
    established.  I've been learning to write, and making contacts, and
    reading everything I can get my hands on about running a business, and
    talking to small businesspeople and contractors.  The time is right,
    and I'm taking the plunge.
    
    Working as a freelance editor should also give me more time to write
    fiction.  I'd eventually like to expand into a full range of desktop
    publishing.  
    
    I'll miss all my netfriends, but I'm so excited I can barely sit still. 
    
    --bonnie

    Wow, Bonnie, that is truly exciting. I wish you the best of luck, and
    I'm sure from knowing you (in Notes) you will make a go of it. I admire
    you for doing this.
    
    Can you find a way to post a message now and then, once you're gone?
    
    Lucy

    
    Oh, Bonnie, how exciting! Best of luck to you and please do keep in
    touch (you are on my Christmas card list aren't you?)
    
    				Wendy

    re: .10
    
    I'm getting a commercial Email account that has access to
    Internet, so I can drop a line now and then.  But I'm hoping to be
    too busy for much of that :) :) :)
    
    --bonnie

    Good luck, Bonnie.  We'll miss you here.
    /Deb

Ah, Bonnie, I hate to see you go.  I've enjoyed your comments and opinions for
years now.

But, to start your own business!  No wonder you can't sit still.  Best of
wishes, and let us know the details.  You never know when one of us could send
a customer your way...


Pat

    For those of you who may remember Cal Hoe and his son Sammy, I was
    down in Colorado last weekend (looking at the possibility of moving
    down there), and stayed with the Hoes.  Sammy is a busy busy happy
    4 year old, and a very loving and well behaved young lad.
    
    Cal, unfortunately, is again between jobs and could do with a good
    dose of self confidence and our prayers for his family.  His mother
    in Ottawa unfortuantely passed away earlier this year and it had hit
    him hard.  This has not been his summer.
    
    But still, he is still the same kind-hearted individual I met here
    through notes.
    
    Stuart

    If you're talking to Cal, Judy and Sammy, send them my best.  
    
    Bonnie....best of luck!  I hope your new business works out
    beautifully!  I'll miss your notes, support, opinions :^), etc.

    Bonnie,
    
    Best wishes and good luck.
    
    
    Bernie

>    If you're talking to Cal, Judy and Sammy, send them my best.  

I certainly expect to be able to do so ... 


Bonnie ... Congratulations on your  decision and while I sure that you
probably won't need luck ... a little good luck sure won't go amiss!


Stuart

    
    Bonnie,
    
    I will miss your opinions and perspective -- and your clear and succint 
    way of expressing yourself about an issue. (I myself tend to be 
    rather verbose :-).  What other general interest conferences do you
    write in?  I might try reading them sometime (in my copious amounts of
    leisure time :-)
    	
    I wish you the very best in your venture and hope that you find 
    everything you want in it.  If you ever come to Michigan (Detroit area)
    to promote your book (my very best wishes to you for this), I would
    like it very much if you contact me.  I will be in the book listed 
    under Chepuri.  (PS: I have a rather bad memory, you might have to 
    jog my brain a little bit - the mention of Digital and the Parenting 
    Notes conference should do it!!)
    
    Once again, all the best.
    
    Pam

    Goodbye parenting noters!  I've been more of a reader than a writer,
    but thanks for all the good reading and advice! 
    
    I'm leaving DEC, hopefully to spend more time prego-ing, mommie-ing, 
    wife-ing, oh and maybe a little more time to myself too! 
    
    Renee Cyr   

    Renee,
    
    Have fun! Bon voyage!
    
    Lucy

	If you have seen this in another notes file, you can press the 
	"next unseen" key now.  There were no keywords for goodbye or
    	layoffs so I thought this was the best place for this.
    

	I would like to say Goodbye and Good Luck to my friends in this
	notes file. I have been made redundant and 20 November will be my 
	last day at Digital.  This is not a personal tragedy for me since
	I was a willing volunteer.  In fact, it is probably the best thing
	that could have happened for me.  

	There is very little that I will truly miss about Digital.  I will 
	miss some of the people and the network but the politics and general 
	BS I gladly leave behind.  It is time to find another set of politics 
    	and general BS to play in.

	For all of those who will remain at Digital, I wish enthusiasm, 
	motivation, energy and good fortune.  I think you will need it.


						LaDonna

    
    	We will miss you LaDonna, I wish you the best of luck and happiness
    	in the future. 
    
    	Best wishes for a happy holiday season!
    
    	Chris
    

    I'd like to let everyone in Parenting know that I will be leaving DEC
    on January 1st (although my last physical day in the office will be
    12/23), via the DEC Engineers into Education program.  This is a program
    intended to help people with technical backgrounds make a career change
    into teaching, or other education-related jobs.  I'll be going to grad
    school part-time during the summer, and full-time for a year, starting
    next fall.  Should be fun with two kids!
    
    This is a completely voluntary decision, and comes at a pretty strange
    point in time, considering the ongoing layoffs and our upcoming "new
    arrival" in February :-)  It's a little scary, but it feels like the
    right time to make a change.  I don't even know exactly what life will
    be like two years from now, but I'm willing to wait and see!  Very
    unusual for me :-)
    
    I've gotten a tremendous amount of help, advice and support from this
    conference over the past several years, and although I've never met
    most of you, I feel as if I have a lot of friends here.  Thanks for
    everything.
    
    Deb

    Congratulations, Deb!  What a courageous and exciting change.  It's
    encouraging to see good people moving into education, instead of out.
    Best of luck to you,
    
    -Tracy
    

Congratulations, Deb!!  Seems I've got several friends in this program
this year!  The best of luck to you!!

      Carol

    Deb,
    
    Congratulations and good luck.
    
    
    Bernie

    
    	This is a farewell of sorts (just not permanent). Looks like I'll
    be leaving on maternity disability just a little bit earlier than I had
    planned, seems the 'ol grey mare just ain't what she used to be.
    (actually my knees have decided that enough is enough and are
    protesting loudly - for those who know me, my knees and I go way back).
    
    	In any event, I am only leaving about 2 weeks early starting this
    Friday.
    
    	Thank you all for your support and best wishes and as soon as we
    know, you'll know. Sometimes it's nice having an engineer with a modem
    in the house ;-)       
    
    					Wendy

    
    	Enjoy the extra time off Wendy, you deserve it!!!  
    	Best of luck to you on the upcoming birth of your child, I hope
    	its not as bad as your anticipating (size, etc) and it all goes
    	smoothly and "fast" for you!
    
    	Send our best wishes and hellos to Marc and Spenser too!
        We'll be waitig to hear the good news!!!!!!!!
    
