| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| LaLa |
Posted - Mar 03 2015 : 7:28:22 PM
Hi all! It's been quite some time since I posted here... many of you may not know me {Hi, I'm Lala posting from Hickory, NC}. I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. I've simply been busy -- crocheting mostly.
In the last several months, we've had more ups and downs, as should be expected of folks in our position of trying-to-get-back-on-our-feet. Recently the downs took a turn for the more extreme, so we've set up a GoFundMe {http://gofundme.com/offstreet} account. We have also made the decision to shut down WeSubtleties {our shared blog} and simply post updates about our circumstances on my own, more established blog, LaLauLand {http://lalauland.tumblr.com}.
Prayers and shares are much appreciated. More information on our current circumstances is at the GoFundMe account, and you can read more at LaLauLand Thank you for taking the time.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to keep ourselves off the streets and fed: http://gofundme.com/offstreet |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 26 2015 : 2:44:47 PM
Okay... bigger fish need frying like now... It's been a long morning, so please forgive any typos etc. at the moment.
Last week, while I was away in Virginia, DH and housemates {HM} came to a new understanding / agreement regarding our rent, etc. I came home, and on Tuesday, HM told DH he needed to go back on the arrangement. The new arrangement would have given us an opportunity to save more towards our trip so we can leave in late July.
Today, June 26th is DH's birthday!! I gave him a book, some MUCH needed clothing. His bosses told him that his 90-day probationary period at the trucking company is now up -- and he didn't get the job. Meaning he no longer works there as of today. Just before they told him that, HM, who was a co-worker came up to DH and said not to worry about rent at all, just leave by July 1st. No explanation. No reasons. Not that they would matter. We just need to leave.
To make matters just a tad worse, the day I left for Virginia, when they were dropping me off at Greyhound, DH drove us through a checkpoint. The police scanned his license to find that an old ticket from 2013 DH had totally forgotten about has remained unpaid. As a result, his license is now revoked in the state of NC. He has called the trucking school he plans to attend, and this will not create an issue for him becoming a trucker, however, the court date for the DWLR {driving with license revoked} isn't until July 10th. So he will be calling the school again, and then contacting the local clerk of court to see what, if anything can be done there as we have to leave before then. We have nowhere in this area we can stay... nowhere at all unless we waste a lot more money.
I've posted to Craigslist looking around for another vehicle. The one we were originally going to purchase fell through -- they've sold it to someone else. If we can't find one right away, our best bet at the moment is to rely on friends / family temporarily to work this out. Some family has already sent us a little money to help out with the vehicle purchase, and DH has one more check coming his way from the trucking company, but it won't be here for 2 weeks. We're changing our address immediately after the receipt of the money family has sent.
Prayers are much appreciated. Also, if you know someone in the Charlotte area, or somewhere else here in NC who is selling a running cash car they would release for $600 or less, we'll take it. Once we find a car, I will be hopping a Greyhound to the Charlotte area to pick it up. If we don't find a car right away, or if the nearest ones are too far out, we'll rent a car to go get our own. Either way... we have to leave.
Pray, please pray. I know this looks horrible, but I still say God's doing something big here. I've no idea what, but... I'm trusting Him. Thank you!
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to move cross-country: http://gofundme.com/RouteWeiller |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 25 2015 : 5:54:12 PM
I've been home in Hickory for about a week now, and I gotta say, I'm fed up. Prayers for patience throughout the next month requested.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to move cross-country: http://gofundme.com/RouteWeiller |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 17 2015 : 3:07:33 PM
Also wanted to note that we have a new GoFundMe campaign up {see signature} to assist in the move. The Etsy shop is still wide open for business as well.
Thank you!
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to move cross-country: http://gofundme.com/RouteWeiller |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 17 2015 : 3:01:49 PM
Thank you all for the replies!
And to Lisa, I want to say that I very much appreciate you sharing your story. Though we still plan to go to Missoula, it helps to learn and know more about what to expect when we arrive. Thank you, again. It's such a beautiful tale, of how you to came together.
