I hate to keep asking, but I need prayers and wishes

[lizziegrace]

I've about run out of time. I have enough money to get through the month and put everything I own (23 years worth) in storage. Then it's off to Oregon to move in with my parents. I get the third bedroom. Hooray!!! Not.

If something doesn't give in the next two weeks, I will be forced to leave Ohio. I cannot continue putting bandaids on a gusher and my will to keep fighting is fading fast.

Please keep me and Lelapin in your prayers. I've worked since I was 15. I never, ever dreamed it would all come to this.

:(

[Starbucks Anarchist]

1. I'm so sorry, lizziegrace.

For you and Lelapin:

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[miss_american_pie]

2. I'm sorry

Whatever you need, even if it's just to vent. :hug:

[Midlodemocrat]

3. Oh, sweetie. I'm so sorry. I had no idea you were in such dire straits.

What can your DU friends do to help?

[flvegan]

4. You've got my whole arsenal

coming your way.

Hoping and wishing for the best for you folks.

[RetroLounge]

5. Wisconson is closer...

pick up MAP on the way and you have a place here...

:hi:

in the mean time, all my prayers and good wishes for you 2...

RL

[lizziegrace]

7. Need an excellent accountant?

Thanks RL. :hug:

[RetroLounge]

83. Oh yeah, I need much financial help

45 and i finally learned to balance my checkbook more than once a year.

:D

RL

[lizziegrace]

88. God knows I'm available...

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

6. It's one of those "be careful what you wish for" things

When I left my ex, I asked for 4 years to get Lelapin through HS. Just before she graduated, all hell broke loose with jobs and my health. I've been in dire straights for nearly 2 years. I've cashed in my state retirement to pay the rent, sold what I could and have been working as a temp since January. I'm making $10/hour less than I made in the past. A $20,000 pay cut is impossible to absorb when you're a single parent.

I'm still fighting with financial aid at OSU, but we have a temporary solution that involves me borrowing thousands I have no way to repay in order to get her into her classes and the dorm for the fall quarter.

I took a huge leap of faith moving out to the country (less rent) and then gas prices went through the roof. I've fallen flat on my face so many times I cannot even count.

I'm tired. I want to work. I want to succeed. I want to feel like I matter. I don't think that's too much, do you?

[Wally101]

11. Good luck and godspeed

to you. I'm also going back to school since I was laid off, and I live in Portland, so come enjoy the state! It's really a beautiful place, hopefully that will ease some of the pain.

mark

[lizziegrace]

13. That's where my parents are

I'm 45. I just cannot imagine living in their house (I've never lived in Oregon, they moved there 13 years ago)

I went home for Christmas alone a few years ago when my daughter was at her father's and before we left the airport parking garage, they were fighting. It continued all through dinner.

Sorry to whine, but I don't want to move again. I've lived in 11 states and had 21 addresses. I'm so tired.

[Wally101]

27. Ouch....I don't blame you for not looking forward to that.

On the plus side, there's a lot of great beers and wines out here which you may wish to take advantage of. :)

[lizziegrace]

29. True

intoxicated may be the best way to cope with my parents. On the plus side, they just got a 2006 Corvette Convertible.

[Wally101]

48. Very nice...

What part of Portland will you be living in? SE, NE?

mark

[lizziegrace]

50. My dad keeps wanting to know if I get proposals

because he's got a '67 big block and the 2006. Men love me for my father's cars. :)

They're in the southern 'burbs.

[Blue Diadem]

24. Have you checked

into OSU for employment? I don't know how far away you are from OSU, but
sometimes one of the perks of working at a University is discounted education for your child. Not sure if OSU works that way or not. Also are there any working programs your daughter might be able to do?

My son's fiance got her Master's by using an assistship. There may be something there for undergrads as well.

Good luck! :hug:

[lizziegrace]

26. This is embarassing

but I've got 24 applications in for jobs there. The market is so soft here.

I'll keep applying...

[Blue Diadem]

41. No need to be embarassed..it's hard to get hired in Ohio

too many people all wanting the same job. You have all my positive thoughts and prayers. I hope something works out for you.

[bertha katzenengel]

68. No. That's not too much.

All I can do is keep you in my thoughts. Hang on.

[Callalily]

8. All I can offer you

are prayers and hugs . . . and those you can have in abundance.

