Sicko – A Movie Review

I just finished watching Michael Moore’s new film Sicko. I must say, it’s an eye opener. I have to wonder how much of what is presented is careful editing to suit his purpose?  The link to Sicko is one that was posted with permission on insanefilms.com.

I know that Michael Moore asks some very good questions. From someone who now has a serious pre-existing medical diagnosis, I am more concerned with the health care and waiting periods for the benefits included in a new job. We aren’t all healthy, and haven’t always avoided a cold or the flu. In this film, not disclosing something like a yeast infection will deny you coverage for certain diagnoses.

I tend to agree with the idea of a National Health Care System. I wish that someone like Krystal would let us know exactly how it works in Canada. My sister lives in England, and I know that as a US Citizen, she is still provided with the National Health Plan provided to all residents of Great Britain. I really don’t understand how it works for countries like Canada, Great Britain, Cuba and France, but the government here is so opposed to it. I’m sure it has alot to do with politics and the wealth of the upper class. Everyone should have the same opportunities to health care. That’s what this place (the US) is called. The Land of Opportunity! Yet, in the film, destitute people are being dropped off at a Rescue Mission to fend for themselves.

At the end of the movie, I have questions left unanswered.  However, I think that Michael Moore’s ideas and viewpoint has come across.

What were your thoughts on the film?

Unexpected expenses at the worst possible time

Thursday morning on my way to work, the strangest thing happened. No, it wasn’t an automobile accident, but I did think of running them over. There was a fight between two summer school kids in the middle of the street, stopping traffic, ending up on the hood of my car. The two kids made a dent in the hood of my car to the tune of $875. I contacted the school and know who the boys are, and who their parents are. One of the boys has stated to the Police Officer stationed at the school that he has a job and will pay for his half. I have to contact both parents on Monday after I get another estimate for the damage.

This brings me to the point of the title. Last month, I had trouble making the rent. (With the new job, this should be alleviated.) I depleted my emergency fund so that I could keep my landlord happy. (As a side note, the check hasn’t been cashed yet.) Anyways, now this is where the unexpected expense happens. I have to have the car fixed, so I’m going to pay my $500 deductible and get that from the boys. I don’t know how well this is going to go over with the parents. I know that the parents do know about the incident, but I want to be fair. If I can get an estimate for under $500, I won’t go through my insurance. (I’ve already checked with my insurance agent, it won’t raise my rates but it would count as an incident.)

Best case scenario is, the damage can be repaired for under $500, and the boys will just pay it. I’m hoping for this option, and I’ll definitely keep you posted.

I took the job!

I was formally offered the job on Thursday and told the manager that I needed overnight to make a decision. I agreed to start on July 30th. I am scared about the transition, and some shady things my employer has done in the past, but I’ll make it. In the end, I know that this is the right decision for me. I increased my salary by $2600/year, and my benefits have increased too. I’m glad that I decided to take it. Thanks for everyone’s advice the other day. You really helped me to make the right decision for me.

Need some advice

I am about to get a job offer. They want me to start on July 30th. August 1st is my anniversary for my current job, at which time I’ll get 3 weeks vacation. If I stay until the 1st, they have to pay me out for it. BUT, I may lose the offer if I can’t start on the 30th….

If you were me, what would you do?

8 Random things about me

I was tagged by SavingDiva over at Saving for a Home of My Own to share 8 random facts about me. Here goes!

1. I’m obsessive compulsive about certain things. Not cleanliness, but with my DVD Collection. They have to be alphabetized and when you open the case, the disc has to be so that you may read anything on it without turning it. Yeah, I know….
2. I have this great purple chair that my aunt bought for me at an antique store.
3. 31 wasn’t as bad as 30 for me.
4. I’m the oldest of two children. My sister lives in England.
5. I apparently have an obsession with outerwear. I have about 9 coats in my closet. Just for me.
6. Steve Madden shoes are the best ever.
7. I lived at home until I was 27 years old. No, I didn’t save any money.
8. I used to bartend to make extra money. I loved to watch drunk people.

I don’t know who to tag, so if you’re reading this (Aaron) you’re tagged!

Made a decision on the Rent situation

I set up the rent payment to be mailed tomorrow. With the holiday, he probably won’t get it until Thursday. Which is fine. I did tap into my overdraft for the $50 and took $50 from my savings for the other part. I get paid again on Friday the 6th, so I will be fine. Thanks for everyone’s input. I appreciate the help. 🙂

What to do when you can’t cover your rent

This month, I found that I can’t cover my rent. Since my student loan came due, I had to pay for that and it was unexpected. I’ve been applying for PT jobs here and there, but I just know that I don’t need one. I don’t have the energy to do two jobs again. Especially since the last week in August, I’d have to quit because school starts. Anywho, since I haven’t been late EVER in the year I’ve been here, I am just going to pay late. I have enough in my account to pay $300 of the $400 so I’m going to earn interest on it in my ING account until I have the rest of it. My landlord is pretty understanding. I will not take the money out of my E-Fund to pay it. Yes it’s an emergency, but I should be out of the bind by the end of next month. I don’t do any unnecessary spending so it should be fine.

What are some of the things you do when you’re in a pinch like this?