Well, it's gotten to that critical point where I didn't have any food and ran out of dog food for Ellie so I had to break down for the first time in my 6-year dilemma and file for food stamps. Quite an experience for sure.
This past Monday I spent a half-day in line and waiting while my application for food stamps got the go ahead on emergency processing. I couldn't believe the numbers of people (but then considering the economic trend, could) that were there either for food stamps or family welfare.
I have to give credit to the person processing my request since he realized and understood that I wasn't just looking for hand-outs but genuinely in need (major kudos). He got me set up with an EBT card that day so I could stock-up on food.
The drawback I found out at the store was that the EBT card only covers food and food only. No paper towels, toiletries or dog food (bummer). Ellie finally gets to eat human food full time now since it takes some coaxing to get her to eat her dog food normally. At least I've got the essential food supplies to get me by for awhile.
Now I have to find a way to secure gas for the car and food for Ellie, even though she doesn't care one way or the other. Regarding toiletries, since there aren't any corn fields nearby (like Kansas) I guess I have to find an alternative to toilet paper and since I can't buy toothpaste for enamel and cavity protection I hope that the water here in San Diego is fluoridated.
I continue to face my economic challenges and plan for the worst case scenario so that I'll be prepared to address it when and if that time comes. After Mondays' eye opener and seeing it first hand, this government needs to really wake up and smell their coffee in the morning. I was listening to a talk radio station last nite where the guest mentioned that the government says we only have a 10% unemployment but he said that realistically it's much higher. The government wants to paint a rosy picture.
My heart goes out to those who are truly in the same struggle and that genuinely are in need like myself. The best I can offer is to continue to hang in there. I know, easier said than done.
Sleepless in San Diego (not Seattle)
God bless and God speed
