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Post by mama on Feb 27, 2008 13:02:24 GMT -5
I have decided they are not going to make any offers till March 3. I think that we will know the deal after Astrue's meeting on Thursday. Besides, I'm tired.
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Post by mama on Feb 27, 2008 13:06:37 GMT -5
Actually, I was thinking how this must be what it is like for my clients waiting day after day for a decision that doesn't ever seem to come, even though they are assured it will "someday". I hope I keep this in my head years into my tenure as an ALJ.
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lee
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Post by lee on Feb 27, 2008 13:11:27 GMT -5
There is one bright point to this---if you are home with the flu (as I am), you already feel so poorly, this is interminable wait seems insignificant. Also, why have I allowed myself to get so stressed about this? After the last interview, I was told that the offers would go out at the very end of this week, or first thing next week.
I think that it is time to turn off the computer and go watch Dr. Who. There is a marathon today, which almost makes up for being ill.
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Post by Propmaster on Feb 27, 2008 14:06:14 GMT -5
"If not you then who? If not now, then when?" (Phillip Vera Cruz ) Relating to the action that one can take themselves - not when an action will be done to them..... Your quote is actually much more ancient than that (although it was originally a self-exhortation, not a directive) - it's from the Mishnah (approx. 200 CE) attributed to Hillel (approx. the beginning of the Common Era): "If I am not for myself, who is for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?" Pirkei Avot 1:14 |
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Post by aljhunter on Feb 27, 2008 14:14:34 GMT -5
"If I am not for myself, who is for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?" Pirkei Avot 1:14
And used by the great writer, Primo Levi, as the title of one of his books. . .
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Post by jagghagg on Feb 27, 2008 14:16:12 GMT -5
Propmaster and ALJhunter, I am humbled. (Not for long, mind you, but for this instant.)
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Post by testtaker on Feb 27, 2008 14:42:03 GMT -5
Actually, I was thinking how this must be what it is like for my clients waiting day after day for a decision that doesn't ever seem to come, even though they are assured it will "someday". I hope I keep this in my head years into my tenure as an ALJ. I had posted these sentiments last week, I believe. I said that my fretting seemed so meaningless & stupid in comparison to what my clients have to go through. Yet, I am still on pins and needles. I believe my guess of 2/29 is still valid. Leap year brings with it all sorts of weird happenings ... |
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Post by mama on Feb 27, 2008 16:19:19 GMT -5
testtaker, You did indeed. God thing I was paying attention. Here I thought I was having a profound thought all my own.  I hope your right about the 29th. The sooner the better. I heard from a friend at odar that they were told that the new classes are to be assembled soon, but no details, no real information. Soon per SSA could be a really long time! |
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Post by mushroom on Feb 27, 2008 16:29:14 GMT -5
I hope your right about the 29th. The sooner the better. I heard from a friend at odar that they were told that the new classes are to be assembled soon, but no details, no real information. Soon per SSA could be a really long time! now you know why my screen name is mushroom................  |
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Post by testtaker on Feb 27, 2008 17:34:59 GMT -5
Actually, I was thinking how this must be what it is like for my clients waiting day after day for a decision that doesn't ever seem to come, even though they are assured it will "someday". I hope I keep this in my head years into my tenure as an ALJ. Sorry if this gets a bit preachy. I just had a tremendous attitude adjustment. I saw a client [using "client" instead of he or she] today who filed a Request for Hearing back in early 2006. SSA finally scheduled the hearing for mid-spring 2008. Its freakin' criminal. Anyway, the Claimant is completely anxious about the hearing and expressed fear of forgetting dates or freaking out when in front of the Judge. Since the day we were told about the hearing date, the client has been spending every day worried about this and crying. The Client will continue to worry every day about the hearing and its outcome. During our conference, the client cried no less than 10 times, expressing shame and fear. The Client expressed shame about being impaired and about even having applied for benefits. I told the client there was nothing to be ashamed of, since the client had paid the premium for benefits and is not responsible for the disability occuring. Its terrible that the client feels so guilty, considering that the main impairment is a non-cancerous brain tumor (its not like a person does anything to bring on a freakin' tumor ). I tried to comfort the client, but no words sufficed. The client's memory is shot, the client gets confused and the client is no longer able to work or perform ADLS, such as household chores, cooking or caring for family. The client relies on friends and family for everything and must use a wheel chair often, as ambulation is difficult. The client just left my office a few minutes ago and I find myself here, now, with a different attitude. My previous anticipation here seems so foolish. May we all consider ourselves lucky to even be in the position we are in. Best wishes for a peaceful and calm evening, TT [PS - This case would normally be a slam dunk, except there is a DLI problem and issues regarding onset vs. date tumor was diagnosed. I submitted a request for a favorable on the record decision with several opinions that confirm onset date before DLI expiration, but it has so far been ignored. I think we will indeed prevail, but the client is still freaked out.] |
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julie
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Post by julie on Feb 27, 2008 18:02:51 GMT -5
Skibum & Morgullord,
Thanks for the insightful music lyrics! I logged on and laughed out loud after reading both (esp: "I assume it still ain't you"). I really needed the levity, after worrying so much the last few days, and then coming home tonight and seeing that still no call had been left on my message machine. Thanks to everybody for both a) reporting the no call scenario, and b) reminding me that this must be viewed with some larger perspective.
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Post by testtaker on Feb 27, 2008 18:34:01 GMT -5
Ya know, I gotta say I'm beginning to feel bipolar in a sense. I was anxious most of the day and then my attitude adjusted with my client. Now I read that offers have indeed commenced and my previous advise in the post above goes right out the window! Welcome back anxiety!!!!! (but congrats to aaa)
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Post by regalzr7 on Feb 27, 2008 19:19:10 GMT -5
You all are so right about feeling what our clients must feel, waiting for SSA to act. We are all lucky, good careers, possibly good jobs. If and when any of us become ALJs we have to remember what the waiting felt like. The plight of those who wait, without money and sometimes hope can be heartbreaking.
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