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Jun. 14th, 2017 04:36 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
december_solstice6/14/2017
Yesterday, I was using my phone and texted out an entire Dreamwidth post before I managed to back out of the page and lose the entire thing! The only time I decide to write directly on Dreamwidth and not copy and paste my post from another word processor...sigh*
Last night, I figured out how to connect my laptop to my phone via Bluetooth so I'm going to see what I can do with this. It should be possible for me to write things up on here - upload a text doc. to my phone, copy and paste it into Dreamwidth, Hubpages, and anything else, really. I also want to see if I can do some self-advertisement (for my writing) on my phone. I've also made a commitment to myself that I'd start sharing my writing, and writing FB posts again. Or at least try and see where it goes.
I love and hate this weather. I'm sticky and want to shower, but that summer breeze is so nice. Speaking of, I think I'm going to go shower before I finish this.
That's better.
It's been about a week since my last post and the biggest accomplishment for this past week is probably the amount I've been writing. I wrote about 12 pages over the last few days. I also hella deep-cleaned this entire apartment. The one thing I like about living in a studio-size apartment is it's very easy to clean. In the future, I would probably be satisfied if we had a small kitchen with just a stove, fridge, and a sink. When we do finally move, I think I'm going to only buy a (long) table and 2 chairs, as well as a mattress. Keep it small, keep it simple, etc.
I've also been thinking quite a bit about how long we will be here, realistically. I really want to find work by myself, even if it's just a part-time job, before going back to HRA. I really do want us to have more income before we get a housing voucher. In the meantime, I'm crossing my fingers that we may possibly be transferred out. Best case scenario is we get transferred out of here and into a place with a small kitchen. Big plus if they allow us to bring internet into the unit. Of all the obstacles we currently live with, I feel that not being able to cook our own food is our biggest financial and health/wellness barrier, and it really is a basic necessity. I can really see it first hand now why the concept of "housing first" is so vital to getting people back on their feet and in a good place financially so they can actually maintain it long term.
The articles I have been writing for HubPages this week have been about building routines for creative work and unplugging from the internet. This was all inspired by a book I have been reading on my Kindle. I've actually been reading quite a bit this week! I DL-ed 10 books! Some are poetry, majority is literature. I regret not DLing more non-fiction because I haven't been in the mood for stories and stuff lately. I doubt I'll actually get through them all before the Kindle Unlimited trial expires. LOL. Anyway, reading and writing about this topic has been very insightful. I know that I often talk about trying to increase productivity, and I really do think unplugging has been a huge factor. And sadly, that includes distancing myself from Nicole as well. It's kind of sad, but I know it's necessary. At one point, I'd spend all day talking to her, and although I miss it, I know this is better for me, at least for a while, although I really do hope I can establish some better habits now while I am living here.
Here is my to-do list for the remainder of the week:
Apply for jobs more regularly (on my phone). Try different apps such as Zip Recruiter and Monster. Write up another generic cover letter and save it in my Notepad.
Email back MyAccount (tuition balance)
Get an appointment for the ultrasound for next week. I know, I'm slow on this. It's always with the stupid calls, I swear.
**Important** Help/Proofread my aunt's essay (due Sunday). I want to get it to her early. It's not very long - it's like not even 2 pages, and it does need help with grammar, sentence structure, formating, ect. (but it's not a disaster).
I might also run some errands, pick up a few things, etc. I'll probably do another small load of laundry at some point in time, but that isn't happening today because it's already late. Before that, I need to pick up more dryer sheets, though I'm considering buying liquid softener instead. I think it's most effective. Maybe. I might be wrong - depends how much a small bottle costs. I honestly should just buy a big size already, when it's on sale, because I'm doing laundry nearly once a week, and I can cut costs by not spending another $3 on detergent and softener each week (along with the $5 to wash/dry). BTW, this is actually really affordable in comparison to other places. I've spent like...$25 each time I've gone to do laundry when we used to do our own laundry. Probably helps that we're not in Manhattan. Although, I would not miss an opportunity to live there again - foolishly of me, of course. I probably shouldn't. It's too expensive.
Saturday, we (or Thomas) will probably go to Brooklyn to see his Grandma and Luna. I will suggest to pick her up another sizeable bag of cat food. On Sunday, we have another follow-up appointment with our social worker in the basement.
Thomas only has about a week and a half left of work before Summer Break. I'm not sure how long he's off, but he should probably try and find some work in the meantime. If I could find a job quick enough, he may as well just ride it out for a month, because school is back in session first of August. I personally don't think it's worth it. Money will be tight though. I do think we would be OK, though with our food stamps and a little help from my Mom for a month. If we had some money, we'd have more opportunity to enjoy the summer - and I really want to enjoy it this year. I'd like to go to the Zoo once, and also to the beach. Both are cheap outings that would cost us less than $10! I was going to suggest to Thomas that we can simply pick up drinks and a deli sandwich with our food stamps, and bring a towel. Bam. Done.
