The Ups and The Downs of 2009

Let's start by saying there haven't been too many ups in 2009. It all started on 1/13, when we found out Steve's job center was closing at the end of March. We had the opportunity to move to OK City, but decided to stay here because of my job. On 1/30, my stepfather passes away. We make it quietly through February. In March, I get pneumonia and Steve's job ends. Little downs happen in April. In May we find out that Steve's dad has an abdominal aortic aneurysm and will have surgery in June. The Friday before the surgery, we find out that Steve's dad's blood counts are too low for the surgery to be done safely, so it is postponed. The doctor's give him a couple of shots to help boost his numbers. A day or two later, he is in the ER throwing up blood because of the medications. All of that gets squared away, so the surgery is delayed until things are better. On July 4, Steve and I are with my mom in Dothan, AL, when my sister calls me to let me know she is taking my dad to the ER with chest pains and shortness of breath. He had to have 3 stints put in. He is feeling much better now. The beginning of August, one of my best friend's mom passes away. The same day, I go to the ER with chest pain (probably from the lack of stress I have experienced this year)...I am admitted (NO, not committed!). I am put through a battery of needle pokes and tests. All turns out well, and I am released two days later.

To continue with the stress free year I have had so far, I find out on Thursday that my position is being eliminated - only my position, no one else. My last day will be Sept 17...but I am hoping I will be able to take my last two vacation days on Wednesday and Thursday.

What to do now? I really want to just take off for a week....Head to Tallahassee for a few days to visit friends that I can never visit when I only have a weekend there. Then head up to Philly to visit with Steve's parents for a few days... But then I think about the money that would cost and how that money will probably be needed for bills...

Being an adult and having adult responsibilities BITES!