The roads are being paved for us so far... it looks like the van we plan to purchase will be perfect for us. The truck driving school is one of the largest and best in the nation. Pell Grant should be able to cover most, if not all of his tuition. We're on the fast track in our savings already, and should even have some wiggle room. We also learned that as long as we have insurance, etc. for the van, we should be able to work for Uber right there in Missoula -- which would be an excellent opportunity for me during that first month or two. We're very excited about all the information we're getting here. People in Missoula whom we've spoken with seem quite eager to grant us the time of day to offer knowledge and support. We're very much encouraged.
This week, I am in Lynchburg, VA. If anyone happens to be in the Liberty University area, a friend of mine is attending classes this week, and I've joined her as she didn't wish to be in a hotel alone. Prayers for safe and timely {her teacher is being difficult regarding the time he lets them go Friday} travels back home are appreciated.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to keep ourselves off the streets and fed: http://gofundme.com/offstreet |
| darlenelovesart |
Posted - Jun 12 2015 : 08:36:02 AM
Prayers go up for you La La.
hugs
darlene
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.
by Frances Farmer
Just follow God unquestioningly.
Because you love Him so, for if you trust His judgment there is nothing you need to know.
I trust in you Jesus... |
| nubidane |
Posted - Jun 12 2015 : 08:28:58 AM
La La
I want to tell you about my hubby's experience with going to MT. It was before we married, so about 15 years ago. The overall economy was better than now, for sure. He had a good job at a pharm company in QA, and cashed out a chunk of 401K to go to MT. His dream was to work on a ranch. He rented a cabin in the woods, and stayed for a year. He searched and searched for any type of job,(he told me even stocking shelves at a grocery would have been great) and had no luck. He was fortunate to have the funds to keep going, but he told me about folks sleeping under cars etc. He spent his days cycling, chopping firewood, and at night ate a lot of Mexican food at a local dive.
He told me that driving (from OH), there would be stretches of land where houses were 20+ miles apart (yes he measured it; he's a dork that way).
If at all possible, I would REALLY recommend the rental car. If you break down out there,, who knows how far to get help, and you may be at the mercy of an unscrupulous mechanic who knows he is your only hope. With a rental, you wouldn't have that worry. Then when you get there, you could buy a cheap car.
I am not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but just wanted to tell you about his experience. He loved it there, and it was just gorgeous, but he couldn't sustain himself. Perhaps some MT farm girls could weigh in???
I told him about your plan, and he said you may want to consider going north through MN to N Dakota. He could get an oil job there, and save some cash for sure.
Also, the northern part of ND, near the Canadian border is beautiful, wooded etc. Maybe you could make a pit stop there and get the funds needed for your MT dream.
The cool part of this story, for me anyway: I had met hubs while riding my bike. He was interested in me but I had a boyfriend (jerk) at the time. When he left for MT, he wrote me a note with his mom's ph # on it, and said if I ever wanted to come to MT to call him. I wouldn't have done that; I barely knew him. But, about a year later, I had broken up with my jerk, and gave Jim's mom a call. He picked up the phone. He had just gotten back from MT the day before. And, as they say, the rest is history.
Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide!
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – R.R. |
| Song Sparrow |
Posted - Jun 12 2015 : 03:31:39 AM
La La, you are making progress on following your dream! Praying for good result on your car quest, and a safe and happy journey to VA.
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 11 2015 : 10:41:48 PM
Thank you, Amy! Much appreciated. The situation will not be easily resolved, if ever, so the continued prayers surely help.
I come bearing updates again.
DH and I had figured circa $2000 in expenses for this trip, though initial costs were figured in at around $1200, which is what we plan to start with. This money is for:
- Car rental
- Gas
- Food on the road
After talking a great deal with my OLW {outlaw, MIL's SO, whom I mentioned last post}, he made a comment that got me thinking and researching. He said, "in this world, your car is your independence". He's right. When we reach Montana, we will not have a place to live at first, though the plan is to get DH a decently paying job right away, and spend a couple months saving as much / most of that cash as we can, and then get a small, one bedroom apartment or rental home. So basically, we need a better plan than a rental car we must keep re-renting for a couple months...
I hopped onto Craigslist and found a decent cash car right here in North Carolina. It will take some doing to get to it {it's in Kannapolis, and Greyhound buses don't even go to the Amtrak station there}, but it's $600, and we've plans to purchase if it's not in awful shape. I've already spoken to our expert mechanic, who happens to be the OLW mentioned above, and told him everything we've learned about the vehicle so far. He told us some things to watch out for, what to have repaired if it's leaking, and to go ahead and buy it -- if it's still available once we're able to make the purchase {saving money takes time}.
