Sorry I haven't been all that active lately. Internet access has been sporadic and life has been crazy.
My DARS (vocational rehab) counselor said that they are not ready to pursue job placement services for me because of my impairments and illness. They are paying for 5 sessions with a local psychologist to help me learn coping skills (adapting to disability, coping with stressful social situations, etc.). She said she'd revisit job placement after that and see where we are then. She told me I could apply for jobs in the meantime.
So I have started applying for jobs. Something full-time with benefits is what I need to make it worth losing my SSI/Medicaid (I can, however, earn up to $1,000/month and keep Medicaid).
Not much luck so far. Applied for a couple of lab tech jobs caring for rats and mice. My services coordinator wants me to look into police dispatch jobs --though I am not sure how they would accommodate for my hearing loss (I'm hard of hearing, but not deaf).
Finances are really not good. Food stamps have been reduced. Donations haven't been coming in for Leon's care like I hoped they would. Local church paid my car payment last month. Service coordinator told me to ask if they could pay for 2 more months while I look for work.
Been having both good and bad days. Trying to get my foot in the door at the mitochondrial disease clinic here. Submitting records and making the best case I can. Still have no neurologist. With the supplement cocktail, though, I have had more energy and don't spend as much time flat-out on the couch as before. I recover quicker from busy days than before. So that is why I think I can work now.
Friend and I are working to move more into the city (where there are city buses). That would enable me to get rid of the car, which would free up some money. In the research stage right now still. We have found a listing of a few places that seem promising.
Friend wants me to go on the trip with her. She wants me to save up for airfare there (everything else is paid for). I haven't had any money left to save after expenses are paid. At the same time, she wants me to take a beading class with her, go out to eat with her, etc. I keep telling her I don't have the money --especially if she wants me to save for the trip. She's getting frustrated with me over it. I'm not sure what to do --I'm doing the best I can with what I have.
My mom is also really struggling financially. I've gotten back in touch with her and have gone to visit her a couple of times. She's barely making ends meet --going to the food pantry to get food. Please pray for her as well.