Unemployed

I was their greatest supporter; their morale officer almost; and I also programmed sometimes too.

For real, I lost my job at the commission just over a week ago. Its a terribly scary thing over here to loose your job. Back in Scotland you were fine - you just stood in the line to sign on for unemployment - it was a long line. Your health care was provided no matter what anyway. No worry for medical bills. No worry for your pregnant wife or children who are currently undergoing medical treatment.

But now Im buring mega-calories freaking out about those things. Even if I get a job it will be at least 3 months before health insurance becomes an option. It drives me crazy. The thing was, we had already maxed out our deductible - and have about half of our out of pocket to pay. It was almost going to be free health care.

So as far as loosing the job goes - Im still confused as to why. Ive been given such fuzzy information - there is what is printed on paper - and there is what happened in real life. They dont match up. How can I get a wage rise one week only to be let go - sacked - whatever - 3 weeks later? Its messed up.

If you happen to be a prospectful employer reading this (they do internet checks these days) please feel free to ask me about it - but you will only end up more confused.

Either way - looking to the future - well it seems that the Rodent Emporium gig is maybe not going to happen. Ive got less than a week to organise it. I wish I could get some answers from Marv...

Weather Education

Its been an unbelievable month for weather so far. Ive never spent so much time in my basement.

Gone are the days when the most I had to complain about was constant rain. Sure - the Scottish weather is not something to be desired if you plan on outdoor activities - although somehow we managed to make them fit in. But having the sea within 60+ miles to the east and west of you keeps the weather pretty consistent and placid.

So to be experiencing the tremendous forces of nature that have recently run through this part of Nebraska has forced me to rethink what I count as "bad weather". The sky is usually so clear and blue out here, then all of a sudden a storm appears. And at least 2 times in the last couple weeks, I thank God that we have only experienced these storms, and not what was at at their centers -

Im glad I wasn't in that car!


I can't help but think this photographer might have been in trouble

As if a the tornado wasn't causing enough damage...