"Money doesn't make you happy. I now have $50 million, but I am just as happy as I was when I had $48 million."-Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California
It's going to be interesting living out of my car, at least until the finance company repossesses it. Thing are just the dire. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has chosen this coming Thursday, July 31st, as his target day to sign an order to reduce the pay of over 200,000 state employees, Alan included, to the federal rate of $6.35 an hour. He isn't even offering the state minimum level of $8.00 an hour. What that means for us is that we will be homeless in just a few months, Elvis's chemotherapy treatments will have to stop, and we will be putting him to sleep as soon as 2 weeks from now.
We have some food put aside in case of an emergency, enough for a month. I don't know what will happen with our cars, we might sell one of them back, but I don't know where we will get gas money for the one we will keep. I will get rid of all non essential items, such as the Internet. That will happen first. The thing that hurts me the most it the thought of looking at Elvis in the eyes, as I take him to Dr. B's to have him euthanized. What do I say to him, and then how do I live with it? He is at Dr. B's right now, getting the last chemotherapy treatment we will be able to afford. The pain over losing him is more then I can take sometimes. As I write this, and I face head on what is in front of us, I can't even breathe.
This still doesn't have to happen, but I know it will. From everything I have read, the slashed pay rate will probably go well into October. Oh we will get a big fat retroactive paycheck when the politicians finally have their way, but by then my little boy will be gone forever. Forever is a very long time. Now ask me why I will never trust a republican, any republican, again! If I lose the roof over my head I will survive, but Elvis won't. His little life shouldn't end this way.
-OndineMonet
Correction: The federal minimum wage is $6.55 per hour.
19 comments:
Carly, I am so sorry. This sucks.
A good reason to not trust any politician, not just Republicans. They always look out for themselves and never any of us.
My deepest sympathies are with you...for whatever that is worth.
Oh, how awful! I am so very sorry that you've been dealt such a cruel blow. No one should have to go through this. If you need to talk, I'm only an email away.
Oh my God.
For what it's worth, I'll pray for a last-minute reprieve, some lawsuit or change of heart or change of mind to get you and everyone else through this. Just this past week I've been reading posted notices about workers' rights and minimum wage and all. I calculated how much it's gone up since I got to AZ 22 years ago - 35% I think it came to. Not much.
Email to follow.
I'm devastated and stunned. I love your cat, he has brought me so many smiles. Pickle too.
I'm going to hope for the best but you know your situation best. Whatever you need to do is fine by me.
If there is anything I can do, you let me know too.
You know how much I love your Elvis and I'm not his "mom-cat" .. but I was to one once, so I know what this is doing to you, and I can't say how sorry I am.
The outlook sucks and there's much of it going around in different ways.. and many people will not be able to pull through...hard to believe this is "America"
I have been sitting here with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, trying to find words to say that may bring comfort, but there just aren't any. I'm so sorry. I'll be saying prayers for something, anything good last minute to happen and change this whole thing for you, Alan, and Elvis.
OMG! I'm just stunned! And to think I was worrying about all my stuff that seems so petty & miniscule now!
I just can't speak....this is awful & I'm worried about the 3 of you now. Saying a prayer for a last minute reprieve!
Hugz,
~~Aunt Nub~~
Oh Carly...oh honey, I am absolutely devastated for you, Alan and Elvis. This is so unfair, and I hope to God that something happens to make this NOT happen. My heart is breaking about Elvis. I love that cat, and I know you are dying inside just thinking about what might have to happen. I wish with all my heart I had money to keep his chemo going for you. I wish this wasn't happening to your precious family.
I feel so helpless, and sad, and angry.
Just remember...you are loved my friend...and Alan and Elvis too.
Connie
I don't know what to say except that my heart is breaking for you right now.
Are the state employees who "work" in the Assembly - will this pay cut affect them too? If they did their jobs this wouldn't be happening.
Hello, my name is Teresa and I've come over to you from IndigoSunMoon's journal (Connie) ~ I am so very, very sorry about what is going on in your life. I am very, very sorry about Elvis...I have a cat that I've had for over 10 years and he's been going through some pretty severe health issues lately so I can deeply empathize with you about what is going on (or what might) hopefully it's a "might" ~ tears welled up in my eyes upon reading what is going on. Tears are rolling down my face writing this comment. Know that I will be lighting a candle for all 3 of you, most especially Elvis. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings* Teresa
http://journals.aol.com/stetsonsfyre/remembering-to-exhale/
Connie sent me over dear friend. I'm so sorry to hear about this. Seems with the millions of dollars Schwarzenegger has he could afford to donate part of his own salary instead of putting everyone else on the chopping block. I often take in strays cats and re-home them. I love each and every animal that has every come my way. I like so many others have tears running down my face thinking of what is to become of Elvis. Your in my prayers on the smoke during this sad time my friend. (Hugs)Indigo
Oh gosh! I'm so sorry! This is just plain stupid. Why do the people with real jobs always get ripped off?
I too hope for a last minute change of plan.
Carly...oh no! This is horrible! Is there anything you guys can do in the short term? Part time night job? I am currently looking for that myself. We've been hit hard lately with expenses and the economy and the situation here is getting dire too. I'm looking for something I can do from home at night. Maybe your vet can give you a reduced rate? Or defered payment plan? Or maybe there is a charity that can help? Don't give up yet hun. :-(
Oh my goodness, sweetie. I have no magic words and no magic wand. I sure wish I did.
I love all three of you and you mean the world to me.
Please focus on the life you have given Elvis. You have brought so much to him and allowed him to be the best kitty he knew how to be.
You know how to reach me. So please do, my friend.
Remember the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. This is the same when you are facing a seemingly overwhelming problem. One bite at a time.
You are loved and you will come through this. I know you will.
Faith, love, hugs and support to you, Alan and Elvis.
Deb
Oh God Carly! I am so sorry to hear what's been happening with you and your family. I don't know what to say. I pray that something will come through to change some things for you. Know that I'm here for you, always available by email, please keep me posted if I don't make it here to your journal on a regular basis and if you have to go offline let's please exchange addresses. Good thoughts and prayers headed your way.
Hugs, Martha
as i watched the news thursday night, all i could think of was you, alan and elvis.
this is so wrong.
I live in Michigan, Genesse County to be exact.
GM pulled out and left us as well as 20 some thousand without jobs.
Our streets are filled with for sales signs, gas is $4.oo and change a gallon and no sight in end for what else will happen.
Small business is " No Business " every where you look....I bleed daily for all who have fallen into this crisis that has hit our nation. I am so sorry Carly for all you have to face. You and Alan will have to hold tight to one another and push through. I am sooo soooo sorry.
I will be thinking of you...with prayers.
Love TJ
This is simply unbelievable, does he think that everyone has an extra million or so to tide them over?
Words can't express how bad I feel for you even having to think about this crisis.
I wish we we're all in a more civilized country.
CARLY, Connie sent me. I used to read you all the time. I'm so sorry that I "lost" you. I am more sad to hear what is happening to all of you. My dog, Luke, passed away this spring. I will pray for Evis. He is the cutest cat ever. Also I hold ya'll deep in thought and prayer. Lovingly, Anne (Saturday's Child)
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