I have now been without electricity for over one week

[mdmc]

It has been a major change in lifestyle for me. I usually enjoy watching the Simpsons, Seinfeld, and the Daily Show, then read and post here at DU.

Now I go to the library or E/T (employment and training) to get on line and look for a job.

I go to a 24 hour a day diner if I need light, food, or company.

When I go home at night, I read by candlelight and flashlight.

I think that I can actually live without tv, but I do miss refrigeration, internet, and lighting.

I want to thank all of you at DU that have helped me to deal with this situation. I appreciate it and many of you have been mad helpful.

Up until yesterday, no one except you here at DU knew my electricity was out. Yesterday, my younger sister found out. I was pretty humiliated, but she loves me, and did not make me feel any worse then I already do.

Being able to "dump" this on you here at DU has been very therapeutic. DU has been very helpful and I really appreciate it.

breakdown of newburgh by poverty level
(i live in a red section)

Please feel free to post any helpful words or suggestions that might help me through this awful situation. Peace and low stress, mdmc

[wryter2000]

1. Kick

I'm sorry you're going through such a hard time. :hug:

[MADem]

2. Head for the Sally

(Salvation Army) and see if they have any solar garden lights in their stuff, maybe with a few scuffs or whatnot. If they work, those will give you enough light to find the bathroom safely. Not too swift for reading, but at least you can find your way in the dark.

I'm assuming you have been cut off for nonpayment? Have you talked to the electric company and asked to work out a payment plan??

[Xenotime]

3. What happened?

Hasn't anyone offered help?

[mdmc]

8. this is the story

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=990725

People have it rough right now. That being said, lots of people have offered assistance here on DU. I didn't tell anyone about this situation outside of DU. Yesterday my younger sis found out. She often takes me out to lunch.:)

[Xenotime]

30. Here what I would do..

1.) Sell roomate's stuff.
2.) Pay electric bill.
3.) Change locks.

Hope your situation improves.

[mdmc]

35. he is landlord and a room mate

once i get a job, i'm gonna move out...

[grasswire]

4. my motto used to be...

"There are no bad experiences, only useful experiences." That helped me get through a lot of bad experiences because I could detach myself somewhat and view things as an observer part of the time. Perhaps you will be able to turn this into lemonade somewhere down the line. At the very least, you will have some empathy for those whose circumstances are difficult. Hang on.

[mdmc]

11. I used to work with families that had "at risk kids" meaning

kids that were at risk of being mandated to psych centers or juvie. I agree with you about useful experiences. I know kids that have been raped, beaten, abandoned. The power being out in my house is a small bad experience, in retrospect.

This will become lemonade, as God as my witness.

The last thing that I need is more empathy (LOL) . I am a good ol bleeding heart liberal. I've never even abandoned the liberal title for the hip, new "progressive" title.

[etherealtruth]

5. I am so sorry you are going through this

You seem to be facing this challenge very well (speaks to your good character).

All I can say is: This too shall pass.

[mdmc]

13. love your sig

peace and low stress

[uppityperson]

6. wow mdmc, I didn't know.

How are you doing with no refrigeration? What is happening with you? Thanks and hang in there.

[mdmc]

14. being from a privileged, upper middle class upbringing,

this has not been easy.

I'm hangin in there!

[uppityperson]

28. It is an interesting thing to try, am glad to read of your story above

It is interesting to live without electricity. I have done it by choice, mostly, a couple times in the past. One was living in the woods without electricity in WA, one the same in AK. I came to greatly appreciate warm running water and that magic switch on wall (lights!). It is a good time of yr to be without, not too hot, not too cold, food can be kept cool (most places) on a windowledge, wear layers of clothing. Go buy a LED flashlight, can get one that hooks on your head (headlamp) for $25 or so, they use less battery power than regular flashlights and put out more light. Kerosene lamps are romantic but smell and put out too little light in my opinion.

Get a camping stove, sterno burner or some such to heat up water for instant food.

Sounds like the bigger problem is with your roomate/owner/landlord, though not sure since not sure why in this positon. What with it being spring, not sure what "help with electricity" sources are available, I know during winter you can get help if your heat is electricity. Keep checking in and let us know how you are doing. And hang inthere.

[mdmc]

36. will do

peace

[CountAllVotes]

7. have you tried the local community services for power assistance?

Where I live, if you are shut off with no power and if you go there and you qualify for assistance, they will help you as soon as possible. I know this because admittedly, I had to go there for awhile myself during hard times.

Also, I agree with others, contact the power company and see if they can help.

Hang in there! Just figure it can't get much worse!

:dem: :kick:

[lastliberalintexas]

9. I second that

As well as the suggestion upthread that you speak with the utility company to determine whether you might qualify for some sort of assistance from them.

I'm very sorry, mdmc.

[magellan]

10. I'm sorry to hear you're still suffering, mdmc

I read your post last week about your flat mate getting behind on the electricity bill and them finally shutting the power off. Is there anything we can do to help? Maybe take up a collection to get the power back on for you guys? (Please don't take offense; I know some people have an aversion to such acts because they equate them to 'charity', but for goodness sake, we should all help each other when we can!)

