The Hits Just Keep On Comin'

Times are tough. It just seems that it's all gone downhill. It can't get much worse, though. We're almost at rock-bottom as it is. It can only get better, right?

We have the other piece of property up for sale - seven months, now. I hope it sells soon. Jimmy broke his arm before Thanksgiving and, although the cast is off, it's still not 100% healed. A few more weeks, perhaps. He hasn't worked steadily for 2 1/2 years. I have a job I really like - but it's minimum wage and only 20 hours a week. The Church has helped us out by hiring Jimmy to do a few carpentry jobs (before he broke his arm) and by giving us several gift cards to Martin's for groceries. Some friends and relatives have helped out with monetary gifts, too. Without them, well - I just don't want to think about it.

Kara and Justin gave us a much-needed gift card for Christmas. I was able to use it at the pump to buy gas for the car. The next day, I needed to get a few things at Walmart, so I used it again. This time, though, it was declined. My purchase totaled $24 but the card only had $9 left on it. Somewhere between buying $16 in gas, I lost $75. My heart was in my throat and my stomach was turning over. I left Walmart and headed to the gas station.

I explained the problem to the manager of the station, but all she could say was "Where's your receipt? I can't do anything without the receipt !" She wasn't very helpful at all. Finally, I asked if she would call the number on the back of the card and see if someone there could help. Sighing deeply, she finally agreed. After talking to the person on the phone, she handed it to me and said "He can explain it better than me." (I mentally corrected her - ".....better than I"). I grabbed the phone and tried my best to understand the Pakistani on the other end. I had to keep saying "I can't understand you. Please speak more clearly."

I finally got the gist of what he was saying. When you use a gift card at the pump (instead of going inside to the cashier) the pump doesn't know how much gas you're getting (Huh?!?) so it takes $75 just to be sure that it is going to be paid. It took $75 and left me with $9. Mr. Pakistani told me I'd be getting my money back (minus the price of the gas I actually received) in about three to seven days.

That would be fine if I had other money. My paycheck wasn't coming because when I faxed it the previous Wednesday, the payroll department didn't get it and they waited until Friday to call and leave a message. Too late for me to do anything - the office was closed, locked up and the alarm turned on. I have no money coming in until January 23rd.

A month without a paycheck may seem trivial to some, but it's the only money coming in and without it there's no money for gas, or oil for the furnace, the telephone bill and all those other pesky little inconveniences. Luckily, we still had two gift cards to Martin's. We have food!

There is a bright ray of Sunshine, though! My Social Security check arrives tomorrow!!! Unfortunately, it's all going to be taken by bill collectors, but HEY! At least I can pay!