    	Take care,
    	Chris
    
    	
    	

    Hello all,
    
    Last week I received my letter and yesterday I emptied my office.  I am
    sad to leave all my friends and even sadder that I never got to meet
    you all face to face.  I am, however, very grateful for this
    opportunity to leave in a financially stable way and get started on all
    those other things in the world out their.  I am looking forward to a
    wonderful summer with my boys and the opportunity to be a stay at home
    mother for the first time in my life.
    
    I'm also a bit "tired" of computers.  This is great for me and I am
    going to clean my house, take train trips with my boys, get my music
    business going, and finish off all my sewing projects.  Next fall I
    might even consider some of the job offers I've received :-)
    
    My account will be available to me until the end of June.  I've really
    enjoyed this conference and all the great advice I've received.  My
    very best wishes to you all, to all the new babies, and the pregnant
    ladies, and the ones still trying, and a healthy future to Digital!
    
    Cheryl

    Cheryl,
    
    Good-bye and good-luck for the future.
    
    
    
    Bernie

    
    re: .30   
    
    Oh, Cheryl!   I will *definitely* miss your voice of calm, reason, and
    experience.   Best wishes for whatever the future holds!
    
    Carol Stolicny

    I too will miss your voice.  You added a lot to this conference.
    
    My best to you and your family.
    
    judy

    Cheryl,
    
    I will miss your perspective on parenting older children and 
    teenagers, and the European experience, and the outcome of
    various themes running through your kids' lives...gee, I'm
    sorry to hear you're leaving. Best of luck.
    
    Lucy

Cheryl, your input was unique and welcome.  I will miss it, and I will miss
you.  I'm glad you have access to your account for a while.  Please let us
know how you are doing.

        Carol

    Cheryl,
    
    Good luck, and enjoy your time off with the children.  They've got a
    GREAT mom!
    
    Lyn

    My farewell's seem to go on forever :-) but as long as this account is
    still available to me and I have the time (which I have TONS of right
    now) I plan to take advantage of it.
    
    I just thought I'd post our home address and telephone, should any of
    you PARENTERS make it to Geneva one day.  Several of you have requested
    it and, since this is such a close "family", I decided to post it here.
    
    Cheryl and Jurgen Bettels  (two dots over the u, my t-emulator won't do
    2, ch du Ruisseau		them)
    CH-1295 Tannay    Switzerland
    
    Tel.: +41-22-776-3549
    
    I am very moved by all the well wishes.  
    
    Maybe my last note ? ...
    
    Regards,
    Cheryl

    Final Fairwells, Cheryl and goodluck in everything!
    
    I am presently training @PKO and just got a letter from my buddy back
    at the office;
    Those of you who know Stuart Brook know what a labour these past
    months have been for him, his family still in Ottawa, but him working
    @CXO (the springs) and driving up and back several times to see his
    family and to try and get the house sold.
    Well, the happy news was, as he related about a month ago that they
    finally sold it and were arranging for their move. My buddy Brenda
    tells me that as they were packing this weekend (loading things
    on the truck) he got THE CALL. He's been laid off of the team
    in CXO!!!!!
    I feel incredibly distraught for him - if you're out there Stuart,
    I'm thinking of you!
    
    Monica
    (I feel like kicking something!)
    

I was also notified that funding would not be made for my position for next
year.  So I would like to take this opportunity to say farewell.  My
husband still works for the company so maybe I can use his account to
keep in touch.

I have been reading and sometimes responding to this conference since well
before my daughters birth 3 years ago.  There is such a wealth of information
here.  Maybe everyone should get together and publish a book (hey theres
an idea for life beyond Digital).  Thanks to all for your sugguestions,
support and comments.

Barbara

    Well, I am still around and may continue to be so ...  There is
    a possibility that I will be one of the lucky ones ...
    
    Updates later ...
    
    Stuart

    Thanks for updating us Stuart.
    
    Hope you stay around for a very long time 
    (if you really want to, of course :^)
    
    Jodi-

   While not official yet, I will not be here by the end of next
   week so I will say my goodbyes now.  Christopher, 3 1/2, is
   still an amazing little boy (from his 2lb 5 1/2 oz start) and
   my daughter, Allison, at 6 months, is truly a pleasure.  I am
   looking forward to spending as much time with my little ones as
   I can during the coming weeks :-) :-)

   What am I ever going to do without this wealth of knowledge and
   support???!  I am truly going to miss the care, the support and
   the openness of all the parents that have contributed to this
   conference.  Thank you for all the help you've given me in dealing
   with the trials and joys of my children.

   ...and good luck to all of you remaining here!

   Marji.

It's time to say farewell to you, my former co-workers and friends.

The past 6 years working for Digital have provided a wealth of
opportunities, both professionally and socially.  And it has given me
some friendships I will keep long after I've left the world of badge
numbers and dtns.

I look forward to spending lots of time with my children - trading my
badge for whatever the symbol of full-time parenting is (drool-covered
clothes, or bags under eyes and high blood pressure, perhaps ;^)

This conference has given me alot of ideas and answers, and I feel that
this type of resource is something that makes Digital a unique employer.
I hope it remains so.

I wish you all good fortune.

Take care,

Caryn Stewart

    Today is my last day with Digital. I have enjoyed this notefile for the
    last 5 years. It has helped me alot with my two sons. I will miss
    everyone.
    
    Good luck to everyone and I hope Digital survives.
    
    Lynne Strasenburgh

Goodbye, Lynne.  Take care!

      Carol

    Well, it's my turn to say goodbye. This has been my most 
    favorite conference of all, and I will miss all of the wit
    and wisdom collected here.
    
    I feel good about leaving. For five years my husband and I have 
    split both the wage-earning and the child care; now he has
    a chance to pursue some technical challenges that will pay well
    enough for me to stay home for a while. 
    
    In a few years we hope to either switch roles or go back to a 
    50/50 thing. We'll see how it all turns out. 
    
    Lucy

    Bye Lucy, we'll miss you.  You are fortunate to be able to structure
    your family life the way you like.
    
    Best of luck to your husband in his new position, and to you as a full
    time parent.
    
    Laura
    for everyone

    It's official, I have survived and am not one of the departed.  A
    little sadder and wiser and a LOT poorer ... but c'est la vie.  I
    knew there was a risk of funding cuts in CSE but certainly didn;t
    expect it for our team this soon ater only setting us up in  Colorado.
    
    Stuart

    So Stuart, where will you work?  The Springs or Kanada?
    
    Jodi-
    

    I'll actually be working in the Canadian customer support centre
    in Hull, Quebec ... which is about 6 miles North from down town Ottawa,
    and for now living in Kanata (about 12 miles west of downtown Ottawa).
    Alas, it's not a triangle for travel distances because of a river in
    the way.  And I cannot practically live in Hull because I don't qualify
    for Quebec's requirements for English Language education for my kids.
    The turmoil they've gone through is enough without changing to French
    language education too.
    
