Anyone who does not believe that life can turn on a dime...
has NOT been reading my blog, and most likely is leading a VERY boring life.

No, not because they aren't reading my blog. Well, I guess that would count..but that's not what I'm saying.

Ahem...let's try this again.

Life can turn on a dime. Remember my less-than-positive post yesterday? Well, the scripture itself was positive, but the reasoning behind the post was not...

Geesh...I really need to stop talking in circles...

Anyway.

Yesterday, it looked like we were out of money, there was going to be NO relocation fund for our move, and that things were an eyelash from falling apart.

Enter the "turn on a dime".

Not only are we getting relocation help, it's twice what we needed...which means we have a little wiggle room for Lou to find a job he likes and that pays well.

Now, here's is a little "funny" and "rant" on how we came to get this assistance.

West Virginia has a program called West Virginia Works. Basically it's welfare with a bunch of othe benefits thrown in, such as eye and dental care (for people who need glasses and dental work to help them be more employable), car purchasing assistance, and clothing vouchers. The program would be be a great thing, 'cept for this one problem:

There are STILL very few jobs that pay a liviable wage, so people get on the program and remain there, because...

There is NO funding for education for people who need it. So...the state will pay you a check...and they will make you "earn it off" by folding clothes at Goodwill or serviing meals at the homeless shelter..but they can't help you improve your education so you can get a better job, they can't help you get to work if you already have a job, and they can't help you keep the car they help you buy (the cap is $1000), on the road once you buy it. So, it becomes a viscious cycle of getting a check, volunteering at Goodwill, getting a check, still not being able to find a decent job, continuing to volunteer..)

You get the picture.

Now, for the "funny" and where we fit into it...

Although the state won't pay for you to improve your education or to get to a paying job, they WILL pay you to relocate to another state. If you can prove you have a job in the new state AND you still qualify for benefits in the state of WV, THEN they will give you money for relocation.

By now, you all know my scenario: I quit my job here to take the job in Columbus..and Lou's job ended in April. So, for all intents and purposes, I am unemployed in the state of WV, and therefore eligible for benefits here. Since I am eligible for benefits here, AND I have a job in another state for which I need to relocate, we qualifed for the relocation benefit.

So, let's summarize: The state of West Virginia is PAYING us to leave! Happily. And I am happily taking them up on their offer. I figure, I paid more than they are giving me into the system, and if I can get back some of that money to make a better life, then so be it.

So, as of Wednesday of next week, we will be in our new place in Columbus! Everything will be paid for, and we will be ready to have the satellite and DSL lines turned on!

Now, all I gotta do it pass my final tomorrow and not screw up!

Think I can handle it? :-)
- posted by Kim @ 11:04 AM