Friday, April 15, 2011

Changes

Oscar lost his job yesterday. Unemployment may not happen. His employer is gifted at firing for cause, no matter how slight, and keeping the lost employees from filing. We have had friends and former coworkers go through this process too often the past year. My only income comes from pattern sales and the occasional ebay auction of books (not the ARCs, but the books) I read for review. The government decided long ago that my particular concatenation of circumstance does not qualify me for social security benefits.

We are cheerful, though. We are exploring the assistance available to deal with the debts and the upside-down mortgage, we are streamlining our lives and preparing to move, if necessary. Oscar is a heck of a good worker, and we hope he will find a good job soon, but this is Michigan, all too near Detroit where unemployment is rampant.

Like I said, though, we are cheerful and optimistic as well. Making lists and prioritizing tasks, getting our ducks in a row, contacting Greenpath for advice, talking to creditors; all that not-so-fun stuff that may help us keep going long enough for Oscar to find that job.

There are a lot of positives that might happen because of this bad news. If we lose the house, it may mean we can move to a place that is handicap accessible which will mean I can do more in the house without injuring myself. It may mean we are free to move, and Oscar may find that job somewhere other than Michigan.
Oscar and I both have been in similar sticky situations and we have great survival skills. We both have been through enough to know how to take joy in small things, and celebrate anything and everything we can.
We also are blessed with the support of our families, which is HUGE. Not just a financial net to keep us from becoming homeless, but emotionally. This really empowers us to move forward.
So. Changes. But my heart tells me the final result of the bad day we had yesterday will be a life much better than the one we had.

9 comments:

Min said...

Crappers.

I'm so sorry to hear this.

Ria said...

WIll keep you guys in my thoughts.

AlisonH said...

Oh, DIANA! I'm so sorry! I admire your courage and your listening to your gut that it will be for the good--it's the leap in between where you just don't know yet how it will all come out.

My husband got laid off 15 years ago, along with tens of thousands of others working for that company. He landed in a much better place. You will too. My prayers go with you.

Don Meyer said...

Good Grief, as Charlie Brown might say. You and Oscar need this like a hole in the head. I do admire your optimistic outlook, and pray that you two will land 'on your feet' in a better situation. As a fellow handicapped, I know what you mean by handicap accessible. I live in a mobile home with an elevator to get me up the 30 some inches off the ground.

The best of luck to you!

Anonymous said...

I'm angry to hear this has happened to you, and yes, there is a silver lining, but this is still hard on both of you.

I hate it that I can't do anything to really help, but I'm lighting a candle, ok? hugs to both of you, Ysabeau

Anonymous said...

I am sooooo impressed with your attitude! I love how you're looking at the bright side, at the possibility of new opportunities to come from misfortune! You have my deep respect. I wish I lived closer -- I'd bring you guys some dinner or just visit with you. Hang in there!!!

Kym said...

Diana, I'm just catching up with my blog reading. I'm so sorry to hear this news about Oscar's job. So very sorry. I am always in awe at your attitude and resilience -- and today is no exception. Stay strong and dig deep -- like you ALWAYS do. I will keep you in my thoughts and send you both much positive "juju."

Hang in there. Change is difficult -- but often opens up whole new vistas we never knew existed.

(((((HUGS to you and Oscar!)))))

Anonymous said...

That sucks.

Lynx said...

hey babe, much love to you and save some of that positive energy for later....

if you move you damn well better give me your new address or I will cry, and we know how much I hate crying....