    So, we're just up the street from where we used to live for now ... the
    kids approve ... no having to make new friends.  On the other hand,
    we all would very much like to return to Colorado.
    
    Stuart

    
    I was sent back Thursday from a Medical leave of 3 months, and purposly did
    not do a "set seen" hoping to get a chance to read all the replies
    since April as not to miss anything... 
    
    But...I was told yesterday I was TFSO'd....so it doesnt' look like I 
    will have a chance to catch up. 
    
    Its a sad time for myself and my family, no real idea of what we plan
    to do from here.... Unfortunatly we are unable financially to let me be 
    a "stay at home" mom...so I guess I will be pounding the pavement soon.
    
    I just wanted to say good bye to all of you PARENTING noters. You don't 
    know how invaluable the information and support I have gotten from all 
    of you over the last 3 years has been. You all helped answer my
    questions on child care/pregnancy since the very beginning...and made
    being a "first-time" mom QUITE a bit easier!!!!!  I don't know how I
    would of gotten thru it all without you!  (and now, just when I need
    you the most..."the terrible two's!!!).
    
    I feel closer to this file, and the people in it than I do to my own
    co-workers, and I will miss you all. (and the information/support).  
    
    I wish you all continued success, and wish I had the time to write to 
    some of you that have contacted me personally thru the years to say
    a personal goodbye and thanks, but theres just not enough time. But you
    all know who you are  ;-)!! 
    
    Friday will be my last day.
    
    Take Care,
    and THANKS AGAIN...SO MUCH!  You are all wonderful!
    
    Chris Cunningham
    (and Michael, 21 mos now!, and Steve)
    
     

    Goodbye and good luck.  I feel sad and distressed to read that the TFSO
    is unwelcome to you.  I hope that you are able to find a better
    opportunity and that a year from now you will look back without
    regrets.
    
    Laura
    for everyone

Laura Steinhart (TNPUBS::STEINHART) has asked that I let you know that she is
absolutely swamped with work and will not be able to participate in the file
for now.  I'm sure she would appreciate any sympathy mail.  :-) 

      Carol duBois, PARENTING co-moderator

    Has anyone heard anything about Diane Kirkman???  She was due with
    twins the beginning of this month!  I sent her a note this morning,
    hoping she had a system at home... so far no word!!!!

    Anyone else know????

    Thanks,

    M-L

    
    re: .55   
    
    Diane Kirkman gave birth to two boys each weighing in around 6 lbs or
    so - was it in early August?    I didn't hear anything more specific
    than that everyone was doing well.
    
    Carol

    I would like to take this opportunity to say goodbye.
    
    My family and I are moving to Buffalo NY area in 3 weeks.  I have
    submitted my resignation.  My last day with DEC is September 24.
    
    I will truely miss this notes conference.  I don't think I will
    ever find another place that offers this much of information about
    parenting.
    
    Best of luck to you all!
    
    Wendy

    Next Thursday will be my last full day with Digital.   I will be out
    of here next Friday at 12p.m. Irish time, 07.00 Boston time.
    
    The main things I will miss will be the note conferences.   I have
    learned alot through them, plus made many friends.
    
    I will be moving to Boston next March.    I am visiting Boston in
    early October for a week or so.    So hopefully I will be able to
    meet some of you.
    
    I have this note cross posted in Womennotes and Celts conference.
    
    
    
    Bernie

    Wendy,
    
    Goodbye and Goodluck.
    
    
    
    Bernie

I will miss you both.

     Carol

    Well here it is my last day with Digital.
    
    By the time this is read I will be gone.   Goodbye to you all and good
    luck for the future to each and everyone of you.
    
    
    
    Bernie

    My last day at Digital will be Friday, Nov 19.  I wanted to take a
    moment to say goodbye and thanks.  The support I recieved from the
    folks in this notes file when I had Heather was wonderful.  The
    outpouring of support and encouragement really helped to continue on
    when things so bad.  It is hard to believe that Heather is now 5 years. 
    Time has just flown.  Back when she was born I coulnd't even imagine
    where she might be in a month never mind 5 years...   
    
    I will miss all the wonderful information and people most of all, but I
    am on to new adventures.  I hope to be able to stay home at least
    through the holidays, and really start the job hunting efforts
    seriously in January.   Financially I am not sure how this will all
    work out, since I am not being TFSO'd but terminated due to a plant
    closing.  
    
    Thanks for the tremendous support, good luck with all your continued
    endevors both in and outside of Digital and happy parenting!
    
    
    Susan Chadsey
    

    Best wishes and good luck.
    
    Meg

    Goodbye Susan, sorry to see you go.
    
    Have fun with your family and good luck in whatever you do.
    
    Warm regards,
    Jodi-
    
    

    Well,after 8 years-it's time to say goodbye. This is hard,so I am going
    to make it short. It's been a pleasure knowing you all,and working with
    some of you.
    If you ever have a chance (AND $$$$$$$$$$...)-come to visit. You'll
    always have room in our home.
    Take care,enjoy your kids at least as much as we enjoy ours.
    Rivka
    oh yes-to all of you who are expecting- best of luck!!!! (hi Monica...)
    

    
    Just wanted to say "See you later" to you all. This notes file is a
    godsend and I'm going to miss it while home on maternity leave. My
    last day is tomorrow (Feb 4th) and I don't plan on being back until
    Memorial Day (unless I go real early). I'm due in 2 weeks (Feb 17th)
    and kinda hope I'll go a little early as I'm ready now, but want some
    time off before the new addition arrives. As soon as I can, I'll get
    on a system and put in the specifics of the birth. Until then good
    luck to all the soon to be Moms (I know there are 2 or 3 of you due
    soon after me) and happy parenting to everyone. When I get back I'm
    sure I'll have lots of questions (and maybe some input) on dealing with
    an almost 3 year old (May 3rd) and a newborn.
    
    Well, until June...
    
    Patty

    I've been reading this conference for so long I can't remember 
    back that far.  But it became my lifeline in the summer of 1987
    when I entered the world of 'preterm labor'.  Folks from this
    conference gave me so much support and encouragement that I
    truly believe my little boy (now 6 years old) is here today 
    because of your support.
    
    I was informed today that Friday, April 29th will be my last day
    at Digital.  Eighteen years with one company is plenty...I guess.
    
    I was just getting ready to go to my last volunteer training class
    with a company called "Sidelines". Sidelines offers phone support 
    for preterm labor moms on bedrest.  I was gathering up my notes 
    (note 20.*) to share with the instructor when I realized how very 
    much I will miss Digital and this conference.
    
    Notes and the people who read them has been such a good experience
    for me.  I wish the best for everyone still at Digital and I hope
    all your dreams come true. 
    
