BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me

Subject: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Helen
Date: 15 Feb 01 - 05:53 PM

Someone plese remind me that when you hit rock bottom, the only way is up.

Went to the first session I've been to for months and took my Celtic 34 string harp. As it happened the man who made the harp arrived just as I did. I haven't seen him for a year or so. As I lifted the cover off the harp he said "Look at that!" and pointed to two big splits in the soundboard.

That super-hot, humid weather that nearly killed us all here in east coast Oz a couple of weeks ago also nearly killed my harp. I had it in a cool place with it's insulated (compressed rubber foam) cover, but it was all too much for it. Needs major repair, or more likely the harpmaker will build a totally new soundbox.

Put this into my financial context: I haven't had any work or pay since 29th December, so the financial picture is very very dim. I started back casual teaching at the tech college this week, but only for a few hours a week. I won't get paid for that until at least next week, if I'm lucky, or maybe a fortnight after that. I also have a few very pressing major bills due now. I am nearly able to get a new 16 week contract for a small business course I am running, but just need to corner the potential participants and get them to sign on the dotted line. After this course starts there is a 2 week delay before I get paid.

Now, back to my story: My cat needs to go to the vet - very soon - really should have taken her couple of weeks ago.

Then, last night, on my way to one of my tech classes, the car engine blew up. Pfftt! $AU1500 is the minimum cost - plus the money I have lost in not turning up for the class.

The tech teaching is 25 kilometres away - half an hour drive each way. I have 3 classes each week, and 6 weeks when I have to be there five days a week, split shifts between afternoon and night.

Just remind me, again, about the universe providing, and life getting better everyday, and about drawing abundance into our lives, and all that. The funny (ha ha, howl!) thing is that I had just had a session yesterday with a really wonderful woman who was working me through all of this stuff.

Songs, jokes, stories welcome.

Ha-ha-howling-Helen

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Feb 01 - 05:57 PM

Helen, what a rip!! Tell the Universe you are NOT a ShitMagnet, and just STOP IT NOW! I'm so sorry, honey, here is a big hug, just for YOU--(well, include your harp, too. I remember how I cried when mine self destructed!)

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{**squeezerealhard**}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Feb 01 - 06:01 PM

When you're down, the best way up is chocolate.

Sympathise with the car, mine is about to go to that garage in the sky.... as the little white cat did last year, after taking the whole of my first three months wages at my new job for vet bills........

Don't whatever you do say it can't get worse - someone will come and eat all your chocolate!!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 Feb 01 - 06:03 PM

Believe me I understand Helen. Within the last two months I've faced the death of my son, my car decided to fall apart , and we just found out this week that my mother had a stroke and is not expected to live. The ONLY thing I can say is that times like this come around so that when the good times arrive you'll see them for what they are and enjoy them all the more for your trials. I hope you have as good a support system as I've been lucky to have. This place is part of that support system. Come back often. PM me if you'ld like to talk more. There's a lot more I could say. Wesley Smith

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Feb 01 - 06:06 PM

Wes, a big fat hug for you too!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{**squeeeeze**}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

My best wishes for your mom--may whatever is best for her be what happens.

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: CarolC
Date: 15 Feb 01 - 06:18 PM

Helen and Wesley, I'm sorry about your difficulties. I don't have any wise words for making things get better. I've handled my difficulties of the past few months by running away from them and going to Canada for a month. Probably not a wise move for most people.

Anyway ((((((((((((((BIG HUGS)))))))))))))) for both of you.

Carol

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: wdyat12
Date: 15 Feb 01 - 06:40 PM

To Helen, Liz, and Wesley,

You make my problems sound like a holiday. I lost my furnace a month ago, my pipes froze, and I broke my foot so I'm out of work for awhile. Piece of cake. However, losing an intrument and a car are tough goes, but losing loved ones is really sad. I've delt with all three and I have to admit Wesley you should seek compfort through these hard times. Here's a hug for all three you.