[Redstone]

9. Many of us have hit that wall. Find the strength, and you will find

a way through the wall. That way may require yet another sacrifice, but it's there.

Just hang in there. There was a time, not that long ago (16 years seems like not long at my age) when I seriously considered going to the streets; in fact made plans to do so if necessary.

But it didn't happen. And it need not happen with you.

As Dan Rather used to say (and it's not just a trite platitude), courage.

The world is not stronger than you are.

Redstone

[RetroLounge]

18. Good Advice my friend

17 years ago, I DID go to the streets, and it was not pretty, but I got thru it.

"The world is not stronger than you are."

:hi:

RL

[Redstone]

53. It is not. As you and I have proven.

Not easy to beat the son of a bitch, but it can be done.

Redstone

[huskerlaw]

10. Wow, I'm really sorry.

Sending positive thoughts and vibes to both of you!

:hug:

[reyd reid reed]

12. Oh, sweetie!!!

You know you're both in my thoughts constantly. I just know something's gonna pop...something absolutely wonderful. It has to.

:loveya::loveya::loveya::loveya::loveya::loveya:
:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:
:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:
:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:
:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:
:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:
:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:
:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:
:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:
:loveya::loveya::loveya::loveya::loveya::loveya:

[lizziegrace]

14. I got a "thanks but no thanks" letter today

for a job I really wanted. I guess that's what got the waterworks started. :(

[reyd reid reed]

20. Oh noooooo

Their loss, though. Don't give up. Do. Not.

What's the temp agency saying? I mean, they don't get paid unless they place you...I understand wanting to get a job away from that, but...any port in a storm sometimes.

:hug:




I'll try to call you later, if I can. Two games got rained out and a third's been postponed so it might be a little slow for a while. And my Cubs are playing the Dodgers (Lowe vs. Marshall) and it ain't gonna be pretty.

[lizziegrace]

25. Unfortunately, temp jobs are just bandaids

I have to work two weeks just to pay my rent. Another temp job just delays the inevitable by a few weeks. It's so hard to live with the uncertainty any more. I don't have the constitution for it.

[reyd reid reed]

34. I know

And they don't pay shit and they're thankless and uncertain and everything about them sucks -- except for the benefits to the agency, of course.

Still, if it'll buy you more time to find that dream job that's out there waiting for you, because I know it's out there, then...

I don't know. I know the frustration and the fear and the stress and the worry, though.

God, I wish there was something I could do.

:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

[graywarrior]

15. God, lizziegrace...I have so been there.

What needs to give in the next 2 weeks? I'm rooting for you.

[lizziegrace]

17. I need a job

I guess it's that simple. My current temp assignment ends on Friday.

[graywarrior]

33. God, I wish I could help. I really know what you're going through.

[speedoo]

16. For you and Lelapin...

:hug: :hug:

One each, and plenty more if you need them.

Plus my prayers and best wishes.

[Oeditpus Rex]

19. You got 'em, girl

All you want.

:hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug:

(For both of ya.)

I just wish there were something else I could do.

[lizziegrace]

36. Thanks my friend

:hug:

No talking me down on this one. I'm already down. :( Too bad it's raining or I'd be out by the fire pit watching the flames and listening for trains. :(

[ScreamingMeemie]

21. You bet...

It will get better...I promise. :loveya:

[GOPisEvil]

22. Holy crap!

Of course you have my best wishes. :hug:

[lizziegrace]

28. If I ever get myself out of this mess

We'll celebrate with virtual Uzo...

[GOPisEvil]

30. Not if, when.

I have faith that you'll get through this just fine. But why celebrate with turpentine? ;) Maybe a nice Retsina with some spanakopita.

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

35. It's your call

I'm here for the alcohol!

:hug:

[GOPisEvil]

40. Oh, so you wouldn't argue with...

...tequila and Tex-Mex? :bounce:

[lizziegrace]

43. Nevah

Especially when a handsome Greek is serving. :hug:

[GOPisEvil]

46. Aw...

...who's this handsome Greek fella, huh? :grr:

Just kidding. :7:blush::hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

23. My dear lizziegrace......

You know you have all my best wishes and prayers and everything else I can muster for you.......

This is horrifying.......

But if you have to go home to your parents.....then so be it.......

Aw, sweetie........Wish I could do something more, anything more, you know it......

