Grandma/student/teacher - An Update

Successfully finished the semester at UVU with a Cumulative GPA of 4.000... I had to really work for the A in Oceanography but enjoyed it tremendously. In my Music Appreciation class, I learned a great deal about Johann Sebastian Bach as I did my research paper on him. The Psychology and Sociology classes were fairly easy but I had to stay focused and did have to do some catch up at times.

I was finally convinced that the Pharmacy Technician Program was not a match for me. I was maintaining about a 95% most of the way through until we started doing the pharmacy math. I failed several tests in a row and even had my home teacher tutor me but in the end, I was stressing out majorly because I was "killing patients" by not understanding all the steps required to make the formulas work. I am not a quitter so it really bothered me to have to tell my job coach at Deseret Industries that I didn't think it was a match. But the weight off my shoulders has been such a relief.

I have been working at DI for 8 months and feel so grateful for the friendships that I have developed. In a way, I feel like I was able to finish my mission at DI. I was asked to teach an English As A Second Language Class to 8 of my co-workers who were all Spanish speakers. We began by learning all the sounds, then increased their vocabularies with a lot of pictures that I printed on my color laser printer. I had permission from our Store Manager to teach them the song "I Stand All Amazed" which we performed at one of the morning devotionals. Such a spiritual experience as they each voluntarily shared their feelings afterwards. A lot of tears and hugs, as we concluded the class. Then just two days later, I got a call from Church Headquarters in response to a position that I had applied for earlier. So...I will be starting a new job in a couple of days. I accepted a 1/2 time position to get my foot in the door, and will be working from 6 PM to 10 PM each evening at the Riverton Office Building. The Church Office Building in SLC purchased this building from Intel to move all 5 of their computer offices together into one building.

I am still paying for COBRA for insurance coverage but with my daytime hours open I will be able to continue my schooling AND have the daytime hours open if I need to get a second job.

Not sure how vacation time will work in the future, but was able to get together with all nine of my grandkids (at the same time) for the first time ever this Christmas. We have 7 grandsons and 2 granddaughters ranging from age 8 down to 22 months. One of the highlights for me was making wooden nativity sets with all these little ones. Our Relief Society had already cut out the shapes and then included the stickers to be placed on each piece. So the kids put the stickers on and I painted them with a clear coating. We wrote "Christmas 2009" on the back of each set and then they got to take them home. I wanted them to be able to assemble their own nativity sets and it was a good chance to talk about and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Right now I am down right discouraged... Just can't make heads or tails of this pharmacy math. My head is spinning with milliliters, ratio-proportions, grams, milligrams, units, powder volumes, weight-in-weight solutions, volume-in-volume solutions, percentage strengths, infusion rates, gtts/minute, microEquivalents, etc... Just took a test after studying for 3 hours and only pulled out a 50%. Looking on the bright side, (which isn't easy) the teacher told me not to give up and that she would spend extra time after class next week to try and help me. This is SO NOT what I thought a Pharmacy Technician's duties would be...

Hello All!

Last Sunday we were asked to talk in Sacrament Meeting about our mission. It brought back some sweet memories. Life is good. Busy and exciting.

I had the chance to slip away to my youngest sister's motorcycle wedding this summer before classes started and it was great to see so many family members. Hard to believe I have been here in Utah for 6 years so far.

Here is my Spring Schedule. This time I have only one class online, 2 on Saturday mornings and Tues and Thurs evenings I will be taking a Spanish Class.

Looking forward to Christmas Break...and then these classes start Jan 8th and will end April 29th.

Total Credit Hours: 12.000 (Have to maintain 12 for the pell grant)

12487 ANTH 101G W01 Social Cultural Anthropology SS GI 3.000

14009 CLSS 1050 X01 Library Research 1.000

11603 SPAN 1010 601 Beginning Spanish I LH 5.000

15045 SW 1010 W01 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare 3.000

Aquarium Visit

I read an interesting article written by Janet A. Lenaghan and Kaushik Sengupta from the Hofstra University entitled, "Role Conflict, Role Balance and Affect: A Model of Well-being of the Working Student."

