dspeakes Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I read only the first paragraph. I appreciate
> your effort to educate us, but it's generally
> easier for us to read it at the source from a
> link. Copying and pasting from blogs can be
> difficult to read or to even understand the
> context in which the discussion is taking place.
> I suspect I'm not the only one who just scrolled
> on past it.
>
> I know someone who has been described as OCD but
> her primary symptom that I am aware of is hoarding
> junk. I'm not sure if that is part of being OCD
> or not.


Hi sorry again, I don't know how to show links. I agree that it was incredibly difficult to read and I apologize. It's just that is something I feel so strongly about, the misuse of the term and the stereotyping of someone who is in torture from this disorder, that I acted quickly, and I realized that it was way more than required, but again, I didn't know how to link, or even if it was permitted. Again, sorry. Hoarding used to be under the category of OCD, and the support group I help to facilitate is for those with OCD and hoarding. However, the new Diagnostic and Statistics Manual has created a new category for hoarding as it was a subset of OCD and was a bigger group anyway.

Traveliz Wrote:
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> I think you should concentrate on shops that
> lessen your monthly expenses...restaurants,
> haircuts, oil changes, grocery shops, etc. Maybe
> that will help you in the long run. The other
> ideas above are all great as well.
>
> Liz

Just be aware, many grocery shops don't allow EBT use. There are days when I need that cash for gas, not groceries! :-)

Usually in many states when you are eligible and approved for food stamps, then you get subsidized phone, electricity, cable bills, as well as other programs. You can call the phone company/electricity, etc and ask them whether there is a discounted plan. You can find great clothes in Goodwill and other thrift stores but depends on the locations so you might have to visit around many stores until you get a feel of what they carry. A location near an upscale neighborhood will get a lot of stuff from people there for example. You need to completely eliminate things that can add a lot like Starbucks, sweet coffee/tea, etc.

Hi 57 Carol, so I gather the Monk symptoms are sort of like when I watch the hospital shows on TV and the TV emergency rooms have 3 years worth of incidences happening all in one episode. It never happens that way in real life. They generally show an ER with a shooting, 2-3 love affairs featuring sex in some closet, at least one of the ER staff coming down with an incurable disease or at the very least their relatives arriving in the ER with something horrible, a few gang members threatening the staff and perhaps the entire ER in quarantine and then they throw in a big accident somewhere which over stresses the resources and a few more staff members end up patients....And that is what they consider a light night.

“Gamma, gammaaaaaa, you didn’t listen to my words.” From my three year old grandson as I worked on a report. Then the sound of my 7 yr. old grandson’s voice “wished you had a real job.”

Those are Wise words from my boys. I thank all of you for your words of wisdom. I have decided to scale back on shopping and check in to some of the social programs that will assist me with doing what is best for the boys while I look for a part time job.
Between increased counseling, new meds and more of my attention, I am sure I will see a drastic improvement in behaviors. I have always enjoyed shopping; I will just now do it at a more relaxed pace.

While I am legally their mom, it is time I let “gamma” come out and enjoy the boys more.

Thank you all so much.
Alesia
Shopping Mid Mo

Don't leave us completely, now.

I love reading all the post and love shopping to much to leave !

Alesia,

I completely understand where you are coming from. We have adopted two kids with special needs and we have many appointments and therapies that makes getting a "real" job more difficult. Employers aren't that appreciative when you have to take a day off each week to take your kid to an appointment in the nearest Metro area Children's Hospital. Both of our kids qualify for Medicaid because they have special needs and are adopted. I read earlier that yours also have it. Because of our kids' needs, they qualify for home health services where a Certified Nurse Aide can come in and help them with special services they may need (like feeding, dressing, bathing, etc.) The nice thing is that some states allow the parent to become certified and provide these services themselves as their "real" job. I work about 50 hours per week with my kids because of their needs. I started mystery shopping when my wife started having trouble working because of fibromyalgia. Mystery shopping and merchandising isn't as steady and usually doesn't pay as well as a job would, but I can't beat it for the flexibility I need for my kids' appointments, etc. I would suggest you check with your Medicaid case manager or call a home health agency to see if your state allows parents to do this. Many home health agencies are so desperate for CNAs that they will actually pay for your classes or loan you the money that you pay back out of future paychecks. Some schools offer the full-time class over just a couple of weeks. If you only go part time, it might take a couple of months.

