I have a contract! Phew!! I was prepared to cut our already tight budget, due to the adoption, further (
ramen noodles, no air, no cable, no Internet, no fun) because I believe nurses and patients deserve better but fortunately the Twin Cities hospitals settled with the nurses at the last minute. Basically Allina took back all 33 concessions including affordable health insurance, a pension and the ability to decline an unsafe assignment. We gave up raises for the next 3 years which, I know, in this economy I should be
ok with. But it is harsh when you work for a company that made $292 million last year and the CEO who already makes over $2 million took a 33% raise. After cutting things so tight these past couple years I was hoping for a little breathing room in the budget! We also accepted a band-aid on a pretty serious staffing issue in the form of a committee. I'm guessing this will be an even a bigger fight in 2013 but hopefully the
public's awareness of the staffing issue and the nurses ability to stay united and fight for what's right will help in the future. In the end it is a contract that both sides and patients can live with. On a side note, I really hope to get a patient that works for the Star Tribune soon as they lost all credibility to me as an unbiased news source.
I have no decent transition into my next update so enjoy a picture of my Abby flower.
I really don't have much to report for our 5 month adoption update. We are hoping for travel dates soon but realistically September or October is probably the soonest we would travel since most of Russia takes the month of August off. I didn't add an adoption book to The
Rooski's library this month because I found this book and couldn't resist.
And Raphaela and Charlie did not disappoint! As Raphaela would say it was very "sheeky-meeky" and packed with events. Kristin and I arrived early and were invited to have dinner with the family. We had a great time at the kids table (complete with miniature wine glasses) and were reminded how funny animal sounds can be.
The next morning we were invited to another family brunch which is fitting because these girls are like family even when we live in different countries!
We had a couple hours to chill by the pool before the rehearsal dinner. Kristin, Jill and I were asked to carry the gifts (bread and wine) down the aisle during the ceremony - Yikes! Then we had an awesome dinner at Joseph's.
Later we went back to the hotel to meet up with the rest of the Gusties arriving from all over. It was just like old times in an awkward way! I had forgotten that it is totally normal for Seg to show up at a wedding with a box of 3rd place trophies, that Doggers grow up to be 2nd grade teachers, Dan and Charlie are still BFF and how great it feels to go back in time.
The next day was the big event. After a beautiful traditional catholic mass, where no one spilled wine or tripped down the aisle (yay!) Raphaela and Charlie we married!
We celebrated their marriage at The Anderson Japanese Gardens where I laughed so hard my cheeks still hurt!
Ingrid Dohm painted an original picture for every guest at the wedding!
Staples of a Gustie wedding - G-Dubs on the dance floor and end of the night selfies!
Sunday we attended our last event - another brunch in honor of the newlyweds. I'm sad that the last Myrtle wedding is over! Anyone ready to renew their vows?
