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Post by Rennie Ellen on Jul 5, 2010 19:43:10 GMT -5
I can't find the original post, but a while back I posted that my daughter was moving to New York state and asked if I could take her books. I could keep what I wanted and take the rest to a used bookstore to sell. I said, "Sure!", thinking it was just a couple of boxes at the most. It turned out to be FIVE boxes of books! So my entryway was FULL of books!
I sorted through them and kept 14 books, then packed the rest in an old suitcase and took them to the used bookstore. They sorted through them and took several, giving me $14 of credit which I spent on a hardback book -- Geisha, A Life, by Mineko Iwasaki. I got $1.75 back in change. But there were still a lot of books that the store didn't take, so I took the suitcase full of books to the thrift store and donated the suitcase and the books. There was nothing else I could do. The store I went to was the only one in town that was buying books.
Being on a fixed income right now is really, really TIGHT. I have to plan everything out carefully -- when to buy my phone cards for my NET 10 cell phone, when to buy laundry detergent, when to buy toilet paper, when to buy personal hygiene items. And this is just for necessities -- there's nothing left over for fun stuff. I got emergency assistance last month from the outreach ministry for my utility bill. I bought Angel's cat condo and 3 packages of cat treats for $25 last Saturday and felt guilty for buying it.
I had hoped I could have gotten more money from the books my daughter gave me. Oh well. At least they'll go to a good home and help the disabled veterans.
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Post by messymimi on Jul 5, 2010 19:47:12 GMT -5
Dear Rennie Ellen,
I'm sorry you didn't get more for those books, too. Yet you did give them to help someone, and I do know if you continually give, which you do, you will continually have.
The fact that you gave them will come back to bless you somehow.
Also, I'm glad you got Angel her birthdays treats.
messymimi
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Post by success19 on Jul 5, 2010 20:15:51 GMT -5
Actually you got alot and in my area there is no where that buys books. I understand the tight budget too.
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Post by Rennie Ellen on Jul 5, 2010 20:27:37 GMT -5
Messymimi,
Deep down, I'm glad I bought Angel her birthday presents. She is now sleeping in her kitty hideaway! 
But I hate the constant scrimping I have to do every month just to stay afloat financially. I hate being disabled and therefore, poor.
And lately I feel like I've been giving, giving, giving, giving....and getting nothing in return. Yes, I do receive the pleasure and satisfaction of knowing that I have helped people, and that's cool. But that doesn't help pay the bills. Clown makeup is expensive, as is the gas I use to drive to these events. My friend bought me the makeup to get my clown ministry started, hoping that it would eventually lead to ministering at churches that would pay me. But nothing has opened up for me like that. Right now I feel the outreach ministry is taking advantage of me in assuming I'll come to every block party they have as "Harmony Joy". I don't have the energy -- and since I've run out of a couple of makeup items, I don't have the makeup -- to volunteer for everything. I'm not going to ask my friend for help with this. She's done enough in getting me started. Bottom line -- I love helping people but I have to help myself, too.
I'm just frustrated about my finances. I'm sorry for my venting, but I have to share with someone besides Angel. She is very understanding but doesn't offer any solutions. 
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Post by prettybad on Jul 5, 2010 21:17:00 GMT -5
Dear Rennie Ellen
So sad to hear of your money struggles. My kitties are my comfort and I'm glad you have your sweet Angel with you. A pet's love may not pay the bills but it is hard to imagine a good life without their furry company. Hope your kindness and goodness finds it way back round to you in a way that eases your financial stress.
PB
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Post by messymarie on Jul 6, 2010 3:13:14 GMT -5
Rennie, are you good at google searching? If so, you could keep an eye out for when KGB and ChaCha are hiring. People text in questions from their phones, and you answer. You get about 10 cents a question, which isn't much, but it does add up especially after you get really good and fast. I know someone who makes $100 a week at it. $400 extra a month can be huge when you are poor.
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Post by Chris on Jul 6, 2010 8:34:11 GMT -5
Rennie Ellen I think it's awesome that you didn't let the books stay and clutter your apartment. I wish you were here in my city because at least the local half price books pays cash for books -- not a lot -- but a little. It has to be real hard to be on a very fixed income. I hope you will find a way to bring more money in.  |
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