in response to Bee's Knees...   LOL, you are SO right! I have a friend who had a tummy tuck a few years ago, she looks amazing just from that! Crap she even paid for it on payments, when I heard that I was like, um and HOW will they repossess if you don't pay? LOL
If I had a choice on anything I could have done, just one thing, it would be a tummy tuck, even though I'd love a boob lift. Though with a tummy tuck you not only loose the baby gut, but the love handles too.

 in response to totally stressed...   Ahhh, yes laughter IS the greatest drug out there! Well as far as posting and getting back to people, I am sporatic. It depends on what time I have to even get on here, and how I feel. So, I may go for a few days and not even get online and other times I can get on and stay on for hours.
Since school is back in session though and i find myself on the computer for hours trying to figure out programming homework, when I am done my eyes hurt lol and it's like......UGH, get this thing away from me!! Ha!
Thanks for the post, I respect and enjoy everyone's opinion on here. =) We are what makes the world go round, yes?

 in response to Bee's Knees...   LOL, crazy, I LOVED that show too! It ony ran for one episode didn't it? You know thought that those makeovers had to destroy their relationships.....Price to pay I guess lol, for being beautiful! LOL

LOL, Bee......have you become the correspondent for Extreme make over? LOL.....What about WHAT NOT TO WEAR? I could use a 5 grand credit card to shop in New York! LOL Make mah bod hot! LOL
What cha think???

"We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope."

Martin Luther King

 in response to dogeatdog...   Ahhhhh a question that has been asked to me! I really like those questions, they make you think. Which, I guess is your point. *smile*

 in response to daisydu...   Yes my husbands murder was very hard and unfortunate. It's been worse more so on my daughter. She was 11 when he died, my son was only 18 months. So my daughter remembers her daddy, and even to this day she cries. Like I said, soon will be his birthday, I think my kids and myself are going to take a trip to the cemetary with flowers and a balloon for paxton to let go in the sky to sail away to his dad.
My thing with all this is that IF I held on to loosing him, and how I lost him and the anger I had inside, it would have consummed my life. I know that I will see him again one day and I know that life will be good again one day. I just have to do what is necessary to get there. =)
As for the meds, I am on a lot of different meds. Mental Illness (though I think that is NOT a nice sounding category for these problems) runs in my family on my dads side. I have read up on it and YES it IS hereditary. I have dealt with anxiety, depression and ADD since I was a teen. So the meds to help me through those problems are part of my daily life. I'd rather take the meds so that I feel normal, than wake up everyday feeling like I want to tuck myself away in a dark corner and never see anyone. It's a chemical imbalance and it's treatable. God gave us doctors and the means to treat the sick, why shun it?
Hope you have a wonderful day!
~Jen~

 in response to bookworm2011...   Thank you! Your post made me smile! I have kind of started couponing, seeing that I pretty much buy the bulk of my groceries once a month (when my ebt card is filled) it's hard to tell what coupons I might could use.
I'd REALLY love to be able to use some at walgreens and stock up on the stuff EBT doesn't pay for like razors, toothpaste, deo, stuff like that.........
I'll get back to you on the coupons and thank you for offering!

 in response to daisydu...   Well I think I posted the other day that I was going to force a smile on my face and see how it goes? I gotta say, yesterday and today have been MUCH better days!! I think sometimes (I know I do) we get so bogged down in our own sulking that we make ourselves think there is no way out of the darkness.

I am like a roller coaster though, especially at this time of year. Feburary 13th was my husbands birthday, and May 4th is the day he died. Even though it's been almost 10 years I still think about it! Guess I always will, but I have to move on with my life, make it better for my family and part of that is trying to keep my depression at bay.
Thanks for the kind words!
~Jen~

 in response to daisydu...   Well I didn't mean to come off as angry at your post either. *smile* So guess we both messed up there. I was just stating some things. It is hard to determine online how, what someone posts is supposed to be taken as, ya know?

As for the reasons you have your problems, I've done those stupid things too, MORE than once. It is good you realized you can not keep up an alcholic. Another thing I have learned the hard way, is my kids do without luxeries. My daughter is grown and not living with me, but my son is still with me. Right now we have no cable, but right now cable is lowest on the list of things to get done. It's not going to hurt him, it will only make him stronger.
I am really hoping that once I "graduate" the lessons of managing money, that I can teach this to my daughter. She is going down the SAME path I have, as did my parents.....it seems to follow suit.