Please keep us, the seller, and this car in your prayers. I need the car to:
- Not be leaking much, if anything.
- The check engine light is on. OLW says this is most likely one of two things, I need it to be the least serious.
- This vehicle has a timing belt. The current owner is not sure if it's been replaced recently or not, though he believes it was. I need it to be.
- We'll need to register the vehicle... but we really cannot afford to do this once in North Carolina just to leave the state a month later and re-register in Montana. I need some kind of license plate to stay on the vehicle without there being any legal issues. Not to mention, this vehicle is likely not up to the NC state inspection codes -- I've no idea what this may do to our ability to register it here. Still researching.
- If there is anything truly wrong with it, I need traveling mercies to get us to at least Aiken, SC. We have an expert mechanic friend there, and my OLW would likely come up to help if things aren't too hectic with him.
This coming week, I will be in Virginia {Lynchburg, I believe}. My bestie attends school online, but occasionally must make trips there to attend classes in person. Her hubs is unable to escort her this time, so she invited me, and is paying all expenses except my bus fare, which was only $14 {from Hickory to Charlotte, where I'll meet her}. Travel safety prayers there, please. And if you're in the area, and want to meet up at a Starbucks or somewhere like that, let me know. She'll be in classes all day each day, so I'm pretty much chilling at the hotel.
Thank you for continuing to read and share this.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to keep ourselves off the streets and fed: http://gofundme.com/offstreet |
| Song Sparrow |
Posted - Jun 06 2015 : 7:55:26 PM
Continuing to pray for everyone!
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 05 2015 : 6:25:59 PM
We've had a rough week... DH learned some things his family has never told him, even lying to him, regarding his childhood. I suppose these things won't matter in the grand scheme of things, but they were pretty emotional things.
We're okay. DH has chosen indifference, and I had an anxiety attack, but there it is.
I appreciate your continued prayers for the situation with my FIL. I also ask prayers for healing for my MIL... and thankfulness for my "outlaw"... MIL's SO for being more of a father to DH than FIL has been.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to keep ourselves off the streets and fed: http://gofundme.com/offstreet |
| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 02 2015 : 11:10:22 PM
Thank you to Amy, Erin, and Marie! Much appreciated.
Today was a bit of a hassle...
About 3 weeks ago, we learned that:
A. Ryo, {our solid black kitty} is allergic to the cat food we've been using. We quickly switched to grain free for her, and consequently dealt with cat poo worthy of a large family of skunks for a week.
B. Went to the store for Gingy's food and found they didn't have it in stock, but he was out of food, so we had to buy something. So we got the cheapest thing they had... a grain free option from Iams. Then he started having messy poos a week later. Then I noticed a little blood and jelly in it. Gave him chicken broth. That stopped. Then I noticed his bum had an issue, so I did online research to learn that he likely had an anal sac problem.
This morning, the sac ruptured, so I got him to the ONLY vet in our area that:
A. Wouldn't try charging an arm, leg, and spleen for a first visit, exam and medications.
B. Seemed content to hear my concerns in full as opposed to rushing me off the phone as quickly as possible. They even asked questions, which is super impressive to me -- the last vet who cared was in Georgia.
Sadly this is money we should have saved. We learned a valuable lesson about switching his food, though... And on a happier note, we joked through the whole thing as usual. I think my favorite thing about this experience has been the fact that just days ago, I saw this text message from dog to owner floating around the web:
Dog - "How long do I have to wear this cone?"
Human - "Til your stitches come out."
D - "It's HUMILIATING"
H - "WELL STOP FIGHTING SQUIRRELS"
D - "I KEEP BUMPING INTO WALLS AND STUFF"
H - "So SIT DOWN"
D - "WHEN I SIT DOWN I LOOK LIKE A DESK LAMP"
Soo... with that in mind... here's a photo for you... https://instagram.com/p/3cjR71rV1s/
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to keep ourselves off the streets and fed: http://gofundme.com/offstreet |
| churunga |
Posted - Jun 02 2015 : 07:47:33 AM
As I have said before, you can stay with us for a night inside safe and snug when you get here.
