Unemployment Up

The latest numbers for November has an increase in unemployment. Again. I’m somewhat surprised with holiday hiring, but then I’m not surprised. Again.

I’m amused by the Republicans who want to extend the Bush tax cuts to those making more than $250,000 because these are the people who will be hiring. If so, why aren’t they hiring now. They have not been hiring for the past three years with the tax cuts. Why would 2011 be any different?

Meanwhile, I start another part-time job next week. I now work four part-time jobs. Otherwise, I would be included in the unemployment stat. Again.

Thanksgiving in the Age of Austerity

I love this image of Obama from The Economist. I have the print version on my refrigerator. That working man image of Obama with the chain saw is hot. Of course, Obama could probably wield a chain saw as effectively as I can. I would dismember an appendage.

I cringe when I hear the Republicans talk about cutting the budget. The budget for whom? For the past two years, my family has cut all the fun out of our budget. We no longer eat out, go out to movies or travel. I just saw Avatar last week, and it was a huge disappointment. While we were largely dependent upon unemployment benefits, we have graduated to working part-time and temporary jobs. We make less than we did on the unemployment benefits when we subtract gasoline, tires, car repair, dry cleaning and other work related expenses.

One of my jobs is interviewing people for a medical study at Vanderbilt. I travel around Davidson County and live in my car some days. I have to stop at gas stations, coffee shops and restaurants for bathroom breaks. Thus, I have to purchase something. This is a work related expense that I did not expect. Only part of my mileage is reimbursed.

So what am I thankful for this day? I’m thankful that Obama is president. I’m thankful for my family which includes my two cats. Because I work part-time for a pet food company, the cats are eating well with the discounted premium food I now feed them. The cats are fat.

I’m thankful for my health which seems to be good. Since I have a high $10,000 deductible on my private insurance plan, I may look at other plans. My current plan pays for well visits, but if I get sick, too bad.

I’m thankful for my freedom, both that nationwide and personal. While I miss travel and other amenities of making a large income, I’m content with my life in the age of austerity.