My family's food for a week. 3 Adults, $35...

[Demo_Chris]

Note, our cooking options are limited to a microwave and electric skillet.

Fortunately this week we are in a cheap weekly hotel. Unfortunately, it is forecast to rain hard on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so we will be back to living in the cab of our pickup next week. It's been a BRUTAL spring as far as rain goes, damn near every weekend.

If this keeps up I will be bankrupt and will lose what little I have.

And what REALLY breaks my heart is that had it not rained this weekend we probably would have grossed three grand and been looking at smooth sailing for the rest of the year. Instead, we'll be homeless and hungry for at least all of April.

Sometimes, like now, I just want to give up on everything. It's just so depressing. I know, compared to many I have it bloody good. But I am tired of getting fucked by life's little tricks.

[In_The_Wind]

1. I hope things improve for you quickly.

[Demo_Chris]

2. Thanks. Me too. nt

[Jesus Malverde]

3. Hang in there. Good Luck! ..NT

[Demo_Chris]

4. Thanks. I appreciate it.

[Mnemosyne]

5. I hear you, Chris.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

6. Are you in one of the states most affected when jobs were shipped abroad?

I'm terribly sorry, and hope that things look up for you immediately. Is there any family near you that can help at all?

[Demo_Chris]

8. No, no one I know can help us. If you care...

We are "self-employed" because that's the only thing we can do and do well. We travel around working festivals and fairs. Which sounds like fun I suppose, but it's tough work. So far this year it has been storm after storm after storm, weekend after bloody weekend. This weekend would have been one of our biggest of the year, I should have grossed a few thousand which would put us solidly back on our feet, but weather underground is calling for rain Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Seriously, every weekend, every damn DAY, it's been something. Some new disaster or insolvable crisis, something else broken or something else I cannot pay. You ever see a dog that someone abused, how they flinch at every noise? That's what I feel like.

I feel freaking shell shocked. It's just been too damn much, and I know, I just fucking KNOW that next weekend it will do it to me again. Like the world or life is trying to send me a message to give up. I am trying to ignore that message. The only reason I am typing it here is in the hope that maybe it will relieve some of that TENSION.

Anyway, if you read this far thanks for reading. I appreciate your well wishes, and hopefully I'll get some luck soon.

[TexasTowelie]

7. I'm in the same boat as you are.

I feel like I'm in a hopeless situation too and can't see any way to climb out. Physical ailments make it impossible to work in a number of jobs since I would probably faint within a couple of hours. The lingering effects of the Great Recession will likely claim many victims

Have you checked into any programs like food pantries that might help supplement your groceries?

[Demo_Chris]

9. Where are you located in Texas?

[TexasTowelie]

11. Currently in Grapevine staying with a longtime friend.

However, I will have to leave here soon since his sons will be returning from college next month. I don't know exactly when I'll have to leave, but this was only supposed to be a temporary arrangement and I'm in my third week here. I've been studying the homeless shelter situation, but the options aren't going to help me with my longer term goals like having a job and a permanent job that will pay the bills.

I applied at a non-profit to get medical supplies and got a voucher for some food at the local food pantry. I revised my resumes and have attracted a bit more interest, but haven't received anything besides automated responses. By most standards, I have fairly decent skills and experience but it also makes me over-qualified for a lot of positions. Apartment rents are also going through the roof around DFW so even if something comes through, I expect that 40%-50% of my income will go for rent. That doesn't include utilities and I have a number of other medical problems and no vehicle (except a bike).

I made a lot of mistakes over the years and I probably should have swallowed my pride to declare bankruptcy back in 2000, but I thought that I could still preserve my credit rating. I need to see if I can get disability but when I tried to get into the Parkland program I was informed that they weren't accepting any new patients for the remainder of March. I have a clinic appointment next Monday so I'll give them or JPS in Tarrant County a shot. Being diabetic, anemic and having a few other medical issues means that I don't have much stamina as I recently discovered when I vacated my last apartment. It would be nice to do something productive again--even if it was part-time tutoring, but with school letting out soon that isn't going to help during the summer.

[Kali]

17. suggest you send by PM

and self delete this (do not just edit)

there are some assholes that watch this place

[Demo_Chris]

18. Gotcha, thanks! nt

[riderinthestorm]

10. Chris, do you have a paypal account? DUers like me would/could help...

If you'd let us.

How can we help you?

[Demo_Chris]

12. I sent you a private message. nt

[riderinthestorm]

25. Sent one back to you. Getting an error message on your email account.

Sorry it took me so long to respond today!

Get back to me about it asap!

[Mojorabbit]

22. Please pm me also with acct.

[DebJ]

13. Prayers and hugs Chris

[Demo_Chris]

15. Thanks!

[Kali]

16. can you scrape up enough for a crock pot? (check thrift stores/yard sales)

then get some dry beans and brown rice - lots of almost nutrutious bulk for pretty cheap price. add some stir fried veggies and some flavor (salsa, curry, just onions and garlic) maybe a bit of chicken for some more protein/flavor.

Hope things get better soon, hang in there.

[Demo_Chris]

20. We were just looking at those this afternoon at Walmart. nt

[kath]

21. they are usually easy to find at thrift stores or garage sales,

At a better price than WalMart. plus, the old vintage ones will last longer than the current MadeInChina crap. Also, the newer ones tend to cook too hot and burn the food, or cook so fast that the let-it-cook-all-day-while-your're-away-at-work thing doesn't work any more.

Sure hope things turn around for you soon.

[Major Nikon]

27. Great idea

Great taste, cheap, and a lot of nutritional value in legumes.

I can afford to eat pretty much whatever I want, but chose to eat legumes made in a crock pot on a regular basis. 1 pound of pinto beans is about $1 and will feed 3 people with left overs.

[Liberal_in_LA]

23. kick

[Raffi Ella]

24. I'm sorry you're having such terrible luck with work, Demo Chris.

I there a food pantry you can go to?

I know the thrift stores around here have them. They offer everything from bread and bagels to fruit and vegetables and it's open to all no questions asked.

[riderinthestorm]

26. am Kick! Chris just needs a little help. Please consider donating nt