Speaking of $$$, we're going to be tighter on cash for the next two weeks (but not really, because our food stamps just popped). I got $200 in cash today, and we have $250 in food stamps. We're getting about $300 (maybe a little bit more) tomorrow. The only bill we have is our phone bill which is $75 and due Sunday. The only other big expense is food and transportation. My mom is tight on money so I can't bother her much for any. I bought some vitamins today and spent $5 for lunch. I also gave Thomas money to refill his metro card. I believe I'm already down to $160. The plan is to spend no more than $20 a day (for both of us). And, to use food stamps for AT LEAST half of our purchases. If we do that, we should be spending approx. $50-70/week with food stamps and the same amount in cash. Which is more than enough to get us through 2-weeks.
Yesterday, I was using my phone and texted out an entire Dreamwidth post before I managed to back out of the page and lose the entire thing! The only time I decide to write directly on Dreamwidth and not copy and paste my post from another word processor...sigh*
Last night, I figured out how to connect my laptop to my phone via Bluetooth so I'm going to see what I can do with this. It should be possible for me to write things up on here - upload a text doc. to my phone, copy and paste it into Dreamwidth, Hubpages, and anything else, really. I also want to see if I can do some self-advertisement (for my writing) on my phone. I've also made a commitment to myself that I'd start sharing my writing, and writing FB posts again. Or at least try and see where it goes.
I love and hate this weather. I'm sticky and want to shower, but that summer breeze is so nice. Speaking of, I think I'm going to go shower before I finish this.
That's better.
It's been about a week since my last post and the biggest accomplishment for this past week is probably the amount I've been writing. I wrote about 12 pages over the last few days. I also hella deep-cleaned this entire apartment. The one thing I like about living in a studio-size apartment is it's very easy to clean. In the future, I would probably be satisfied if we had a small kitchen with just a stove, fridge, and a sink. When we do finally move, I think I'm going to only buy a (long) table and 2 chairs, as well as a mattress. Keep it small, keep it simple, etc.
I've also been thinking quite a bit about how long we will be here, realistically. I really want to find work by myself, even if it's just a part-time job, before going back to HRA. I really do want us to have more income before we get a housing voucher. In the meantime, I'm crossing my fingers that we may possibly be transferred out. Best case scenario is we get transferred out of here and into a place with a small kitchen. Big plus if they allow us to bring internet into the unit. Of all the obstacles we currently live with, I feel that not being able to cook our own food is our biggest financial and health/wellness barrier, and it really is a basic necessity. I can really see it first hand now why the concept of "housing first" is so vital to getting people back on their feet and in a good place financially so they can actually maintain it long term.
The articles I have been writing for HubPages this week have been about building routines for creative work and unplugging from the internet. This was all inspired by a book I have been reading on my Kindle. I've actually been reading quite a bit this week! I DL-ed 10 books! Some are poetry, majority is literature. I regret not DLing more non-fiction because I haven't been in the mood for stories and stuff lately. I doubt I'll actually get through them all before the Kindle Unlimited trial expires. LOL. Anyway, reading and writing about this topic has been very insightful. I know that I often talk about trying to increase productivity, and I really do think unplugging has been a huge factor. And sadly, that includes distancing myself from Nicole as well. It's kind of sad, but I know it's necessary. At one point, I'd spend all day talking to her, and although I miss it, I know this is better for me, at least for a while, although I really do hope I can establish some better habits now while I am living here.
Here is my to-do list for the remainder of the week:
Apply for jobs more regularly (on my phone). Try different apps such as Zip Recruiter and Monster. Write up another generic cover letter and save it in my Notepad.
Email back MyAccount (tuition balance)
Get an appointment for the ultrasound for next week. I know, I'm slow on this. It's always with the stupid calls, I swear.
**Important** Help/Proofread my aunt's essay (due Sunday). I want to get it to her early. It's not very long - it's like not even 2 pages, and it does need help with grammar, sentence structure, formating, ect. (but it's not a disaster).