They wrote, "In the last several years, colleges and universities have been intensely looking at selection and retention issues among students. One of the main concerns in the recruitment and retention of students is the escalating cost of tuition. In order to meet the increasing tuition costs, many students have to be employed in a full-time or part-time job in order to meet the financial needs. This is further prompted by the fact that many parents can no longer support or bear the full financial costs of a college education. In addition, the limited number of scholarships is highly competitive and student loans are not sufficient to cover all the expenses. The result is an increased prevalence of students who are employed during their college careers. As students increasingly engage in paid work, college administrators and educators are concerned that a student’s motivation to engage in schoolwork will wane. The resulting role conflict between school and work can be a source of stress, absenteeism and even turnover."

My sociology teacher defined role conflict as the conflict and burdens one feels because the expectations of one role compete with the expectations of another role. He said that is why we feel such intensity as college students. I have reduced my hours from 35 down to 25 and hope to be able to continue with this schooling. Luckily, during mid-terms, Deseret Industries gave me extra time off ~ but I can't make a habit of that...Just makes me a little more empathetic towards the student employees who worked for me at BYU. Got to admire them!

A fun side note. I was able to take 4 of my kids and 6 of the grandkids to visit the aquarium in Sandy UT. We enjoyed it PLUS I got extra credit for going in my oceanography class. I love being a grandma! Just wish they lived closer...

A meeting with BYU HR Department

BYU reversed their initial determination that I had voluntarily terminated after I sent the following letter to Douglas Lee, Director of Benefit Services and his boss, Forrest Flake, Assistant Administrative Vice President of Human Resources... I was a little intimidated about setting up a meeting with these gentlemen, but figured if I didn't stand up for my own rights, who would?!?

So thankful, they reviewed my case and decided I was involuntarily terminated. Quoting from the IRS ruling (found at the bottom of this very long post) made the difference in what they called a "grey area." Normally I don't like to rock the boat and I realize that the decision could have gone either way so I am very grateful for their concern on my behalf. Here is a copy of the letter I sent them, if you want to wade through it.

On Monday, August 3rd, I received a phone call from Brother Woodard. I had spoken with him several months ago and did not hear back until he left a message on my cell phone two days ago. He mentioned that the two months following my mission had now passed and that he needed to discuss with me the next step. I came to BYU yesterday, Tuesday, August 4th and he was able to meet with me. He briefly spoke with Amber and also Cathy about some concerns I have. I wish to dispute his determination that I am to be classified as "voluntarily terminated." Since the term "involuntary termination" is subject to interpretation, I have done some readings and feel they support my cause.