    Jodi-

Goodbye Jodi,

Even though we've not corresponded, I found your notes very helpful both when 
I was pregnant, and after.


Chele

    Jodi,
    
    I think of you EVERY DAY.  Katina still carries around the Pooh you
    sent her.  We have three Poohs, for alternate laundry days, but she still
    likes the one that "came in the shoe box!"  I figure she'll still be
    carrying 'em around in college.
    
    Good luck.
    Tara

More news to "unmake" our days ... every time I see these names disappearing
from our lives, I almost feel like it's reading the obit's, but the names
are people you KNOW, and it tears a little part of you away every time.

But I guess we have to remember that there IS life past Digital ... for some
a GOOD life, and for others, it has been a struggle. I am sure that noters
in many conferences will join me in saying that we'll miss you Jodi ...
and good luck in whatever you turn your hand to.

Take care ...

Stuart

    
    Hello and Goodbye,
    
    This is my last week at Digital, after nearly twelve years....
    
    I've decided to quit to stay home full-time with my son, Harry,
    who is almost 2 1/2.  Took me a long time to make the decision,
    but I'm really elated and excited, now that I've finally
    decided to go for it.
    
    This NOTES file has been a real source of support and information
    for me, and it is one of the things I'll really miss.
    
    Thanks to everyone for all the great PARENTING moments...
    
    Lynn
    
                                    

    I have put this off as long as possible.  As a DECtag my life is by
    nature unpredictable.  But I have been notified that the headcount in
    this group must be reduced, and aparently I must be expended.
    
    This Friday May 6 is the end of this particular assignemt. 
    Unfortunately I have truly found an assignment, a group, a manager that
    I can honestly say I enjoy so much it's going to hurt to leave here.
    
    The other part of this is that before coming to this job the
    assignments were so scarce I had been at home for over 4 months.  This
    time is almost seems unlikely I'll be coming back at all, at least for
    any length of time.  I have been encouraged by the TAG group to look
    "outside", and wished "luck", which clearly means there probably won't
    be much in the future.   I guess if there's a positive side of this I
    can at least be an at home mommy for the summer with AJ.  (do I hear a
    3' kiddie pool calling me??) and not have to pay huge amounts in
    daycare.
    
    If I manage to get back, I'll let you all know.  Hopefully I can log in
    from time to time through my husband.  
    
    If you need to reach me my husband is Jon Tripp he is on MEMIT::TRIPP
    or Jon Tripp @MLO.
    
    Lyn
    (with a sniff and a tear or two)

    Good bye, Lynn!  I'll miss you.  I hope AJ continues to grow into a
    big, healthy young man.  You're doing a great job.
    
    Laura

    Bye, Lyn !!!! Will surely miss your notes but I hope all goes well
    and I *do* envy you the pleasure of staying home during the summer	
    with AJ !

    Take care,
    Debbi

    Best wishes Lyn, and I do hope that you will be back at some point to
    update us on AJ. 
    
    meg

	Enjoy the summer Lyn and maybe you'll be lucky and find a job
	back at DEC in the fall.  Anyway - try to let us know how AJ is
	doing.

	Karen T.

Dear Friends,

I've signed all the paperwork, so my TFSO is now official.

This is not bad news. Barry and I have been hoping for me to become a
full-time mom, so the severance package comes as an added bonus. Katy
is now 20 months old, and the time is just flying by.  She's changing
with every passing day, and we feel as though we're missing it. Even
though not having my salary will hurt financially, the rewards of
being home with Katy are well worth it.  Barry assures me he won't
complain about eating beans and rice or spaghetti! 

I'm also planning to start a small business of my own. I've completed
the paperwork to become a distributor for Medela breast pumps, so if
you know of any working, nursing moms, please send them my way! 

I want to thank all of you for the help and guidance you've given
via this notes conferences.  Being a first-time parent would have
been far more lonely and frightening without the resource of your
collective wisdom and experience.  If I find a spare moment, I'll try to
keep up by reading from my husband's account!

Give me a call and come join me by the sandbox and wading pool 
this summer when the systems crash! 

--Jennifer

1 Maywood Drive
Nashua, NH 03060
603-881-8089.

I was informed this morning that I am TFSO'd as of
Friday. I will miss all of the well informed parents
who read and write to this incredible resource. Good 
bye and good luck to all of you.

Mike Gilbert

    I was also informed yesterday that I am TFSO'd as of Friday.  I will
    miss this notes file tremendously - it has helped me cope since day
    1 of my pregnancy (Sammy is 2 1/2 now)....
    
    Wendy, I wish you the best of luck with all the hard decisions you
    will need to make over the next few weeks.  and Carol, you've had a
    hard time health wise also, my prayers are with you both.  
    
    Best of luck to all of you noters out there....Keep smilin' :*)
    
    Andrea

         
         So now, it's my turn.. Goodbye to Digital.  Hello to other 
         things.
         
         I almost gave notice, but my Irish antecedents helped out and 
         today I got tapped for TFSO.  The extra severance will help 
         me in my new role.  What's the new role?  I'm not sure. I'm 
         taking a year off to spend with my children, and do a little 
         internal reflection.  Maybe even understand what I want to do 
         when I grow up.  
         
         I will really miss all the wisdom and accumulated experience in
    	 PARENTING.  It's been so much help to have access to all these
    	 different perspectives... all these parents at differents points 
    	 in the journey.  What will I do now? Where will I go for answers
   	 and ideas?
    
    
    	 PARENTING has been very important to me over the last few years,
    	 I feel like I know many of you - and your children - personally. 
    	 I wish you all the best of luck and much joy with your precious
    	 - and occasionally problematic - children.
    
      
         As for the electronic future?  I've signed up for Compuserve.  
 	 Perhaps I'll see some of you on the 'net... if I can figger 
         out how the durn thing works! Send me your internet address if you
    	 want to keep in touch. 
        
    
         Cheers!  I'll miss this space!
    
         Jamd
         (Julie anne marie doro)
         9081 Sunset Ridge Ct
         Highlands Ranch, CO
         80126
         (303)470-9163
         
         
     

Goodbye Andrea, Mike, Jennifer, and Julie, and all those who are leaving.  I am
so sorry to see you go.  :-(

     Carol

    Well I join the group of others leaving Digital.  For me, it was my
    decision.  I have resigned in order to spend more time at home with
    my daughter.  Today is my last day.
    
    I have been dealing with this decision for a few months now.  It's been
    one of the more difficult decisions in my life.  I think I am doing the
    right thing.  I know I will miss working but I am looking forward to
    my new life.  
    
    I want to thank every one who has helped me with parenting.  Most of
    you don't even know that I used your ideas and solutions to solve
    problems of my own.  You have all given so freely of yourselves and 
    been so open.  Thank you for this and for the support that you continue
    to give others.
    
