one more reason I love Obama

Last Monday I was laid off from my job, which I loved very much. It was a complete shock. Donations are down, and the organization had to take some pretty drastic measures. 

I had the good fortune to work for a great organization with some truly amazing people. I will miss that and remain a committed supporter. 

But I'm looking forward to what is next. I could use some new challenges, and while this is a horrible time to be laid off, there are a few silver linings. 

Thank you, President Obama, for helping laid-off employees keep their health insurance! Part of the stimulus plan included a provision that allows laid-off employees to pay only 35% of the normal COBRA premiums for the first 9 months. This is the difference between $1467 and $507 per month to continue our health care coverage. For us, this means I can sleep at night. I don't know for sure (yet), but I suspect that $1497 is more than I will get in unemployment. I am sure that for many others, not having this 35% plan would mean going without coverage. Yikes. Especially when you consider that medical catastrophes are one of the leading causes of bankruptcy, losing your house, etc. 

I've made a personal commitment to work out every day that I am between jobs. It will help me stay positive, manage stress, and give me something else to talk about. I'm considering documenting my fitness and weight loss efforts in a public forum. Helps with the accountability. Since finding time to work out was a challenge before, there are no more excuses!

I'm taking a bit of time for some vacations we had already planned, but really am anxious to get into a new position as quickly as possible. Would love to hear ideas if anyone has them!