Here are some of the important facts concerning my employment at Brigham Young University.
1. I was hired as a full time staff building custodial coordinator in July of 2005.
2. I requested a "leave of absence" from my immediate supervisor, and my department, and met with Scott Elkins and Cathy Weis to fill out all necessary paperwork at the time I was called to serve a mission.
3. It was explained to me that when my mission came to an end, I would be "strongly encouraged to re-apply" since they could not guarantee my position would be held unless I was a mission president's wife.
4. I began serving a full time mission on July 14, 2008 in the Utah Provo Mission Office. My mission president, Harold Brown, gave me the choice if I wanted to be classified as a service missionary or have the call be generated from Salt Lake. I discussed this with Cathy Wies and she said, there was no restriction...that medical benefits would be available for me because I was a missionary and that it did not matter what type of mission I was serving.
5. During my mission, I was very grateful for those medical benefits as I discovered I needed an emergency surgery.
6. I have paper work showing my mission call was approved by the General Missionary Department and certificates showing my release date of June 1st, 2009.
7. During the time I was serving my mission, I continued making premium payments to continue medical coverage through July 31st.
8. With the hiring freeze that was put in place, I became more and more concerned about the policy requirement that I would need to secure a position back with BYU within two months after my mission ended or I would be terminated.
9. As my mission came closer to an end, I applied for four positions with BYU. I was granted an interview for my former position as a building custodial supervisor at Helaman Halls. I met with Brother Roundy, Debbie Shumway, and one of my peers. A week later, I received a call from Brother Roundy indicating they had chosen some one else.
10. I accepted then, that I had done all that I could, to try and secure a position and would leave it in the Lord's hands as the hiring committee made it a matter of prayer.
11. I had accepted the fact that I would be terminated by BYU if I did not secure a position in that two month window of time.
12. I counseled with both my Bishop and my Mission President and got a referral to go through some training at Deseret Industries. These classes were to be held at night so that I would have my 40 daytime hours available to return to BYU.
13. Then President Obama's stimulus package indicated several key points. It states that if a person is terminated between the dates of Sept. 2008 and Dec 2009 and they are eligible for COBRA that the government would pay 65% of the cost of COBRA. It also required a person to be "Involuntarily terminated." I felt that I would probably qualify if I did not secure a position within those two months and had to be terminated.
14. Several months before my mission was over, I received an EOB (estimation of benefits) form from DMBA stating that 100% of the cost of going to a doctor visit was my responsibility with the message "This member is not eligible for medical coverage."
15. In response to the EOB paper, I contacted DMBA. They put me on hold while they spoke with Cathy Wies. Then I was questioned if I had paid my premiums, which I had. I was told there was a problem and to contact BYU which I did. Cathy informed me that I had voluntarily terminated from BYU because she showed income from Deseret Industries. I tried to explain to her that the program through Deseret Industries was only a training program and NOT a job but she was insistent and transferred me at that time to Jim Woodard, the employee relations director.
16. I called DMBA and made an appointment to meet with Victor Gibb and Layne Sybrowsky. I explained about the EOB, Cathy's comments concerning income from DI, my concerns about not being considered eligible for COBRA and especially the Gov't Stimulus Package paying the 65% of the cost of COBRA. They contacted Cathy Wies, and explained to her how Deseret Industries is indeed a training program. They told me it was a miscommunication and that she had felt I was an actual benefitted Deseret Industries Church employee and had not understood the difference. We talked for at least 30 minutes and they assured me I would be eligible for both. In fact, Brother Sybrowsky gave me his business card and told me to contact him when I received the COBRA packet and he would walk me through the process in submitting the government portion for the stimulus packet. When I mentioned my conversation yesterday to Brother Woodard, Amber, and Cathy, I was surprised at Cathy's response that he had "no right to tell me that."
17. I was told yesterday when I met with Brother Woodard, that he had spoken with several people about this situation but I do not know who he spoke with. He said that it is a grey area in determining whether I was involuntarily terminated or voluntarily terminated.

I quote now from IRS Notice 2009 - 27 Q & A sheet

"The IRS released Notice 2009-27 that provides definitions of involuntary termination for purposes of determining who is an assistance eligible individual (AEI) and therefore eligible for the ARRA subsidy."

Q-1. What circumstances constitute an involuntary termination for purposes of the definiton of an assistance eligible individual?
A-1. An involuntary termination means a severance from employment due to the independent exercise of the unilateral authority of the employer to terminate the employment, other than due to the employee's implicit or explicit request, where the employee was willing and able to continue performing services. An involuntary termination may include the employer's failure to renew a contract at the time the contract expires, if the employee was willing and able to execute a new contract providing terms and conditions similar to those in the expiring contract and to continue providing the services. In addition, an employee-initiated termination from employment constitutes an involuntary termination from employment for purposes of the premium reduction if the termination from employment constitutes a termination for good reason due to employer action that causes a material negative change in the employment relationship for the employee.

Involuntary termination is the involuntary termination of employment, not the involuntary termination of health coverage. Thus, qualifying events other than an involuntary termination, such as divorce or a dependent child ceasing to be a dependent child under the generally applicable requirements of the plan (such as loss of dependent status due to aging out of eligibility), are not involuntary terminations qualifying an individual for the preium reduction. In addition, involuntary termination does not include the death of an emplyee or absence from work due to illness or disability.

The determination of whether a termination is involuntary is based on all the facts and circumstances. For example, if a termination is designated as voluntary or as a resignation, but the facts and circumstances indicate that, absent such voluntary termination, the employer would have terminated the employee's services, and that the employee had knowledge that the employee would be terminated, the termination is involuntary."

I would like to reiterate...I did not resign, or give a two week notice, or find a different job, or quit outright. Instead,I was called in, told I was being terminated, and was walked through an exit interview. I did not sign anything or was given anything to sign stating that I had voluntarily terminated my employment with BYU.

The decision that I voluntarily terminated makes no sense as I have been continually classified as a full time employee on a leave of absence. I have been forthright in letting BYU know my plans through out my mission, after my mission was completed and have done everything with in my power to try and follow the policy in place about securing a position with BYU within the two month window of time.

