Personal Update - Incompetent Knucklehead!

Incompetent Knucklehead! - I had a telephone interview with my Food Stamp social worker. She said that she had received my paperwork, that it was in order and I would continue to get Food Stamps. That was a month ago. A few days ago I got a letter from her stating that she had never received my paperwork, and that my Food Stamps will be cut off on July 31st. I have a receipt for the paperwork and mailed a copy to her. I hope it sparks her memory. It would be nice to have money for food. Please say it with me... INCOMPETENT KNUCKLEHEAD!

Inspection Time - Every year we have inspection at my apartment complex. I save way too many things. Where did all this junk come from? I'm trashing most of it. Clean, clean, clean. Anyone want to dust?

My Mysterious Disease (The Plot Thickens) - My doctor found a hard spot in my tummy area when he examined me. Last night's Chinese dinner? I wish! The spot is sore and I've been aware of it. My CAT SCAN is scheduled for Wednesday July 28th. Please pray/send good thoughts that it's something very minor and curable!

Cell/Web Telephone is OFF - I didn't renew my Straight Talk phone this month. It updated itself and screwed itself up. At first I couldn't get Face Book, then Twitter. Now I'm using my free government Safe Link phone instead. Hm, I wonder if Pres. Obama is listening in on me? He would hear me calling my social worker an incompetent knucklehead. Because my not so smart phone is off, I won't be online as much. I'll post occasionally on the library computer, but have to use it primarily for job seeking. My counselor also wants me out and about more. Hey, it's summer! A great time for being outside. I'll still try to keep in touch. I don't want to lose you folks so don't forget me.

One Big Cucumber! - Does it look suspicious when a woman buys one big cucumber and nothing else at the supermarket? Um, just wondering. ;)

photo credit

The Police Called

A police officer left a phone message for me. He said that he was at company ABZ (not real name) and about to fill out a complaint on me because a check that I wrote a year go for $240 that had bounced. He said that if I didn't pay the money that I would be arrested.

What a shock! At first I thought that it was a bad joke so I called 911, but I found out it was legitimate. The officer was off duty when I called.

Can they do that? Can they arrest someone for a bounced check? And if they did arrest me would my career as a Nursing Assistant be over? They do good background checks on Nursing Assistants. I might never be able to get another job.

I called ABZ company and talked with the owner, but didn't get anywhere. I started to panic so I called my cousin. He also called the company, but the owner wouldn't budge.

The next day I couldn't stop crying. I kept looking at the door every few minutes wondering when the police would come. I don't have $240 or I would pay it. I have about $5, and I'm virtually out of a job. I felt like a sitting duck wondering when the police would come arrest me, so I left my apartment for most of the day. My neighbor told me that no one came to the door while I was gone.

The depression & anxiety that was starting to diminished is back in full force now. I've been crying my eyes out, and terrified. I'm not sleeping. I no longer feel safe in my home. I hate myself for being in such a mess. It's always something. I'm just so sick of it. So sick of struggling. Life has become such a struggle socially, and financially that I sometimes just want it to end. I just hate myself.

I'm going to go to Social Services to see if I can get financial help, but I doubt it. I was just there several months ago. I called my agency, but they still don't have work. My cousin says that he will talk to the police officers, but what good will that do? It's nice of him to want to do that, but I don't think that it will make a difference.

So I sit in my apartment crying and wondering if/when I'll hear a knock at the door from the police and be arrested. I'm scared to death! God, how I hate myself. Sometimes I really don't want to be here.

Is Bankruptcy Worth It?

I don't want to go into details, but over the holidays two negative financial things happen to me. One was devastating. This is on the heals of some other financial crap. It seems like a domino effect is happening. At this point I might have to call a lawyer about this. He/she might mention the "B" word. I HATE the idea! BUT. I own my car, it's payed for. The transportation system in Rochester sucks. You almost need a car. I hope I won't lose it IF...

If you, or someone close to you have filed for bankruptcy was it worth it, or do you/they regret it?

As a follow up to my other post No Work Till Jan. 1st My agency now says that the lost of our main client might be permanent. This means that they might continue to have little work. I'm still awake. I'm having trouble sleeping due to worry. On a positive note, I think I'm relatively depression free which amazes me. Again, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, but I would greatly appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts!

photo

I'm TEMPORARILY Off-line

A funny thing happens when your virtually out of work and can't pay bills. Yes, they have cut off my Internet service. But please don't take me out of your reader or forget about me. I'll be baaaack!

P.S. I'm on a library computer that has a time limit. :o( I miss you guys!