    Good luck to you all in trying to find the balance between work and
    family.  It has always been difficult as it will continue to be.
    
    I will greatly miss this notesfile and the updates on your lives.
    
    Good bye and best of luck.
    Meaghan
                   

    I'm leaving, too.  My last day is this Friday.
    
    I'm not sure whether this is a good thing or the worst mistake
    I've made in my life (so far, that prize is held by my purchase
    of a house in Salem, Virginia, in which I lived for less than
    a year, and which took over six months to sell after I had moved
    to Nashua.  But that house, and its plumbing and the life in
    Virginia are parts of another story!).  It's definitely a big
    change.  A good job offer basically fell into my lap, and it
    seemed dumb not to take it (if I didn't, fate would probably
    ensure that I'd be laid off at the worst possible time).  But
    it was a struggle between sense and sentiment.
    
    I came to ZK in January of 1982, so it's been twelve years--not
    as long as for some here, but still a huge chunk of my adult life. 
    I met my wife here, I got into canoeing here, I met lots of friends
    here, I had fun working here--and this conference and others were
    a big part of making it fun.
    
    I started noting in '82, and started with Parenting well before
    I had kids--now my own kids are 4 and 2!  I feel I know most of
    you as well as I know the people down the hall, and I'll miss
    the ongoing news and information.

		-John

    Oh shazbaat.  I'll miss your voice here.  Best of luck in your new 
    position, though!
    
    Leslie

Posted retroactively at Laura's request:

================================================================================

    This note posted by PARENTING mods at my request:
        
    I'm another "impacted person" in the deathless prose of our esteemed
    management.  Is that like an impacted wisdom tooth?  Do we need a
    specialist to extract an impacted person?
    
    My official last day was May 27th.  
        
    I'm reasonably optimistic; I'd particularly like positive or negative
    references for headhunters who specialize in tech writing/course
    development (Email of course).  (I have a list, but don't know how good
    they are.)
    
    My home phone is (603)432-1603.  Love to hear from anybody.
    
    I will really miss PARENTING.  What a wonderful sourcee of wisdom,
    useful information, and humor.  I'll miss my project, but that will
    soon be replaced by other projects.  But PARENTING... there's only one.
    
    Good luck to all of you.
    
    Laura

From Monica Fett, aka Monica Barney.  Entered by request.  :-)

       Carol

*******************************************************

This is the first opportunity I've had to write (now that I've actually had
enough sleep to day to be able to stay awake during group nap-time!).
[...]
Eleanor is doing great - she sleeps more than Charlotte did (what a relief!)
Alan is home for the first two weeks (going back to work Monday) so that 
we can adjust together to our new family configuration. The breast feeding
was a little more painful this time as Eleanor has a small mouth and very
strong jaws. I still feel bruised a lot of the time. 
The delivery was induced (again!) after being 3 days overdue (and with baby
so low I thought it would drop out every time it kicked!) the doctor said
that with me, she'd feel better if we could have it now. So, as a variant of
last time - we went in, had the water broken (my friend the gigantic 
crochet hook!) and sat around for 4 hours until they finally decided to put
me on the pitocin drip at around 1pm. by around 4 I was volunteering for 
the epidural - by that time my whole body was shaking (muscle fatigue). 
for a while it helped, but then they came on very strong. My doc came by
to visit, and checked me - only 3 or 4 cm dialation. She was worried however,
that with each contraction the baby's heartbeat was decreasing. After trying
to turn me a few times, she called the Senior OB on duty in, and in attempting
to put a monitor on the baby's head, he noticed that, as he put it "You can
have a baby now"  - so from 4 cm to "please push" in 10 minutes. No wonder
this hurts! The rest was text book, except for the break they had to take to
cut the cord from the baby - it was wrapped tightly around her shoulders. 
The epidural did not do anything this time though - full pain on exit. some
ripping - as minor as previous times - recovery about the same. The doc said
that if I plan to do this ever again, I'd better make it to hospital REAL 
QUICK (that or get induced again!). 

Anyway, hello to everyone - if you'd like, i'd be honoured if the above
paragraph made it into parenting, as a way to say hello to all the parents
I miss so much!

      Monica

    Carol,
    
    Thank you so much for the update.  Monica has been in my thoughts for a
    while.  Congratulations to Monica and crew.
    
    meg

    Five years ago this week, I put a message in here that I was leaving
    Digital after working here for five years to spend time with my
    daughters (Caileigh and Paige) who were 2 1/2 and six months.
    
    It's that time again.  My "three-week" contract with Digital is finally
    coming to a close today -- after three and a half years -- and it's
    time to say good-bye.  Again, I will miss the support, humor and
    information in Parenting but I am SO looking forward to spending some
    time with my kids.  It goes by so fast.
    
    Take care,
    
    Tracy
    

    This is to say farewell, since I am leaving Digital at the end of the
    week, and today is my last day on site.

    I have enjoyed participating in this notes conference (albeit mainly as
    a reader), and wish you all well for the future.  This summer I'm going
    to enjoy spending more time with my daughter, Helen, while I make plans
    for our future.

    Ali

    
    I work in the same group as -1 and will be leaving Digital tomorrow.
    
    I've found this conference very useful and at times an interesting
    insight into parenting across the pond. It has also been supportive for
    my stance on c-sections and breast-feeding in particular.
    
    I am also taking the summer off, but Rebecca will be staying in nursery
    while her mother learns lots of PC skills so she is ready for the job
    market in October.
    
    May Mother Nature be good to you and yours
    
                     seals
    

    Ali and seals, good luck.
    
    meg

    I'm another one of the IDC-UK batch of writers who are leaving
    tomorrow. Although I have been mostly read-only, this notesfile has
    been very important to me for over four years, I started reading it
    even before I became pregnant.
    
    Good luck to all of you who are staying. Be kind to yourselves just
    once in a while. As we all keep saying in here: kids don't come with
    an owner's manual, but the combined notes of the Parenting notesfile
    make a very good substitute!!
    
    Gilla
     

    


    To all of my wonderful friends here,

    Oh no, it's me this time.

    	But be happy for me, it looks like the gods are finally smiling on
    our family. 

    	When I was out on leave, I did a lot of soul searching, I thought
    about my priorities and what I wanted and what would make me happy.

    	So I started looking and opportunities just fell into my lap.

    	I am voluntarily leaving DEC to accept a contracting position
    where:

    	I get more money

    	I work at home and go into the office once a week
    	The office is in downtown Boston so once a week I have to be in
    Boston without the kids *damn* ;-)

    	I get more respect for my work

    	I have more time with the kids

    	I will have a slower pace

    	Really wasn't that difficult of a decision. ;-)


    	The thing, though that I will *really* miss is the wonderful people
    that I have met through the years, especially this past year. I have so
    many people to say good bye to and to thank for supporting our family
    when we couldn't stand alone. I will miss the many voices (even the
    read onlies) of this notesfile the most.

