Just so you know... 2

[orangedog]

Just got back. Started out in the slow lane but moved. I was in better swim shape than I thought.

I'd feel lonely too if I were sitting in a dark house with no cell phone, sketchy phone and internet service.

[bluerain]

Good for you! It always feels so good to be back in the water. I have a long history with swimming, and its something that I really enjoy.

All of this snow is going to make for a beautiful morning, 12 inches in 8 hours so far, its still snowing. I just hope that they clean up the roads in the morning!

I got all of my paperwork for my school grant worked out(with all of the time I had!). It helped me to feel more hopeful about where Im going. I also realized that after this semester, I will be a junior! I still have way more than a year left, but I have enough credits to technically be a junior, its taken me 5 years to get this far! Ive been working full time most of the time! I made sure to add it to my resumes- at least the ones that would think that it was good. I have actually been starting to wonder if it is hurting me to put on there that I am a student. I dont know, I can see pros and cons to it.

[bluerain]

I am seeking opinions on this letter- not your typical letter that we see on here, but I do need some help with this guys!

I have to write a letter for my grant (for school) outlining my change of circumstances. Im not super excited about this.
Im thinking of something like this:

Dear sir or madam:
I am writing to explain my change in circumstances affecting my ability to contribute to my education.

In January of 2008, at my husbands urging, I left my full time job to attend (college in my town) full time. About 2 months later, he informed me that he was leaving our marriage, and had begun seeing another woman. In May of 2008 he moved out of our home, and in August of 2008, he moved out of the state.

I have been fortunate enough to secure seasonal employment through the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and year round part time work through a small local business, but at this time, full-time employment remains out of my reach.

I am hoping to be able to begin attending (College in the city), to complete my degree in a more timely manner than I would be able to do so at (College where I live). I have acheived Junior standing, and anticipate several more semesters of full time attendance before I am able to complete all of the required credits.

I am still separated from my husband at this time, and receive no income or regular assistance from my him. That being so, I request to have his income removed from the consideration for my financial assistance. I am a serious, motivated student, and I am concerned that ultimately, these changes in my circumstances will not allow me to complete my degree.
_______________________________________________________________

So, I have never written anything like this, and I am totally unsure about how much detail I should go into on it. I should say "Give me the money- I wont party all night and drop all of my classes halfway through like have or your grant recipeints do!" It seems like a fine line between going over the top and making them feel sorry enough for me that they just throw some $$$ at me. So, I am open to suggestions! Besides my total lack of punctuation skill that is...

[karen43]

Blue, that seems fine to me, except I would take out the part about the OW. None of their business imho, and I don't think that should affect your grant. Have you also filed separation papers or anything like that, b/c I think that would be helpful also, any info like that...

[P17]

I haven't added to this thread yet, but I agree with Karen. Take the bit out about the OW. It looks a little like bitterness. You want them to know you are strong and determined.

[bluerain]

Thanks guys, I have a big pile of paperwork to give to them. Ill send it all in tomorrow. Hopefully it will all come through in time for next semester!

I did some christmas shopping today, Im trying to spread it out, I got a little bit done already, but today was toys the little kids- way more fun than shopping for the adult women!

[bluerain]

I just opened up one of his LES's He makes a lot of money, over 5000 a month! Over 2000 as tax free entitlements. And over 1000 of that is based on his having a dependant(Me). Hes rolling in money and I have to stagger bills?

I think that its time to talk to a lawyer. I had always shied away from it because I was worried about keeping the house, my name isnt anywhere on it, so I didnt think that I had any right to it because it was acquired before we were married. Alaska is community property though, so I dont know. I guess I figured that if I played nice, he wouldnt fight me on the house. But Im not that worried about it anymore. Im just getting really frustrated lately I guess.

[orangedog]

Yes you do. Especially with aid and school issues. Do it very soon. I can recommend a person in A town but you might need to find someone local.

[bluerain]

There isnt anyone here that deal with D, but there are a few people up the road that do. I dont know how to pay for it though. In the original D papers I put in there that he would pay for everything because he was the one who wanted out. But I disposed of them when he said he wanted to try again. Too bad, I actually had a pretty sweet deal worked out for myself in that set of papers!

I actually dont know if he knows that I burned them... maybe I could just draft up a new set...

[orangedog]

New draft? Hmm... if things have changed then you should consult. Did you have consultation on the first draft? Not likely to be approved without it.

I think that both parties are supposed to split legal fees but I negotiated that she pay em since she wanted the div.

Find a way to get a half hour or hour consult at least. Its important.