I refuse to just lie down, give up and cry about the gravity of our situation. I will find a way out of this. I know it's going to get better.
We've been job hunting non-stop, As soon as we say that we only need a temporary job for a month or two, we're sent to the door. However, I feel guilty about lying to a potential Employer and falsely leading them to believe that we'll be around longer than we plan to. They always ask. There is nothing available at the temp office. Today we spent the morning in the city hall. We're filing for unemployment. I snapped a few photos.
That's the city hall, It's in the center of town. 10 minutes by foot from our flat. it has such a sense of history...
This is the City hall courtyard
This is the inside, that door leads to the mayor.
I love the calmness and the way your steps echo as you stroll through the foyer.I realize I have to use some ingenuity in order to survive this next month. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.. Here are a few of the ones I received.
1. A number of people had suggested in E-mails that I should open a PayPal account and ask for donations. I know that a lot of caring friends would reach out to help, However I feel very uncomfortable about the idea of doing that. I couldn't pay you back and I have nothing to offer in return. So that idea is scratched out for me. I won't accept hand outs.
2. HeelandLass had previously suggested autioning off some of my belongings, and selling them to the highest bidder. But the question is...would anyone be willing to pay the shipping charges? It could be costly to send items overseas. So that one is kind of up in the air.
3. Ricky had suggested I sign up for Cafepress.com and sell some of my designs. A number of people agreed. So I set up shop as a lark and used an original oil painting I did of Percy in a business suit as the first design. So if any of you were hankering for a Percy mousepad, thong, mug, beer stein, or T-shirt.. You can buy it HERE. You'll be the envy of all of your friends. *Operators standing by* No, I don't expect anyone to actually do this, but it was fun (and easy) setting it up. The profits are small, but it's something. Well, at least I know my sister will buy something. She's Percy's biggest fan. :)
4. Yelayna suggested E-Bay. So I'm pulling together all of my Boxsets. (the only entertainment option for an American Overseas)
and setting up an account.5. Autum had jokingly suggested that Eric play the trumpet on the street with a cup for change. That had me laughing. Also a viable option!
6. Vicola suggested I set up a table in the marketplace. I could sell my belongings and our artwork. The only problem with that is the required permit. But I can look into it.
7. My sister suggested I do charcoal portrait jobs to generate extra cash...The problem is finding clients independently. Most of my previous jobs came through our company and our boss received a portion of the commision. I need to advertise on my own without any connections. (Not as easy as it may sound)
8. My friend, Tara said I should set up a webcam and a paid website. Eric and I will get triple X groovy. I can always count on her to come up with the good ideas
9. And if all else fails. There is always prostitution. That's legal here in Germany.
The situation isn't entirely hopeless. We'll find a way to get through this rough patch and make it until his Green Card arrives. Thanks again for your advice, suggestions and help.