((((((((Helen(((((((Wesley)))))))Liz)))))))

wdyat12

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Morticia
Date: 15 Feb 01 - 06:41 PM

Helen and Wes, I don't have any cheering words or aphorisms that will make you feel better.....but I have lots of love and hugs for both you....{{{{{hugs}}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Feb 01 - 04:36 AM

No words of wisdom from me I am afraid. Being a Gnome and unwise is SUCH a drag sometimes... Oh well, I guess your problems are worse than mine.

Anyhow, genuine story that always tickles me, and has two aspects of your tale. Man in a garage complaining how his car is loosing power. Says to the apprentice mechanic "It is almost like the clutch is depressed all the time."

Apprentice mechanic responds (yes - you've guessed it) "Well I never perform at my best when I'm depressed either..."

Lots of love and hugs from the Gnome. No kisses - my beard will bring on skin problems...

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: LR Mole
Date: 16 Feb 01 - 08:49 AM

Oh, man...hang on, folks. Still got your minds, your tunes, and your hearts. Tough times teach us to help others through, and we are not alone.

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Mrrzy
Date: 16 Feb 01 - 09:09 AM

Man, I was feeling pretty bad myself, then I read this thread and feel a whole lot better! Nothing like some real hardship to compare to my piddly little issues. Thanks for that, actually.

But really, poor, poor you! I think finding out your instument is sick must be, for a musician, a LOT like finding out a relative isn't long for this world - Wes, I still think of you often, this is not what you need right now, not like it's what you needed some other time or anything, it just would have been nicer for the Powers that Be to wait a while - and having it pointed out to you by the person who made the instrument must add insult to injury. Wish I could think of a helpful song...

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Peter T.
Date: 16 Feb 01 - 12:28 PM

My solution: eliminate February. Who needs this month? In this country, Canada, winter needs severe editing. By the beginning of February, everyone is tired, mad, dead, or broke (Hey, its my Christmas VISA bill!). I know we are supposed to love every day, but really. I would have said that the only bright side of your situation Helen is that the weather is warm where you are, but that is really not much help given what happened to you!!! Just remember: it is always darkest just before the dawn, especially if it is 3:00 a.m. and you are standing in the widening shadow of a falling piano.

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: GUEST,guestguestguest(intruder)guest
Date: 16 Feb 01 - 01:09 PM

Mary Clancy comes out of church and is met by Father Grady

"How are things, Mary?" sez he.

"Me pore husband died suddenly last night, Father." sez she

"Oh, you pore woman", sez he, "did he have any last words?"

"Yes, Father he did", says she, "'MARY, put down the GUN!!!'".

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 Feb 01 - 02:01 PM

Helen, maybe you've been concentrating on too much character improvement! My notion is that we get what we wish for- in a universe that doesn't listen to nuances. Sometimes we just get dumped on.

Courage, patience, love, persistence, frugality and budgeting, the ability to smile through it all- All of these qualities are internalized by being confronted by their opposites- courage by scary situations, patience by frustration, love by testing, persistence by threats, frugality and budgeting by financial stress, smiles by situations that cause tears.

It makes sense that we should want these qualities-but let's not work on them all at the same time!

A bit touch in cheek but...

My deepest sympathies.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: GUEST,DAW
Date: 16 Feb 01 - 06:34 PM

Dear Sir I am writing in response to your request for additional information in Block 3 of the accident report form. I put " Poor planning" as the cause of my accident. You asked for a fuller explanation and I trust the following details will be sufficient. I am a bricklayer by trade. On the day of the accident, I was working alone on the roof of a new six-storey building. When I completed my work, I found I had some bricks left over, which, when weighed later were found to be slightly in excess of 500lbs. Rather than carry the bricks down by hand, I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley. This was attached to the side of the building on the sixth floor. Securing the rope at ground level, I went up to the roof, swung the barrel out and loaded the bricks into it. Then I went down and untied the rope, holding it tightly to ensure a slow descent of the bricks. You will note in Block 11 of the accident report form that I weigh 135lbs. Due to my surprise at being jerked off the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Needless to say, I proceeded at a rapid rate up the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel which was now proceeding downward at an equally impressive speed. This explains the fractured skull, minor abrasions and the broken collarbone, as listed in Section 3 of the accident report form. Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into the pulley. Fortunately by this time I had regained my presence of mind and was able to hold tightly to the rope. I acheived this in spite of the excruciating pain I was now beginning to experience. At approximately the same time, however, the barrel of bricks hit the ground and the bottom fell out of the barrel. Now devoid of the weight of the bricks, that barrel weighed approximately 50lbs. I refer you again to my weight. As you might imagine, I began a Rapid descent, down the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts for the two fractured ankles , broken tooth and severe lacerations of my legs and lower body. Here my luck began to change slightly. The encounter with the barrel seemed to slow me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell into the pile of bricks and fortunately only three vertebrae were cracked. I am sorry to report, however, as I lay there on the pile of bricks, in pain, unable to move, I again lost my composure and presence of mind and let go of the rope and I lay there watching the empty barrel begin its journey back down onto me. This explains the two broken legs. I hope this answers your inquiry. I hope this brings a smile to your face, life is always better with a smile on your face Allan

