BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: Marion
Date: 20 Nov 02 - 12:31 AM

No worries Hesperis, I think you're the lowest-maintenance guest I've ever had. Seems like all that either of us ever does is sleep and leave! I guess we'll have to make an appointment for it if we're actually going to share a meal or song or conversation.

Cheers, Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 21 Nov 02 - 10:01 PM

Well, hopefully I didn't make too much noise today. And it was good to talk to you the other day. Looking forward to tuesday. ;)

My friend who might make a good roommate will only stay in town if she gets into the program too... otherwise she's going back to Kingston. So I'll be looking at at least January for getting a couple of people together to rent a room, since we won't hear until sometime this weekend now.

The room I looked at earlier yesterday is ok, the carpet is a bit TOO new and plasticky... but I'll probably take it. I tried to talk to the landlord about moving in a week earlier than the beginning of next month for another $100... but he didn't seem to understand. I'm not too sure this is the best place for me, but it's literally the only thing I've found that's SOMEWHAT close to one of the areas in town I want to live.

And if I can't move in a week early and pay him something for this month, then I'll have to kjeep looking or be in trouble with welfare, which sucks. The room is empty right now... so I really don't understand why it's a problem for him. *Shrug*

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 28 Nov 02 - 10:29 PM

Didn't get into the program.

Here's how I feel.

LH - Thanks for letting me know about Selkie's death. I'm glad it seemed peaceful.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: CarolC
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 12:13 AM

Big bummer about the program. I think the water in the well is going to keep getting higher for you (until you eventually reach the rope yourself). You sound so much more in command of yourself and your situation than you did even just a few weeks ago. It looks and sounds to me like you have been and are growing a hell of a lot from your experiences. And getting much stronger. It looks and sounds to me like you're building your life one gruelling brick at a time, but it looks like you are building something lasting and very important.

I think you are doing/will do some amazing things with your life.

(((((((((((((((BIG hugs))))))))))))))))

Carol

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 29 Nov 02 - 09:57 AM

Thank you! That was the perfect thing to say. *Hug*
How's the hubby? ;)

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: CarolC
Date: 30 Nov 02 - 05:33 PM

He's great!

;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: Marion
Date: 03 Dec 02 - 12:30 PM

Hesperis, please check your PMs.

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 09:29 PM

I am a year older, since Sunday. Was throwing up on Friday, was still sick on Saturday, and on Sunday was just happy to be hungry. Didn't have the best birthday ever, for sure. No presents, no cake, only my new boyfriend and my best friend remembered. Got to talk online with my mother, though, so that was good.

The room isn't working out. There's stale smoke, mice, and stale Indian cooking smells from downstairs. Also, my landlord doesn't speak English too well, and wants to go back to Mexico. So, looking - again.

I've been trying to go to a job search program, and have been having a lot of difficulty jsut getting to it. I will be getting my welfare cheque, hopefully later this week, but right now I'm not doing that well.

I'm just worrying too much. Again.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: CarolC
Date: 14 Dec 02 - 09:04 AM

Hope you're feeling better now. I figured I better put a link to your birthday thread here in case you aren't on-line for a bit and you miss it.

Happy Birthday Hesperis!

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 14 Dec 02 - 12:07 PM

Thank you!

I've been trying to figure out how to start the business anyway, since trying to job search was way too much pressure. I'm just not a corporate person, and don't want to be - ever. Do it's about 30 times as difficult to look for work since it's going completely against the grain.

I also have at least one customer, and don't want to have to send him elsewhere. It rankles.

So... will be discussing how to get on the welfare self-employment program next week.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 05:24 PM

Still haven't heard back from my worker about the self-employment program. I asked for an appointmemt and haven't even got a phone call... I'm so impressed with SS right now.

Still don't have a phone in my new room, the landlord got laid off after I moved in, and kinda couldn't get the phone installed.

Had a fight with my mother, basically challenged her that she doesn't talk to me enough, and now she's really not talking to me. At least now nobody's going to tell me to go live with my parents if my situation is really this difficult. I don't have parents.

Got a bill from the Academy of Design, sent to my former address, and something saying that my osap application couldn't be processed because I didn't have a birth certificate. Guess they didn't get my email cancelling my application. I called them, and they're going to be reasonable about it, but I'm meeting with someone tomorrow to make sure everything goes smoothly.

