It seemed like such a good deal at the time.

Holly was going to try something different.

Well, part of the deal was that I was going to spend a year writing. For real. Developing things that could possibly generate a little money.

And part of the deal was I would get to learn a new skill and do something that I had been encouraged to do for a lifetime. Radio.

And part of the deal was the almost continual caring for my aging parents as they both dealt with the challenges of declining health, hospitalization and a move to a retirement facility.

Yes, this meant I basically gave up all hopes of a private life in which I met someone and rode off into the sunset, but hey … there is only so much time in life.

Part of what was going to make that work was that I qualified for Federal Extended Unemployment Compensation.

To pay the bills.

And now, thanks to the GOP, it’s looking like I have made the wrong decision.

So instead of the combination of caring for my aging parents this year, while devoting my time to finishing things to generate money, I find myself hearing them say “We would be doing a disservice if we helped those who need help.”

So let’s see if I have this right. Those of us who are over the age of 60, and have little chance of getting a regular job job are being tossed to the side in favor of a Republican cost cutting measure.

Okay.

So I am screwed here. But oddly I have no regrets. I did what I thought was the right thing at the time.

Unfortunately, my next career move appears to be uttering the words “Would you like fries with that?”

And letting my parents final days be cast to the fates …

Lucky us.

Merry Christmas.

Thanks, Paul Ryan.