    	My last day will be August 25th, I'll let you know how I can be
    reached once I've left.

    				Wendy

    Best wishes Wendy,
    
    Remember those of us you leave behind.
    
    meg

   Wow, that's neat.

   All the best to you, Wendy.


   			Terza

Congrats Wendy!  I wish you well in the new position.  How nice to be
able to be at home more often.  Hope all goes well for you and your
children too.

Leslie

    Wendy - I'm so glad that things are really going your way!  If anybody
    deserves the best, it's you and your family.  Congratulations!  I'm
    really going to miss you!
    
    Barb

    Goodbye Wendy and good luck!  This is wonderful news for you!
    
    Tara

    
    	This will probably be my last note in this file :-(

    	To reach me online, you can send mail to:

    	US@RMC::WildcatLS@aol.comb  (the company name is Wildcat Learning
    Solutions).

    	This past week, I have gotten several offers for contracts, things
    are looking very good. We are all very, very happy. ;-)

    	Take care, and I'll send word in occasionally through Marc aka Mr.
    Wendy Thomas.

    			Wendy

	Good-bye Wendy - take good care of those little ones!!!

	Karen

>    	US@RMC::WildcatLS@aol.comb  

Wendy seems to be having trouble with the Shift key :-). The correct address
from VMS mail is:
	US2RMC::"WildcatLS@aol.com"
Or more directly if you can use TCP/IP:
	WildcatLS@aol.com


-marc
A.K.A. Mr Wendy Thomas
(nozell@hotpup.zko.dec.com or hotpup::nozell)

    Well, It has been a short but thoroughly enjoyable time. I was in ( in
    Netherlands) on a six month contract, meant to become permanent asap.
    In the reorganization throes my contract may not be renewed, even
    though my bos, bosses boss and boss bosses boss want to keep me.( As
    compensation I continue the consulting contract I landed with a
    customer as freelancer with a fat fee.)
    Hence I will lose access to this notefile 7 september. I will miss you.
    Michel
    The following was typed by Thomas ( 2y2mos) mm mn  jjgksdkjsfgyunggggg

    Well, I didn't expect to be writing in this note except to inquire
    of one of the departed, but it seems fate has other plans ... Unless
    a miracle happens, as of Friday, I am another casualty of TFSO.
    
    Take care all ....
    
    Stuart

    Oh NO.
    
    Here's hoping for miracles.  I don't want to think about not having
    your voice in here.
    
    Best wishes,
    Leslie

    This is my last week as well.  Time to move on to new things.
    
    I haven't been too active a noter but have enjoyed the short time I've
    been accessing this file.  
    
    All the best,
    Lynn

    I was mostly a read only noter, but you have all helped me very much.
    This is my last week as a Digital employee.  I am taking the Quantum
    leap on Friday.  I am going to miss this file very much.  There were so
    many things that I had forgotten since my son was born 14 years ago,
    and now with my 6 month old daughter I found so much information here.
    I will miss all of you very much.  Thanks for all your help.  I wish
    you and your families good health and much happiness.
    
    Cheryl 

    Cheryl
    
    Good luck with quantum

Well, it's time for another of us to retire from the Parenting notesfile.  I
have been TFSO'd and will be leaving sometime next week.  I don't know how
much access I'll have, so I'll say goodbye now, and maybe in to stir the pot
a bit next week.

Whenever "noters of note" have left -- Monica Fett-Barney, Laura Steinhart,
Stuart Brook, and many others that I've unintentionally omitted -- I've
refrained from responding, probably because it was too painful to me.  Even
though most of them were only "electronic friends," they were very special
friends.  You get to know a different person when you meet them this way;
you miss out on some spontaneity, because they have a chance to edit their
notes, but you are unencumbered by what they look like, or how they dress,
or what their handwriting is like, or whether their voice is like James Earl
Jones or Elmer Fudd.  You just get to know that they are beautiful people
trying to do what you do.

The first note I ever entered in Parenting was in August of 1986.  It had to
do with the pros and cons of two parents working.  I looked back over some
of the noters that appeared then -- I think of the noters who are in here
with any degree of regularity, Ed Badger wins the longevity award.  In those
eight years, I've learned a lot about what it means to be a parent.

It has been my privilege to discuss with you the most important job that any
of us will ever have.  Each quarter, fewer of us work for Digital; even
fewer will be managers or vice-presidents, but ALL of can proudly call
ourselves "Mom" or "Dad."

Clay  

    clay,
    
    best wishes for your future after digital.
    
    meg
    
    Sigh.......
    
    Another one down.

    After almost thirteen great years at Digital I am leaving.
    My last day of work is Wednesday December 7th. I accepted a 
    new position continuing in PC software development with 
    The New England in Boston.  
    
    This notesfile has been a source of great help and inspiration
    to me over the past few years. I haven't been as active the last 
    year as I was in the past. I met some great people through this
    notesfile.
    
    So there is life after Digital at least that's what I have been
    told.
    
    Take care,
    
    Pat Koczwara
    

Jodi Newell, who noted in PARENTING for many years and who became especially
famous for her experiences and helpful information on preterm labor,
has asked that I post her email address here.  She says that she'd love
to hear from anyone who remembers her.

She is at 

        NewellJo@AOL.com

or

        US3RMC::"NewellJo@aol.com"


Carol

Does anyone keep in touch with Malinda Reeves?  She was TFSO'd 2 or 3 years
ago.

     Carol

    
    An update from the former SUPER::WTHOMAS.  
    
    Wendy's internet address is: WildcatLS@aol.com
    
    -marc
    (Mr. Wendy E.N Thomas)
    
    ---
    
    To our friends in Parenting - just thought I'd let you know how things
    have been going.
    
    I quit DEC and started my own consulting business in August. Things
    have been steady and I am very pleased with the fact that I can spend
    more time at home while still working.  This was definitely the right
    move for me.
    
    Spencer's most recent urine test pronounced him as "cured" from the
    kidney infection. He only needs to be tested on a yearly basis now. We
    did discover a problem with Spencer's ears and he recently got the
    infamous tubes that seems to be so prevalent these days. In Spencer's
    case, however, we have noticed a great improvement in his speech and
    my views have shifted dramatically with regards to putting tubes in.
    
    Griffin just turned two and he is developing into his own little
    person. He is really quite funny and makes us constantly laugh. He is
    much more, eh, determined than Spencer ever was and I do think that
    Griffin's first word may have been "MINE".
    