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

31. I know

and I appreciate it. Did I tell you my mother hates cats? My old man is 13. I don't think finding him another home is an option. He's too set in his ways and I need him. :cry:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

37. I don't recall your mentioning that lovely fact.......

But your old man is such a sweetheart......how could she resist?

And of course you have to take him with you!

Check your PM in a minute......:hug:

[lizziegrace]

42. And Gracie.

I got her after she spent a year on the street. It's taken 4 years to get her to the point that she'll even sit on my lap. My mother will send her right back under the bed for days.

Sigh...

I CANNOT leave Ohio. I just can't. :cry:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

49. And Gracie, too, of course........

I am so frustrated right now since I cannot help you in some real, concrete way.......

Damn........:cry:

[RebelOne]

32. Sending you all the good vibes that I can muster.

Wish I could do more. Believe me, I've been there and done that. Had to move in with my mother when I was in my 30s because I had nowhere else to go.

[Guava Jelly]

38. Oh lizzie you have all the mojo i can muster

And I'm so sorry such a nice woman has to go through so much b.s.
:hug:

[lizziegrace]

39. I love this place

RRR knows I don't have much support in the 3D world. I keep things to myself. (g'head, laugh... ;) )

I know all of you want to solve my problems, but in reality, you can't. Just knowing everyone's here to whine to makes things seem not so dismal.

Thank you all so much.

:hug:

[reyd reid reed]

44. Sweetheart

God knows, you've always been there for me. Anything I can do. No question about it.

I love you.

[lizziegrace]

51. Love you too!

I wish we lived closer. :hug:

[reyd reid reed]

52. Me too...

We're gonna have to get together at some point...I know you love Ohio but hey, Colorado ain't so bad. I dunno what's out here, but it might be worth looking...

:hug:

[haf216]

45. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I hope everything works out in the end.

[ZombieNixon]

47. Oh, god.

I'll be thinking of you guys...(more)...:hug: :hug:

[AirmensMom]

54. I'm so sorry, lizziegrace.

Here are lots of hugs for you and Lelapin.

:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

[mdmc]

55. my thoughts are with you

God bless....

[In_The_Wind]

56. Good wishes and good vibes are on the way ~~~~~~~~~

I hope you have good luck getting one of the jobs you need to stay there in Ohio.

[LadyoftheRabbits]

57. I'd like to thank all of you...

so much. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[reyd reid reed]

59. Oh, sweetie

:hug:

[LadyoftheRabbits]

61. Awww, RRR...

You're an angel. :hug:

[reyd reid reed]

70. *snort*

Hardly.

You and your mom are two of my favorite people. Hang in there.

And be nice to your mom....or else...

[Kajsa]

58. Lizziegrace, I will keep you and Lelapin

in my prayers.

I am very low income myself, so I do know what it's like
to struggle financially.

I'll send good, positive vibes your way
and pray the tide turns for you both!

:hug:

[Blue_Tires]

60. i hope everything works out!

[AtomicKitten]

62. I'm sorry to hear of your circumstance

I've raised two kids on my own and understand the panic that ensues. I realize it's not a consolation, but be glad you have parents to move in with; mine weren't available for me. Bushworld has caused many peoples' lives to collapse but just remember this is temporary. Be strong for your daughter (I believe she was the 'whopper' you referred to in the giant baby thread :) ) because if she senses normality in your demeanor, she will slide through this change in circumstance without breaking a sweat. Kids are resilient like that; truly wonderful creatures. Hang in there. Things will get better.

[necso]

63. At least you have some place to go.

Moreover, as I understand it, Ohio is having economic difficulties, and future prospects (subject to the country getting some real leadership) aren't great there. So moving away and going to Oregon may not be bad thing economically. Plus, Oregon is beautiful... if a little wet on the coastal side for my taste.

A few words of advice, although you may not be in a state to hear them:

Don't put your stuff in storage. Disposing of it may be difficult to deal with, but putting it in storage and then moving thousands of miles away is just one step way from abandoning it -- but while still having to pay for (storing) it. Besides, getting rid of stuff is liberating.

You can media-mail your pictures, papers, CD's, etc, at the post office. It's pretty cheap, but get delivery confirmation. Rates for other stuff (clothes, etc) is higher, and other shippers may be cheaper, but there are logistics to consider.

