That grieves me and since I learned so much from your posts on this forum I am happy to sponsor you a dinner or chip in on the iMac repair. Will send PM for details.
OFF TOPIC FOR SYNAPS AND OTHERS:
And what grieves me more is that while I have painted an ACCURATE PICTURE, I have obviously painted an equally MISLEADING PICTURE! I AM SO SORRY!!! PLEASE FORGIVE ME.
I live in a new house (downsized from the 3-story in Washington when we were raising 3 children) in a new neighborhood in the newest part of my town. I can drive all over town, every week, and still only gas my little truck once every SIX WEEKS. I can easily walk to my large, newly constructed, superbly appointed, all brick church and, by looking at my belly, one might tell I am getting more than my fair share of food.
By way of FURTHER explanation: book sales are going well. It launched on Amazon the last day of August. That day, it sold over $100. That was the magic number to get a check from Amazon (100USD, 100 GBP, or 100 EUR). But, and as they say it was a BIG butt, they took out $8 because I want to be paid by check. This meant my total dropped to $94 and did not qualify for a check in September. I had planned on using the money to buy some to sell locally and hand out to some who offered assistance with the book. We are now on October 26 and the check has yet to be cut. Frustrating, but not devastating. I hear it will be sent on the 29th.
The problems academically and federally are my own fault. I’ve always said, “Without health you HAVE nothing and without integrity you ARE nothing.” Holding to the latter can cost one financially. But, I view that as just a temporary thing. Anyway, I am working on both.
The biggest problem rests with the Office of the Exchequer—to whom I’ve been married for just shy of 40 years.
When we moved to Twin Falls from Western Washington, we knew she would be giving up $25K to teach here. But, we felt for the simpler life style, lesser traffic, and cheaper goods and services we could make it work. Then, with a house bought, a contract signed, and a 770-mile move finished they mentioned they had made a mistake in their calculations and that she would be getting $32K less. Ouch!
Now, after teaching 3rd grade for 2 years (yuck!) she is finally back to teaching high school Spanish ... in another town. Then, after signing a contract there, they mentioned to her—with temperatures in the mid-90s—that ONLY THE OFFICES have air conditioning! That, of course, was a side issue. With the gasoline and wear and tear of an additional commute, the highest insurance either of us have ever paid, and the additional work they place on her that was NEVER required in Washington State she is up to being shorted $36K and rising. I guess that’s why these paragons of intellectualism lord over a state that’s 49th out of 50 states in education. And the teacher’s unions in Idaho have teeth with the same strength as overcooked noodles. And I would ask the legislators “Would you like some cheese with that WHINE?”
Yep, things can get a little tight—and often are—but we are FAR short of needing Section 8 Housing, Food Stamps, or the Welfare Checks that I have apparently painted for some.
Just be thankful you are the kind of person who would be that concerned for others. I assure you that kind of thinking will pay big dividends down the road.
Bless you, :cat:
Bill