Help Gina

The reason for the lack of updates is because, until yesterday, there was nothing new to share.  And I wasn’t able to access a computer yesterday.

So, Wednesday marked 10 business days after the eviction hearing.  I knew when I went to bed Tuesday night that I’d be served the followiing morning, because I hadn’t yet been served, and they told me it would take up to 10 business days.  A pleasant surprise, though, is that they’re giving me until September 4th instead of 48 hours.  I have a full week to come up with a way to pay.  I’m not very hopeful… I’m fully prepared to move, but I’m happy to have an extra week.

… but it sure isn’t a pleasure trip, either.  I’m still holding out hope that I’ll be able to work out something so I can stay in my apartment.  I still haven’t been served papers.  I’m waiting for the notice that I have 48 hours to move.  In the mean time, I’m looking for a temporary solution.

A friend offered to let me stay in his studio apartment temporarily.  That’s the only offer I have so far.  It’s a tiny space (basically just a room, and a closet/bathroom combo), and his bed takes up the whole room.  He said he could stay with his dad for a couple weeks so we wouldn’t be practically sitting on each other the whole time.

Another friend has a friend who works for the housing authority.  Normally, there’s a long waiting list, but the friend of my friend is going to try to find a way to circumvent the waiting list.  The housing is income based, so they think I’d be able to find something that is inexpensive.

The apartment manager does not want to work out a payment arrangement.  There’s really not a lot she can do because the apartments are owned by a corporate property management company, and they do everything by the book.

I found out yesterday that the lady who lives across the hall from me is also being evicted.   She’s moving today.  For some reason, it doesn’t make me feel like I’m not alone.  It makes me feel hopeless.  She’s lived here for ten years, and they’re not even willing to negotiate with her.  I’ve lived here for eight months, so why would they be willing to negotiate with me?

I had court this morning.  I wasn’t able to plead my case or anything… The next step is the court will file papers with the local sheriff on Monday.  At that point, the sheriff will have 10 days to serve the papers to me.  Once I’m served, I will have 48 hours to move.

If I want to arrange a payment arrangement with the apartment manager, that arrangement will have nothing to do with the courts, and it is up to the apartment manager to accept an arrangement or not.  They could decide they want me to move, even if I’m able to come up with the money.  Or, they could decide to work something out with me.  I haven’t discussed it with them yet, but I am going to do that today.

In searching for ways to advertise my site for free, I came across a blog of another individual who’s credit card debt was paid through the kindness of strangers.  While I certainly understand her plight, and I pass no judgement on anyone for having credit card debt, it does make me wonder:  What did these people do different?  Were they more entertaining than I am?  Does credit card debt garner more sympathy?  I know Karyn’s donations came in over a period of months, and she has a better writing style than I do.  Maybe those two things are part of it?  If I’d started my blog months ago, when I didn’t realize it would take this long to find a job, would I have received many more donations?  I think I probably would have.  If I was a better writer, would people be willing to donate?  I’m not entirely sure how long it took Leigh Ann to get all of the donations she needed, but with so much debt, I’m assuming it was months.  I wish I had more time.  Maybe trying to take care of my own debt without begging was a mistake?  Or, maybe this is just meant to happen.

For each donation of $10.99 or more received this week, you will receive one set of three hand-knit dishcloths (picture below, different color options available).  For each donation of $21.98 or more, receive a set of three hand-knit pot holders (these are double thick, ie, double the materials, to protect the hands from heat).  100% cotton, color fast, machine washable.  $10.99.  This includes the cost of shipping in the US. *Shipping outside of the lower 48 states will probably cost extra.  I can provide a shipping estimate prior to purchase, if you’d like.

So, I’m not getting many donations. (I’ve received more than 400 unique views… if each of those people had donated $10, I’d be set for rent!  If each had donated $20, I’d reach my total goal.  If each had donated $1, I’d have a really good start).

These are incredibly sturdy, and make great gifts!  Halloween colors are available, as well as Christmas colors.

I’ve been trying to think of ways to generate donations, and I thought… Maybe I could offer something in exchange!  I’m not super crafty, but I do know how to knit.  Hand knitting takes time, so you won’t receive your dishcloths right away.  I do promise them within 60 days, though.

Color options:

Light blue, light pink, white, navy blue, black, red, green, orange, and multi (pink, white, blue – as shown in the picture).

Ordering details: Contact me at r234783@gmail.com or at the email address on the sidebar to the left if you’d like to order.

This whole time, I’v been thinking that the 13th is Wednesday. It’s actually Thursday, so that means I have one more day than I thought I had.   That’s great!  I need time, and even thought it’s just one day, it’s still extra time to come up with the money I need.

I received another $20 through PayPal, and I’m so grateful.  I still have a long way to go, so hopefully inspiration will strike some time between now and 10:30 Thursday morning and I’ll find a way to come up with what I need.   I’m putting the amount I’ve received in the sidebar so everyone can see how far I have to go to reach my goal.  Thanks so much to everyone for your support!

Two people have received error messages while attempting to donate.  When I follow the link from my own site, I see the normal PayPal screen with a prompt to either log on or pay by credit card.  I’m not sure what other people see?  Anyway, just in case anyone else has the same problem, the email address I use for PayPal is r234783 [at] gmail [dot] com.  You can log into PayPal and click the “send money” button at the top of the screen.  It will prompt you to enter an email address or mobile phone number.  Enter the email address there.

Thanks to all who’ve been reading!  I really appreciate all of the support!