When the COBRA attacks and your commercial is unfinished

Today was filled with such hope. I was going to write my personal commercial so I could have it ready for the big networking event. Well unless I write on the bus home or in the dentists chair I don't know if it will get done today.

I finally decided I could no longer put off dealing with COBRA. As the deadline is approaching in four days. I sent in the last months premiums on Monday and just had to follow up. Turns out my ex-employer switched COBRA administrators and my info was lost in the conversion(this is to be expected, no one is at fault). So I am not really sure where I am at with COBRA. My ex-employer, however, did reinstate my benefits so I will be covered on Monday. Then comes the paper work to be reimbursed for all of the stuff I paid out of pocket and such. When I was laid off I should have just started paying for the premiums right off.

With COBRA you have two months from the time the COBRA administrator is notified of the separation to decide if you will keep the benefits. This is nice in case you get a new job with benefits and you have no pre-existing conditions for which you will need coverage. Then you just ignore the whole issue and move on. However, if you do have a pre-existing condition you should immediately start to pay the premiums because you will need continuous coverage (no gaps) to be covered by your new employers benefits(usually).

In my case I needed the coverage because I took a contract position which has no benefits. So, I messed about and put the issue off until close to the end. NEVER PUT THINGS OFF! This should be tattooed to my arm or something. I used to put things off in high school, I thought I learned my lesson. Well things should work out with a couple of hiccups, but se la vie.

For more on COBRA check out these sites.
US Labor Department FAQ a bit wordy and bureaucratic but it has it all.
Advice from Bank Rate scroll down a bit, clear advice and totally non judgemental.

Monday with an Easter Buzz!!

I remember the day after Easter when I was a kid. I would crawl out of bed, sneak a peep or two from my basket and then eat breakfast. By the time I reached the bus stop I was in full sugar rush mode, with back up jelly beans in my pocket. I would chow down on those beans all day. I really feel sorry for my teachers. I know how "inquisitive" I was normally. I must have been a question machine on the day after major holidays.

Well I had a couple of pieces of candy and some cake, but I feel more blech than sugar rushed. Too much salt and sugar together. Oh well.

I think that I saw a dress that would be perfect for the dinner portion of my final interview for WaMu.

I am not really sure if this is appropriate, but I like it.


I have three full weeks to prepare for the interviews. I get nervous and excited. I just don't want to blow it. I need to practice talking to strangers, but I get scared. You never know who will be a crazy. I could end up with a stalker or worse.
That is all worse case, I know. Still that thought lingers.

I have a whole bunch of information gathered, though not organised. About interviews of this type and about networking. Once, I get it organised I will post it.