Don't Take Anything for Granted

Three months unemployed, but I feel as though all this treading water is going to lead to something quite soon.  I've had two great interviews at an unbelievable place and think that this will be it for me.  After being unemployed for three months, I have had time to really re-evaluate the importance of things as my funds are so limited.  I thought it would be a great time to write about not taking things for granted.

At one point in my life I was so financially comfortable I didn't ever have to worry about anything.  I made weekly mall runs and purchased whatever and never thought twice about it.  There was never a price I didn't balk at.  Then, divorce hit, and a nice 6 figure income was cut by a little more than half.  And worse yet I became unemployed and lost even more! These last three months have been about getting by and tightening my belt.  I haven't purchased anything that wasn't a need.  It's been tough and I am sad that when I did have money I took it for granted.  But you can bet now when I get back to work I am going to think a little harder about every purchase I make.

Family is something many take for granted.  Living 800 miles away from mine I don't.  I got to spend a wonderful few days with my parents last week and enjoyed every second.  They are getting older (although they don't look it :) ) and each time I see them could be the last. I don't hold back on hugs, kisses or "I Love Yous".  I never want to be left with any regret, just in case.

Below are some other things I have taken for granted, what do you take for granted?

1. Health Insurance
2. Running Water
3. A Roof Over My Head
4. Friends & Family
5. Love

Project Citizen

I am a keen observer of goings-on in the world.  Lately I have noticed that many people are just not good citizens.  When I say citizens I mean that they lack the basic public courtesy's.  When I am out and use a shopping cart, I always put it back.  To me, that is being a good citizen.  I hold doors open for people.  I smile when I met someone in an aisle, a street, whatever.

At Lowe's, I was fishing through my purse for change so I wouldn't have to use a large bill and the woman behind me kindly gave me the correct change.  I was shocked.  I had never had that happen before.  It was so nice and renewed my faith in people being good citizens.

Tell me what you do to be a good citizen.  

To the next President

Dear Mr. President:

Congratulations on your election into the oval office.  As an ordinary, middle-class person, I think there are some things you should know.

Please do something about the job situation in America.  I have been out of work for a little over 2 months.  I am educated, with a Bachelor's degree, have great skills and experiences, and wonderful references, but absolutely cannot find a position.

In the same tone, unemployment compensation must be higher.  I am barely scraping by with the meager amount I am getting on unemployment.  If it was not for having a boyfriend with an income, I would have lost my house, this thought sickens me.

Healthcare for the unemployed needs to be cheaper.  Right now I have no insurance because COBRA is ridiculously expensive and other providers are simply too high for me.  Because of this, I am forced to pay for a very expensive prescription out of pocket.  And let me mention I am purchasing it online in the UK because it is much more affordable than my pharmacy is.

Mr. President, I don't care for us spending money to help others overseas.  They hate us anyway and it stuns me that we should feed starving children in Africa, yet have starving children in America.  Something is not quite right with that.

I hope that your next four years in office really helps us out because we need it.