Star Wars: Blogs | Like My Father Before Me | 2008 can't possibly be worse.....

Like My Father Before Me

date posted: Dec 30, 2007 9:32 PM | updated: Jan 23, 2008 4:18 PM

2008 can't possibly be worse.....

Sigh... 2007 is almost over. Good riddance! It has been a ghastly year for me... one for the record books of ghastly years.

Yes, this is my New Year's blog. Welcome... although with a beginning like that one....

Well, okay, maybe "ghastly" is a harsh word.... but from my perspective as I sit here on New Year's Eve eve it seems to fit pretty well.

We'll take a look, shall we? I still have not found a decent job. I've had many interviews and a few of those were thisclosetohiringme. But, I'm entering a new field as novice, and apparently novices are not highly prized. Experience always wins out... and that rules me out. Fine, okay... whatever.

On the good side, I do have a part time job, which is more than many other people out there have.... so... I'm lucky in that respect. On the bad side, my part time job barely covers my expenses. On the good side, I have a loving father who is always there to pick up the slack for me... so, another point in my favor.

I broke my pinky finger on my right hand this past May... that sucked big time. I did such a number on it that I had to have surgery and have three pins put in to straighten it out. Not a big deal you say? I'm uninsured....

The Grand Total for my pinky adventure.................. $20,000.00.

Yes, you read that right.

On the good side, I was considered a charity case and the hospital picked up their portion of the bill... on the bad side, my doctor did not... His chunk was $7000.00. No wonder doctors are so rich.

Oh, I won JediMelindaWolf's raffle the day before my surgery...

My right hand was bandaged for weeks and weeks. I'm right handed. I could do absolutely zilch with my left hand.... well, now I can, so I guess that's good. See, I can be positive!

Then, I needed to have occupational therapy in order to regain use of my pinky... otherwise, the whole surgery deal was for nothing. The hospital said they would pick up the cost of my therapy. Good news!

I attended therapy twice a week for three months. I still can't bend my finger... but at least it's straight.

Then, I got a bill from the hospital for close to $10,000.00 for my therapy.

On the good side, I had kept a copy of a letter I received from the head of their patient financial department thingy... I didn't have to pay the $10,000.00.

In July I was hired by a private investigation firm based in North Carolina. Yay!! Hold it... not so fast. Things did not work out. The company turned out to be some fly by night operation and, after my employment ended, they withheld my pay.... which is illegal. Now, my training is as a paralegal... so... I sought the legal remedies available to me. It was nasty back and forth fight with this jerk, but...... three months later, I won. Yay me!!!

I (almost) always win....

I could not attend CIV due to my financial situation, which broke my heart...

On the good side, I've had 6... count 'em.... SIX glorious IRL opportunities this year!!! Allow me to elaborate...

1. Met JediPrincess77 in downtown Chicago after a job interview and we saw the Artoo mailbox!

2. Met JMW and EwanandHaydenFan5 for dinner and went to see JP77 perform her recital!

3. Met JMW, E&HF5 and JP77 at Millennium Park in Chicago for a collective birthday celebration for those three and to hear Bethany perform with an incredible choir!

4. Met JP77 for Celtic Fest in Chicago and spent a fun afternoon buying stuff, eating free Ritter Sport candy, going for lunch and enjoying some fine Celtic music and dancing!

5. Had my Twink, GalacticBabe, come and stay at my house and then met up with E&HF5 to go see JP77 perform again. While there we met Nobby and his wife, PadmeSkywalker77, Darth Kerfuffle, G&WJedi! (Hope I didn't leave anyone out... please correct me if I did... I'm getting old you see...)

6. Met with 16 fellow SW geeks (you know who you are... bloggers, GHG, Crew... K-fan) to attend the SW exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and was then surprised with a wonderful birthday celebration in my honor!

Hmmmmmmm... not bad.

I'm single with no kids.... still..... but, I became an Aunt and Godmother (4th time out for that honor) when my sister delivered her sixth baby on St. Patrick's Day!! I can deal with that...