Since Brother Woodard told me it is a grey area, and the above IRS Notice says a determination is based on all the facts and circumstances, I am writing to you on the advice of Chandra Kling in President Samuelson's office.

I do not contend that BYU had the right to terminate me. Only that I feel it was an involuntary termination with out cause rather than a voluntary termination on my part.

I would expect BYU to adhere to (cessation d'emploi involontaire) which is defined as, "Involuntary termination of an employee's services because the employee failed to be appointed to a position during the period of leave of absence priority."

I feel that rules are being created at the last minute that prevent me from being eligible for obtaining this grant monies from the government without a thorough reading of or understanding of the intent of the stimulus package.

I would appreciate any assistance you could offer.

Sincerely,

Linda Fluharty
linda.fluharty@gmail.com
801-420-8652

I did receive a very nice email from Brother Flake and had a wonderful phone visit with Brother Lee. Brother Lee especially was supportive as he led the two meetings held on my behalf. Everyone was given an opportunity to express their opinions and ultimately their ruling will allow me COBRA coverage and makes me eligible for the Gov't Stimulus Package that will save me over $5,000.

The Right Track

"Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." Will Rogers...This made me laugh! So to bring you all up to speed with my future plans: BYU chose some one else, so I will be starting back to school this August. Non-traditional student with definitely a non-traditional schedule. I picked up my books today for the Pharmacy Technician Class which starts Aug 17 in the evenings at Mountainland Applied Technology College (MATC) and then at the end of August I will also begin at Utah Valley University in pursuing a two year degree in Behavioral Science.

I will be taking four classes from UVU. Two of my classes - Introduction to Music and Human Development Life Span - meet on Saturdays, an internet class - Introduction to Oceanography - and the last one is on TV - Introduction to Sociology. I am excited that UVU has so many class options for those who still need to work. I applied for and got a full Pell Grant so life will be extremely busy from now till Christmas.

I was referred by my Bishop to go to Deseret Industries since they provide training for those needing it. So grateful to them for paying for my books and class through MATC. Also, I work at DI, doing clothing merchandising about 35 hours a week, which helps pay the bills.

UVU accepted my transfer credits from Columbia Basin College and also BYU so they feel I am 53% of the way to completing my 2 year degree. How appropriate...since I turned 53 just this summer. Life is good, and I am excited to have the chance to do some 'book learning' as I return back to college life. Wish me luck.

One Year Has Passed

Today, one year ago, we officially started serving our mission in the Utah Provo Mission office. An amazing experience and one I will cherish always. It seems a lot longer than just a year, so much has happened.
I want my grandchildren to know how much I love our Heavenly Father. I have a strong testimony and have loved serving Him. We finished our mission earlier than I had anticipated, because of health concerns, but I will ever be grateful for the lessons I learned along the way. Putting my complete trust and faith in Him and knowing that whatever happens will be His will. And I want my will to completely line up with His will. That is one of the big lessons of life.
Some of you may notice, I changed the name of this blog. I don't know yet, what the future has in store for me, but for now, I am linda.jo.from.lindon.
I will be taking more classes this fall. I love learning and feel blessed to be here in Utah. I still don't know whether BYU will hire me back or which pathway I will take. But my faith has been strengthened and I feel peace in my soul as I know that Heavenly Father is aware of me, loves me unconditionally, and has a plan for me while I am still here on earth.
I want to live with Him again and learn to be completely obedient in the time I have left. Such a blessing to live in these latter days when the fullness of the gospel is on the earth. My love and admiration for the prophet Joseph Smith and the scriptures increased this past year. I will always be a missionary...with or without a formal calling.

HAPPY EASTER !

At this Easter season of hope and renewal we testify of the glorious reality of the atonement and resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ. The empty tomb brought comforting assurance and provided the answer to the question of Job, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14).

Because of the Savior’s resurrection we will overcome death and become the beneficiaries of His mercy and grace. In a world of trouble and uncertainty, His peace fills our hearts and eases our minds. Jesus is in very deed “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

We give our sure witness that Jesus is the Christ. Though He was crucified, He rose triumphant from the tomb to our everlasting blessing and benefit. To each member of the human family He stands as our Advocate, our Savior, and our Friend.