No Work Till Jan. 1st

I called my agency today. Things have been slow for months. I've had to stop paying credit cards to keep a roof over my head. I've had to skip paying some bills, so I will soon get double, and triple bills. I haven't slept well because of all this. And I'm not even telling you the worst of it.

Today my agency told me that the main facility I work at is not offering any more work until January 1st. What a shock! I might get a little work elsewhere, but that's the main place. I'm applying for another job, but even if someplace wanted to hire me tomorrow it would be a 6-8 week wait before they could. I'm in health care field, and they do a police background check which takes time. Then they hold the 1st paycheck at a job. Not a good situation.

I grew up an only child in a large house. My parents expected to have more children, but couldn't. I had everything I ever wanted, and then some. I had so many dolls in my bed that there was hardly any room for me. A whole room was converted into my playroom complete with miniature pool table, and huge toy chest. I was spoiled, and didn't know it.

Although I've worked as a Nursing Assistant I've never really had financial problems. Not like this. Not until recently. Now I'm one of those people who stand in line at the food bank (cupboard) hoping that they don't run out of certain items before I get there. I'd never thought I'd have to do that. I never thought I'd be here. This Thanksgiving might be the first Thanksgiving in my life that I won't have Turkey. I can't afford it.

At any rate, I don't want you to feel sorry for me; but I would GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR PRAYERS!!!

P.S. I want to thank those of you who give to your local food bank, or donate your time. It's noticed, and appreciated! ;o)

UPDATE: Jan 2, 2009
My agency now says that the lost of their main client might be permanent.

Domino's Pizza Customer Appreciation Day - June 1st

This is a great sale, bargain, savings. Domino's Pizza is having a Customer Appreciation day on June 1st. It's only for one day. You can get a 14" Large 1-Topping only pizza for the low price of $4.99 (plus tax)! Regular price is $10.99. Carry out only. Limit is 5 pizzas. Delivery available on purchase of 2 or more pizzas. I don't know if this sale is nation wide, but it's in the Rochester, New York (NY) area. I got the flyer through the mail, but have not seen any Television ads. If your interested, you might want to call first. Prices my be different in your area. I don't think that you need a coupon. Remember it's for ONE DAY ONLY - June 1st... Happy June!!!

Send FREE Rice To Those In Need By Playing A Game!

If you go to freerice(dot)com You can play a fun vocabulary Internet game. For each word that you get right, 20 grains of rice will be donated by the sponsors to the UN World Food Program to help end world hunger. It does not cost you a penny! No string attached. You don't have to join anything. Just have fun, play, and improve your vocabulary. Meanwhile, your feeding the poor! If your competitive try beating my score. I just played a quick game worth 500 grains of rice. My vocabulary score level was 24.

Please spread the word, blog about this, tell a friend! Help end world hunger the easy, fun way. You have nothing to lose.

Click here to play.

Skeptical? Read this...

No Hoax: Free Rice Website Feeds the Hungry.

Bargain: Wegmans Food Market 50% off Sale

I was in Wegmans at Pittsford, (New York), and found some great bargains I wanted to share with you. I'm not sure that they have these bargains in other Wegmans, but possibly.

I needed cheese, and noticed a "50% off discontinued" item, yellow sign. It was Kraft Velvetta slices, 20 slices 1 lb. for $2.04, half price! I compared it with other cheeses, and realized it was a great buy. Now I was looking for those little "50% off discontinued" signs. Next I found Weaver Chicken strips, and Chicken Bites were both on sale for $3.09, (18.5 oz bag), again 50% off. The next one was hard to believe, Banquet Chicken & Broccoli Pot Pie (7 oz) for only 25 cents! I only got a few, but wished I had picked up more. They were very tasty, and two of them with soup at dinner filled me up, (I'm a big eater). The next was on sale , but not 50%. I crunched some numbers, and it's about 40% off, Van de Kamp's Fish Sticks only $1.99.

Look for the yellow "50% off discontinued" sign. It was slightly bigger then the regular signs, and the same color so look carefully. By the way, if your interested in these particular items, they were going fast, so you might want to call first. I had limited time, so I'm sure that's not the extent of sales. If you have never been to Pittsford Wegmans it's a real treat. It's relatively new, and huge. It's three times the size of the average supermarket. You can get lost in the place. It has a salad bar, chinese food, (Wegmans Wok), and a European-style cafe, and much, much, more. The selection is out of this world. I never saw so many diffident kinds of mushrooms, (for example). Actress/singer Cher visits Wegmans when she comes here. She loves it!. Check it out next time your in the neighborhood. ~~If I Could Turn Back Time~~

(UPDATED) Protesters fight for same-sex marriage rights

A local lesbian couple's fight for equal rights changed history in New York State, but Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks is appealing the ruling. That prompted a rally outside her office Monday.

