Thank you, Uncle Scam...  We are now a non-income family.  DH will be applying for unemployment on Monday.  I'm picking up some work at minimum wage, working my friends farm...  So, were celebrating!  I'm hosting an All Furlough's Eve party tonight, here is the invite-

Come commiserate!! Sorry, there will be no food or drink provided. God forbid you need a cab home- there just ain't no money for it! You can bring your own sustenance, but be prepared to fight for it. Donations of canned food cover your entry fee... And don't drink too much (IF you can afford to, that is), you need to be on your game for the Unemployment line! Wear your best Uncle Scam (err, Sam) costume, but don't expect prizes. Raiding and looting of the local grocery will not be permitted (unless you bring back enough to share). See ya there!

Yeehaw!  Fuck.  "Although the weather outside is frightful, the fire is so delightful...  and since there's no Federal dough, let's furlough, let's furlough, let's furlough!"

Emily! That freaking sucks! Is this just during the shutdown? or longterm? HOLY CRAP batman-

 We aren't really sure, that's the worst part.  Since DH works for Walter Reed, and they are on the tail end of closing under the BRAC, they may not EVER be returned to service...  So, really, really scary time for us.  Especially since we depleted our savings for my DS :(

Damn Damn.  I'll hit you offline- I may have some contract work available for DH in Arlington if he wants it. I'll know more at the end of next week...

 

 Awesome, thanks hun!  BTW- how are things going for you?  I miss you!

 Thanks Alyson, meee too!

****


I'm sorry sweetheart...

 Thanks sweetie.  It sucks for sure.  I really hope they get their **** together!

WELL ******G HELL!  That is **** love.  I'm so sorry honey. xx

We have until midnight (I'm also a govt worker). USDA still has to report to work (non-paid) on Monday to have an orderly shutdown.

Meanwhile, it's the Cherry Blossom Festival this weekend. No museums! They are arguing about the parade being on or not.  DC is an "agency" of the feds. No trash pickup. No national parks are open either.

Some can apply for unemployment, but you'd better have a w2 already printed or your paystub. Virginia residents have to wait a week before applying. MD residents can apply immediately.

The military is guaranteed pay when gov't is re-opened.  We aren't. Just when morale is low enough. Take away our cost of living raise, have hiring freezes so we are doing the work of several people, raise the price of benefits, and now don't pay us. yay! Grrrrrr.

Not feeling like hugging,
Ratkity

edit: I'm so frustrated, I can't spell!

 My husband already got "official" word.  He is cleaning out his office tonight :(  I guess being BRAC makes a difference?  My Daddy is also govt (USDA OGC SES) and he has not gotten official word yet, but is directing his staff to report for orderly shutdown on Monday as well.  This is ridiculous...

100% agreed. The people that get hurt are normal everyday folks just struggling to make ends meet.

Hugs,
Ratkity

I hear ya, it sucks monkey butt.  Hang in there.

 Thanks Chris...  Things are going to get VERY interesting here.

 I just can't believe how silly this is getting...  I mean REALLY?  You are going to put half the Country out of work because you can't play nice in he sandbox?  Really congress?  W.T.F.

I think these senators need to quit having a ******g contest and do what needs to be done. We are going to give $20 million for Pakistan to have Sesame Street and screw our own people. Sorry, I do not mean to offend anyone so I surely hope I did not.

 Yep, the posturing and bull**** going on in the House is infuriating.  Argh!

Come live with me! We have lots of hospitals, I have three mostly unused bedrooms (one's an office, one's a guest room) and I'm a stone's throw from having to live in a van down by the river myself.

What really gets me about this budget **** up is that the President, House, and Senate representatives will all get THEIR pay. What's wrong with this picture?