I got a new job! I start the first week of January. It's my first "big girl" job, with benefits, paid vacation, 401K... I didn't know I would be so excited about adulting, but here I am.

I also got an awesome Christmas present from my friend: production copies of Utena settei. They're art references for the production staff to ensure that everything stays on-model. Originals are hard to find, I'm told, but production copies are often available. It's freakin' GREAT. I'm going to look into scanning them soon.

I have completed my Masters degree in Education, graduating with honors. Just waiting for the certificate at this point. My boss loves me and parents of my students are asking if I'm staying for next year because they want their younger children to be in my class. This time last year I had no job, felt like I was the crappiest, most incompetent teacher that had ever lived. I'm almost afraid to write this, feel like I'm gonna jinx myself. On the downside I am down with a godawful chest cold. So hopefully that balances it all out.

Yasha wrote:

Reason I am happy: I made Gio really, really happy today.

I came here to post that I was made really happy today.

Today on IN CANADA:

I have a broken baby tooth that has no permanent underneath. The whole exposed part of the tooth broke off several years ago, and my dentist, an artist with filling, basically made a tooth of filling over it, since there was nothing actually wrong with the root of the tooth and it wasn't loose or anything.

Last night the cap finally just popped right the fuck off. So I'm shitting my pants (because while I don't fear the dentist, anything wrong with my teeth freaks me the fuck out) and praying to voodoo deities (Thank you, Maman!), waiting for the office to open. I call at 7:55. Receptionist says get there ASAP, however she couldn't promise when I'd get in because he is double booked all damn day. I live close so I get there at 8:05. I'm out at 8:30 with a new cap on the tooth, and I didn't even have to take out my wallet.

Awesome.

yusaku wrote:

You have to pay $2500 deductible before the Obama plans pay one cent; and, the Obamacare plans cost just as much or more than my company plan. I heard both the deductible and the monthly Obamacare payment is increasing for next year. In some states the Obamacare monthly premiums are increasing 30% in certain states. Where does the average Joe get $2500  or $400 for the average monthly premiums. By the way, did you know that if you do not have any insurance the IRS will fine you 2% of your taxable income, up to $2,484.00 for 1 adult and $12,420.00 for a family. By the way, if you get sick and do not have insurance the clinic can also report you to the IRS after they REFUSE you treatment; and the federal government attaches a tax lien to your credit file. I am sure you can image how much worse that will make things.

These are legitimate questions, but in defense of Obamacare, they were also legitimate questions under the old system.  The Obamacare exchanges are primarily for people who don't get insurance through their employer.  I'm one of those people, and believe me, my premium and deductible before Obamacare were just as scary as my premium and deductible now, maybe more so.  True, back then I couldn't be fined for not having health insurance.  I could, however, be sued because I had an accident, went to an urgent care center and ER, got $8000 worth of treatment, and couldn't pay it afterwards.  (And my credit score would get wrecked in the process.)  So, you know.  Pros and cons.  I think mostly pros, but your mileage may vary, especially if you never need medical treatment.

/has an obamacare plan with a $4 copay for generic medication
/saves more money than his monthly premium on meds alone

And yes, Gio, I'm so glad you live under a saner system where you don't even have to think about money while you're getting urgent medical care.

Finally a night off! A break! I can sleep a whole night! After weeks of exams and grading, too many all-nighters, the occasional crying student, and a mild illness, rest!

I passed out around nine pm, got up at 11:30, and now, at two am, I'm sitting here online and watching Twin Peaks, eating cookies a little girl (and her mom) made for me, sleepless but also sort of blissed. If I was any more blissed, I'd be blistered.

Decrescent Daytripper wrote:

Back-to-back, but I don't care: Ta-Nehisi Coates likes my work! and that of my colleagues!

If you don't mind me asking what is your work?

Wow, congrats DD!

I'm happy because we are getting site work done.

Arki wrote:

Yasha wrote:

I'm happy because we are getting site work done.

Something all of us can be happy about.

Indeed!

Arki wrote:

I'm happy because I went to the gym and feel great. Let's ignore the hurt that will arrive in a day or two.

Sensible exercise really is the best. Just feels good (except the aches, which, for me anyway, also can feel kinda good).

Arki wrote:

I'm happy because I went to the gym and feel great. Let's ignore the hurt that will arrive in a day or two.

Those aches are kind of good in a weird way, huh?

We're happy because we're going to have our annual alcohol fueled Harry Potter New Year's marathon starting tomorrow.

Happy because it's the new year! Here is to hoping 2016 is tons better than last year for everyone!

Oh, btw, we're on page 413! A good number for the Homestuckers! That's another thing to be happy about.

Last edited by Hiraku (12-31-2015 03:31:04 PM)