I'm getting really sick of trying to strategize ways out of this mess and having none of the ways work, no matter how much energy I pour into it.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: CapriUni
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 05:29 PM

{{{{{{{{{Hesperis}}}}}}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Dec 02 - 09:49 PM

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Dec 02 - 09:56 PM

Sorry, that was my really screwed-up computer burping, when what I would want to say is, Hess, hang in there. Our three kids, I am sure, have felt and gone through much of this. I don't say that lightly... one, for example, has been as sick as you have been and, in some ways, sicker and less safe... anyway, she finally got the major pieces lined up so she could work with them, and is getting the rest of her life on track from that foundation, and it's coming along pretty well. What I am trying to say is, you can make it. I did. Many of us did. Young people facing tough times are. I know you can do it. I know it can be done, and I know you are one of the ones who can do it.

Hess, did you ever *meet* Mudcatter Matt R? I think you came here after he "left." I wish you two could talk. Man, has he had it rough. I think he could encourage you better than anyone else here. He was back posting an update on how he's been doing, not long ago.... why not PM him a hello and make his sporadic acquaintance. Tell him I ("da Flooz") sent you.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 23 Dec 02 - 11:44 PM

Yeah, I know Matt. Wish he'd post more, but haven't seen him aroudn lately, and I can pretty much just keep up with this thread right now.

Thanks guys.

After Christmas I'm going to go park out at the welfare office, just to make sure I get the January cheque... then I can decide better what to do.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 02:12 PM

Right now, it's Christmas, I do have housing I can afford, I'm going to several friendly feasts, and I'm just setting everything else aside for a bit.

Merry Christmas! Love and hugs to all!

Any TO mudcatters are invited to a New Years' Eve DAY open house at my new boyfriend's place. PM for directions.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: CarolC
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 03:39 PM

(((((((((((((((((((HUGS for you, Hesperis)))))))))))))))))))))

(Sometime you're going to have to tell me about this new boyfriend of yours! A PM perhaps?)

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: mg
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 03:55 PM

congratulations on the housing and the new boyfriend. Merry Christmas. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 25 Dec 02 - 08:36 AM

It's a white Christmas! The streetcars' rumble is quieter than usual. The new boyfriend invited me to a lot of his family events, and I've been totally stuffing myself on fantastic food. Then I woke up hungry at 7 am this morning! Couldn't believe it.

I didn't do much for the Solstice, just recognized that the light had returned, which really seems to be reflecting in my life right now. I got my cheque from welfare for January already! So I don't have to worry about that for a whole month. ;)

I still want to start the business, but am not sure if welfare will *allow* me to start it. If I get a subsidy I can start it and will probably be able to cover the expenses of the business itself, otherwise I'll be out of money in less than a month... kinda can't start a business with cashflow like that.

The bf says I need more "real" work experience to start a business... but my gut instinct is to be self-employed and eventually employ others. Although he has started a business in the past, he prefers the security of a paycheck, I prefer the security of knowing where I stand. I also make a much better boss than employee!

The other option is going back to school, but for that, anything that I'm interested in is either full already for January or at a private school. If the osap loan won't even cover tuition... there won't be anything left to live on, which is why I didn't go to that school in October...!

The bf is really sweet. He loves computers and has an artistic eye, so that's perfect. I kinda like someone else too, but the other someone isn't in the country, so the bf doesn't really have much competition, I guess. >;)

Here's hoping that you are having a wonderful Christmas too.

Love and hugs!

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: Little Hawk
Date: 25 Dec 02 - 12:29 PM

Boyfriends are easy to find when you're young and beautiful, but good ones are not quite so easy to find. Sounds like you've found a good one. That certainly makes for a happier Christmas!

I went out today and took some digital photos of the snowy scenes to send to my new friends in Trinidad. Those who long for a "white Christmas" have not wished in vain this year. It's beautiful out there.

So, I'm sending my very good wishes to you and the new bf on Christmas Day 2002!

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: GUEST,Marion
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 06:25 PM

Hi Hesperis. I remember how to get there; what sort of time frame are we talking? (I have a thing in Mississauga in the afternoon, so playing and travelling will take up a large chunk of the day).

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: Bobert
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 07:24 PM

Think cottage industries. Some folks are making a nice living selling on ebay. Of course you have to find a supplier of stuff who is willig to let you act as a marketer but this doesn't involve any capital. There are ebay seminars that are held here and there. Just an idea that allows you to work at home and on the pudder...

Real glad to hear about yir new significant other...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 03:04 AM

Carol - PM on the way.

Marion - Afternoon or later is great, I'd love to see you. (And return a certain key.)

Bobert - Yeah, cottage industry is definitely the plan.