At least it sounds like you're dealing, even if it isn't the nicest of circumstances to find yourself in. Hang in there!

[mdmc]

17. In Newburgh, NY there are so many other people is dire need

of assistance that I could never accept money for this little blip in my convenience. Thank you for the kind suggestion, but I am not quite there yet.
I have my health (well, perhaps not my mental health, but that won't kill me), a car (I drive an old Mercedes, lol), and family that live locally.

Compared to most, I am very blessed. Thank you for your kindness. Peace and low stress

[magellan]

19. Okay, but promise that if you need anything you'll give a shout

We're here for you, count on it. Peace and low stress to you too, and a :hug: for good measure.

[mdmc]

21. too kind

really...
thanks....

I don't know what else to say.

Peace, God.

ps- I've been reading a whole lot recently... just started "the power of myth" by Joe Campbell .... I'm makin lemonade out o lemons.
:)

[magellan]

31. Aw, forget it

Kind would be me hauling ass up there with a jeep-load of survival supplies (for hurricane season, but hey, we've got a month yet, lol) including a generator (got a balcony? ;)) and foodstuff in coolers. It's easier to send you whatever you may need...but I would do either, no questions asked!

I understand what you're going through to an extent. We had no power for six days after Charley blew through central FL in '04. We couldn't work (we work from home). It was hell trying to sleep at night in the heat and humidity, which was even worse during the day. Every afternoon we took a drive to collect ice and other supplies, giving us an hour's respite with the car a/c. Mostly I just kept reminding myself that a/c is a relatively new luxury and people lived in FL without it for centuries, and so could I!

But other than those minor annoyances, I look back fondly on those six days. I read more, my hubby and I talked more (we talk a lot anyway...this tested our conversational skills!) and every day was remarkably stress-free. We made a habit of heating water on the grill in the evening after dinner to make coffee and tea, and then sat in the living room with the windows open and the hurricane lamp lit, listening to the radio for a few hours and enjoying whatever breeze there was.

Not that I want to be hit with another Charley, but I often miss those times! There's much to be said for living simply. So yes, make that lemonade outta those lemons. I admire your stick-to-it-tiveness...and I also envy you a bit!

[YellowRubberDuckie]

39. Would it be possible to move south?

There are NO Jobs in the NE...I hear this every day on the phones where I work. Move south. There are lots of jobs around here in OKC...If it's feesable...I would recommend moving a bit south.
Duckie

[mdmc]

44. i love the winter and hate the summer, so i couldn't live down south

I could easily get a $7 per hour job up here. I always wanted to visit OKC, but i don't think that i could live there.

[Blaze Diem]

12. Check with local churches..St. Vincent de Paul in most cities ..

does this kind of charitable work..Ask what church you can call that might help you out..Many churches belong to a "group" affiliated with helping out in a one time case..You'd be suprised how helpful and unassuming they can be, especially when it comes to electricity bills.

Good Luck to you..Bless you my friend.

Do keep in touch with us..DUers are a great mix of been-there-done-that people, and are always happy to hear of any progress you make. What you tell us about your situation may be of some help to someone else in a situation somewhere.
You've got us for friends, remember that, and please keep us posted.

Where are you? If you don't mind telling, that is. City/State?/
Maybe I can do something from where I sit today..for you.

Blaze

[mdmc]

18. I belong to Saint Mary's in Newburgh NY

we are fighting to keep my church open (please check out my sig line link). I go there in the morning for mass (I am not working right now), and on Sundays.

[Blaze Diem]

32. A Recent Scroll Through Your Journal......

I scrolled through your journal and came across the sweetest pic of you (I presume) and that beautiful baby in your arms. Tell us about this baby, could you?
I believe a wonderful thing is waiting for you here on DU, and I would like to ask that you post a diary of sorts, in your own words and style comfortable to you, as to how you live your days and nights without electricity, Have a go at it please? It touches a lot of readers, not only in the area of compassion but also in a way that resembles the political reality of life in the USA today.
Blog away my friend..What you tell us is important and may be the direction you must go, to justify the reason you currently live as you do.

You have important things to say as to this subject. Its necessary that someone else hears it..
Thank You
I hope you will consider such a necessary undertaking.

I wish good things and happiness for you, dear.

Blaze & your friends @ DU

[mdmc]

37. thanks for the post!

the baby is my five month old nephew. I watch him some times for my sis and b-in-l. They recently moved from Brooklyn up to Cold Spring, NY. That is pretty much the story of the baby.

I like your idea of a electricity free blog / diary. I have thought about this, and I think that I am going to create something to that effect.

peace,
mdmc

[Blaze Diem]

38. I would be very interested in reading such a daily blog..

Indeed it is more a story of how many live today, than is expected.
You may have quite a following of like minded folks, the ones who played by the rules, good hearted and true. The story of your current, though temporary situation is a simple "heads up" to those who are a paycheck away from being where you are. Its all material, as they say, but the basic things for human existance should not come with such a high price tag.

