This winter has caused some serious cabin fever. I feel like I am back in Norway (I can't get anything done outside as it is either snowing or it is too windy/cold).
This morning's snowfall pushed the month up to the third snowiest January on record (in our area). Two new inches brought this month's snow accumulation to 32.5 inches. Add in November and December and the season total's up to almost 48 inches now.
Forecasters said Tuesday morning temps are shaping up to fall in the 20 below zero range with wind chills equivalent to a dangerous 30 to 40 below reading.
So tomorrow, I have to go to the VA clinic in McHenry (and I have to clear out the snow that went into the car due to the crack in the plexiglas window). I really need to get that replacement used convertible top onto the '98 Sebring (I just need a break in the weather)....... especially before rain comes back in March. =(
On the medical / Social Security / unemployment newsfront:
A decision was made on Travis' Social Security Disability on 01/17. We were told by the adjudicator that if we didn't receive a letter within a week.... to go into the Woodstock Social Security office to get the decision information. We did so yesterday... and found out that Travis' case file was pulled by the Chicago SSA "Office of Quality Performance". This means the final decision is now again pending (and can be pending up to an additional 120 days). So it drags on due to their "Quality Control" office...... only can a Governmental entity turn an obvious decision into a further excruciating wait. We are going into Prairie State Legal on Tuesday to see if we can get help in lighting a fire under Social Security's feet. As an aside, we were told that Travis cannot handle his own money so we need to get into place a guardianship as soon as possible. Given that statement, it would seem they think he is disabled, and yet they would delay benefits just to satisfy their need for checking the adjudicator's decision making capability??????? One just can't make this stuff up...........
I just received a letter from IDES yesterday (the IDES Security Division). It would seem, we as a family are being targeted (first Trav regarding his SSDI case being quality reviewed, and now me regarding unemployment). IDES is asking if I applied/searched for any jobs from 11/3/2013 to 11/9/2013 (the interesting part is that I was in the ER during that week). Nice try IDES, I DID apply for multiple jobs that week (and even have the emails showing receipt to prove it). You see, I actually DO apply for jobs (and have proven that during the previous 3 security audits). You'd think they would concentrate on the people who have not demonstrated any activity on Joblink (I have proof there also). I appreciate that the State of Illinois is trying to prevent fraud (and I am thankful for the unemployment while I received it), however... at this point (especially since I stopped receiving it on 12/28), it is feeling like a witch hunt.
Penny is finally starting to recover from her terrible cold (flu / pneumonia / bronchitis) and is starting to feel better after almost 2 weeks of her feeling terrible. Unfortunately, her bladder is starting to hurt again... so we are "concerned".
I go in for my sleep study tomorrow evening (and will be spending the night at the hospital / sleep center). And then, I will be getting surgery on February 3rd, my ear / balance / hearing / audio testing will be both on February 6th and 10th (so my medical visit schedule is full). When that is done, neurology will be revisited to discern if there is a problem (why I am falling).
In the interim, our income is at nil (my unemployment ended in December) and I just finished paying off all of our bills using the rest of the fundraising funds that we had left (utilities are paid through the middle of February... as are all of our other bills. We are looking at a possible tax refund, but we won't receive anything for at least 6 weeks from the Federal Government IRS department from when we file (we are still waiting for an IRS form 1099-R from my former employer and a 1098-MA from the "Illinois Hardest Hit" fund... and we may not get them until the first week of February.
We are down to our last $100.00, so it is going to get very real for us with no income stream......
All we can do is pray for a solution (we know God has a plan and we are so grateful to Him as he has provided us so much blessings the past 2 years since Penny was in the Hospital). I almost feel selfish to pray for help given the need in the world that is out there, I pray for his wisdom and patience regarding this turbulent time in all of our lives.
Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. (NIV)
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (NIV)
2 Chronicles 15:7
But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. (NIV)
Psalm 27:14
This morning's snowfall pushed the month up to the third snowiest January on record (in our area). Two new inches brought this month's snow accumulation to 32.5 inches. Add in November and December and the season total's up to almost 48 inches now.