Amos - Thanks for the encouragement.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 01:25 AM

Well, had a great New Year so far. My website is back up, completely renovated (though there are still bugs to work out, of course). Visit it! It's really cool.

I'm working on the business plan and on an education. Hero6 is going great, we get a few more percentage points of final music each week.

So, here's wishing everyone a great new year.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: GUEST,celticAnnie
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 11:57 AM

Is there any chance that this thread can be started again simply as 'Hesperis' Mudcat Diary', or something like that.

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 03:43 PM

Is the thread getting too long for you? I'd have made a new thread already but the new version of mudcat has a way to split threads into pages, which saves on making new threads all the time. You might want to use it.

On the main forum page, just click on the underlined number next to the thread title, then when that loads, click on the last page. Or click on the little "d" next to that, to get the most recent post first AND have everything split into pages.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 22 Jan 03 - 11:11 PM

Orientation for the welfare self-employment program was this morning. I was actually five minutes early. Yay!

It took four days of concerted calling to get approval to attend (which I now find out is lucky compared to how long many other participants had to fight through government red tape... oy). I freaked out last night, totally scared it would be like the other program... and when I got there today, it was fantastic.

I am so glad I didn't get into the other program, even though I'd have had more money to start with, because THIS program is the right one.

For anyone in TO thinking of starting a business, or wanting to take their business to the next level... go to the Toronto Business Development Centre, and tell them that Chagall sent you.

I'll keep you all posted!

Love and hugs,
~*sirepseh*~

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: Little Hawk
Date: 23 Jan 03 - 12:35 AM

Ah, well, that's good. I was wondering what you were up to.

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 31 Jan 03 - 01:12 PM

Well, the program is great. The only problem is that I'm ready to start, and the government won't pay for things like business registration unless I finish the course first. That isn't until MARCH!

I want to do the full course because I will definitely learn ways to make my business better, however I have two customers who want to start as soon as possible, and I'd also like a chance to play with the control panel software before I have to put a customer's site up. And I want to buy the registration and domains as soon as possible...

More news soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 14 Mar 03 - 03:07 PM

Well, here it is in March. I finally got in touch with my worker, a new one, and she is trying to repair the mistakes the other workers made.

I was entitled to receive an extra $100/month since December for transportation, as I was doing volunteer work. I had to stop going because I couldn't afford to get there. She's trying to get that back paid, which will definitely help with business start-up costs.

At the start of this business program, I was entitled to receive $250 for clothing and grooming, so that I would have appropriate clothing to wear for a job-like situation. I did not receive it, and was wearing the same blazer every single week... I was just lucky to have had that blazer in the first place!

At graduation from the program, I am entitled to receive another $250 for startup costs, and any extra money my worker agrees to for business licences such as birth certificate and business registration.

So now that I have actually met with my worker, I will be receiving all that - which is enough money to start my business!

The business plan is going well, and my first two customers have sent their payments. I can't actually cash the payments until I have everything registered and have opened a business bank account, but it's there. That money is going straight towards paying my supplier for a full year!

In other news, my boyfriend has an offer of a contract out in BC for a couple of months, and will probably take it. So I'll miss him, but I can sublet his place while he is gone.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Mar 03 - 03:17 PM

Good for you, sirepseh! Congratulations!!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: CarolC
Date: 14 Mar 03 - 03:21 PM

Wow! I'm so proud of you!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: Little Hawk
Date: 14 Mar 03 - 04:07 PM

Sounds good. I contacted Paul B about the birth certificate, and he says the papers have never arrived on his desk yet, although he's been expecting them and waiting for them.

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: gnu
Date: 14 Mar 03 - 04:13 PM

Good on ya !

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 16 Mar 03 - 12:54 AM

I think the papers must have gotten lost. I really doubt they'd take this long! PM sent...

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 02 Apr 03 - 11:46 PM

Another update - graduated from the business plan course on the 19th of March, have a totally kickass plan. Registered the business the next day, opened a bank account the day after that.

Had various problems with suppliers and banks until yesterday. Just got the domain names I'll be using, and sent off a big money order to pay my supplier for the full year. Still have to pay the domain supplier for my customers' domains, I should get the information on how to do that by tomorrow.

So the business website will be online as soon as that payment arrives, and my customers sites will be online as soon as the payment gets to the domain registrar.

