When does it stop getting worse?

[run it, ride it]

It stops getting worse once you hit rock bottom--when one huge bad thing that you couldn't have conceived puts all the other problems in perspective. It will get better after you realize, "it honestly can't get worse. Well, F**; I'll just stick along for the ride then." It won't be a swift recovery; in fact, it may be so incremental that you don't notice it.

Write everything down. Don't look at it for a few months. Come back to it and think, "wow, well, it's not great but it's better than it was." Some things, like your boyfriend leaving you or the trouble with your pets, won't be so sharp and painful in your memory.

The financial stuff: talk to everyone you can. Counsellors, banks, your family--SOMEONE will have a solution, or a set of solutions. The biggest part is wanting it bad enough. It sounds like you do.

It's true that usually bad things aren't happening to us -right this second,- unless, of course, your mental state of being clouds everything over with panic and paranoia. Your life could be perfect on paper but miserable on the inside. It's not what happens to you, it's how it affects you.

[Bikingmomof3]

Everything has basically been stated by others. I just wanted you to know I was thinking of you and we are here for you. (((((Hugs)))))

[Trek420]

Just wanted to let you know that this board has been and can be a tremendous source of support. I know I leaned on you all too much when I went through the year from He** or was that years?

I often think about my dear late cousin Marvin (who died much too young of Lukemia, thanks TnT riders). Anyway he was such a great guy and he had this philosophy that you "go ahead and make a decision, make your best one, if it doesn't work out you make another....repeat." You zig zag your way through it all.

Lots of stuff is follow through and I'm all about making lists and checking things off, also with the tuition aide thing I'm the undisputed queen of escalating to higher ups and heads should roll on that one.

Just keep moving, things will get better, you'll see.

[LBTC]

Hip

You'll get through it

I'm proud of you for going to school
for loving and caring for your pets
for leaving a job on principle

You can't be a bad person if I'm proud of you. And you can't get stuck where you are with all of us lifting you up from the inside.

Everyone has said so much, but I'll say a little again:

There are lots of people in a beaurocracy who can say no. Keep asking to see their supervisor until you find the one who can say yes.

And picture yourself, your pets, surrounded by butterflies. On the way to and from interviews, whenever you are stressed, whenever you want to be happier. Surprising, but for me those wings are magical (or godlike).

hugs and butterflies

Namaste,
~T~

[Dogmama]

Lots of stuff is follow through and I'm all about making lists and checking things off, also with the tuition aide thing I'm the undisputed queen of escalating to higher ups and heads should roll on that one.

What she said. I work at a major University (read: layers of red tape) and if you get to the right level of administrator, they can get things done.

[Xrayted]

Yeah, financial aide stuff is really harrowing to sift through. I agree, you have to be willing to jump through hoops and kick people in their nether-regions to get them to do their jobs sometimes. (me? for various reasons, ended paying every last darn cent out of pocket - sucked through some savings, but it was worth it- love, love, love what I do. ) Get after them and don't give up until you get satisfaction!

On the bent wheel issue, I PM'd you about it.

Take care and try to keep a smile! You've got lots of support here anytime you need it!

-X.

[cherinyc]

I wish there was a simple answer...there is not I'm afraid. But....like many of the others on this board...Been There, Done that, and that, and that...
Like you, I am not a product of an over-generous family. I have put myself through school twice, and racked up the bills for it. Against my better judgement, there was a lot that I put on credit cards when I had no other option. I haven't used the CC's in years, and still owe what I make in a year. (I am currently a temp as well, with 2 degrees. They say there are all these jobs out there, but....they're just not in the right field I guess.)

Money problems suck! It's the root of all evil. Really!

The boyfriend issue...he obviously wasn't strong enough to stick with you in hard times, so screw him.

With all of the bad stuff however, it will pass. It's hard to think that when you're eyebrow deep in crap...but remember these 2 things:
1) Everything happens for a reason
2) Sometimes you have to taste the bitter, to be able to enjoy the sweet.

Hang in there buddy. You'll get through.
cheri

[spokewench]

What kind of bike do you ride, what kind of replacement wheel do you need?

You never know what old parts might be lurking around a TE Member's garage?

the Spoke Wench