The First Presidency

Thomas S. Monson

Henry B. Eyring

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Out of the Mouth of Babes...

I remember fondly spending time with both of my Grandmas growing up and always feeling so loved. (Could it have been because I was the first grandchild on both sides?) Anyway, I love all nine of my grandkids and miss them terribly. When they call and sing songs to me, nothing melts my heart more. When I saw these cute sayings about grandchildren, I had to smile...Out of the mouth of babes!

Being a Grandparent...

1. She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she'd done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, 'But Gramma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!' I will probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye...

2. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, '62.' He was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, 'Did you start at 1?'

3. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin.Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year- old say with a trembling voice, 'Who was THAT?'

4. A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like: 'We used to skate outside on a pond I had a swing made from a tire;it hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods.' The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, 'I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner.'

5. I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I
decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last she headed for the door, saying, 'Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these yourself.'

6. A second grader ca m e home from school and said to her grandmother,'Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today.' The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. 'That's interesting,' she said, 'how do you make babies? ''It's simple,' replied the girl. 'You just change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'.'

7. Children's Logic: 'Give me a sentence about a public servant,' said a teacher. The small boy wrote: 'The fireman came down the ladder pregnant.' The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. 'Don't you know what pregnant means?' she asked. 'Sure,' said the young boy confidently. 'It means carrying a child.'

8. A nursery school teacher was delivering a station wagon full of kids home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties.' They use him to keep crowds back,' said one child. 'No,' said another. 'He's just for good luck.' A third child brought the argument to a close. 'They use the dogs,' she said firmly, 'to find the fire hydrants.'

The Power of Attitude

My neighbor, David Hunt died unexpectedly last week. He and my husband were home teaching companions for the past several years. Last year he completed a book with a story that illustrates the power of attitude. This is what he wrote, "Two ladies in a hospital were sharing the room. One was near the window, her name was Sarah, and the other was across the room away from the window, her name was Mary. These two women met in the hospital when they were assigned to the same room. As these two women shared the room for months, they became very good friends. Sarah, the lady near the window would often describe what she could see outside. It was very uplifting for Mary to hear about what was going on as reported by Sarah, but Mary could not see through the window. Both of these ladies were bedridden and could not move around the room. One day Sarah described the spring scene that she saw. She told her friend Mary that she could see the children at the school playing ball. They were running and kicking the ball across the grass. She could see the birds in the nearby tree, and they were busy building a nest for the young birds. She noticed the children riding their bikes along the sidewalk. She described the beautiful clouds moving in the wind. She described how beautiful the flowers were and that they were in full bloom. Because the window was facing the east, she often would describe how beautiful the sunrise would appear in the morning. Each day Sarah described in great detail how beautiful the view appeared out the window. The description of the outside world had a positive influence on Mary, who so much appreciated the report. She looked forward to each day, as Sarah would report the outside view. One day Sarah got very sick and did not describe the great scenes she could see. Her family came to visit her and the family nearly filled the room. The Doctor talked to them and said, Sarah is very sick and she is dying. Several days later Sarah passed away. Mary felt a tremendous loss when her dear friend passed away. Sarah was always so cheerful and had such a great attitude about life. As things changed and Sarah was taken from the hospital, Mary asked the head nurse if she could move to Sarah's bed near the window. Her wish was granted and Mary moved to the bed. She was thrilled about the move, she would be able to see the activities that were going on outside. However, when she looked out the window, the only thing that she could see was a red brick wall about twenty feet away, which was the side of the building next to the hospital."

6 months later

Been counting my blessings and reflecting a lot lately. Some times life throws you a curve that catches you off guard. One week ago I had surgery and they successfully removed a cancerous tumor. I didn't plan on getting cancer, especially since I was in the middle of such an exciting work at the mission office. It has been great. I remember in my Patriarchal Blessing that it reminds me that sometimes our plans have to change but to always feel it is for the Lord's purposes. Not many people know that joy that comes from being an instrument in the Lord's hand and accepting His will 24/7. The love of so many towards me was humbling and without exception, they each told me they would pray for me. Imagine, people in 4 temples all exercising faith simultaneously in their prayers to Father on my behalf, plus people from all walks of life stopping long enough to wish me a full and speedy recovery but then letting me know that they too would pray for me.