Annoying how companies force employees to have group benefits and of course charge a nice monthly fee for said benefits.

I think it's fantastic, I had 6 operations in 5 years and my recovery was paid for by our health plan in 5 cases, worker's comp in the other. My employer pays more for my monthly premiums than I do, and that's fantastic. It took me a long, long time to get any extra coverage, and I'm glad I didn't start breaking down until I did.

just wait until you retire, as a single person I pay $75/month BC Medicare and $175/month for extended health care with dental and prescription coverage.

Not sure if it's new but I only saw it this week - President's Choice Poseur Label - Grilled and marinated Zucchini slices in a jar.

Absolutely delicious, even liked by my not so keen on zucchini stepdaughter, and great on a salad. You can even use the oil.

Maybe someone's finally worked out how to give zucchini flavour!

I think they're nice enough when not over cooked. Roasted or steamed.

Slice into 1/2 to 3/4 inch slices, get a hot pan, a little oil or butter to stop them sticking - sear to give a little browning on each side - then eat. People overcook them leaving them a mushy, flavourless mess.

You can also grate them and put them in a salad.

I stood up on the escarpment watching the fireworks over the water last night.. there was a fair few people but it wasn't crowded. There were people from every nationality, young and old.

In the house behind, they were playing the (music only) Canadian National Anthem.

An Englishman came out onto the porch and we had a little chat - he said 'do you think we can get this lot to sing the National Anthem?' With that, he turned up the music and I sang loudly - one by one, other people joined in...

It was really quite moving...

We have one of those spiraliser thingies but, of course, we've not used it yet.



I did grate some and press into patties for frying in a little oil. That was quait naice.

I have one of those, I used it once.

6 months seems to be my limit for working before work stress and triggers start the down hill cycle.

Stay strong JS, keep going and hopefully it will pass... it's not uncommon to feel that way. after a few months. The initial concentration and getting through the probationary period is over, which gives you more time to think about the things you don't like about it. It's just a 'hump' in the road, not the end of it...

I know benefits are beneficial to some, and some companies have better coverage then others.

What's being offered doesn't seem to be all that grand to me but maybe it's the norm?

RX 80% coverage. (we currently have 100% cover via provincial coverage)

80% coverage up to a maximum of $300/yr for the following:

Acupuncture, massage, counseling, dietitian*, Naturopath, Osteopath.

Out of country: Coordinated with provincial health plan.

Eye exam once every rolling 24 months, no glasses coverage.

Dental care 80% up to $750/yr max routine coverage only. (A bit more then the provincial cover which works out to $500/yr.)

Basic life insurance $10,000.

Is that because grating/slicing was just as good or the spiralled zucchini wasn't a good replacement for pasta after all? It was the latter use we were hoping for.

I can see that for you it may not be an improvement but a couple of things occur. While most things may not be as good, those that are better you may be grateful for another day.

It's like paying car insurance. You're worse off paying it than not paying it...unless you need to make a claim one day.

Is the Provincial coverage for people with no other coverage? The NB/Blue Cross one is and so are a couple of others I've read about.
If you did qualify for coverage through employment, might that exclude Provincial coverage?

What happens if there's a big change in BC economy or a new governing party that makes a cutback to pay for something else? The employee coverage may look better then.