Right now, the unemployment rate in the piss ass state of Connecticut is hovering at 9 percent. A loaf of whole wheat bread at the Mulletville Lite Stop & Shop is close to $4. Fig Newmans cost more than $4. And those lovely MorningStar Farms Chik Patties I used to rely upon as a last minute dinner are now $5 for four patties.
Connecticut’s gas prices are among the highest in the nation, topping the charts at about $4 a gallon. Our illustrious Governor Dannel P. Malloy, sworn into office in January, has increased the general sales tax from 6 percent to 6.35 percent. The sales tax exemptions that used to exist for clothing and shoes priced under $50 have vanished. Malloy has also increased the state income tax, effective August 1.
The best part of the tax is that it’s retroactive.
Our house in Mulletville is still on the market. It’s valued at close to $100,000 less than what we purchased it for in 2006.
Chuck’s been laid off since 2009. Since then he’s put himself through school, started a business, taken every freelance job that’s been offered to him and applied to countless jobs, but he still hasn’t been able to find a full-time career in his field.
Chuck and I have brought two children into this world. Beyond needing our love and guidance they need to eat. They need clothing. They need to see a doctor if they become ill. They need a roof over their heads.
I told a fib in one of my last posts. I wrote that I was going back to work in a few weeks, but the truth is that I started back yesterday. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about being back after being home with Junior and Diddlydoo for seven months; more importantly I wasn’t sure I would be ready to write about how I felt.
I knew from previous return-to-work experience that I would be assailed with nosy and insensitive questions (How does it feel to be back? Who is watching your children? How can you stand being separated from your kids?) but I wasn’t so sure I wanted to blog about it again.
If I felt sad about leaving Junior when I went back to work three years ago, wouldn’t I be twice as sad now?
The answer right now is yes and no. Yes I miss my boys but knowing that my children are safe, fed, clothed and have a bed to sleep in greatly outweighs any sadness I feel about not seeing them during the day. Knowing that they are at home with Chuck also greatly outweighs any sadness I feel about not seeing them during the day.
Chuck’s a damn good father who is going to be incredibly close to his sons. How could I possibly regret that?
I can't.
So there it is: Until something changes—until we move out of this state, until I discover I have a rich, dead uncle after all, or until Malloy decides to institute a tax for sitting and I actually have to pay my employer so I can work—I’m back at my desk. I’m not going to belabor my points about the wretched state of the economy but for good measure I’ll say it again: At this time, I’m lucky to have a fucking job.
Even if it is working alongside a bunch of wackadoos.
8 comments:
Yeah the economy sucks and as you say at least you have a job. Now that you're back at work I expect some amusing stories about the "wackadoos"!
Can you even believe this retro-active BS? I, like you, am the primary income earler. My Hubs stays home full time with our 2.5 yr old and I hoof off to slave away at one of our Oh so famous Insurance co in state. I calculated the additional taxes I am going to have to pay out for the next 5 months and it equates to an extra $210 per paycheck (twice a month!!) That is HUGE in a single income family. Unreal.
I got nothin' but goat hugs for ya
Now who will be there to watch you pee?
Well I hope the doll collector guy, the unfortunate/lucky Thanksgiving turkey recipient and the rest of your office cohorts can keep it interesting for you. If you must be away from your children, it helps to be around grown-ups with equally fantastic side stories.
FUCK 'the Man'...
I just threw that one in for good measure so you know you have a team rooting for you to make enough money to keep CT afloat!
My husband and I were both in construction. He now drives a tow truck at night. He's home with our child while I work during the day. I, too, am lucky to have a job; especially since I work in one of the hardest hit sectors of the economy.
I'm with you. It softens the blow knowing my kid is home with daddy and is loved and snuggled while I'm working. I miss having my husband home at night; but we are doing what we have to do to provide for our family and to keep our daughter home with us.
You aren't alone.
Connecticut sucks.
Retroactive? I call bullshit. If it benefits the people, sure, we'll take it. But if it screws the people? You oughta know to keep it to your damn self through the next election cycle! C'mon now. Good for you on trusting your hubby to screw up the kids equal to or lesser than you would have. I trust my spouse the same damn way every summer!
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