August 3

Well, today was interesting. I was able to get a ride to a Dr appointment. It was a follow up to my first appointment at the health clinic. My x-ray did not show anything, so I now have to get an MRI to see why I still have pain. I got home and it was a day of no mail. I sincerely wonder if the mail carrier even came today. There was nothing in the trash can where people normally throw junk mail. I am sure the mail came...I am just impatient for things that were sent to me to arrive. F...

July 30

My day didn't start out very promising, but is ending on a good note. I learned there is a strong possibility the recently renewed Unemployment Compensation will be delayed for weeks. I am in a special program called extended benefits and I don't have much left, but any little bit helps. When it ends after a few weeks, I will officially be an exhaustee (99er as described by the news media). Florida has picked this time to reprogram their computer system and everyone's benefits will be dela...

July 28

Today was a sad day. I usually try not to share things that are very sad, but I know anyone who reads this here will understand. Most of you know I have been unable to find work.  The economy is not improving in my area like the papers would have the general public to believe and while the government has renewed the deadlines for unemployment insurance, it will be a small amount for a few weeks in my case. I say this because there are many who will not receive any help at all. They are gene...

July 26

Ahhh....it's a wonderful Monday afternoon and I am grateful to have a roof over my head, internet access and food to eat. I know these things will not last forever, but at least things are ok for the moment. Actually qualifying for Food Stamps has been an eye opener. I can safely say that I am eating 10 times better food than I could possibly buy while I was getting unemployment insurance benefits. For the last year and 3/4, my diet was largely cheap chicken hot dogs, rice, lunch meats and bread...

July 19

Today has been a day full of blessings and a few disappointments that serve to keep me focused.... A wonderful friend has sent a walmart gift card to help with my need for basics and that will be a huge help when it arrives!!! Phone book paper makes really scratchy TP! And cloths just don't fully let go of BO when washed, so I am looking forward to a good deodorant. I also learned today that my food stamp application has been approved and my EBT card I was sent has been credited!!!! Woohoo, I no...

July 18

Today was a blessed day. I laughed today at last, for a long time. The reason was not really funny, but I could feel the built up tension and anxiety lifting the more I laughed. I happened to catch a bit of golfing news on the TV as I turned it on. Tiger was in a sand trap and attempting to chip out which he did. As he stood there watching the ball, it hit the ground and came to a stop then slowly started rolling backwards. I was visualizing a dark cloud pop up over his head. The ball ...

July 14

Today was a growing day for me. I am subletting and the refusal by Congress to continue unemployment has hurt no just me but everyone connected with me. including my "landlord". I was expecting to hear they can't carry me today when I was invited to discuss it. Instead I was asked when I think I will get funds again. I told them what I know which is virtually nothing and that even if everything were restored today I still have to find a job. To my surprise, I just heard about how without my rent...

July 12

Today has had its ups and it's downs; that makes it a special day because it had a few up moments along with the opposite. A donation is a joyful experience and it has given me moments of excitement and hope. I suppose it is a bit like seeing the first flower of spring break out into the sunlight after months of snowy gloom. It was just the tonic I needed after another non-productive day at a church charity asking for assistance. I had called in advance to see if they would even consider my need...

July 11 - That sinking feeling...literally

I was reminded today that I am blessed and things could easily get worse. I awoke this morning about 5 AM to the sounds of voices and rumbling engines. I investigated and about thirty yards from my window were three fire engines and emergency vehicles, 4 police cars, and news trucks from three of the local TV stations. Just behind me a sink hole had opened up and swallowed a Toyota Camry.  The rear end was sticking out of the hole. An hour later, the car was completely swallowed and buri...

July 10

The good news just keeps rolling in :). This morning I sat on the edge of my bed and made a mental list of things I am out of. I looked at my printer and wondered if I could get by without printing anything. It was a choice. Do I want to print or do I want deodorant and some gas for my car? Twenty minutes later after a short shower to wash under my arms, my printer was on the back seat of my car and I burned part of the three gallons of gas I have left to get to the pawn shop. I got in line i...