Hang in there, and in my opinion, hand out help with encouragement instead of money until you have money piled up in your savings for emergancies, THEN, pay it forward!
God Bless!
~Jen~

Good Morning Aidpage! It is Monday again! I have a weeks worth of classes and work inbetween. Seems this week for some reason I am struggling with my depression, but I have decided I am NOT going to let it get the best of me this time! Keeping my chin up, putting a smile on my face and going to watch the attitude in my soul change!

Head up all, life is good!
Jen

 in response to daisydu...   "ONCE YOU START PAYING THEIR BILLS....THEN THEY EXPECT YOU TOO"
I would have to disagree on this, and I am sure you did not mean it how it sounds, but NOT everyone is like this. Some of US did NOT ask to put thrown into the situation we are in now, NOT all of us were raised on how to make our money work for us, NOT all of us are just looking for a hand out. If I had my pick, I'd STILL have my job I held and loved for ten years, I'd STILL have my beautiful home in the wonderful neighboorhood I lived in, I'd STILL have my brand new car that was my dream car that WAS paid for before I let someone I "thought" cared about my well being talk me into something tremedously stupid.

Some of us NEED a lil help to get back on top, THEN, need to education to stay there and prospurous. I feel I have found that, you can not give out a helping hand without the education to go along with it.

Anyway, just my opinion......
Have a wonderful week!

Ahhhhh, nice words of encouragment. Now where did you come across this? As you know me, I am always looking for that "link" to what I see, read, who I meet...... =)
Thanks for sharing!

 in response to LOCK...   I can see your point. I get on here and read and try to encourage people, some except the encouragement welcomely, others have the but this, but that, either they don't really need it, or they don't really want out of the situation.
Your one comment on "You were the one who got yourself in the mess so you can get out of it", yes and no. I had a good life, uppper middle class, nice home in a nice neighboorhood, nice car, not much to worry about. Well, until I lost my job of ten years and then ended up divorced. I DID however, except the opportunity that was offered to me to go to college and get a Associates Degree. I am now in my final semester, but honestly, the past two years have been pure HELL, not from choice! I know that I am probably an exception to a lot of posters in here. I have had A LOT of firsts for me the past couple of years, my first time to put my children on medicad, my first to have to go to a food bank, my first to be without a home and having to live with friends, my first to apply for public housing, BUT, this is NOT my life! I see a good future ahead of me, and I DO have someone on here, that has believed in me and helped me, but, along with that help, they are also educating me on becoming debt free. It takes a lot on both sides to trust the person you pick to help or recieve help from. Ask tons of questions, check into their stories, some are actually for real. Unfortunatly more are not.
Good luck on your site!
PS--Don't be to quick to give up on all of us! :)

 in response to totally stressed...   Well one thing I have learned to do when I have written a long response to someone on ANYTHING, email, forums, etc..., I always highlight it all and copy it, that way if for some reason it doesn't go through, you can then just paste it in and try to send again.

I also wanted to say, this goes along with my last post about being thankful......I know we (there) are alot of us that are in terrible need, but look around, are your kids healty, is your loved one by your side? Life can throw so many REALLY bad things in your way that devestate your total exsistance..........be thankful for what you have now, and pray it never gets worse!!

This morning as I read the latest post from Michaels sister I felt compelled to come on here and ask for prayers! From the posts I have tried to keep up with on his sisters facebook page, he had two collapsed lungs, and no brain activity. He is doing better, per her posts, but they need all the prayers they can get!! His name is Michael A. Hawley.

I got the info below off his sister (Teresa) facebook, I will gladly send you the link to her facebook page if you would like to read through it. I am not sure if she has it open to the public, but if you send her a friend request and tell her "Jennifer Potts Browning" sent you, she will remember me and allow you on.

A fund has been set up for Michael at Community Bank. You can make donations at any location or by mail. The account is:
Pamela Comer in benefit of Michael A. Hawley
P.O. Box 270
Amory, Ms. 38821

Thank you for all your prayers!

 in response to totally stressed...   Thanks! I gotta say, you freaked me out with the "i'm actually PJ's dad thing......my sons dad passed away in 2003. *smile* no worries.......I take things like that as little signs that he's still watching over us! Have a good night!