I might also run some errands, pick up a few things, etc. I'll probably do another small load of laundry at some point in time, but that isn't happening today because it's already late. Before that, I need to pick up more dryer sheets, though I'm considering buying liquid softener instead. I think it's most effective. Maybe. I might be wrong - depends how much a small bottle costs. I honestly should just buy a big size already, when it's on sale, because I'm doing laundry nearly once a week, and I can cut costs by not spending another $3 on detergent and softener each week (along with the $5 to wash/dry). BTW, this is actually really affordable in comparison to other places. I've spent like...$25 each time I've gone to do laundry when we used to do our own laundry. Probably helps that we're not in Manhattan. Although, I would not miss an opportunity to live there again - foolishly of me, of course. I probably shouldn't. It's too expensive.
Saturday, we (or Thomas) will probably go to Brooklyn to see his Grandma and Luna. I will suggest to pick her up another sizeable bag of cat food. On Sunday, we have another follow-up appointment with our social worker in the basement.
Thomas only has about a week and a half left of work before Summer Break. I'm not sure how long he's off, but he should probably try and find some work in the meantime. If I could find a job quick enough, he may as well just ride it out for a month, because school is back in session first of August. I personally don't think it's worth it. Money will be tight though. I do think we would be OK, though with our food stamps and a little help from my Mom for a month. If we had some money, we'd have more opportunity to enjoy the summer - and I really want to enjoy it this year. I'd like to go to the Zoo once, and also to the beach. Both are cheap outings that would cost us less than $10! I was going to suggest to Thomas that we can simply pick up drinks and a deli sandwich with our food stamps, and bring a towel. Bam. Done.
Speaking of $$$, we're going to be tighter on cash for the next two weeks (but not really, because our food stamps just popped). I got $200 in cash today, and we have $250 in food stamps. We're getting about $300 (maybe a little bit more) tomorrow. The only bill we have is our phone bill which is $75 and due Sunday. The only other big expense is food and transportation. My mom is tight on money so I can't bother her much for any. I bought some vitamins today and spent $5 for lunch. I also gave Thomas money to refill his metro card. I believe I'm already down to $160. The plan is to spend no more than $20 a day (for both of us). And, to use food stamps for AT LEAST half of our purchases. If we do that, we should be spending approx. $50-70/week with food stamps and the same amount in cash. Which is more than enough to get us through 2-weeks.
no subject
Date: 2017-06-19 07:29 am (UTC)My husband has also always been interested in Japan. I have too, but not nearly to the same extent as you, I'm sure. Lol. And, yes, I have the same regrets too! That's why I'm trying really hard to stick to blogging. It's really a great way to reflect and visit past memories. I don't want my life to be a blur, you know? FYI - I'm really thinking of starting to use Tumblr more regularly because there are so many instances where I want to upload photos but it's such a mega pain in the ass trying to do that here...especially on mobile. Sigh*
I personally think a phone is more than enough, assuming you get even that. Like, even now, I'm getting more than enough WiFi from my phone plan that we really don't need home internet. You can probably find a super basic plan, and you won't need to downgrade to a flip phone or anything either. I've seen hella basic plans, and have tried tons, but I don't know if you could pick up a cheapo prepaid plan and bring it to Japan (or how your prices are there compared to here). I've heard of these phones called BLU or something like that - apparently, they're like...what you buy when you travel abroad because you can easily swap carriers with them (I might be wrong, but that's what I've heard).
People who move in general I think are ambitious and in a way, kind of special. Big dreams, big ideas, fearless...
And, that's exactly it, you know? Shit is gonna happen anyway. LOL. More and more, I'm starting to see my situation in a clearer way. I guess just that, aside from my living arrangement, we ain't really that special. If I didn't tell anyone I lived in a shelter, you wouldn't know, because not much else has changed. Life goes on. I find myself adjusting to living here, and I know for a fact that this is just another detour, and we'll be OK.
I guess it's just really finally starting to sink in that this kind of was unavoidable, and in a way, necessary in order to put us in a better place financially. When I sit down and really look at our income, currently, (on a single income), we bring in over a grand a month, and that doesn't include the $350+ in food stamps we receive, or the help I get from my Mom here and there. The truth is, it's just not realistic for us to rent a $1500+/m apartment, even if I were employed too - we NEED low-income housing, (or as I like to call REGULAR PEOPLE HOUSING LOL) at least for now, and it's just not going to happen any other way. Which is fucked up really...and it does suck eggs, but that's just the reality of it.
Your wife is right. I mean, I'm not food insecure in the slightest, I can eat 3 meals a day without an issue, and can make a choice too. I'm food irritated at best. LOL. I'm irritated because I want to cook my own shit. People who are food insecure, probably are legit street homeless. And, even in those cases, the ones who REALLY suffer are those who have barriers stacked on top of barriers (physical or mentally disabled, for example). They don't pick their meals, they have whatever is served at soup kitchens or what's handed to them by people on the street. There are all kinds of people in this shelter. Some people literally can't afford to eat anything but what's served in the cafeteria, and that REALLY fucking sucks because...well, there is no salad. The food is BAD. Thankfully for us, we can choose not to eat it.