About 100 people protested at noontime. They were back again Monday night fighting for equal rights for same-sex couples. One local couple started this all with a lawsuit four years ago.

"I'm just sorry that we have to fight this fight," said Lisa Ann Golden. She married the love of her life in Canada back in 2004.

"I'm tired of feeling like a second class citizen because I fell in love with someone, and it happened to be a woman," Golden said. That woman is Pat Martinez.

Their fight for equal rights began when they were denied spousal benefits from Martinez's employer Monroe Community College.

"The importance of same-sex marriages is that we get the same protections that everybody else does," said Martinez.

On Monday, dozens of people joined the fight including clergy and local leaders.

"What this is really about is discrimination," said Brighton Town Supervisor Sandy Frankel. "Discrimination against families, and we have to stand strong and fight for fairness for everyone!"...... see link for more ....

Pat Martinez herself left an important comment and update in this post. Please read.

Read the rest at News 10 whec, and see the video. (The video is very good)

Related Posts: Monroe County to appeal same-sex ruling AND

Court: Gay marriage in Canada should be recognized in New York

(UPDATED) Monroe County to appeal same-sex ruling

I knew that the republicans wouldn't leave this alone. I should have made a bet with someone. It was a sure thing.

The Democrat & Chronicle article in its entirety....

(February 22, 2008) — Monroe County will file a motion seeking to appeal the recent ruling of the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court that same-sex marriages performed in other states or nations must be recognized in New York State.

County Executive Maggie Brooks today announced the decision to file a motion to appeal the decision in the case of Patricia Martinez, a Monroe Community College employee seeking medical benefits for her partner, Lisa Anne Golden.

Martinez, a Chili resident, filed the suit in 2005. The Appellate Division ruled 5-0 in Martinez’s favor on Feb. 1.

The couple was married in 2004 in Ontario, Canada, where same-sex marriages are legally recognized.

“This is a clear case of misinterpretation of the law,” Brooks said in a news release. “We must appeal this decision in order to protect Monroe County taxpayers. We can not simply extend benefits to unmarried couples and we certainly can not ignore the definition of marriage that currently exists under State law.”
----------------------------
(Ms. Brooks is a republican.) Ms. Brooks, this ruling was 5-0 in Martinez’s favor. Five to zero! I question your motives. This could be a profitable decision, because we might attract more Canadian same-sex couples, who will spend their money in Rochester as tourists, or even move here. I don't think it's about money, not at all.

Added Feb. 24th- More in depth - Brooks to appeal same-sex marriage decision

You can vote on gay marriage on this blog. See the poll to your left.


Related Post: Court "Gay marriage in Canada should be recognized in New York.
AND: Protesters fight for same-sex marriage rights

The cartoon

5 Sites To Put $50 In Your Pocket - Fast

I saw this on the Today Show. They say that the sites are "legitimate resources worth taking advantage of." The following information is an outline from the Today Show article. The link is at the bottom of this post, specific websites are listed there.

1) The coupon sites alone can save you $50 a month, or more.
There are several sites listed. At one site coupons can be kept in your cell phone, so no paper is needed.

2) Cash in old cell phones and iPods, you can make another $50
On T.V. she said that the average old cell phone is worth $25.

3) Cash in gift cards.
This is great if you need cash on hand. She cashed in her $75 Sears card, and received $48.75.

4) Save at the pump. You could save $48 a month.
Use mapquest new gas finder feature to save money.

5) Cheap seats guaranteed. You could save another $50.
If you get a airline ticket, and the price drops you can find out the information on this website, and save money.


Read the article, and get website information at Today Show.

Antique Show and Appraisals in Canandaigua NY on Sunday

If you have something to appraise, or you like antique shows this might be for you.
Antique Show & Sale, in Canandaigua NY, tomorrow Sunday Feb.10th

For details

Savings Tip: Coupons- Read Label

When the laundry detergent "Wisk free and clear" was discontinued I was disappointed. I have allergies, and have to purchase the hypoallergenic kind. Wisk also does a good job at getting out stains. So I looked at my almost empty bottle of Wisk, and found a phone number on the back. I called to complain, hoping that many others would, thus eventually get back the product back on the shelves. Instead they said that they had a similar product... "All, free clear". They sent me a $2 coupon to try it, plus another $6 in coupons for other products that they sell, $8 total. So if you have a favorite product, read the label and call. Ask if they can send you some coupons. You can also go to there website, but I have gotten more coupons by calling.