urbanhomesteader

Spring has possibly sprung!!

Good morning everyone. Hope all who read this are well. I've been troubled as of late. Economy issues, values, financial...... just has my mind realing.

Gas went up to $3.49 (that's up .10) so I'll really need to plan out my trips. Work creates a 48 mile round trip 4-5 nights a week. I really must move closer. Prices in the stores went up something awful. I choked when I saw flour at $3.99 for 5lbs. Terrible, just terrible!!! Good thing I know how to be frugal and have had a fully stocked pantry. I have been slacking on upkeep as of late tho since I do plan to move this summer (God willing my house sells quickly for what I need) and don't want to move a ton of supplies.  I've always been happy as long as my needs are met. I don't need a lot of "stuff". I generally keep a list of what I must have to survive and the rest goes on a "want" list. Right now, since my house payment rose in February, I'm paying out in bills almost exactly what I'm bringing in at best and that's not often. I'll be starting a 3rd job of cleaning for my Aunt soon. Uff da.  What is happening to society??? We live in a world that is so full of negetivity and "poor me". I have a hard time with the "poor me" syndrome. Can't stand it. True, there are cases that can't be helped and temporally need extra help but if one isn't trying, isn't working as hard as he/she can to make it, spend foolishly, and worst of all expect others to take care of them, drives me totally nuts!

My values have been tried at work as of late. So many changes all that seem to benefit those in upper management. They effect us in patient care the most tho. We are suppose to be nonprofit but yet money and making 5 dollars instead of 1 is what they are all about. Cheaper patient care supplies, fewer employee benefits, higher and more complicated charges, quicker to send a bill to collections........ It's all so uneasy. I had thought to totally change jobs since I need to move anyway but the thought of starting over at a new job after 19 years in the other is a bit daunting. Besides, could I ever find another church family as loving and caring as mine?? I decided that I would give things a year, do some serious soul searching and if in a year I'm still uneasy I'll change hospitals. I'f I'm truely ok with things, I'll stay. Not looking good for them tho as since Thursday when I made my decision they sent notice that the hospital pharmacys would no longer be providing discounted employee/employee family service. They will focus only on the patient that is registered with the hospital ER or as a patient on one of the units. Also, there is a severe reduction on healthy visits insurance coverage to our primary doctors. They are so focused on making everyone "conform" to one single mold that they are taking away each hospital's uniquness and individuality. What works for one does not necessarily work for another.  I'm no longer happy here.

The financia lwoes continue just like with every other American. I've noted a couple above. As mnetioned, I work now 3 jobs and am not doing well at all. The only option is sell my house and move closer to work to save on gas. Slim pickings for rentals tho. We shall see. I don't buy out of need, no extravagent shopping sprees here. I walk to town (it's 1-2 miles from my house to town) when I have to go, don't eat out, shop carefully, garden, can, dehydrate..... Whew, I'm alredy doing better than most who don't have a clue how to really and truely take care of themselves and family.

Well, I've got to go do chores here in the ER. Have a wonderful day all!

Mcihele