Politics

Politics and I have a love hate relationship, and a lot of that comes from the fact that so many relationships can become stressed by talking about politics.  The truth of the matter, though, is that politics has a lot to do with the direction of our country, and the services that we as citizens receive. 

Have you been watching the GOP debates?  I have been discouraged by them.  I am not a GOP supporter, generally, but I still like seeing the ingenuity in the variety of candidates before the primaries when there are so many candidates.  I feel like I haven't seen any ingenuity, but have been disappointed over and over again. 

I am realizing, too, how much we need to be aware of the policies and bills that are current in congress or the senate (both state and federal).  Citizens have lots of swaying power when it comes to writing their legislators.  Currently, Michigan is trying to revamp the no-fault insurance policy in the state.  They are trying to put a cap on the amount insurers are required to pay out in terms of health related accident needs.  This is being framed as saving individuals on their premiums.  In reality, if you are hurt in an accident, that $250 k will go by incredibly quickly.  Educate yourself on the policy, and write your legislator.  I don't care what side your on, actually...I just want our politicians to do what they're supposed to do, represent their constituents.

Migrainezz

So I have headaches.  Lots of them.  And their quite painful.  Well, with the start of school, interning and crazy amounts of homework, my headaches have been INSANE. 

I've been doing a research study with HOPE (a migraine organization) through the university since May.  Because of this, I have had to track my daily pain levels.  It has been super informative to see how often and how severe my migraines really are.  Rarely do I experience days with pain below a 6/10.  And normally it is between a 6 and 8, yet there are quite a few 9's as well. 

I have now been dealing with headaches for almost 6 years, and I have yet to find my magical solution.  I keep seeing doctors, keep talking about options, and keep trying everything they throw out there!

The biggest stress in this for me is the money/financial side.  In Michigan, if anyone is involved in a car accident (regardless of fault) your personal car insurance is responsible for your care for life (though currently they are trying to put a cap in place, but that won't affect me).  AAA has been a pain in the ass for years now.  They have dragged their feet over and over again, and have not communicated with us in an effective manner.  I am trying to stay positive, and just keep reminding myself that they are liable, and that I don't have any assets anyway...so nothing can be taken from me! 

Summer To-Do List

Oh heyy, warm weather! You are MOST definitely welcome!! 

I am thoroughly enjoying being a college grad, working oh so infrequently for the next few weeks and spending time outside with the puppy.  Though summer is by far my most favorite time of the year...this summer also requires lots of to-dos.

While sorting out my mess of an insurance disaster with AAA, I am realizing just how much I want it to be settled.  I want it to be over and to be debt free (which I won't be for oh so many years to come).  Between the AAA money mess and the nerve-wracking ordeal that accompanies student loan shopping...money is definitely on my mind. 

Lucky for me, I will start working more regularly soon and plan on stocking at least 70% of what I make this summer away.  My goal is that after graduating with a master's, I will be in debt but not broke...meaning that I'll graduate in 2 years with at least $7500 in the bank.  Obviously that will be nickels compared to my debt...but I want to have a baby fund in case it takes me a few months to find a job/moving costs/etc.  I was awarded a work study job for $3000 a semester, and plan on making at least that amount each semester, and I am hoping to get an internship between years...if all works out, I should make my goal, no problem...as long as there are no unforeseen disasters, of course.

Between money and planning my social work program out, I feel busy...but I'm not busy at all because I really haven't made any decisions.  I keep checking the Summer Checklist for MSW students, but only today did I finally get to check some things off of it!  I'm stalling...at the AAA case, preparing for next year, finding loans, finding a credit card and the list goes on and on and on!  I think I'm trying to enjoy resting...which I have been able to rest lots...which has been great, btw.  So for now I'll keep pondering my to-do's, whilst not really doing them at all!

Wake Up Calls are Rough

Because of my post on Emotional Breakdowns you know that I am having a rough time adjusting back into the swing of life...well it's not getting much better.  And I am just not sure why.

I am a happy person, okay.  I smile a lot, make eye contact too much because I want to make amigos, and I just like to laugh lots and lots.

This made me sups happy..

I have a pretty great life.  I go to a great school have a great family and great friends.  I may have no money in the bank, but life is good.

Problem is, I am having a hard time with the fact that everything seems negative right now.  Between stupid things like AAA being dumb and me stressing about finding a subletter and stressing about student loans for grad school, everything seems negative.

Help me find positives, friends.