Try to sell whatever you can't take (yes, I know it's hard, but be strong), and, generally, look at it as having people haul stuff away so that you don't have to. Have some charity scheduled to pick up what you can't sell, and plan on leaving the rest for trash (if you put it at the curb, people may grab some of it). Don't expect to earn much money, and be ready to bargain at least a little.

Take your valuables with you -- and keep them with you (or ship them insured for replacement value). If you're driving, then make sure that your car has all its fluids (have extra and check on the way), and that your tires/spare are properly inflated -- and that you have a jack.

If you do end going to Oregon, think of it as a fresh start, not as some catastrophe. How you look at things affects (and may pretty-much effect) how you experience them.

Be strong, lizziegrace.

Besides, leaving Ohio is a good thing in my experience.

...

I have to go mooch some dinner.

[Mutley]

64. You've got them.

:hug: :hug:

I hope everything turns out for the best.

[SoyCat]

65. *I wish all the best for you and your cats and Lelapin and college IIRC*

[Maccagirl]

66. You are in my thoughts and prayers

I am in the same situation-will be forced to sell my condo soon. Peace, and good luck, my friend. I never thought I'd be in this situation either-after working my entire adult life. It happened so fast.

:cry:

[femmocrat]

67. So sorry to hear of your unfortunate circumstances.

I hope things start looking up for you and Lelapin very soon. Please keep us updated, OK?

[GoddessOfGuinness]

69. Where are you in Ohio?

[LadyoftheRabbits]

71. Columbus area...

:hi:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

74. I don't know if these sites will help or not...

http://columbus.craigslist.org/acc/
http://www.jobsinthemoney.com/searchResults.cfm
http://transportation.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/jobs/jobresults.aspx?argv0=Ohio_Columbus&argv1=&IPath=OCC&ArgURL=/tr.ic/Ohio_Columbus/%3FIPath%3DOCC&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=c04ff6b89b36479c83fa35ba66d3faf2-211417131-W8-2

I keep you in my thoughts and prayers... :hug:

[LadyoftheRabbits]

75. Thank you....

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[lizziegrace]

79. Thank you!

I didn't know two of these sites existed. craigslist has a job I'm going to call on tomorrow.

:hug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

80. hoping, hoping, hoping...

Don't forget how wonderful you are when you apply! :hug:

[lizziegrace]

81. Thanks...

My self-confidence and self-esteem are about as low as they can go right now.

:(

[merh]

72. You are in my prayers, lizziegrace.

Hold tight sweetie, you just have to hold on and go where life takes you.

It's not easy, it may not be what you want at the moment, but it is what it is and you have to keep the faith and never, ever loose hope.

Hold tight. :pals: :hug:

Saying prayers and sending out energies for you and all sorts of good wishes.

:loveya:

[lost-in-nj]

73. My best wishes and thoughts to you

:hug:

lost

[bluethruandthru]

76. I'm so sorry for you and Lelapin!

If you decide Oregon is not the way to go....you are more than welcome to head to DC! Actually the Maryland burbs. I have a newly finished basement that's yours if you want it. Cats are always welcome here too!

It's an expensive area to live in...but there's alot of jobs too!

:hug:

[SammyWinstonJack]

77. !

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

78. I'm heading to bed

My alarm goes off at 6:00 for my temp job (which ends on Friday). In addition to the wonderful posts here, I've also gotten some PMs with great advice. I've also exchanged information with a wonderful DUer on IM. Things are still far from settled, but maybe, just maybe, I can pull this out.

Thank you again for all your kind words. You all mean more than I can ever say.

:hug:

[Ohio Joe]

82. noooooo

I'm so sorry, I did not realize you might have to leave Ohio, I just got to meet you :(

[lizziegrace]

89. Joe

I don't have anywhere else to go. Temp jobs are iffy and I *have* to be able to pay the rent and count on a salary. Right now, it's hit or miss and I'm not strong enough to keep living like this. :cry:

It's self-preservation at this point. :(

[billyskank]

84. Oh god

:cry:

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Brewman_Jax]

85. Good thoughts to you

from me and the cat.