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
| notathreatinsight |
Posted - Jun 02 2015 : 06:05:33 AM
Laura, praying for your husband and father in law to reconcile, and for your father in law to respect and accept you. I will also pray for your trip. That you will have the preparations you need for the journey ahead. God bless you both.
Erin
Farmgirl #3762
"It is... through the world of the imagination which takes us beyond the restrictions of provable fact, that we touch the hem of truth." - Madeleine L'Engle
http://www.etsy.com/shop/femmepostale/
http://www.pinterest.com/femmepostale/ |
| Song Sparrow |
Posted - Jun 02 2015 : 03:47:08 AM
Hi Laura, I will continue to pray for you and your hubby as you prepare for your adventure. Also praying for your FIL to grow in compassion. Miracles happen every day! :)
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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| LaLa |
Posted - Jun 01 2015 : 7:48:19 PM
I return, bearing further updates.
On the family front: Several weeks back, DH contacted his father to bring him up to speed on everything going on in our lives. He explained that we planned to move, and stated the costs for this, though he asked for nothing. FIL reacted as usual. He blamed DH and I for all our problems, told DH to "control" me, etc. It was pretty bad. He then sent DH $500 to help us, along with yet another nasty note.
FIL has spoken to me all of 6 times since we married. He has zero interest in getting to know me, showing respect to me as his DIL, etc. He refuses to acknowledge my work or what it has profited us, though it is far from the millions I neither expect nor wish for. It was and is our choice as a couple to continue as we are for now as this is what works best for us in regards to our current circumstances and considerations.
As a result of all this, DH thought on it for a few weeks, and sat down to write FIL a message. He requested that FIL show us respect at least as his children, if nothing more. He gave him an ultimatum as FIL has consistently singled me out in many of his previous notes and messages. FIL refused. DH has chosen to cut ties with him unless things majorly change in the future.
I update on this as I'd like to request prayers for DH and FIL both. FIL is a generous man, who simply chooses not to listen when we have tried to share our story. For example, telling him that DH was fired from the Navy for stealing something he did not resulted in FIL hearing ONLY that DH was fired for stealing and blames the Navy for it. He claims we both play the victim in everything. I'll neither refute nor agree with this. Neither will I apologize for taking a brief pity-party-breakdown for myself for new disasters and unfamiliar territory, as I believe this is important to the healing process. Much like sadness and anger are healing of grief. Just prayers. That is all I ask in this department.
Next!!! Moving:
DH and I are, as we mentioned last post, moving to Montana!! Woot!! There is so much to think about for this... DH and I are making a brave attempt to save the money necessary for this trip ourselves, though we will also welcome donations.
A friend and I worked out the details on renting a vehicle for 30 days plus the gas for the trip... I know that sounds like a lot, but we have reasoning for this. While DH and I are not going into this blindly, we cannot do walkthroughs of homes, or speak directly, face-to-face with potential employers until we arrive in Missoula. The employers bit may not be as much of a problem since DH will be a truck driver, but he likely will not have attended school for this yet. He is making calls to Missoula trucking companies to see if they will
-- Pay him while attending school in addition to paying for school.
-- Potentially allow him to work in a truck washer capacity while attending school.
That said, we're looking at arriving in Missoula with no jobs and no home to live right away. So the 30 days is to prepare for that. It will allow us to live in a vehicle for a time if absolutely necessary. We're doing research on this end to try to avoid that, but there are no guarantees. We're donning our gear in the event the stuff hits the fan... The costs the friend and I came up with was circa $1200 to cover the rental, gas and food.
DH makes about $1300/mo. Out of this, we pay half the rent and utilities {$325/mo}, groceries {remember, we no longer have food stamps as DH now earns too much to qualify} for ourselves for 2 weeks per check, and our pets' food / care. We also have a phone {$50/mo} which we consider a necessity for obvious reasons. Our plan has been to leave July 15th, or the last week in July at the latest. Reasons are
-- Knife Makers show in Missoula in early August would guarantee DH an opportunity to speak to some men about possibly learning the craft. He's interested in this as a potential money-making hobby.