Forecasters said Tuesday morning temps are shaping up to fall in the 20 below zero range with wind chills equivalent to a dangerous 30 to 40 below reading.
So tomorrow, I have to go to the VA clinic in McHenry (and I have to clear out the snow that went into the car due to the crack in the plexiglas window). I really need to get that replacement used convertible top onto the '98 Sebring (I just need a break in the weather)....... especially before rain comes back in March. =(
On the medical / Social Security / unemployment newsfront:
A decision was made on Travis' Social Security Disability on 01/17. We were told by the adjudicator that if we didn't receive a letter within a week.... to go into the Woodstock Social Security office to get the decision information. We did so yesterday... and found out that Travis' case file was pulled by the Chicago SSA "Office of Quality Performance". This means the final decision is now again pending (and can be pending up to an additional 120 days). So it drags on due to their "Quality Control" office...... only can a Governmental entity turn an obvious decision into a further excruciating wait. We are going into Prairie State Legal on Tuesday to see if we can get help in lighting a fire under Social Security's feet. As an aside, we were told that Travis cannot handle his own money so we need to get into place a guardianship as soon as possible. Given that statement, it would seem they think he is disabled, and yet they would delay benefits just to satisfy their need for checking the adjudicator's decision making capability??????? One just can't make this stuff up...........
I just received a letter from IDES yesterday (the IDES Security Division). It would seem, we as a family are being targeted (first Trav regarding his SSDI case being quality reviewed, and now me regarding unemployment). IDES is asking if I applied/searched for any jobs from 11/3/2013 to 11/9/2013 (the interesting part is that I was in the ER during that week). Nice try IDES, I DID apply for multiple jobs that week (and even have the emails showing receipt to prove it). You see, I actually DO apply for jobs (and have proven that during the previous 3 security audits). You'd think they would concentrate on the people who have not demonstrated any activity on Joblink (I have proof there also). I appreciate that the State of Illinois is trying to prevent fraud (and I am thankful for the unemployment while I received it), however... at this point (especially since I stopped receiving it on 12/28), it is feeling like a witch hunt.
Penny is finally starting to recover from her terrible cold (flu / pneumonia / bronchitis) and is starting to feel better after almost 2 weeks of her feeling terrible. Unfortunately, her bladder is starting to hurt again... so we are "concerned".
I go in for my sleep study tomorrow evening (and will be spending the night at the hospital / sleep center). And then, I will be getting surgery on February 3rd, my ear / balance / hearing / audio testing will be both on February 6th and 10th (so my medical visit schedule is full). When that is done, neurology will be revisited to discern if there is a problem (why I am falling).
In the interim, our income is at nil (my unemployment ended in December) and I just finished paying off all of our bills using the rest of the fundraising funds that we had left (utilities are paid through the middle of February... as are all of our other bills. We are looking at a possible tax refund, but we won't receive anything for at least 6 weeks from the Federal Government IRS department from when we file (we are still waiting for an IRS form 1099-R from my former employer and a 1098-MA from the "Illinois Hardest Hit" fund... and we may not get them until the first week of February.
We are down to our last $100.00, so it is going to get very real for us with no income stream......
All we can do is pray for a solution (we know God has a plan and we are so grateful to Him as he has provided us so much blessings the past 2 years since Penny was in the Hospital). I almost feel selfish to pray for help given the need in the world that is out there, I pray for his wisdom and patience regarding this turbulent time in all of our lives.
Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. (NIV)
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (NIV)
2 Chronicles 15:7
But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. (NIV)
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. (NIV)
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (NIV)
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (NIV)
Psalm 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. (NIV)
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. (NIV)
Psalm 59:17
You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. (NIV)
You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. (NIV)
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (NIV)
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (NIV)
Daniel 10:19
"Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong." When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength." (NIV)
"Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong." When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength." (NIV)
Isaiah 12:2
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. (NIV)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. (NIV)
Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)
Mark 12:30
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (NIV)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (NIV)
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 12:10
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NIV)
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NIV)
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (NIV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (NIV)
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)
1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (NIV)
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (NIV)
