COVID-19 hobby and life impact

Zoom apparently rolled out a fix yesterday if that helps any. For my group of 6, me and one other person are both immuno-compromised and we both have a lung disease. It's also a 40 car ride for me to get into the city. The other guys are geographically closer than me to each other but it's still at least a 20 minute car ride (in good traffic) to met up with one guy needing to ride public transit for about 35 minutes.

My daily life isn't too much different, really. The only change is that I don't go to work. I've never been a very social creature and went from work to home and that's it. Having to stay at home and not be forced to socialize with people is actually kinda nice. it's not even about being able to stay in my pj's all day. I assume this forced isolation is as rough for extroverts as forced socialization is for introverts.

 

Glad to see they did a fix, though I'm personally still not comfortable with it enough to use it. But I know a lot of places are, so fixing things is definitely good. After some consideration, we actually elected to go with a paid service for $15/month that we'll set up with this week. Since we have people in our group who are in IT and sensitive industries, having something that's security-compliant is a good option. (Plus, we're borrowing the computer to set up at the table while we get started, and this system doesn't require any added software downloads I'd have to scrub out later!)

I overall tend to go to work and go home, and tend more toward introversion, but I've been learning through this that I do need to get out and see other people, too, even if not in huge doses. I haven't seen my con family since our final "limited people only while we discuss the cancellation" meeting three weeks ago, I haven't seen my coworkers in even longer (though it is nice when they turn on video during meetings and I've started doing the same), I haven't been able to go play Pokemon at the mall or run out to Ikea to pick up stuff for the house, and when I do have to run out to a store it's an exercise in anxiety and tension.

I can't complain about wearing PJ pants to work, though. (Waist up I'm dressed for our meetings on days when we have them.)

 

I'm staff at Anime North and we had to cancel the con this year (it usually runs the 3rd weekend in May). It's disappointing that the con was cancelled but at the same time, it was the right move, I feel. The con heads also wouldn't have had a choice about cancelling as the city of Toronto has suspended/rescinded all fees/permits for large gatherings for the next 12 weeks and considering that we get something like 6,000 people on Saturday....

AN getting cancelled also means that Doll North was cancelled as well since that's a mini-con that runs within the larger con. My wallet is pretty happy about that as DN is generally where a lot of my con money tends to go. It's disappointing that I won't get to see a lot of cool dolls, too, as well as visit with some local-ish doll people that I don't see often just due to distance (I'm not hyped on a 2-3 hour transit ride one way to visit).

 

Anyone use their dolls as a background for a video chat?

 

@I<3MySD - I am so, so sorry to hear about your grandfather. What a difficult situation, especially not even being able to hold a funeral. I will say a prayer for peace and consolation for you and your family.

 

Thank you so much, that really means a lot. It's so strange, I felt I wasn't even supposed to go see my mother to comfort her. What a bizarre world we are in right now. I know many families are experiencing the same. Hopefully we all vanquish this soon!

 

@I<3MySD - I know what you mean! It really it such a strange time! One of my brothers said if someone had told us two months ago that cities would be shut down and grocery stores would be empty, no one would have believed them - and it's so true!

One of the hardest things for me and my mother (we live together, and the house is basically locked down due to her health issues) is that we can't visit with and help babysit my nieces and nephews. They are very young (4months, 16 months, and 17th months) and we miss them so much and don't want them to forget us!

But my sister is a paramedic and her husband is a firefighter so they are at high-risk for getting sick, and my other brother is a police officer so he has to be very careful, too. So far we've had a few "car visits" where they stay in the car and we stand a safe distance away and talk to them, but we can't wait to hug them again.

But this is going to end eventually!

 

I'm able to do my job from home, but the stress is starting to get to me.

I'm isolating with my parents, and combining two two cat households has been.... interesting. As I type this, I'm being chorused by a sporadic undercurrent of "sssssssssssssssss" noises. At least I'm getting some doll clothes made, though mom is often using the sewing machine to make masks...