I ventured onto MySpace this past October with little to no expectations but, to my delight, I've been able to develop further some of the friendships that began here...

So, I have my family, my friends, my Pug (

), my other pets, Star Wars, a car that runs, a roof over my head, food in my fridge, my health, my faith, my whole life ahead of me..........

Wait...hold on..... what was I complaining about.....???

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HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! MAY IT BE BLESSED AND MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU, ALWAYS!!!!

http://blogs.starwars.com/JediPug1/67

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	megatrends Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: Dec 30, 2007 10:03 PM Injuries always suck ... I have a disc issue and am uninsired as well. needless to say my back hurts and probably will for a while. No more crap for you in 2008! I have said so ... so it is done.

JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me

date Posted: Dec 30, 2007 10:11 PM

Oooh! Back injuries are no fun at all! I feel for you.... I really do....

My dumb pinky hurts like @#$% in the cold weather and it has totally messed up my typing speed (which does not help the job search situation). But, things could be worse, right?

No more crap for you in 2008! I have said so ... so it is done.

Thank you my dear....

::::waving my hand:::: and none for you, either!

	leia19886 Someone get this big walking carpet out of my way ...
date Posted: Dec 30, 2007 10:36 PM You had the pleasure of meeting Galactic Babe I got to meet her myself in July. She's a great lady!! Noooooooooooooooooooo more garbage in 2008! Amen to that. May the Force Be with You!!!!!! Leia

	JediPug1 Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Dec 30, 2007 10:48 PM GB is totally wonderful! No more garbage for anyone, Leia... wouldn't that be nice? Just one year, totally garbage free? Happy New Year to you!

	jkthunder Seven Pieces
date Posted: Dec 30, 2007 10:51 PM Goodness! The screws for your pinky must have been provided by the Pentagon for that price! I'm glad you made it through JP! You had some big downers, but that list of positives is awesome! Good luck in the new year!

	Darth_Hiram A Journey into The Force
date Posted: Dec 30, 2007 10:57 PM Pug ... I wish you nothing but the best for 2008. I agree, 2007 had its ups and downs, but we all need to look forward to a new year. You are a terrific person and I very much enjoy reading your entries. All the best in '08 and hopefully we can meet up some day in a Star Warsy event, such as you recapped!

	Granny-Wan I Am NOT an Old Fossil!
date Posted: Dec 30, 2007 11:02 PM Wait...hold on..... what was I complaining about.....??? Oh, Pug, you are too funny.... Oh, I won JediMelindaWolf's raffle the day before my surgery... See? Just when things are at their worse.... Just one year, totally garbage free? That'd be nice, but remember, things can always be worse, as Princess Leia said in the garbage compactor....

JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me

date Posted: Dec 30, 2007 11:04 PM

The screws for your pinky must have been provided by the Pentagon for that price!

Seriously!!!! $30,000 for a busted pinky is just nuts! For my therapy I got a funky glove designed to bend my fingers... it was basiclally heavy duty nylon with velcro strips.... my bill said it cost $700! WTH??? Sigh....

Happy New Year JK!!!

You are a terrific person and I very much enjoy reading your entries.

Awwww, thanks Darth! I enjoy yours as well.

I hope to meet everyone here someway somehow... and I owe you a big hug for that sweet comment! Happy New Year!

	JediPug1 Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Dec 30, 2007 11:06 PM Oh, Pug, you are too funny.... LOL! Thanks Granny! Oh, I won JediMelindaWolf's raffle the day before my surgery... See? Just when things are at their worse.... As I was being put under, I remember telling the nurses I won a SW raffle.... I'm sure they thought it was the drugs!

	JediPug1 Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Dec 30, 2007 11:08 PM Just one year, totally garbage free? That'd be nice, but remember, things can always be worse, as Princess Leia said in the garbage compactor.... But, Megatrends promised..... I have total faith in him!