[Sugar Smack]

86. You've got it. Much love and luck pouring out to you.

:loveya: :hug: :grouphug:

[wildhorses]

87. lizziegrace and lelapin....I am sorry to read this. I can

understand why you don't want to leave. It looks like you have a beautiful place from the pics I have seen. I am glad to see that DU is rallying around you with suggestions and ideas. Maybe something will turn it up after all. I will keep you both in my prayers ans sending some powerful mojo in your direction. Wish there was more I could do. Please keep us updated. :hug::hug:

[RevCheesehead]

90. Consider it done.

I'm sorry I didn't see this until just now. please know you will be held in prayer, and may wonderful opportunities come your way. :hug:

[lizziegrace]

91. Thank you Rev

That means so much to me. :hug:

[u4ic]

92. Light, energy, mojo,

good thoughts and vibes heading your way, lizziegrace. :grouphug:

[The Straight Story]

93. I am in Ohio - what can I do to help out??

PM me please. I work for a big company that is hiring (Columbus Area).

[lizziegrace]

94. Check your PM

:hi:

[johnnie]

95. You got it!

Hang in there, things will get better. :hug:

[lizziegrace]

96. Thanks johnnie!

How are you feeling??

[johnnie]

98. Much better thanks

It only hurts when I laugh. Which happens too much. LOL

[ScreamingMeemie]

97. I sent some yesterday, upthread, but I'll send some more today...

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[lizziegrace]

100. Thank you! May I ask for a Jessie photo?

:)

:hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

101. Sure!

hanging with MrG:

[lizziegrace]

102. Awww Jessie!

Can't be too sad and look at that beautiful face.

(MrG's a keeper!!)

:hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

103. Thanks! He's Home!!!

I missed him a lot.


If there is anything I can do for you or lelapin, please don't hesitate to ask, okay? I mean that.

[The Straight Story]

106. Since we are getting into pictures :) (And a KICK for you!)

Me



Bailey:


Buster:

[LadyoftheRabbits]

113. Hey!

Mom's gone to bed, but I'll make sure she sees these... I love them, and those dogs are adorable. :D :hi:

[ZombieNixon]

99. Well, I feel happier when I'm drunk,

and you guys can get all my good vibes. Really. I so hope things work out for you. :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

104. Oh lizzie! I had no idea.

I've been really busy the past couple of days, and just saw your post. I wish I could do more than just give you a :hug: and my good thoughts for you and lelapin.

[lizziegrace]

105. Don't feel bad

I appreciate all the support we've received. You have no idea how much it's helped. I don't expect anyone to solve my problems, I just needed a cheering section to keep going.

:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

107. Well, I'm here for you.

:hug:

[Bucky]

108. I can't give you nothing but love, but I'm giving you 100% of it

I hope you and Lalapin find the right ground. But I know you've got brains and a college degree, so I know you'll land on your feet. Good vibes are floating to you from Texas. I used to do resumes for the Texas Employment Commission, so if you want to PM me I can give you my email and tinker with it. Other than that, you've got my love and vibes. And of course the Ls and Vs from a gazillion DUers to boot.

[swag]

109. It would be nice to have you in Oregon, but I know where you are

is where you would rather be.

I hope something good works its way toward you.

[auntAgonist]

110. I just now saw this thread lizziegrace

you and lelapin have been in my thoughts since our last PM

Still hoping and wishing for the best.

I wish I had something more to offer.

:hug: :hug:

:loveya:

aA
kesha

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

111. I had to leave Ohio once.

I was working in a factory in smalltown Ohio, when we went on layoff (it was a union plant). I was broke and didn't see any job openings, so I sold my precious classic rock album collection and just about everything else I owned. I packed some clothes into a duffel and hopped on my motorcycle and drove south to Orlando with all of five hundred bucks in my pocket. I found a cheap weekly room, and began looking for work. I finally found a job as a groundskeeper at an apartment complex- when I cashed my first paycheck I was down to exactly forty two cents in my pocket.

Long story short- my groundskeeping gig turned into a grass cutting gig, and when I moved to Nashville the next year it turned into a landscaping career that lasted almost twenty years.

Don't look at things as ending- look at it as the first step onto an unexpected new path. You can never tell just where that first tentative step will lead you to. Keep faith in yourself and your God, and let Him lead the way. This is His way of telling you it's time for something new, so accept it with grace and courage, and take it one step at a time. You simply can't take a bad step when you keep the faith.

[Zomby Woof]

112. You ask

And you get. :hug:

[leftofthedial]

114. you got it.

best wishes for things to work out.

I know how it is.