Today’s #JusJoJan is combined with Stream of Consciousness Saturday (#SoCS) and the prompt for today is “oc.”  I am to use words that begin with those two letters and let my mind “go with the flow.”

On the occasion of the Federal Government Shut Down today, I decided I should check on my Social Security application.

Is the occupant of this residence losing any sleep over this situation?

I read online that the shut down does not affect Social Security payments, however it could affect the people who do the processing of applications.  I have applied to start receiving benefits beginning in March of this year, after I turn 63.  I had wanted to try and wait until I was 65 but instead have chosen to take it now and since I can still make a little money in addition to that, I can keep my transcription business.  I may have to give up my occupation at Michaels, a prospect that is not totally devastating to me, even though I’d have to give up my discount.  They give out coupons all the time and even though they are not quite as deep as my employee discount, they are close enough.  (I was going to say “Close enough for government work” but then I realized that they are NOT working…and that that statement is an indication that I deserve Social Security benefits since it is a phrase that started in World War II! Also interestingly, when the phrase was first coined it meant that the work could pass the most rigorous standards but now it has changed to mean just barely passing…)

Anyway, it occurred to me that I could check the status of my application online so that’s what I did and low and behold there was a decision made.  I clicked on the link and it took me to a copy of the letter they were sending me, which has today’s date on it, and says that I am entitled to monthly benefits and I will begin receiving them in April!

I haven’t figured out how to put a GIF in my post but trust me, I’m doing a happy dance.  I’d play the ocarina if I could. 

One more little “oc” that popped into my head is that our daughter, Amanda, used to call Oscar the Grouch “Ockers”. 

So maybe that will be me doing my happy dance? 

Have a wonderful Saturday all. 

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