Yeah - I feel like, at the end of the day, people rarely take advice unless they walked into the conversation intending to. Like, for example, my Mom, I've tried to motivate her for YEARS to eat better...to cut down on the white rice...to go for a walk...to be health conscious basically because of her high blood pressure and cholesterol. YET NOW, she's going to the gym and not eating 6-9 servings of rice a day. I doubt I was the one who convinced her.
I;m the same way, most of what I do is just personal interest. Like the kefir, that was just something I was interested in and sought myself. I just wanted to know if it worked, period. LOL.
I've had more or less the same experience with most people. I really try to be open minded. I don't categorize myself, or close myself off to different things. How can you make a judgment without first trying it once, you know? Even if I think, chances are I'll hate it, I'll still give it a try. I'm this way with music and films. I always listen or watch. It's how I discovered Hunter X Hunter LMFAO!!! Because I have zero experience with anime.
DUDE. I've gotten the same exact treatment from others. The idea is, you're not spending all your time feeling hopeless and being hopeless. You're not whining and complaining constantly about everything. So, therefore, your life must be fantastic. Everyone has negative aspects of their life, but it's up to you to decide if you want to let it bleed out into everything else. One of my biggest peeves is actually people who lack tact, or who have no concept of social etiquette. I mean, I'm no expert myself, but people are just...Americans especially...just so freaking obnoxious. I made a comment to Thomas that I can't believe how obnoxious young people are. They lack any kind courtesy. And, then I thought, well, they learned all of this behavior from their parents and peers.
And, Jesus...it's as if people think the entire world revolves around them, you know? What's yelling or throwing a fit going to resolve? It's not like you expressing anger is useful...you still aren't going to get what you want. It's like when I see people treating customer service reps so poorly...in my eyes, all I see is a child throwing a tantrum. At our house meeting, someone was making a HUGE scene about the water fountain being broken (when in reality, tenants were just filling up gallon jugs with it without anyone knowing), and he was just irate as if yelling and causing a big ass scene is going to fix the issue. The staff can only do 2 things - call a repair man or replace it. Bad temper from a bad diet. Hella entitlement. Sigh**
no subject
Date: 2017-06-19 10:16 am (UTC)i don't know about phones, it seems like our existing phones only work within europe but i'm not actually sure, we have to go to the phone shop and ask. japan has ALWAYS been SUPER weird/expensive with phone plans but i don't know if half of that is just because i'm only ever hearing about stupid people who need their 10g of data a week and whatnot instead of being able to just use a prepaid phone.
yeah for housing… personally i've only lived in 500-$600 a month apartments. they were really shitty, full of bugs and broken stuff and crazy landlords/roommates but it meant we had a place to stay and could afford food and transportation while only having $1,000 a month between two people. in japan you can actually get much nicer places for that same amount of money, or so i've heard (as long as you're not in tokyo) because all you're normally sacrificing is SPACE, not QUALITY like in other countries. if you're like me and all you really need is basic kitchen/bathroom stuff, a handful of clothes and books, internet and some kind of table to do homework on, you don't need much space at all so it's not a problem. and if you're not like me but you don't make much money, you need to become like me lol.
yeah, in japan, sweden and similar countries they really still have the "communal" mindset where you actually treat people with courtesy and respect, and you avoid causing a scene whenever possible. sometimes it's better to cause a bit of a scene but most of the time it really isn't, or so i've come to think. and the few people who DO cause scenes here are just considered completely crazy. i mean it's single individual people - their family members and their friends don't think the same as them.
as for sweden or japan, i personally push for japan (for everyone) because in sweden there's basically no jobs, nothing to do ("huge fairs" are the smallest country fairs ever compared to in america), everything is more expensive than in japan, and in japan you're a huge merit to any business if you can speak english and even BASIC japanese. in sweden, fluent english is such a basic skill it's not even counted as a merit. in sweden everything is really spread out and the public transportation isn't super adequate or fast, in japan you can get ANYWHERE fast. so like, if you want to move to sweden, actually i'd say -- move to japan first, get a job and save up money, THEN use skills or money you've gotten in japan to move to sweden. like, you can live in japan, take classes to learn programming and japanese on the side, live in your super cheap apartment, then come to sweden as a programmer/translator in a few years' time. (japan's population is also LESSENING so it should be easier and easier to get jobs as time goes on). there's just absolutely no jobs in sweden, and sweden is like, good for retired people who don't want to do anything.