I have a couple other interested people for later on already, and will be starting to do some more concerted networking now that the banks are no longer being a hassle. ;)

So, the business is going well so far.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: Little Hawk
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 12:09 AM

Well, congratulations! I am sorry to report that Arnot (little brown dog) died. You remember him... He is being very much missed around here because he was such a character. I did a thread about it a couple of days ago. Valdy is still doing fine. Arnot was very old, and he died peacefully, as his heart just slowed down and stopped. I sure miss him.

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 12:27 PM

Arnot was an ornery, blustery little character who will definitely be missed.

Now Valdy, is probably going to be immortal. He's too paranoid not to live forever.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: CarolC
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 01:34 PM

Sounds great! Will you be posting your site for us to see when it's up and running?

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 01:20 PM

Of course I'll post the link!

Would anyone have any thoughts about my making a CD of my music that has different/less music than I originally planned, in order to get enough sales going to fund getting a good computer and midi keyboard so I can finish the other songs? I really need good equipment for a couple songs... I've been struggling for over a year and just can't get them to sound right...

An online friend has a setup with certain software and sounds and is making stuff that really sounds AWESOME! But the software won't even run on my computer. :(

I'm thinking of selling the CD for $17-20 instead of $25, and making the liner notes be a download rather than printing them myself.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: Little Hawk
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 02:01 PM

Sounds sensible to me...

News: My parents caved in and got another miniature brown dachshund. He's nice. His name is Rennie and he's 3 years old. He's very similar to Arnot in appearance, and is a bit worried right now with all the new stuff he's having to get used to.

Valdy barely acknowledges his existence, and seems basically unconcerned.

The snow is finally almost all gone. Yay!

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 01 May 03 - 11:39 PM

So, welfare is threatening to cut me off if I don't get a birth certificate soon... I have one somewhere in ten boxes of stuff in Orillia... they will not give me money to replace it, and I would still need to get the signature of someone official who's known me for over 3 years.

My domain name supplier just sent me an email telling me I owe them $30 US because they do not accept money orders when I enquired BEFOREHAND and they told me they did accept them... they also already registered the domain names I had ordered, and I just sent another money order two days ago. So I've sent an email back asking what is going on.

I have an abscessed tooth, it's begun to get really painful, I'm sick, and I can't find housing cheap enough to live on that won't make me even more sick.

I have another customer's site to get up next week but now I don't know if the domain name will be registered since the supplier is telling me I owe them money for the previous ones...

I'm trying to find a grant or loan program to get for my business. There has to be something. If I got that I would have a credit card and I would transfer all my domains from this supplier to one that tells the truth about what forms of payment it accepts.

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: mg
Date: 02 May 03 - 08:04 PM

Do you have a college of dentistry nearby? Toronto must have them. Do they do cheap work by students? I have gone through the U. Washington and they were very good. Check this out at least. You need to take care of that tooth.

10 boxes is not that much. Can you get to Orallia tomorrow to go through them?

One problem at a time. I am sure someone will come up with suggestions on the money order thing.

mg

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 15 May 03 - 04:21 PM

Money order thing hopefully dealt with, though in the most expensive way to me of course. (They're sending the previous ones back and I have to get refunds then buy new ones and mail those.) I'm not very impressed with the company. I have never heard of any bank refusing money, it seems rather insane to me.

The tooth situation is getting pretty urgent, however I found a place in TO that does free dental work for homeless people, I'll be trying to get an appointment there.

I'm looking for a room or apartment to share for June 1st, if anyone knows people in TO who are looking for rooms please let me know.

Business is going pretty well. I have an amazing deal right now for a Band website and one year of hosting (which would be good for musicians and composers as well).

The site is up at www.dragonstarnet.com, let me know what you think!

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: CarolC
Date: 15 May 03 - 08:28 PM

Very impressive!!!

(I hardly understood any of it, so it must be good ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 20 May 03 - 03:43 AM

lol!

Hmmm... hope it wasn't too jargony... difficult not to be jargony when the subject itself involves terms like 'bandwidth' and 'php' though, I guess...

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: Doug_Remley
Date: 20 May 03 - 04:07 AM

Colleges for Medical problems are good as long as you allow grand tours to probe about. University of Michigan removed all my wisdom teeth for $5 by two wacky graduate students. For all their Stoges antics with hanners abd such it was quite painless!

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: Doug_Remley
Date: 20 May 03 - 04:10 AM

Geesh!!! The keyboard was moved, hope it is readable!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: Amos
Date: 20 May 03 - 10:46 AM

Hesperis:

Very nice site, tres pro.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Making Dreams Come True? --Hesperis
From: hesperis
Date: 22 May 03 - 08:26 AM

Thanks guys!