Finding Work

There's always a sense of urgency this time of year for me anyways. I didn't do as many days on the river that I would have liked or needed in order to float for a while in the off-season. My first year I had worked at the shop while I guided so I was able to bank some cash that lasted a while. The second year I was up to over ninety days guiding so again, I could take some time off and when I did start work, I didn't have to be too concerned with paying bills. I was able to work with the autistic kids without stressing the $8.50/hour wages. I was also able to play music and make a couple hundred bucks a night, which really helped. Last year I worked at Adipose Boat Works for a few miserable months but it was nice to get paid and although it sucked and I was stressed about going to work every day, at least I knew I would be able to eat.

So yesterday I was sitting in the parking lot of the orthopedic clinic wondering if I should set up an appointment with the hand doctor. In the past month something happened to my hand that makes it very difficult in the morning to grip anything. It's gotten worse and worse and now the pain that used to subside once I got moving and stretched out, is an on-going throb that reminds me of my age and brings a grimace every time I reach for anything such as a door knob or even a fricken coffee cup. I don't have insurance and again, with the off-season lingering over me, I know I'm not going to be able to afford any major procedures. But the fricken pain right now is unbearable. I had already asked the receptionist if there was a way I could talk to the doctor but she said I'd have to set up an appointment. When I told her I didn't have insurance and was wondering if I could set up a payment plan she handed me an application for assistance. With the app I would have to supply three check stubs and a letter from the state denying me medicaid. On the app it also stated the process could take at least a month.

So now, humiliated, frustrated, feeling pretty much totally on my own; I made a call to a guy I met at the Tap Room a few months ago who has his own refrigeration/heating company. He had told me he was thinking about putting another guy on with him because he was getting too busy to keep up on his own so I made the call. Apparently he had been hoping I would call because he had lost my number. One of his competitors in town folded and referred all their business to him. He's swamped now and needs help. He's a big fly fishing guy who had actually guided at one point but absolutely hated it so I think he's a little sympathetic to the lifestyle. He also understands that I can work my butt off in the off-season but I can't give up the days on the river when they come. Perfect. Now if the alieve kicks in I'll be golden. I just hope I can work through the pain for a little while before I can get this taken care of. I might even be able to afford insurance...YEAH!!! I really hate our system...