-- Our arrangement here is temporary, though the owner of the home is open to us staying "as long as [we] like". The greatest issues here are the bills we have to pay {though VERY reasonably priced} and that he's not particularly fond of cats... He has graciously allowed ours. At least for now. So far there have been zero problems with this on the homeowner's end. He and his girlfriend even stepped into our room one evening to look at the kitties and exclaim over how cute they were. I count that as a plus, but let's not push it by having our Alley Cats overstay their welcome...
-- Winter comes much earlier in the North than here... 'Nough said.
-- With our plans to stop and visit some folks along the way, we were hoping to use local parks. Best if it's summer / early fall for that.
Having done the figures multiple times, we figured out we need to be saving somewhere around $500-600 per month for this to work out in the timeframe we've provided ourselves. So far, we've very little saved. We'll be talking to the homeowner this week about it and see if we can trade household chores and helping with fixing up some things around the place {it's run down, and the owner is making gradual repairs to some areas, and painting} instead of paying money for rent / utilities. DH is also looking into seeing if he can mow lawns for families with mowers that are within walking distance on weekends. We're cutting corners every way we possibly can.
Changes coming to the GoFundMe:
After some discussion, DH and I decided the current GoFundMe campaign is no longer suitable. We will be creating a new campaign, sharing our journey from now till Missoula. FIL claimed that we were "begging for money"... yes. But it is our hope that those who donate do so in the understanding that we are making our own working efforts on this end, and that my Etsy shop is wide open to them for a reason. We do not expect something for nothing, we sincerely appreciate any efforts made toward assisting us. Furthermore, any assistance granted / offered is used specifically for the purpose which it was designed for. Any left-overs are set aside for similar purposes should further need arise.
We're extremely excited about all of this. The travel, and whatnot. This is seriously the most daring thing we've ever done as a couple. I don't know how long it will take us to get our heads truly above water, but I look forward to seeing what God's going to do with this. I have an inkling we're all gonna be blown away by it. Keep your eyes peeled for even more, and thank you for reading thus far! I know it's a lot to take in.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to keep ourselves off the streets and fed: http://gofundme.com/offstreet |
| LaLa |
Posted - May 20 2015 : 1:52:04 PM
Thank you, Amy!
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to keep ourselves off the streets and fed: http://gofundme.com/offstreet |
| Song Sparrow |
Posted - May 18 2015 : 4:19:13 PM
Dear Laura, all I can offer right now are my prayers. You will make it through this trouble, I truly believe that! Stick to your guns and follow your dreams!
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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| LaLa |
Posted - May 18 2015 : 11:11:19 AM
Thank you, Alicia. I'll get the bracelet out to you asap! :D I'm glad you found something for you. It's a beautiful choice.
I am sorry for the loss of your son. I did find it rather comforting to learn the creator of Mother's Day actually hated how commercialized it had become and regretted beginning the tradition.
Thank you for the prayers, encouragement, and we look forward to possibly seeing you in the near future :D.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to keep ourselves off the streets and fed: http://gofundme.com/offstreet |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - May 18 2015 : 05:19:59 AM
JHi Laura. I started with the first post, found your etsy site and ordered a bracelet! Can't wait to get it. It is so "me"!!! Anyhow, I read through all of your updates now. I am so sorry life has been difficult. And I will pray for you. Sounds like God has a plan, though! Many praises for that!! He is leading you,Sister.
And I totally understand the Mother's Day emotions. seven years ago we lost a son due to a careless driver. His birthday in May 11. Twice since he passed it has fallen ON Mother's Day. Big Hugs, Sweetie. You will hold that baby someday!
If you pass through my area, I will certainly visit you!!
Many Blessings- Alicia #5232
http://themostlycrunchyfarmgirl.wordpress.com
www.simplyaroma.com/aliciawinkler 100% certified therapeutic grade essential oils
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DandeeRose Farmgirl Accessories and more!
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." |
| LaLa |
Posted - May 17 2015 : 9:59:36 PM
Thank you, Nini! Your words are inspiring, and much appreciated.
A few updates, for any who haven't seen them other locations: DH and I are still in Hickory, however, we are planning to leave within a couple months as we feel it is time to move elsewhere, move on, and continue our lives.
