Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,
I've had a lot of migraines lately. They make me feel like shit. I give myself a shot of Emgality every month, which usually helps, but my insurance won't cover the Nurtec that helps with break-through migraines. My employer sees record profits so the CEO and other top-level people get millions in bonuses, but they take away our benefits. I know I've bitched about the changes at work before, so please pardon my rant.
My last paycheck was $1.96. A lot of what I earn goes to my part in paying for benefits and into an HSA that doesn't have enough money in it to cover all my medical expenses.
I've also taken long leaves of absence this year and last because of severe health issues. I won't share them. TMI
The whole X hiring a lawyer thing and wanting to change the settlement hangs over my head like the blade of a guillotine. I wanted to retire after the first of the year. How can I do that when I don't know if I'll even have sufficient funds to live at a greatly reduced standard––not that I'm living the high life now, especially with costs going up non-stop. How can anyone afford to buy beef? I don't eat red meat very often, but I appreciate an occasional steak. I can't remember the last time I had one.
The letter from the lawyer said when X retires his loss of income will be more than $100,000 a year. Isn't that so fucking sad. I've never had an income approaching that. I don't have a standard of living anywhere close to what I had when we were married, but he wants to cut me off. We were married for 30 years. When he was very sick, I took care of him, although he hated me for being ill.
They haven't filed anything in court yet, but I need a lawyer to represent me. I called numerous law offices in Illinois (the state where we divorced). Quite a few lawyers weren't accepting new clients. I finally found a lawyer to take my case, but her retainer is $4,000, which has to be paid immediately in order to hire her. That amount seems to be typical for a decent lawyer. I don't have a stray $4,000 sitting around. I told X's lawyer we can't talk about anything unless X pays for my lawyer. And I will fight to keep my maintenance (alimony).
If I have to continue working, there's no guarantee I'll have a job. My employer has adopted the employees are meaningless and can be easily replaced business model, which was the standard at the job I had before. I don't know from one day to the next if I'll be fired.
When I feel especially bad, when I cry, Princess comes to me and I look into her eyes. She helps me a lot.
I guess that's all I have to say for now. If you're still reading, then I thank you for putting up with my problems.
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
I feel sorry for you Janie that you have to go through this, and at this point in our life we shouldn't have to be going through this. I have at least three or four friends currently that are going through much the same it's mostly in part due to the administration of pigs that we have running this country. They are making it easier for the greedy CEOS.The healthcare thing is especially out of control it isn't helping anyone so why are so many people paying into it when these insurance companies won't even cover anything. Never discount your age though when it comes to finding a job. Hell my mother went back to work which was supposed to be part time. Meanwhile she's now full-time and that was 15 years ago. So maybe trying to locate a new job might help. In the meantime you may have to bide your time to see if you could find something, but I'd hate to give them greedy bastards anymore my blood sweat and tears. And they probably don't even appreciate the work you're doing. In the meantime youll be in by thoughts and I will send you big hugs.
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Mads, you are my sweetheart. Thank you. I send you big hugs, too.
DeleteSorry you're enduring such an incredibly stressful situation. It's no wonder your migraines are so bad right now.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra. Much love to you.
DeleteOh, Janie. I'm sorry for all these stressful issues you're having. I hope the new year brings some better news and good resolutions for these problems. I'm sure Princess is a great comfort to you.
ReplyDeleteLove the memes!
Princess is such a good dog. I never regret adopting her.
DeleteWell I will send positive thoughts that the X does the right thing and that your boss takes a tumble down a long flight of stairs and is replaced by someone with a heart.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Maybe I should give all the bosses a little shove toward that flight of stairs.
DeleteI thank God for Princess. Why are some men such scumbags?
ReplyDeleteIt's the male culture. They learned as children that they're superior to women and they don't want to give up their power over us. The current administration also encourages misogeny, along with all the other hatred they embrace.
DeleteWhat a difficult spot you are in. I am sorry. I also concur that our healthcare "system" (which isn't a system at all) is so not okay. It's also not okay to stop support of an ex of thirty years. So much wrong. 😔
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your support.
DeleteThat sucks, Janie! 😫 I'm so sorry you're dealing wtih this mess and hope your X will be a mensch and cut you a break. Same for your horrible boss. Sending hugs, love and positive thoughts! 💖 And hugs for Princess. Thank goodness you have her!
ReplyDeleteHe's never been a mensch before so I don't think it will happen now. You would love Princess. If you hug her, she hugs back.
DeleteAw shit! What a pissy way to approach the new year. Your ex is an asshole. I hope everything improves and goes better than you’re expecting. You deserve a break.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mitchell. A few days ago I took a photo in your honor because I saw a woman dressed in some really awful things. I could only get her from the side, which doesn't really show how hideous the clothes were.
DeleteWell, Princess has her work cut out for her. My love to you and her for some brightness through the cracks and around the corner.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Robyn
Thanks, Robyn. Hope you have a good Thanksgiving.
DeleteYou've got a lot of valid reasons to complain. Wish you had a good lawyer to fight the scumbag. And maybe, if there's a change of regime in the government, you'll have better healthcare, but that's a long wait...
ReplyDeleteI'll get a lawyer when he pays for it. I've exchanged a few emails with his lawyer and made it clear I won't talk about anything unless I have a lawyer.
DeleteOh Janie, I am so sorry to read about all of the stress in your life. And add to that what is happening in the USA right now, it is a double whammy. I have never had a migraine, but I have had co-workers who have had migraine attacks at work and it was pretty brutal. I know you appreciate Princess and she helps with what is going on. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteI'm hugging you back. If we ever get rid of the felon and have a decent president, it will go a long way toward reducing my stress.
Delete*long gentle hug*
ReplyDeleteDon't give an inch.
So glad Princess is there by your side. :)
Sending love and positive survival energy. What we all need these days...positive survival energy, right?
Don't give an inch to him!!!
Thank you for the hug. I will not give an inch.
Delete