Expensive Day

Since my feet have been bothering me for quite sometime and my doctor can’t seem to figure anything out, I made an appointment today at the Good Feet Store.  They sell Orthotics and they are NOT cheap.  They tried to talk me into a 3 step system for $1,500.  I guess if I would have gone in sooner I would have had the money but that is a mortgage payment and I just can’t afford to part with that kind of cash right now.  I walked out with the cheapest thing they sold and spent $200 for it.  There is only a 6 month warranty for it and the guy tried to tell me that I would be back to buy the full system.  I don’t think so.  They don’t do any insurance billing but they are quick to tell you that there is a 0% financing offer available provided that you pay it off within 12 months.  All of there inserts are non refundable due to “health reasons”.  I sort of understand that but it’s an insert, you can wash it off and it’s good as new again. 

Then I managed to get my car into the dealer, thank God.  I got some Freon for the AC and the usual oil change & checkup.  That was another $120.  I found out that my tires are starting to wear.  They will need future attention.  I was told that would be somewhere down the line.  I was really surprised they say the breaks are perfect.  I’m known to be hard on breaks.  I know my habits have changed but I didn’t think by that much.  So the car is more than road ready.  Just pack, fill the tank and go. 

The paperwork came in by e-mail for my trip.  I got a copy of my offer letter which tells me that they will 100% pay for my parking, so another bullet dodged.  In looking over the benefits summary I found out that you have to be there for 2 years before you are eligible for Profit Sharing.  Your automatically enrolled in the 401K upon hire, I will have to nix that because I need all of my money right now.  I am not apposed to joining but at a later date.  They also have a basic vision plan that is at no cost.  If I want to step up then it would be $10 per pay period, which is $2 more than my last employer was charging but I bet you that the coverage is way better.  I did look at their Medical & Dental even though I have coverage, it looks to be very affordable and you have many choices. 

I will be staying at 2 different Hotels.  The 1st one is a Westin and they are really paying a premium for the rooms.  The Westin charges for Internet Access.  I’m going to request it upon check in and it should be added to my bill for The Firm to pay, if they don’t want to pay it then I will be happy to pay for it on my own dime.  I just have to have connectivity to the outside world.  They have a swimming pool but it’s outdoor only and I’m not a fan of outdoor pools because I will turn RED like a Lobster before I know what hit me.  So looks like I will be hitting the shower and that will be as much water as I see, unless of course it rains.  I will have to drive to the office each day and check in on the 1st day by 9am or the offer goes away.  That won’t be a problem, I plan on being there some where between 8 and 8:30.

The 2nd hotel is a Hilton and there is no pool but they have WIFI.  Again an expensive room.  This hotel is within walking distance of the office, so provided the weather cooperates I can walk to work, which will be good for my fat ass. 

Parking at both hotels is $18.00 per night and they will pay for that as well.  Not to mention whatever the parking cost is at the office garage.  I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to what they have to offer me.  I pray that I have NOT signed a deal with the devil and that this turns out to be everything I think it is and more. 

The mail brought a response from the agency investigating my discrimination complaint on my former employer.  Turns out I have a case based on Sexual Orientation.  I am guessing but do not know for certain that they contacted the other person who was let go under the same guise as I was.  Now if she signed their Separation Agreement then technically she resigned and that is what the company will report.  So that may blow a hole in the case and stop it dead in its tracks.  In any event I signed and mailed the paperwork they asked for.  Only time will tell what will happen.  I know I do not want my job back, I would want a monetary settlement. 

I also got all of my bank statements and was able to reconcile all of my accounts.  It’s really true I don’t have much money.  I am interested to see what the 3 day place gives me on Monday.  It’s direct deposit so I won’t know until the evening, which should be interesting.  In any event it should be enough to cover a couple bills or I could use it for spending money while I am away. 

I am putting off the getting luggage out and packing part, but then again I don’t leave until Sunday.  I want to try to relax as much as possible and enjoy what little time I have left here.  I will leave on Sunday probably around 12 noon and not arrive there until 4 or 5pm.  I will be able to leave on Friday and make the venture back home in which case I should be home around 8pm.  The children won’t be too happy with me when I return.  They really won’t like it when I leave again but after that there won’t be anymore travel for a while, if ever.  I just pray that they all make it through this temporary readjustment.  I know the rugs will need cleaning when I get home.  Big Boy will develop Diarrhea from not being on his medication.  Jumper will be puking because he won’t be on his medication.  Momma well who knows, hopefully there won’t be any side effects from her.

The thing is it will be like a shock to their system at first, then they will go back on medication for 3 days and then off again and finally back on.  That in its’ self is asking for trouble.  However, I have no other choice.  I can’t afford to board all of them and if they were boarded I’m afraid they would shutdown or develop some other problem.

All things considered it’s been a good day that has only gotten better.  I am not looking forward to the drive but I am looking forward to getting started.  I need that money!  All I can say is Thank You God for blessing me.  Let’s hope the vicious ride from hell that I was on, has finally come to an end. 

I will try to post while I am away.  As there will be plenty of time in the evening to kill, unless co-workers want to do something.  I’m guessing that won’t happen, which is fine.  The part that I will miss the most is being able to call back home and talk with my late partner.  That was the best thing about traveling before he passed, just hearing his voice was comforting.  Now I will be calling my cat sitter and checking up on the furry guys and gals. 

It’s way past my supper time so I am going to eat something, even though I am not hungry once I start I have a feeling that I will just dig in.  Tomorrow night I am going out with a friend who is picking up the tab.  It’s going to be a really busy day tomorrow and then again on Sunday.  After that everything should fall in place or so I hope.

Thanks again for your support.  I will talk with you peeps later.