Please do consider writing your story of survival. May it be the story to grow wings and warrant you not pity but the honor you deserve.
I will check your journal for more info on this subject.
Stay warm, and please stay in touch with us here on DU..

Love to you my friend
Blaze

[mdmc]

42. thanks for the kind words... i'm gonna write something up

peace. i'll pm you when i post it... :)

[mdmc]

47. really

[juajen]

15. I am so sorry.

I have been there and it is depressing. Have you signed up with a temp agency, or a day labor agency? Are you eligible for unemployment? Our electric company has a "Share the Light" program, which helps in emergencies; maybe yours does, too. Also, call helpline, if there is one, and I'm sure there is.

I'm not sure, but is it cold in your area? If so, there should certainly be emergency shelters you could go to. Temperatures should be moderating all over the country about now; neither too hot, or too cold. I hope you're comfortable, weather wise.

Know that I am thinking about you and your circumstances. I wish someone with a really good heart would send some cash your way. I will be praying for that to happen.

:hug:

[mdmc]

20. Thank you for your kind thoughts

I don't think that I could accept any money at this point. This is more of a situation of convenience, not of dire need. If it gets too cold, I can live with family or at a local shelter.

I am really just venting here at DU. Up until yesterday no one outside of DU knew that my electricity was off. I didn't want to worry my family or anything (I just worry the good folk at DU, lol). :)

peace and low stress

[madrchsod]

16. there`s a lot of folks like you

and there`s even more that are one paycheck away from not having a home,gas,or electric. hang in there cause things are bound to get better

[mdmc]

22. keep on truckin, right?

I'm a crumb fan too!

[Gormy Cuss]

23. Oh crap, mdmc. You need to find a job too?

Good luck on both fronts. You seem to have a good attitude and while that won't solve your problem, it does make it easier to get through the day. That 'lemonade' had better be tasty.:hi:

[mdmc]

24. you ARE NOT gonna kill this thread Gormy Cuss

(I won't let you!):)

Yeah, I need a job. Once I get a job, I'm gonna get my own place. Peace!

[rman]

25. It may not be feasible

in your case, but have you considered solar-electric energy? You could have limited lighting and internet from a battery that is charged during day time.


Anyway, good luck and all that.

[mdmc]

29. that is something that i am interested in doing

[leftyladyfrommo]

26. Having running water is the main thing - unless it is very hot or

very cold.

Sounds like you are adjusting pretty well. I've been without power and once you get adjusted to it you can do OK. Now I would miss my central air but I didn't even used to have air conditioning and I made it thru some very hot summers.

Being without power makes you really adjust your lifestyle in some major ways.

Hang in there kiddo.

[wicket]

27. I am so sorry

:( I had to get on a payment plan the other day with the electric/gas company as I had fallen behind, I hope there is some option for you out there :hug:

[Buns_of_Fire]

33. You're handling it like a champ, I must say

Just think of the stories you'll have to tell your grandkids of how you once had to live without electricity and had to walk 20 miles to the library (uphill both ways, and there were vicious pumas in the crevasses that would attack you every time you passed!) to use the old Internet v1.0 back in the days before the wireless access and the thought-recognition technology was perfected and implanted at birth and you actually had to use your FINGERS to communicate and you LIKED it that way!

Seriously, you know we're here to help in any way we can. We're rootin' for ya. :thumbsup:

Also seriously, though, I know there are some localities that won't allow people to live in a dwelling where the electricity and/or water has been disconnected (no matter what alternative arrangements are in place). Be careful out there.

[Minnesota Libra]

34. mdmc, I'm sorry you're having to go through this and.....................

.....I wish I had some great advice for you:hug: but unfortunately I don't.

Without a refrigerator I'd say your best bed for keeping food good for a least a day or two is wrap it in PAPER BAGS (at least a couple) and then put the whole thing in a plastic bag or even a box. Open the whole thing as little as possible and that way food should last about 48 to 72 hours.

I wish I had more to offer but please keep us posted as to how things are going at your end.:grouphug:

[hexola]

40. They turn mine off all the time!!!

Im just lazy - and I have some sort of "bill aversion sydrome"...I just hate it.

I never don't have the money - but 2-3 times a year I seem to forget to pay or something...

If I could buy an "electric card" - like a phone card...I would use a lot less power.

[mdmc]

41. i've never heard of an electric card, sounds neat.

like your avatar, and sig line...

[leftyladyfrommo]

43. You sound like me - only I manage to get mine paid

I absolutely hate to pay bills.

[ellie]

45. I have no words of wisdom,

except when you get your own place, tell the electric company you have been living with your sister. If you don't and tell them you were living with this person that didn't pay their electric bill, they will try and make you responsible for it! It happened to me! I moved into a house with this other couple. I would write them a check for my part of the electric bill, but they never paid it. When they moved, a couple of months later, and I wanted to get the electric bill in my name, the electric company said that I was partly responsible for the bill! I insisted I paid for my half but I had no cancelled checks or anything? I had to lie and say I just moved in the last month into the house and was therefore not resonsible for the bill.

What a mess.

[mdmc]

46. thanks for the post

it has been messy... awful...