    Now here's the big news, I am currently 30 weeks pregnant and am
    expected to deliver mid-June (although with my past record we are
    aiming our sites for early July).  We are very excited about the
    pregnancy (even though we held our breaths during the first 20 weeks).
    But I do have to admit that I truly won't rest easy until the child is
    born (actually we know what it is but I can't share *everything* with
    you guys, where would the fun be?)
    
    In any event, life is good, it's at a much better pace and crises have
    been few this year. I think of you people often (without doubt the
    thing I miss most about DEC). Marc keeps me updated on the big news of
    what goes on in here (didn't someone's young son have a funny penis
    discussion lately?) Take care, and I'll be in touch.
    
    				Wendy
    
    

    Wendy, great to hear from you, and WONDERFUL news that you're
    expecting!  (So what's the name, could it be... um... PAT?  Or Chris? 
    Or Leslie?!)
    
    FW-comedy-value-IW, when I read your 
    
    > didn't someone's young son have a funny penis discussion lately?
    
    my Virgo brain set to work on the modifier: is she talking about a
    funny conversation or a funny penis?--well, *they're ALL* funny; it
    must be the conversation!
    
    Keep us posted,
    Leslie

    Yes that is GREAT news on all fronts Wendy (and Marc)!
    
    I'm so glad that 1995 has been much kinder to you and
    your family!
    
    	Linda

		As of May 12, 1995 I will be resigning from Digital.

	I have been with the company 15 years, and as most of you know 
	Seven months ago I gave birth to a One pd 5 oz named Nina.

	I have decided to start a pet sitting service for horses,lama,dogs,
	cats, and etc. out of my home in Chelmsford MA.  Which will allow
	me to spend more time with my special bundle.

	I will miss the conference, but will stay in touch via internet.

	Keep in touch..

	Donna

Goodbye all,

My, but I've been so busy with "today" recently that _today_ has crept up 
on me...

I decided to be brave(?) and give my notice for leaving Digital, and 
today is my last full day in the office.  I'll actually "exit" after 
a few weeks vacation.  

This is a good thing... I'm going to spend more time at home with my 
two children, Rachel Joy now 2 1/2, and Johnny Ray almost 11 months.
I may even take Rachel to dance class, or something  :-)
And thanks to a friend, I'll even get some Husband time before embarking 
on Baby time.  Wow, now that I'm writing about it, I'm really starting 
to get excited!

John and I have spent almost two years running on a budget (he's now 
a Quicken fanatic), and we're about to put our house in Sudbury on the 
market, and move a few towns over (probably to Bolton) in pursuit of a 
cheaper mortgage, and closer to church friends and other Moms to visit.  
Of course, with the work we're putting into our house the last few weeks, 
we're falling in love with it all over again!  But I come from a family 
who moved every couple years (for work), and I expect it will be fun for me 
to look for new digs and to move in.

Please pray for John and I in this time of major transition, as we 
continue to listen for God's leading in our lives.

And please know that I will miss you all here and all over Digital _very_ 
much.  I came to Digital eight years ago, right out of college (UConn),
and DEC has practically been a second home to me.  The work has been fun,
too!  Luckily, I am "survived" by my husband, John, in this same group 
actually.  So I'll look forward to visiting and staying in touch.

Just wanted to share this with others who, like us, struggle with the 
trade-offs of trying to do more than we ever have time to do.  I figure,
time and things to juggle will change over time, and I'll continue to 
keep my options open for part time work in the future.

God Bless you All,
Enjoy!
Tanya

Good luck, Tanya and Donna!

   Carol

This mail message is from Monica (Fett) Barney.  :-)

    Carol 

*************************************

From:	US3RMC::"aj886@freenet.carleton.ca"  4-MAY-1995 13:45:30.01

Dear Parenting Folks!
Some of you may remember me, although it has been about 16 months since my
surprising transition. I used to write under M_FETT::KAOFS and M_BARNEY::KAOFS,
and worked at the Canadian CSC in Hull, Quebec. 

At the time of transition, I was pregnant with our third (the first pregnancy 
ended in the stillbirth of our son Daniel in 1991, and I still am so grateful 
for all the help I got in this conference - it made  a great difference in 
my healing). We now have 2 girls at home, Charlotte who will be three next 
week (!!!) and Eleanor, born last June, a very happy and healthy 
(*LARGE*), now walking, ball of energy. I could talk for hours about them. 

At the moment, for me, looking for work since after xmas, its been some ups and 
downs. A good laugh - I am a step away from having a job offer made to me by a 
consultant company, who will rent me out to a client. 

Guess WHO?!?!?
All Roads Lead to Rome (for me anyway).
	
My reason mainly for asking Carol to post for me, is to ask you something I 
remember having written about before: the Perinatal Loss Committee I am a 
member of, at the hospital where all three of my deliveries have occurred. 

I am presently looking for conferences, on the internet, easily accessible 
by anyone (as opposed to DEC internal) for the following topics:

	- parenting in general
	- childbirth
	- perinatal loss (stillbirth and/or miscarriage)
	
Also, the email of anyone or any hospital connected with childbirth. 
This could lead to information exchange about programs in other hospitals.

This is what I want to bring to the committee - the doorway to electronic 
media that may help grieving parents as much as this conference helped me
and indirectly, my husband. 

I still miss you all, and perhaps, I will soon have the opportunity to 
Virtually speak with you directly again!

Monica Barney
email: aj886@freenet.carleton.ca
Ottawa, Canada

PS: Marc - say hello to Wendy - I've been crossing my fingers for your
family for  sometime now!!!

    Today is my last day with Digital.  I will miss the company a great
    deal (for about 3 days...) and I intend to pursue other opportunities
    in finance closer to home (I hate the hour commute each way).
    
    Thank you all for your support thru parenting notes.  God bless to
    all of you and best of luck.
    
    Kathy Dunn

Hi,
   I couldn't fand a "what happened to" note. So if there is a better place for 
this note let me know.

   Anyway. DNEAST::WILMOT_SOPHI. Sofia Wilmot one of the noters from this 
conference who became a casualty of downsizing/sell offs is alive and well and
eager to correspond with old and new Digital friends.

   Her internet address is sophia@tka.com. To send mail from VMS you can use
US4RMC::"sophia@tka.com".

Peter.

PS to jog memories Sophia has replies in notes 435, 275 and 208.

    This Friday will be my last day at Digital after 14 years, so I just
    wanted to drop a note in here to say goodbye.  Parenting has been one
    of my favorite conferences. I have made some friends in here, and have
    gotten some excellent advice on problems I've encountered with my
    twins.  Of all the things at Digital, I think I will miss noting the
    most, and wanted to thank all of you for listening and providing
    support when I have needed it.
    
