We're desperate... (homes, tuition, nursing home)

[shadowfax1997]

Not sure about bangor area, but there used to be a place in portland called portland biologicals. They collect plasma from donors and pay them $15 for first donation and $20 for second in a week. They are no longer in portland, but have an office in lewiston. I did it for over a year and made enough to buy a nice computer. Easy cash - sit for 90 minutes while they cycle blood, seperate red blood cells from plasma, and return blood cells. All my research proved it to be safe. The plasma is used for many medical uses.

[shadowfax1997]

Another thought - perhaps you can barter services for items you need. I built a deck a couple summers ago and received a new laptop in payment instead of cash.

Maybe there are people on this forum that could use some assistance with something?

[RHB]

Hey, what happened to the orginal poster? Are you still out there? Did you shut down your internet?

How about letting us know how you are doing? It's okay if you don't want to accept our offer for food, or you don't like the suggestions made here. If you could just drop us a quick post, saying you are still working on it, would make (at least me) us feel better.

You know, you are not alone. There are many people your type of boat. There is no crime in needing or accepting help - most of us have been there, which is why we are willing to help.

So, drop us a quick post please.

[emmelinePA]

Hello, everyone! I'm really sorry it took me several days to respond - I've been swamped with work, but am finally able to breathe again. I'm sorry I made some of you worry - and I'm honestly very touched that you guys care enough to worry. That is a testament to how wonderful you all are. I'm still amazed by the response to my posting. I know there's no easy fix to my situation, but many of you have made some very generous offers and wonderful suggestions (many of which I'm currently looking into, so thanks!!). Forrest, thank you so much for the amazingly kind offer of food-- we are okay in that department for now (just got a grocery gift card as a present, which helps a lot), but we are so touched by your generosity. Mainers sure are nice people.

I also have some very, very good news to share -- my husband just got a PT job yesterday doing shipping at a local company! It's permanent, which is quite nice, as the last job he had up here was only temporary. It's only 20 hours a week, but it will definitely hold us over until he can find something more long-term (and actually, he also finally got an interview at another place for a FT job, and is supposed to hear something in 2-3 weeks, so maybe...). Plus, if they like him at the shipping company, they may give him FT hours. In any case, we're very relieved and grateful that we can stop worrying, at least for now.

As for my schooling, I understand the concern. But as one poster pointed out, I do have a FT job (I teach a course at the university) so my tuition is covered, and the stipend I get is decent. The program I am in is only two years long, so I will finish in May 2010, and I really need this degree to get the job I have wanted since I was a little girl. In a year, we plan to move to Boston so that my DH can finish school and I can pursue the job I want. I realize that with a BA, I do have job options right now, but not many (as I learned in the two years between my BA and MA studies); the career path I'm pursuing really requires an advanced degree. All in all, I consider myself to be very lucky to be in this grad program; I have made some great connections and I've gotten a lot of field experience! I do have to take summer classes, but as I won't be teaching in the summer, I do plan to look for some sort of job-- I'd really like to do some sort of childcare work, as I did a lot of that in the last place I lived, but I know I'm certainly not in a position to be picky. I'll take whatever I can get. But I do plan to stick it out for the next year. I know we'll be okay.

Anyway, thank you all so much again for your kind offers and advice; you made a New Jersey girl a little teary (and that's not easy to do- we pride ourselves in being tough . I really am grateful for the warmth and generosity I've seen here. You are all such genuine, nice people.

-E.

[elston]

Great News Emmeline! So glad to hear about work and school and most of all.....that the dispair and gloom and doom has lifted! Good Luck and have a great life.

[dramamama6685]

I'm so glad to hear things are turning around for you! Tell your hubby congrats on the new job!

[RHB]

[palval1]

Wow, excellent news, Emmeline! Light in the darkness....spring is coming....congrats to you and your husband.

[bbb3601]

While I wouldn't suggest anyone attemp a major move at this time. WOW you people in Miane sure are lucky. Anyone who has visited Maine (we have 5 times) or has a dream of living there one day should remember this thread. Most people in our nation believe the "help your neighbor" ship has sailed long ago. Let me tell you it is alive and well in most parts of Maine. What a thread, and you Forrest are truly a man among men. Good for you.

[reloop]

Excellent Good luck in your endeavors.