1990s---part 7

Things started off pretty good in 1994--I was making good money (still spending more than I made but that's another story! LOL) at the bookstore plus I got a $2,500 check from my auto insurance company from a previous accident when someone ran into my car. I was enjoying life as I usually did by going to the theatre, eating out, having a good time.

The weight wasn't good as I was 224 and a half pounds 40+ pounds more than I wanted to weigh.

On February 1 Ed came down for a few days and we ate out and went to see the "Rolling Stones" concert film at IMAX.

Then things started to go downhill and fast! My dentist told me I needed about $8-9,000 to fix my teeth--seems all the work (including the implant) that I had done in 1972 was disintegrating--and one day the boss came in and fired EVERYONE--I would be out of work for a little over 8 months.

Tom L. was in and out of the hospital fighting AIDS and since his family had turned their backs on him I became his caretaker.

Then in May the apartment above me flooded, seeping into my place, ruining my complete LP record collection, the carpets and the walls. I had to move which meant 2 months rent and more deposits plus the actual expense of moving..

I needed a new radiator and top for the car.

I wasn't in a panic YET--I had a few bucks in the bank, got a good tax refund and I had 2 credit cards with very low balances

I started the dental work in May at the same time I was moving. Between the car, the teeth, moving, not working and just everyday expenses I was, once AGAIN, heading for disaster but I really wasn't worried--hey I was playing Lotto (plus Fantasy 5, Mega money--and not winning) and going to Jai Alai--I had to hit a BIG payday! NOT!!!

If I thought declaring bankruptcy was humiliating it was nothing compared to what I felt I had to do on July 17--2 years to the day of filing for that bankruptcy. Emotionally and mentally it was one of the low points of my life but I had to take that step or I would find myself homeless in August!

(to be continued)


This picture was taken in my new apartment in front of a "Hollywood" mural that I had been given as a gift--notice the shirt--the same one you saw in the bird videos 12 years later!!