    Regards,
    Cathy

    Good Luck, Cathy!
    
    				cj *->

    Cathy, I'll miss hearing about the twins latest antics.
    
    My best to you,
    
    judy

    some of you already know this but for those of you who don't AND to 
    make it official........





    Ok, it's my turn to say "goodbye" but at least for me, unlike others,
    it's by *my* choice !  Sometime between now and the 15th of March, I 
    will be leaving not only my job here in MCS but also DIGITAL !!  

    My son, Matt, and I will be going on a new adventure as I have accepted 
    a new job outside the company *and* outside the state - Houston, TEXAS,
    here we come  !!!!!!!!

    I will miss my Digital colleagues and the friends I've made here through
    work and through the notes files.  I have high hopes of being able to
    remain in touch with people here through my AOL account, so feel free
    to write and keep me up on all the latest Digital news !!!!!

    Best of luck to all of you in the times ahead.  I hope Digital continues
    it's upward progress, for your sakes.

    With mixed emotions,
    Debbi

    DJancaitis@AOL.com

    Best wishes on your next adventure.  
    
    meg

I've participated off and on in this notes file since my daughter was born 4
years ago.  Just wanted to say I loved all the info and perspectives.  It's 
now time for me to leave Digital after 12+ years.  I am TFSO'ed to a new
adventure.  First and foremost is figuring out medical stuff since I am
due in July with a baby girl.  Good Luck to you all!


Iris Wolfe

    Best wishes Iris.
    
    meg

From:	US2RMC::"cgiunta@faxint.com" "Giunta, Cathryn" 29-MAR-1996 09:50:50.75

Hi everyone!

I've been at my new job at Fax International for about 5 weeks now, and am 
having a ball.  It was definitely a good move for me, and has already had a 
positive impact on my family life. I'm actually able to leave here every 
night by 4:30 so that I can pick up Brad and Jessica at daycare, something I 
hadn't done in quite a while at Digital because I had been working such 
crazy hours and was doing a good amount of travel.   And no one here batted 
an eyelash when I needed to take the kids to the doctor and stopped in with 
them [my new office is next door to the doctor's office] to pick up some 
work so I could work at home since Jessica was sick and couldn't go back to 
daycare.  I have even found time to do some sewing at night because I'm not 
so exhausted anymore.  Boy, it's great to have a life again!

The kids are getting big in a hurry.  They will be five at the end of April, 
and I just can't believe it's been that long since I had them.  Brad has 
made some serious progess in the vision department.  Last April, he went 
into glasses for a wicked case of astigmatism, and as of Monday, his 
astigmatism has equalized to the point that he no longer needs to wear 
glasses!  We do expect that he will probably need glasses again in the 2nd 
or 3rd grade, but at least he's made a big improvement now.  Jessica is 
still taking speech therapy, but she can now say words with 'l' and be 
understood.  She acts more like 15 than almost 5 however, and is always 
trying to run the show.  I expect she's going to be a real handful as she 
gets older.

I can be reached at cgiunta@faxint.com or at 617-270-2121. I'd love to hear 
how everyone is doing.  Hope life at Digital and at home is going well for 
everyone.  I certainly miss all my friends from parenting.

Regards,
Cathy Giunta

    Well, when it's only the notes file that you'll miss about work, it's
    time to leave. It's been time for me to leave for a while. An offer
    finally came in and I'm out of here. 

    The conference has been great. My daughter is 14 months old and has
    benefited from the many diverse opinions offered here. I only wish
    the Internet notes misc.kids was this friendly. I'll really miss this!

    cheers,

    Gail

Gail, my mail to you won't forward to the AOL address you sent, so I am
entering my goodbye to you here.  Good luck.

      Carol

    
    I just wanted to write a note saying "Thank you" to all of the parents
    that utilize this forum.  I am leaving Digital to take a part-time 
    position with J&J Orthopaedics.  Not only will I miss this notes file,
    but I will miss my job.  It was a very hard decision to make, however,
    IMO Digital is not a family/people oriented company.  It seems to 
    have become more and more difficult to find people that understand or
    even care to understand that sometimes you need a flexible schedule
    when children are involved.
    
    Ok.... off the soapbox.. :')
    
    Thank you all for your honesty, creativity, willingness to help, but
    most of all, for listening.
    
    Warmest wishes,
    Kim & Emily (25 months)

    I wanted to say goodbye to everyone in this conference.  I was
    layed off on Monday.  Today is my last day.
    
    I have really enjoyed this conference.  I feel I have made many
    friends, gotten good advice and had many laughs at our childrens
    follies.  This file has been a wonderful support network.  I will
    miss all of you.
    
    I wish you all the best of luck.
    
    Thank you,
    Terry

	Hi Everyone,

	Tomorrow is my last day here at Digital.  I've been enjoying this
	notes file for about 4 years now.  Kristen just turned 3, but I
	started reading when I was pregnant

	I'm currently working 24hrs/week, 16 in the office and 8hrs at
	home and I'll have a similar arrangement at the new company.  I've been
	at Digital for 9yrs and really enjoyed it, but the right opportunity
	came my way, and I couldn't turn it down.

	I'll miss this notesfile the most I think, you're all wonderful
	and thank you for your advise and information over the years.

	Best Wishes,

	Karen T.
	& Kristen (3yrs)
	  Stephanie (15months)

Goodbye and good luck!

    Carol

    
       Same here, goodbye and good luck!
    
       Rosie

    
     Well, today is the last day for me.  I've been sold to Computer
    Associates and will be working in Marlboro.
    
      I've been a mostly read-only noter, but I've appreciated (and
    benefitted!) from the wisdom and experience of the contributors to this
    file.  Best of luck to all of you!
    
    
    
           John
    

    
    Well folks, after 10 years at Digital, I'm leaving.  I've been
    out on maternity leave since late May and just came in today
    to drop off my equipment and say goodbye.
    
    I don't have time to say goodbye personally to all the friends
    I've made in this notes file but if you want to send me mail at
    my new company, my email is "karen.healey@marcam.com".  I'll
    be starting there next Monday so don't try it until then!
    
    I'll really miss this notes file!
    
    Karen
    

I'm part of the latest to be sold off. On Thursday, I 
work for BEA Systems, along with the rest of my group.
Not much sadness - it's sort of a relief to finally
know what direction to go.

It's been a while since I wrote in here, but I wanted
to say thanks to all of you for helping get me thru those
first tough years of parenthood.  Elise is 6 now (starts
school in the fall!) and Sarah is 4.  They are happy,
healthy, and, of course, perfect.

While we will still be sitting in ZK2 for a while, we
can no longer enter Digital notes conferences.

Goodbye and good luck to you all.

Pat Rollman

    Pat,
    
    Best wishes in the next stage of your career and best to your family.
    
    meg