I've often found that venting a bit about the things you aren't happy with, clears your mind and makes space for more positive thoughts to surface, so first let me share something about this year that I'm not happy with...
I am not feeling one bit positive about the costs of medical care and health insurance in our country, and this isn't even taking the new administration into consideration. My husband has private health insurance because the business he works for is too small to carry group insurance at a price they can afford. Because of his age his monthly insurance premium is high, much higher than it is for someone in their thirties, putting a strain on our budget. Near the end of last year we were notified that his monthly insurance premium will increase by $196 beginning in February. Needless to say, we can't afford that and there are no easy options that will meet the legal requirements.
I have been uninsured since my job ended, because the cost of COBRA insurance was exorbitant and although unemployed I do not qualify for an Affordable Care Act discount due to my husband's income. There will likely be an income tax penalty assessed or my not having insurance the last four months of 2016. It is also highly likely that neither one of us will have health insurance in the months ahead because it's not financially possible. I am concerned about the medical risks of doing this, and I am angry that our government never implements plans that truly helps the working class. I am sick to death of funding for those who can work but do not, while we have both worked years and years and must do without.
Okay, now I have that little rant off my chest, let's move on to what I see as positive for the coming year...
Probably what I most look forward to most are the anticipated changes in the lives of both my son and my daughter as they take the relationships they're in to the next level. There is nothing that makes a mother happier, nor her heart more at peace, than to know her grown children aren't alone in the world, that they have someone who loves them and takes care of them, someone who brings joy and meaning to their life.
My son has become involved with a wonderful woman who has a young son, and they intend to combine their households in the second half of this year. For the present time they do a lot of cross-city commuting on the weekends.
My daughter has been in a relationship for about five years now and engaged for the last two. They've finally decided to go ahead and tie-the-knot, tentatively in March, then she will sell her home and join him in Texas, tentatively in May.
We all know that life and plans change everyday, so I will watch and wait and hope that all of this works out in a way that will bless their lives. I am happy with the life partners they've both chosen, I think they are well suited to each other. I'll keep you posted when/if events actually unfold. And from that point it's up to them to make it work! :-)
I am not feeling one bit positive about the costs of medical care and health insurance in our country, and this isn't even taking the new administration into consideration. My husband has private health insurance because the business he works for is too small to carry group insurance at a price they can afford. Because of his age his monthly insurance premium is high, much higher than it is for someone in their thirties, putting a strain on our budget. Near the end of last year we were notified that his monthly insurance premium will increase by $196 beginning in February. Needless to say, we can't afford that and there are no easy options that will meet the legal requirements.
I have been uninsured since my job ended, because the cost of COBRA insurance was exorbitant and although unemployed I do not qualify for an Affordable Care Act discount due to my husband's income. There will likely be an income tax penalty assessed or my not having insurance the last four months of 2016. It is also highly likely that neither one of us will have health insurance in the months ahead because it's not financially possible. I am concerned about the medical risks of doing this, and I am angry that our government never implements plans that truly helps the working class. I am sick to death of funding for those who can work but do not, while we have both worked years and years and must do without.
Okay, now I have that little rant off my chest, let's move on to what I see as positive for the coming year...
Probably what I most look forward to most are the anticipated changes in the lives of both my son and my daughter as they take the relationships they're in to the next level. There is nothing that makes a mother happier, nor her heart more at peace, than to know her grown children aren't alone in the world, that they have someone who loves them and takes care of them, someone who brings joy and meaning to their life.
My son has become involved with a wonderful woman who has a young son, and they intend to combine their households in the second half of this year. For the present time they do a lot of cross-city commuting on the weekends.
My daughter has been in a relationship for about five years now and engaged for the last two. They've finally decided to go ahead and tie-the-knot, tentatively in March, then she will sell her home and join him in Texas, tentatively in May.
We all know that life and plans change everyday, so I will watch and wait and hope that all of this works out in a way that will bless their lives. I am happy with the life partners they've both chosen, I think they are well suited to each other. I'll keep you posted when/if events actually unfold. And from that point it's up to them to make it work! :-)
