SUV blew a hole through the transmission (blame the ATF thread for this post as it got me lamenting). It's not good according to my brother. Thank goodness I have a career lifetime mechanic for a brother who is an engine and trans man. Still, it ain't a pretty repair bill. Then there is that AC unit. sheeesh, quite working last year, brother recharged the freon and it shut down 3 days later. So looks like I may have to look at repairing that soon. I have plenty of other problems on the house that I am not even willing to think about. Hey life, I am trying too have a 2nd hobby here with the kids. :tb-err:
Just be happy you have your health to do your hobby, those other things are just money, you health can't be repaired as easily.
See someone always has to rain on the pity me parade... :tb-biggrin: But you are indeed correct. Fine point. Not only do I currently have my health (except some serious carpal problems from this keyboard) but 2 healthy kids and wife.
My wife and I had the same problem last year. First the pilot light quit working on the hot water heater. Then the vacuum cleaner quit. Next was the central air compressor (new unit to be installed next month). Next up was a new thermostat for the heater and the last straw for my wife was the refrigerator going out. All of this occurred within the last 5 months of the year. Needless to say there wasn't any money left for a hobby during that period. It was pretty depressing. Now I just hope that we have weathered the bad luck and things will be better this year.
I had quite a similar situation just a year ago. I believe God puts this stuff in our life to test our characters. My disability settlement expired a few months prematurely before Social Security/Insurance/State Pension income set in, and I was left in a new place in need of repair. I sold some trains and family valuables on eBay, received assistance from ex-wife, and made it, including re-paying the former spouse. Since then I have had two major hospitalizations, massive bronchial infection in December, and pneumonia/CHF in March, and still emerged strong (now), healthy and financially stable. After selling some of my trains, I made mental note of those trains I regretted selling, and over the past few months via swap meets, ebay and personal trades with fellow modelers, I pretty much not only recovered but improved. If I can do it, so can you. A hint is to find a supportive source who trusts you and for you to be the most reliable and trustworthy person, and make "deals" for financing remedial dilemmas you are in, and go forth. Right now, my place is "no-to do list" up to date, roof fixed, plumbing and electrical problems fixed, car fixed, and the security I feel now is well earned with a feeling of euphoria. There is hope, and I can only impress you watch the "Outlaw Josey Wales" when he is with his group getting attacked by the bad guy soldiers at their farm, listen to that "You gotta get mean, plumb mean" soliloquy Clint makes, it will stick with you for life. I have learned that the harder situation you find yourself in, is the harder you will have to work to deal with it. Sooner than you think, you will be running trains in no time, and it will be those trains remaining which you will appreciate more than you will ever know. Next, realize the pending doom never stops, just get stronger to deal with it. This evening we South Floridians are likely facing Tornado Watch/Warnings as a massive cold front is heading down here, and it is very hot now, which means the weather will be extra severe. Just keep prepared and cautious. Good luck. We have all had peaks and valleys in our lives, so go for it!!!!!! Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman
I count my blessings, my health care financials are impervious to Obama Care and other such things. We re-uped on the wifes car and all the appliances over the last couple of years, so knock on wood, we should be okay for a while. Only thing left is my new car that I am holding out on purchasing. My current car is now 16 years old and just feels nice and broke-in. Plus I have always loved this car and it has not really cost me much. But with the child and baby seats, my beloved T-Bird is teetering on the edge of oblivion, for a sensible 4 door family vehicle. Oh the cruelty.....
My life is my hobby. The cat's, family, grandkids, paying the bills, fighting to get help with my prescriptions, telephone calls, helping a friend with his train layout, time spent at Carl's Jr., shooting the breeze with good friends, e-mailing good friends, sharing war stories and swapping out ideas with friends I've made here on TB... A N D... volunteer work installing, maintaining and training sound techee's for the churches sound system. It's all a hobby. Grin! Until I hit a bump in the road. Then, I go into fight and survival mode.
I've been all too public with my life issues. For me to be lamenting a lack of funds for trains is more bemusement than serious. Still, thanks to those lamentations I know have an idea of how to sell off my pounds and pounds of lead I bought 20+ years ago. Hmm, wonder if there is a market for 20yo Avalon Hill board games. Anyone for a beat up copy of "Squad Leader"?
I read this thread at work at felt bad for some of you guys. Then I came home. I parked in the garage, and went in thru the door to the kitchen. It's not supposed to rain in the kitchen, is it? Sigh... another broken pipe, with a City of Los Angeles set due any day now.
