Doesn't sound like a big deal, does it? Let me give a little perspective:
Clembo (that's hubby) was a new construction painter. No work since March '08. Has turned his hobby into a job, of sorts. Clears enough to cover the mortgage, gas/electric bill, groceries for two weeks, and some left over for gas & other small sundries.
I'm a mortgage loan processor. Twenty five years in a business where I've also been a loan closer/funder and a title company clerk. I've been laid off since early Nov '08. I'm on my first extension of unemployment benefits (thank you, President Obama!) which will take me through the end of May. I was lucky enough to be hired for temp work on the Census starting mid-April. It lasts 8 weeks, pays very nicely. This will affect my unemployment benefits, but I expect an overall increase for the short term. My income covers the rest of the bills, groceries, and the occasional odd expense (like plates for the vehicles).
We're lucky. We saw this rough patch coming & planned as best we could for it. It's worse than we expected. We're squeaking by, but we're fed, warm, and dry. That's a lot these days!
So what does this have to do with a steam cleaner? The answer is below the fold...
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