nutrition disparity between economic classes

Great article from Newsweek about the dietary differences between those who can afford good food and those who can't.

I can tell you that in my area, supermarket food is definitely more expensive and of lower quality than what is available in the major metropolitan areas about 100 miles away. In the summer, the farmer's market is a wonderful option, but for six months of the year there aren't a lot of choices other than packaged mass produced foods and imported fruits and vegetables.

Our topic today: Foreclosure

I recently had a foreclosure scare. On the Life Disruption Scale, that's right up there. Not as bad as a cancer scare, and trust me, I do feel fortunate that this is the worst disaster I've been challenged with in the last few years. Due to my small business failure (independent retailer) I was unable to pay my mortgage for about six months, and starting getting foreclosure notices. My house was actually well in the foreclosure process, but thanks to a no-strings loan from a friend (who is a gift from the gods) and some odd jobs, I was able to get back out.

I don't know how long I'll be able to maintain the payments though. I've had a few freelance jobs, and I'm just trying to hold on until spring, when maybe the housing market will pick up and then maybe I can sell it, and maybe walk away with enough cash to buy a trailer and move south. Or maybe I'll have a job soon. Lots of maybe's.

You know those "housing programs" that ostensibly keep homeowners from foreclosure? Sadly, they are smoke and mirrors. If you are in this position you don't qualify for a lower interest rate, which is one of the things that would truly help.

Anyway, I ran across this book today, and will probably pick up a copy. It looks like it has a ton of practical advice.

So, what's your foreclosure story?

Intro

I've been wanting to write this blog for several years. I've also been afraid that writing about living in poverty would be a distraction from trying to rise above it, but I've got a lot to say on the topic, and my experiences might be useful to somebody.

I'll keep it short and sweet — it's a challenge every single day.

I'm not a "welfare queen", whatever that is, though I once got food stamps for 3 months. I live in a rural area, am currently unemployed, have a few medical issues but no health insurance (of course).

Right now, I also have no heat in my house. It's late November, and that means 45º inside the house. That should be remedied soon, when I get the chimney swept, but I didn't have the money to do that till today.

You jobhunting too? It's amazing, isn't it? I'm applying online to just about everything in my field, and I'm willing to relocate anywhere. Nothing has come up yet, but I am —

Ever the Optimist