 

You're right, I agree but I'm not sure how affordable they are, I've heard tests are really expensive in the US, is that true? In México we have a little over 2,000 cases and under 100 deaths which is a very low number compared to the US but a lot of people are saying that's because no one is getting tested and many deaths are declared as pneumonia, which is kind odd, wouldn't be surprised if our government lied to us... Again... I'm just really glad that you have someone that can bring you guys the groceries, I hope you recover soon!!

Being asymptomatic is something I hadn't considered but seeing it's probable makes me worry a lot more, I can't understand how people don't care about being the ones that spread the virus, most people only care about not getting it, it's awful... And in México we have this complex of feeling like we're super strong and the virus won't kill us, so everyone is still out there like nothing is happening.

 

I very much know how you feel. I'm staff for Anime Detour in Minneapolis; we weren't under the full "stay at home, gatherings banned" point yet when we announced the cancellation, but it should have been this weekend and we're halfway through the current span of "stay at home." (I know sometime early this week it'll be extended.) It's hard on the attendees and staff, but you're right, it's the right move (especially early enough that people aren't still trying to get ready and making plans, or stressing out about whether or not to go). I hope all the cons that are having to cancel will come through in good enough financial shape to go forward.

We did a Discord chat Saturday with some of the dolly community (when our panels should have been) and that was honestly a really nice thing to do. Just to sit and talk dolls with people, and throw photos in a separate channel, was a good break and a good way to reconnect with others and still see some cool dolls.

Meanwhile, today the impacts keep coming. We learned that our department at work is being 40% furloughed "temporarily but indefinitely." I'll be filling out unemployment tonight, I think. (Maybe tomorrow, we're restricted by SSN on which day we can use and I don't remember which day I get.) It's very hard to focus on my work waiting for the next meeting...

 

On the upside, community seems a lot stronger. I've gotten back in contact with some old friends, we've been texting a lot and made plans to go to dinner once all of this is over and we can safely go out again. I've made plans with someone else to have a game night, and another friend of mine from out of state is talking about making travel plans to come see me. People I've always cared about but not talked to much have been blowing up my [hone, and I've made a couple of new friends within the doll hobby too--I just sold them some doll clothes, we started talking and it's like we're old friends. We might be physically distanced, but I feel like we're actually growing closer.

 

Yes, that's what they're saying as well.
I hope it doesn't happen because I'm really starting to get worried about my loved ones.


Oh man, today I fell like things are only gonna get worse, apparently it's just getting started here, I'm feeling really frustrated about all this, I'm generally an introvert and I'm not complaining about isolation, to be honest I kinda like that part, but my wedding and honeymoon getting canceled, everything being closed (I cannot legally get married since it's not an urgent thing) and I woke up today with the news of Lady Gaga having to cancel a show I was going to on Vegas I'm starting to feel really hopeless. It's everything I was looking forward to on this whole year, I feel kinda pathetic worrying so much about all my silly first world problems, I keep hearing in my head "Kim there's people that are dying"... Today is not a great day for me though, any ideas on how to cope with that?

Yes, that's what they're saying as well.
I hope it doesn't happen because I'm really starting to get worried about my loved ones.


Oh man, I fell like things are gonna get worse, apparently it's just getting started here, I'm starting to get really frustrated about all this, I'm generally an introvert and I'm not complaining about isolation, to be honest I kinda like that part, but my wedding and honeymoon getting canceled, everything being closed (I cannot legally get married since it's not an urgent thing) and I woke up today with the news of Lady Gaga having to cancel a show I was going to on Vegas I'm starting to feel really hopeless. It's everything I was looking forward to on this whole year, I feel kinda pathetic worrying so much about all my problems, I keep hearing in my head "Kim there's people that are dying"... Today is not a great day for me, any ideas on how to cope with that? Should I get more dolls so there's something new I can look forward to? Just kidding that's a terrible idea for me right now, I'm unemployed.

 

Personally, I am on another forum that has set up lots of spaces to vent, so that helps. I am basically bouncing from hobby to hobby right now. I also have a job that, fingers crossed, I'll still be starting in June, so I have a deadline to look forward to.