	The Stooge Star Wars Joke-A-Day (gone fishin')
date Posted: Dec 30, 2007 11:43 PM 2007 kinda sucked for me, too. So thanks for putting it in perspective... with all those events and IRL meetings, it wasn't so bad afterall!

	padmeskywalker77 Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Dec 30, 2007 11:47 PM Oh Pug!! I agree...2007 had its ups and downs. I hope that 2008 is a better year for you!! Just one year, totally garbage free? That'd be nice, but remember, things can always be worse, as Princess Leia said in the garbage compactor.... Ha!! Love it!! Here's to a New Year

jediprincess77
I Know...

date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 5:01 AM

This is your year coming, up. I can feel it. (All Jedi style!

)

I've had 6... count 'em.... SIX glorious IRL opportunities this year!!!
Looking back on those wonderful events...they are ALL big highlights of my year!

As soon as I get back, we will have to plan another little get-together. I'm buying YOUR drink this time.

Happy Spew Year! Um, I mean, New Year!

	usetheforce19 MasterMonkey13
date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 6:52 AM Seriously!!!! $30,000 for a busted pinky is just nuts! Indeed! I hope that 2008 is all that you want it to be, and more. MTFBWY! God bless!

	jedilily1026 Years Matter Not (Gone Crazy...Be Back Soon)
date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 7:47 AM I'm glad you counted your blessings so things aren't all bad. 2008 will be great!!! I'm praying & rooting for you. 2007 wasn't a good year for me in most respects but in spite of all the bad, look at the good: 1. I got to go to CIV. 2. I bought a condo. 3. I have all of you. Faith baby!!! which I know you have. Happy New Year to you too.

	nob01 Oil Bath Bubbles
date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 8:01 AM So you are nearly bionic now? Hey - you're in the GHG now! Things can only get better!!

	hansgirl3 Invoking the Squee
date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 8:30 AM (((Pug))) In spite of all the icky things that happened to you in '07, I'm so glad you can see the postives!! We sure love you!! HAPPY NEW YEAR! and may it be loads better than 2007!

JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me

date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 8:36 AM

2007 kinda sucked for me, too

Awwww.... ((((Stooge)))) We'll have great one this year... just you wait!!

Thanks PS77! I know this will be a good year for you, too...

This is your year coming, up. I can feel it. (All Jedi style! )

Well, I'm feeling pretty hopeful, JP.... and you're on about that drink! HNY!!!

Blessed New Year to you, too, Usetheforce!!

	JediPug1 Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 8:39 AM Oh, Lily.... you love you! So you are nearly bionic now? Well, my pinky should be! you're in the GHG now GHG!!! GHG!!!! GHG!!!! We sure love you!! Love you, too, HG... tons and tons....

Smuggler Jedi
Hokey Religions and A Good Blaster at My Side

date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 8:50 AM

Sounds like a real up and down year. It was comforting to see you found the positive as often as you could in your experience.

My 2007 flew by. I found out in January, as a complete surprise, that my wife and I were expecting our second child.

Then in April, my income increased dramatically, which was a good thing because...

In June, I moved into a new larger house--out of necessity.

Then in October, the new baby arrived.

Great year for me. I hope 2008 is as equally good, but not as life changing eventful.

	JediPug1 Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 9:13 AM Congratulations on the baby! Wonderful news!!! Congrats on that raise, too....

Sarlacc-Pitt
Slowly Digested Over A Thousand Blogs

date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 9:40 AM

Aww Pug.... "You're breaking my heart!"

Egads! I know what you mean when you say "Good Riddance!" to a certain year. 2006 was a crappy year for me, so I can relate... and at this time we all feel the need to put the past year into some sort of perspective and try to like, learn something.

The coolest thing that happened to me this year was meeting all of you crazy people!

(look who's talking, right!)

You've got a spankin'-fresh new year ahead of you.... I hope it's all you want it to be!