In the meantime, DH's friend -- who's wife worked at the hotel we were in back in March -- he had a buddy with an empty house, and a secondary job at a trucking company. He got DH a job at the trucking company, which is paying about $.50 more an hour, and giving him more hours than his last job. He is washing the trucks {by the way, please see my post in the Health forum... we're trying to fix up his flaky hands...}. The guy with the empty house... well, there's a story there.
He was renting the home to a guy who was recently jailed. The house is in disrepair - I'm talking some pretty deep damages from aging, and there's some black mold. The owner wanted to move in with his girlfriend, but there are 2 bedrooms. The owner is also a new hire at the trucking company and washes trucks alongside DH. It's not a super safe location, neither is it convenient to anything nearby {we have to rent a taxi to get anywhere, even the grocery store, unless the owner lets us use his van, which he has graciously done so far}.
We are splitting rent, water and power with him. Trash is burned in the burn pile outside so we don't have to worry about that.
The main downsides: Language / cultural barriers. Our housemates are both originally from Mexico. She speaks practically zero English. He speaks good English, but has difficulty pronouncing words at times, so there's some confusion there. I think the biggest downside for me has been that I lost a pregnancy in late 2010. She is a hair stylist who works from home in addition to her day job. Every client she has who sets eyes on me asks if I have babies, how many, and when I plan to have one. It's been a rather heart-rending month for me. Mother's Day. May would have been our child's birth month. And I'm crocheting a blanket for a friend's cousin's newborn... I pretty much stay hidden in our room and work on the blanket when people visit now.
So we're still in Hickory. Happy for the moment. Just saving up and making plans for our trip in June / July.
Our plans:
- DH is going to learn all he can about trucks / trucking here while he has this job. Our main goal is for him to leave this job on good terms, having created some brief, yet, excellent work history for himself. On the upside, the owner of the trucking company's son -- he went to the same school where DH and I met, and vaguely remembers me :D.
- We are interested in DH talking to his boss to see if there is a program for him to learn truck-driving through the company. Trucking doesn't exactly pay millions, we know, but the point is for him to build on his skills, and trucking is something that hires literally everywhere in America.
- I'm continuing my blogging, etc. {Keep checking the shop. I'm working on a couple new products for anyone interested, and feel free to shoot me messages if there's something you want but don't see - I'm uber creative and love a challenge, though I do not promise to do everything.}
- We're planning to move out West, to Missoula, MT. If you know anything at all about the area, information would be lovely. We know a little about it, have even been talking to some knife-makers out there as DH is interested in learning how to work a forge. If he could become a blacksmith, he'd be living the dream, I tell you... Sidenote -- we know things are going to be tough no matter where we go in the world. We simply feel this is right, and we've chosen our location and hope to live there for several years to come.
- We are considering doing a 'mini blog tour' on our way out. DH and I have NEVER had a "vacation" or road trip together that did not somehow involve visiting family. We feel this hasn't exactly helped our marriage, though we're better off than many maritally speaking. No relationship is perfect, and therein lies the joys and laughter and yes, even tears. We would like to offer an opportunity for people who have read the blog, or heard about our circumstances to meet us, ask questions if they'd like {yes, this is scary for us}, etc. Just some time to hang out, meet some wonderful people all across this land, and see some new places. We have figured out the gas mileage, the rental fee for a vehicle, and food money, and hope to have all that saved by mid-July at the latest. Right now, we are putting the info out there, and would love to hear from y'all and your friends / family as to whether the "mini tour" is a good idea? We don't even know if folks are interested -- haha. If so, it will happen. How, you ask? Simple. We will be posting up a list of major cities we plan to pass through our way; most of these will be in the Northern states, though we do plan to visit SC as well before we leave. Our route and food will already be paid for. Venues will be state / local park shelters to keep pricing low for anyone hoping to attend. We don't expect any huge turn-outs if we do this. Just a few people looking to connect and swap stories. Anyone wishing us to visit locations not on our direct route would be invited to let us know, however, we would need to raise the additional gas money to make it -- either my Etsy shop or donations would have to pay for that.
