Day 30 - The Prescription Scramble

As you know we have opted for continuation of health care benefits through my former company. There have been some administrative gaps that have just given us the opportunity to purchase retro coverage for January and then moving forward. Before the year was over, my husband and I made sure all our prescriptions were refilled the last day of 2009 to save a month of refills. Now it is time for us to refill our prescriptions. Unfortunately our health care program puts the majority of the cost up front on us. Therefore, we had to get creative in saving any unnecessary cost. My poor husband had to do the majority of scrambling since most of the drugs are for him. I have to give him kudos. He prepared spreadsheets and cost comparisons, he clipped coupons and then made the call of shame to our doctors, friends who are doctors and family members who are doctors - asking for free samples. With clever thinking and balls of steel, we were able to save about $500 this month - not bad. So..more cash in our pocket and less pride in our heart (you do what you gotta do). Actually the thought of my husband having to present coupons to the pharmacist at Costco is kind of an uncomfortable image.

FREAKS COME OUT DURING THE DAY

I really love where I live but now that I am out and about during the day, there are a lot of weird people in my radius. It is frightening to drive in local strip malls. I can't tell you how many times that I have almost been hit in both my car and on foot. I never imagined myself having to use my most defensive driving techniques in the parking lot of Trader Joes.

I also have to give Weight Watchers a new found respect. They have to deal with the weirdest freaks. Today, I was waiting behind a couple. The woman could not stand on the scale for 5 seconds to get her weight accurate. Either she acted like she was balancing on a high wire flinging her hands up and down or she kept on holding on to the ledge in front of her to throw off her weight. You just knew that she was not going to last more than 3 meetings before she gives up on this program. The man was next and he definitely looked a little off. At first I thought they were a couple until she introduced him as her son... or was he??? Maybe he was a sonband (son+husband - It was an odd situation).

It is encouraging that at least I am in a better situation than them. It gives me hope in the world that my issues are very minor. At least I have my balance and sense of humor.

Realization -

Even though unemployment is hard on your ego, bank account and family, it is a great learning experience. I see myself growing and giving me a better sense of self. I appreciated the true meaning of life which is family, health and the ability to get one good laugh a day... and I am.. even if it is at my own expense.... 30 days down the hatch and I am fine.. Hallelujah