Feel free to PM me and I can offer any more details or answer questions.

Thanks InPlainSight.

The boys have behavioral, ADHD and LD. The 7 yr old had been in a facility for certain tendencies, but no health care is needed for them.
On an up side, I found out about a school kitchen job last night about 8:30.The post said to text, so I did. I went for an interview this morning and got the job! It is only a sub position, but she chooses her "full" time people from the subs. With 4 schools, I hope it doesnt take long. A full time is 7:30 until 1:00 m-f.

This works for me! I have also inquired about SSI and will apply on line when I have everything I need to send in a complete application.
I still have a lot of applying to do with the different agencies. I also found some containers today so we can start our project of growing our own herbs!

Thanks Everyone

Alesia, your local United Way might also be able to help. The UW organization in Central Florida has a 211 hotline that people who need all sorts of assistance can call. Not sure exactly where you're located, but there's one in Missouri/Southern Illinois. If you ever find yourself in an emergency financial situation, they might be able to help. They can also recommend other programs and agencies to help you and your darling grandsons. For more info: [www.211helps.org]

Lisa,
I hadnt thought of the UW, thanks

Hope the job leads to something good! Everything adds up.

Oh, something you may not have thought of yet -- check your home phone bill -- if you have a cell phone with free long distance, don't pay that monthly fee to have long distance on your landline too. And removing the long distance from the home phone will keep the kids from inadvertently calling Japan. And dump call waiting and voice mail if you're paying for those. I don't even have a land line now, but I kept the number and it forwards to the cell phone where I have call waiting and voice mail. You can have your landline forward to your cell phone after 4 or 6 rings; I did that before I finally dumped the landline altogether and now it forwards straight to the cell phone.

I got a pen camera to do video shops. Pens don't work with boobs. Save the $40 or so. The mystery shopping companies here will loan you the camera for the shop, so check with the company who offers it.

I like the phone shops. QSI has phone shops for an online school (Nationwide, elementary to high school) that pays up to $13. Damn good money for a phone shop. Most pay $7 to $8. I like phone shops cuz I do them in my jammies.

If you have outlet shops available, Gymboree and Oshkosh had great prices in the outlet stores. JCP has great prices on clearance...and this weekend a special 20 to 25% off...online or in store. The online code is VIPSAVE. Hope some of these ideas help.

SafeLink is another cell phone option. 250 free minutes and texts messages a month. I qualified being on SS, but found I was not comfortable with the phone I got, and used my smart phone instead. I share the plan with 3 others to cut the cost.

BBird, you impress me more and more each time you post!

I forgot...Wal-Mart matches other store ads, so I not only take my local grocery ads, but I also check online for the weekly ads for the Hispanic stores that had the super prices for fruits and veggies. I make my shopping list with the name of the store and the item I want and the price. I keep the ads and any pages I have items for from the Hispanic (or other stores nearby that do not have ads in my area) with my list in case the checker questions me. But 33 cents a pound for Roma tomatos or bananas, $1 for a 10 lb bag of russets, 14 cents a package for ramen noodle soup, etc, is a huge savings! Since I buy so few brand names, I don't use many coupons...but, this could also be a big help.

What are the rules of being able to take home left-over food from the school? Might be another perk.

I am impressed that you not only aske for help and got to tking advantages of the great advice, but the help, empathy and stores of the shoppers wanting to help you. This is a great group of people, and I am glad to be a part of it. Keeps us in the loop, Alesia, we all care. Hugs






























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Alesia
There may be a food bank near you too.

If you still have to shop while working as a sub, remember to keep in touch with schedulers. Don't flake on shops, but rather ask for shops to be rescheduled if you need to.