Re: Checking in... anyone still here?

On 6 Mar 2025 at 23:09:29 GMT, "Wayne S Garmil" <Wayne S Garmil> wrote:

> I still check in here once a month or so.  Life has been interesting
> again, got laid off a year ago, got a short term contract in the
> second half of last year where they did not need someone like me
> (someone who does SQA automation programming) so I was not a good fit
> and glad when the contract ended.

Oof! I dodged a bullet in 2012 when I took voluntary redundancy. My old
employer went into insolvency a few months later; thankfully, I got at least
some redundancy pay beforehand.

> Currently dealing with multiple medical issues, trying to get my
> overdue butt scope done but it keeps getting rescheduled.  Family is
> not doing well health-wise, brother let his diabetes get out of
> control and ended up very sick for the last few months (and now won't
> reply to my texts).  Uncle (mother's brother) is 90 and going into
> hospice, it will become a death watch soon.  We lost my father's brother
> last fall, so this will be the last of that generation for me.

My mum had hip joint replacement surgery last year and is hopefully going to
get a hearing aid soon, but otherwise, she is in great health for her age. She
had a scare when she was diagnosed as pre-diabetic a few years back, but with
diet and exercise, she's out of the danger zone.

> One good thing that did happen is that I finally qualified for VA
> Health, so now my health care is not tied to my job anymore.  That is
> a HUGE relief and a big weight off of my shoulders.

Healthcare is the MAIN reason why I'd never emigrate to the USA, alas. I've
heard from friends just how expensive it can get, particularly for an
emergency, but even with routine treatment.

> Right now, I am trying to survive, looks like my retirement will be
> delayed an additional year or two due to being out of work again.
> Early retirement is not looking like a possibility anymore either.  So
> trying to avoid depression starting again.

Good luck to ya!

*puts some Zorkmids on the bar to pay for BOYC*

—Spiffy