So...there's our news for now. Please let us know what you think. You're welcome to write / email me directly {or through here} or you can comment below.:D
Looking forward.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to keep ourselves off the streets and fed: http://gofundme.com/offstreet |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Mar 30 2015 : 3:07:14 PM
Laura - I'm so sorry you are going through this. I read some of your blog posts and was so taken back by some of the hurdles with which you have had to contend. Thank you so much for your courage and candor in shedding light on what you are experiencing. I am sure there are many, many people out there going through similar situations, but people simply do not understand the reality. How easily people forget what their two hands are actually meant to do. SO sad. I am sure this must seem insurmountable at times, and yet you continually inspire through your courage and determination. You are an amazing lady. Stay strong. Don't let it get you down. Good things WILL come, I believe that with all my heart. Please know I am praying for both of you and your furbabies, sister. I hope things will turn around very, very soon. Hugs and love - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| LaLa |
Posted - Mar 30 2015 : 09:01:52 AM
Thank you.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to keep ourselves off the streets and fed: http://gofundme.com/offstreet |
| cajungal |
Posted - Mar 29 2015 : 7:17:12 PM
Laura, I am praying for you and your husband. This is certainly a hard time for y'all. I wish there was some way to appeal the decision about his benefits.
Catherine
Sister #76 (2005)
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt.
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| LaLa |
Posted - Mar 29 2015 : 08:21:54 AM
We are still in Hickory. We witnessed a couple days of miracles, but are back to working on plans now... not sure where to go from here.
WHen we were evicted Thursday, we reached my mom, who generously offered us enough to get 2 nights' hotel stay, so we'd have internet / phone service to use in making our decisions. Our phones have the Talkatone app, which is limited, but we can make calls free of charge. We do not have minutes, and Talkatone requires wi-fi. We have tried getting the free government phones, but there is one man in town who handles the distribution of them, there is no schedule for when he is in town... We just received the link for this program website today, and will try that out.
We have a friend who works at the hotel. She gave us a discount for our pets. We stayed Thursday and Friday nights. Yesterday, her husband came to get us. His friend has a VERY run-down house he's working on. No one lives there presently, as the tenant was jailed, but they are expecting him back. We cannot keep our pets there indefinitely -- cats in particular, so we're having to keep them in carriers except to let them outdoors or to use the bathroom. The house feels very unsafe, and DH doesn't like leaving me alone there. There is a chance he has a job here starting Monday, that is about a 15 minute walk from this house. He's going to apply, but we're very seriously planning to leave the area, and are contacting family in an effort to make this happen. Our family has already helped so much, though... we haven't much hope they'll be able to do so again.
It has been recommended we contact a veteran's advocacy -- this is impossible for reasons I will now explain for anyone not military / former military. DH was discharged for stealing something he did not. This discharge resulted in his being stripped of all benefits. We have applied for and researched a variety of advocacies in the past -- the first time we were homeless. They refuse to assist because of the type of discharge he received, though he was wrongfully accused. We've tried contacting lawyers to try to contest the accusation, and the representation of it in his discharge papers, however, we've had difficulty finding and having a discussion with one. They usually want us to come to their offices which are usually too far out of town to attempt walking to, and they won't talk to us by phone.
The incident which caused this whole thing... DH had a set of whites {the stark white uniform of the Navy}. He messed them up while ironing late one night, the evening before he was to wear them. He asked a buddy's permission to borrow his, whilst I went to a store to find him a new set of his own. He had offered to clean and press the friend's whites in exchange for the borrow. The buddy said yes, and told DH where they were... DH accidentally picked up the wrong set as another man's whites were lying next to his buddy's. The comamnd discovered it before DH had a chance to find the owner and offer him the same as he'd offered his friend, so it appeared he had simply stolen them rather than borrowing.
He is a real veteran. Without benefits. He wasn't even allowed to use his GI Bill to gain new skill sets... He attended classes for 2 days before it was denied. It broke him... he was really counting on learning something new, but without the funds to attend school, he had to quit.
I've my products with me, and can still sell via Etsy, and we're selling several things in our house once we get to it.
Please keep us in your prayers, and I'll update again soon.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to keep ourselves off the streets and fed: http://gofundme.com/offstreet |
| LaLa |
Posted - Mar 25 2015 : 3:34:59 PM
Thank you both, ladies! The thoughts and prayers are much appreciated. I'll update as often as I'm able.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
Follow me on Instagram: @lalau427
DH & I are fundraising to keep ourselves off the streets and fed: http://gofundme.com/offstreet |
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