Surrounded in a Sea of Paperwork

Yep, that’s where I’ve been lately. I just can’t seem to get out from under it! After being denied Social Security Disability benefits, there’s been paperwork for obtaining a lawyer, and then I almost REALLY messed up. Social Security says that you have 60 days to tell them that you are appealing the decision, but NOWHERE does it say you have to have all your paperwork in within that 60 days! So, I had like ten days to get it all in.

I applied for Food Stamps today. It looks like it’s going to be close. They don’t seem to take into account things like credit card debt, health care costs, etc. I honestly (stupidly?) admitted that we are getting some help from our parents. In New Jersey a family of three has to earn less than about $2000.00 a month! Hello, rent? Doctor’s bills? Insurance? We spend way more than what goes out of this household, we have to. I just called the Food Stamp people to make sure if I am correct. You have to meet the poverty level. If you don’t then they do not take into account rent, daycare, etc. Sigh. Oh, and they gave me more paperwork to fill out.

And now we have tax time approaching. I am freaking out. I add up all of our medical expenses and mileage to doctors which takes FOREVER. I just don’t know how it’s all going to get done.

I feel like there is no time for me to do anything fun, and if I am doing something fun, I should really be doing paperwork.

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About mamasick

Emily Cullen is a pen-name. A former local radio personality for seven years, I still remain active in the voiceover business. My husband, “Grant”, and I have been married since 2002 and have already experienced the “worse, “poorer, ” and “sickness ” of marriage. We both suffer from chronic illnesses and diseases which have progressed. My diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and most, recently and seriously, Lupus. Despite all of the challenges we have faced, we were able to have a little boy, “Tyler,” born in September of 2006, which is the best thing to ever happen to us. Tyler has been classified as a “special needs” child with diagnoses which include Anxiety, OCD, and Tourette’s Syndrome. We also share our home with two cats. We live in New Jersey and I enjoy reading fiction and learning more about taking care of my son. Before my son, I used to enjoy watching movies…watching television for that matter! Before Lupus I enjoyed fine dining and fine wine. No longer able to work, I am now wondering, “What will I do with the rest of my (somewhat) young life?” Blogging sounds like a good start!

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2 Responses to Surrounded in a Sea of Paperwork

Francesca says:

March 18, 2010 at 10:41 pm

Hope I can throw you a life jacket while you feel as if you are surrounded in a sea of paperwork. I’d like to kindly remind you as a prolific writer that ‘language’ is so very important. Take a quick glance back.

You wrote: “then I almost REALLY messed up.” NO, NO, NO. THEY REALLY messed up. Full right knowing that their language has been misinterpreted numerous times they have taken the lackadazekal approach of doing NOTHING AT ALL to clarify it. That’s APATHETIC and REALLY MESSED UP not you. Be kind to your inner critic and nurture your inner voice.

You wrote: “I honestly (stupidly?) admitted that we are getting some help from our parents.” When was honesty STUPID. There’s that inner critic again. I’d really like to drown him and throw that buoy to your innocent, worthwhile, positive, admirable self. Would you mind if I lended you a hand or at least a finger?

and, last but not least you wrote: ”
and if I am doing something fun, I should really be doing paperwork.” The only fun paperwork I want you to be doing is ORIGAMI.

Love bunches and flotation devices,

Francesca

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