And more! Happy New Year!

	slow Slow's Rebel Ramblings
date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 9:58 AM WOW! Sounds like a rough 07 (kind of like my 06) Hang in there. 2007 was, in general, a crappy one, though you far exceeded your share of the crappiness. Glad to belong to your MySpace crew as well. May 08 bring you all you desire....or at least all that you need.

	JediPug1 Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 10:12 AM Aww Pug.... "You're breaking my heart!" There, there Pitt.... it's okay.... Knowing I've got people like you in my corner, things aren't so bad! Thanks, slow... I hope you have a very Happy New Year! Glad to belong to your MySpace crew as well Go GHG!

	DJ Maul: Got Feet? DJ Maul's Dancin' Cantina Party
date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 10:15 AM wow, a year of highs and lows for sure. BUT...you survived, and have a positive outlook for the future. sometimes that all we can ask for. "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." Here's to a BETTER 2008, and here's hoping we all get some more IRL's next year!

	JediPug1 Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 10:18 AM "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." Amen to that, brother! More IRL's definitely! I love meeting all you guys! I mean, just look at how those meetings salvaged my 2007!

ewanandhaydenfan5
I Have You Now!

date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 12:25 PM

(((PUG)))

I won JediMelindaWolf's raffle the day before my surgery
What a lift that must've given you! As you know, I had a "procedure" in mid-2007. The day before, as I was preparing for the procedure by drinking some GHASTLY stuff and, um, enduring other discomfort, I went to get the mail and what was watiing for me but my lovely Jedi pillow! Such a nice surprise! I spent the rest of the day napping in comfort.

Here's to a healthy and happy 2008! Happy New Year!

	JediPug1 Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 12:30 PM drinking some GHASTLY stuff and, um, enduring other discomfort, I went to get the mail and what was watiing for me but my lovely Jedi pillow I remember that! JMW has excellent timing.... Happy New Year to you, to, my dear.

JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.

date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 8:27 PM

I'd say the plusses far outweigh the minuses (and no, I am not giving your pinky woes more weight than they merit . . . I mean, I know you're having trouble bending your little finger, but it's still kind of early.). And, if it counts for anything, 2007 was a great year - because we got to spend some quality time together! I am so lucky (yes, I do believe in that sometimes!

) to have you in my life. I feel like George Bailey. I know I'm not rich monetarily, but I sure am when it comes to friends like you and my family.

Thank you for helping make 2007 the memorable year it was!

MTFBWY, jp1 - always!

	JediPug1 Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Dec 31, 2007 8:34 PM Awwwwwww... Melinda, you are the best! Happy New Year you and yours!

GalacticBabe
I Have a Bad Feeling About This!

date Posted: Jan 01, 2008 2:00 PM

Had my Twink, GalacticBabe, come and stay at my house I'd have to say, besides Raegan being born, Chicago was the greatest highlight of the whole year!

You and your dad made such an everlasting impression on me (remember the dream I had that night???

)

I truly feel as if I have known you forever, Twink. I don't think I've ever been as comfortable in a new place as you made me feel. I can't wait until the next time I'm able to visit Chicago.......orrrr, you could come here......

And that goes for the rest of my Midwest pals.

I got to meet her myself in July. She's a great lady!! Aww!!! (((hugs)))

	GalacticBabe I Have a Bad Feeling About This!
date Posted: Jan 01, 2008 2:01 PM By the way, I thank you, too, for putting 2007 into perspective for me as well. The goods do definitely outweigh the bads.

	JediPug1 Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Jan 01, 2008 2:44 PM Awww, thanks Twink! I'm so happy you felt at home here. We don't do much "entertaining" so I was worried about your comfort. You're such an easy going person, though, that I didn't need to worry! Hopefully, I can visit your home someday!

	Jade Sabre777 A luminous being, I am...
date Posted: Jan 01, 2008 9:01 PM Hey JP1, hopefully 2008 goes waaaaay better for you! I've had 6... count 'em.... SIX glorious IRL opportunities this year!!! Lucky!!!!!! I'm so jealous! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! MAY IT BE BLESSED AND MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU, ALWAYS!!!! You too!

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