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Feb 01 - 06:55 PM

I hadn't opened this one, thinking it was something else.

Helen my dear, I wish there were things I could say or do for you, but know that I do care. And Wes, you've had far more than your share.

As I said somewhere else the other day, I hate that line.....more than your share. Why are we getting shares anyway? Can I trade mine for cash 'cause we seem to have more than our share too. How about a buy-out? Maybe we could all give up "our shares" for free.....and a little peace!

Alright gang.......Let's just keep on pluggin' and doing whatever we can do support each other and the friendships we've made here. And if anyone hears about some kind of fool wanting to "buy shares"......let the rest of us know!!

Love you all.............

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 Feb 01 - 09:10 PM

gasp In English, 'touch'='tongue'.

Eb

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Tinker
Date: 16 Feb 01 - 10:24 PM

Just opened this, perhaps more than your share means just this reaching out to share it with others who can at least send a hug and a prayer. Yes, even in February days do get better.....

Counting my blessings and sending a few along

Tinker

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Helen
Date: 16 Feb 01 - 10:55 PM

Thanks and {{{{{hugs}}}}} everyone. I think that just by posting this thread here at the wonderful Mudcat I got rid of a lot of my pain. When I came home after waiting for road service for an hour & a half, and for the tow truck for another half hour, and crying my eyes out in the car for most of that time, and then getting the rough estimate of repairs from those two service guys, I was in a terrible state. I dialed up and got onto Mudcat and started feeling a lot better, just by reading all of the usual stuff, and then when I posted my stuff I felt better too. Now I feel more in balance than I did, even though the situation is still the same.

Wes,

I feel humbled. My problems are not relating to other people in pain, or sadness - but only to my own fears and worries. {{{{{hugs}}}}} to you too/you two/you three!

Ebbie,

you have said very succinctly what I have been working through. I am changing my thought patterns/programming to expect the positives.

GUEST,guestguestguest(intruder)guest and Guest, DAW/Allan - LOL

'Spaw,

If we're counting shares, I know my good ones far outweigh my negative ones - not the least my shares in this community, and the pleasure I get from meeting such lovely people. I am counting my blessings.

For some reason I feel like everything is going to turn out better than ever. Even though I felt at rock bottom on Thursday night (Oz time) when I started this thread, and even Friday morning - now I just have this really strong feeling that everything is going to turn around for the better.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Amergin
Date: 17 Feb 01 - 12:04 AM

Helen and Wes, not much to say here except that my thoughts are with you both....and with your family as well, Wes...

Mrrzy, no one's problems a piddling.....especially, for people like you and me...take care.

Nathan

Subject: RE: BS: Been down so long it looks like up to me
From: Hollowfox
Date: 17 Feb 01 - 10:28 AM

As hard as it may be, put the harp at the bottom of your list. See if you can make payment arrangements with the vet; the worst s/he can do is say "no". Likewise, see if some arrangement can be mad with the garage. After all, you do have that teaching job. In the meantime, is there some way you can get a ride to work, stay with somebody in town, or somesuch? Ask around at the college, maybe somebody in your department can help. I hope some of this helps a bit. Good thoughts are going your way, as well.