Well, today is Wednesday the first of September. Being as I'm now on tier 2 of unemployment the $25 supplement was removed along with the $95 in taxes every check, bringing me the joy of knowing something more must be eliminated from the monthly outflow of monies.

Now let's take a good look at the whole picture.

Rent, electric, water, gas, phone, food. Hmmm -- where to pinch more pennies! Rent is a must for it keeps a roof over my head. Electric -- ahh yes those lights, hot water heater also runs on this, along with the electric ignition on the stove, the refrigerator as well... Nope can't cut back there! Water... well, let's see. This is a substance we all need to retain life. Yes, we must keep this gold liquid. Gas -- well let's look at this: hot water, the stove, a hot shower from time to time would be nice. Keeping warm with the cold on its way... have we done without this in the frigid winds of Chicago? It's not a pretty picture. I do believe this is a mandatory thing to keep paying. My phone -- well, let's look at this unnecessary evil. Do I want employment? Do I have to have a way for them to reach me? Just in case perhaps my resume finds its way to the top of the heap. I think this must be kept as well.

Food -- now there is a place perhaps we can cut back on! Yes, this might do it. $44 a month for this -- yes I can cut it in half. I'm sure being I'm old and fluffy anyway I would be able to live off the fat of the land for -- let's see -- hummmmm... 3 months maybe.

But looking at the numbers you see living on unemployment is not a choice anyone with a lust for life would choose. This is not a cure-all this is just a helping hand, yes a small hand but a helping hand nevertheless. For this I'm grateful. I have been in the work force for 40+ years, paid my way as we all have done. This has been a sight for not just sore eyes but tired and old eyes. eyes that refuse to give up the fight. There is a place for over 55 workers somewhere. Never give up!