I am thankful today!
Thankful for such wonderful friends, for family, for health and for having everything I need to survive!

 in response to PJsMom...   Ha! My mother scolded me for posting about my physical issue. She says it is to much info to share. Guess I am more like my father (though I love my mom more than anything!) I feel like why not put it out there, someone might actually have some answers.
Anyway, went to the Gyno Friday, and had to fall prey to the "scapel" again.....UGH! Also, found out more than likely it will keep coming back until I have it removed.
Guess that will be something to think about doing AFTER I graduate!

 in response to bookworm2011...   Hi bookworm!
I used to be like that, a couponing queen. Now that things have gotten much harder I am trying to get back into it. My only problem is obtaining coupons, I can't afford to get the paper ever week. I do print the ones from online sites. Today I went and used 14 bucks worth of coupons, but at one store all I purchases was food items and I have a food stamp card. They made me pay tax on the coupons I used? Never heard of that, but then I went to walmart and when I got home I added up what wasn't covered with my food stamps and they didn't charge me tax on the coupons........I guess it's just different stores....

 in response to PJsMom...   Broke down and went to the ER since I could apply for assistance with the bill there. They drained it and now I feel like I have the flu or something!! Got to see the Gyno tomorrow, so we'll see what's going on. I HATE being sick!

 in response to Anomaly...   Although I am not couponing like I used to anymore (getting ready to start back though), you can get a WHOLE lot for a few cents or even FREE. If you are a Facebook subscriber search Coupon Divas, it is a wonderful source of information and even you tube videos on couponing!
I learned awhile back on how to stack coupons, as in you can use a store coupon (like walgreens) with a manufacter coupon to get double savings!
Stores know ahead of time what coupons are coming out that week, most people will use those coupons that week, if you wait, then you can catch that item on sale with the coupon and get it much cheaper!

Once Kroger had a buy one get one free sale on Panteen (sp?) shampoo and conditioner, I also had bogo free coupons for Panteen, used together, I got 8 bottles free!
Check it out, put fourth the effort and save some money!

Annnnd that will make you think! =) What is it that you were going to college for? You seem like you like to write.

Well I read tea tree oil soaked on a cotton ball and held on area would make it burst. It's gotten bigger and I'm in PAIN!
I just looked up slidding scale clinics in my area, man I do not want to take this to a doctor! I've had the draining done before, it's hurts So bad! UGH!

 in response to dogeatdog...   I tought that too, like a Forum board with different subjects.

I was just trying to search for other people on here from Mississippi. Not that easy to do, or maybe my ADD, just doesn't keep me focused enough to do the right searching. LOL Anyway, if you'd like to be friends and are from Mississippi, I'd love to hear from you!

 in response to hoffa...   I can see how this would make you skeptical and there is NOT a thing wrong with that!! I have talked to people from all over the world on here for years, but have always tried not to give out to much information until I really felt that this person was a good person. You can't always tell, but don't give up. Just be careful!
As I said, keep in touch with me, I'd like to know you guys are okay and safe!
Jen

 in response to Gogglesglare...   Ummm, I am not sure where you are or what advice has been given to you. I know here where I am (In Mississippi) if you go file for food stamps, they ask for the fathers name and if you are recieving child support. If not, they take it from there. Ask around for what is out there Government wise for help. I KNOW how hard it is to go from living well, to living poor and having to seek help. The very first time I sat waiting my turn at a food pantry I cried like a baby. Just having to be there humiliated me, but I have learned that for those of us who REALLY want to get out of this hole and get back to where we were or even better then we must take what ever steps we have to. I have found (here anyway) that different cities around the area offer different help. The food pantry here is by the Methodist church and they give out monthly boxes full of stuff you actually will use even with MEAT! I also found that the government housing in some of the cities is NOT where I would want to place my child in, BUT, here in the city I moved to it is actually very nice and the waiting list only took three months to get us in. I also, through talking to a friend I have made here found out about all the little discounts I can get off of my internet.
We all have our moments of feeling as if our life will never get better and as you said F us all, but after the melt down is over, remember as long as you are trying as hard as you can and looking for help in all places you can that you are doing your best and you WILL provail!!

I think this is the best post I have seen on here tonight! How wonderful of you and your family to give a public thanks!!
There should be a Thank you page!

I too, would like to say THANK YOU, over and over again to the nice person that has taken their time and effort to help me and teach me the ways to never be here again!
THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY SOUL!