 

First off, I just want to say that your feelings are valid. Just because others may have it worse doesn’t mean you can’t be upset or sad about your own problems. That’s like saying someone can’t be happy because others have it better. We are all missing out on things and losing things we looked forward to because of this pandemic, whether it was something as small as a dollmeet or big as a vacation or wedding. My friend’s wedding has been canceled, my nephew’s prom and graduation have been canceled and I didn’t get to go to my niece’s 14th birthday. My dad is sick and I can’t even visit him. My anniversary is next week and we can’t go on a trip as usual. I’m upset about all of these things, even though it could be worse. Please don’t ever feel guilty about your feelings just because others may have it worse. You are definitely entitled to your feelings!


As for coping, it’s hard and I don’t have a good answer, other than reach out to those you love. Talking to my friends and family has helped. Vent your frustrations. Find ways you can use the time to be productive. Make plans for when things are better. I’ve made plans with multiple friends and just knowing I’ll get to hang out with them is giving me something to look forward to.

 

@CloakedSchemer well said!
I also think that now that we are in a high-stress situation, and many of us confined in our homes, it adds an extra toll on our mental healths and every little thing feels even WORSE.
I've seen far too many people critisizing others who are worried their orders won't make it through and yelling "stop being so self centered!!!" but all those little defeats add up. it's perfectly normal to be sad or worried about "selfish" things too.

 

I have officially been back to work for three days. My husband got sick and because I live with him I was off of work as well. He wasn't severe enough to be tested; so we don't know what he had, but we don't think it is COVID.
I work at a big box retail store. I had a different job potentially lined up, but that fell through because pandemic. I feel pretty fortunate though because I do still have an income.
Most people are coming in for groceries and essentials. When we get hot items right now (TP, sanitizer etc.) it is gone within minutes. Most people have been very sweet and understanding, but we will always have those people.
Just yesterday we had a customer cough on one of our vendors and yell obscenities at him about how he hoped he would get the virus.
Doll wise I want to be doing more, but I am finding after my shifts I am pretty much getting home and passing out. As I get used to it I do hope to be able to do some doll work again though. I have some face-ups I want to do and some restringing, but at the moment I haven't had the energy.

 

We're all going through really hard times, some have it worse than us and some don't, part of me knows that my feelings are valid but part of me feels kinda crappy talking about it, I've talked to other people (online and my friends) about my concerns and in response they always bring up how bad it is for everyone else. I don't understand why they think that's a comforting thing to say to someone who isn't feeling good, although I understand there's not much they can say when there's nothing we can do to make things better. You're totally right, I talked with my fiancé, I'm starting to feel a little better, I think what works best for me is to work on my projects but we'll see, I feel like I need some space and this could be an opportunity to focus on my projects. I will try to reach out to some of my friends as well, as soon as I feel ok with that, it always helps.

I know right? It doesn't seem to me like a hard thing to empathize with, I believe that even though we suffer for different reasons the feeling is the same, we will never know how it is for other people and just because of that we shouldn't judge or invalidate their feelings, it's a hard thing to do and I still struggle with that but right now the best thing to do is be kind and try to understand each other

 

Everyone has things they've lost (I lost the convention I was helping run, and the one I was going to... the next one on deck is in danger, as is an event I look forward to all year), and it's completely reasonable to worry about impending things we've lost and grieve the ones we have.

As for coping, everyone's different of course, but one of my coworkers shared a website a couple of weeks ago that's worth checking out: Virus Anxiety

 

My parents told me I may not be able to buy anymore dolls. I want only a few more. And I don't know what to wipe them with. My dad sprays alcohol and not sure if it's it'll be safe on resin.

 

@emilie_moon wiping them with alcohol is safe everywhere except for on faceups! it won't damage resin by wiping normally (sometimes damage can happen by soaking it in alcohol for a long time, but otherwise should be fine) but it will remove sealant/paint from faceups so be careful!

 

You can use warm water mixed with gentle dish soap (as long as it does not contain any kind of oily lotion) to clean your dolls...and as a twenty second hand wash is enough to prevent the spread of virus according to the CDC, it should be more than enough for your dolls. I just don't understand the need to randomly disinfect them. It's not like the coronavirus spontaneously appears on every surface - you'd have to put it there, first...and assuming that you wash your hands regularly, it's not a risk. But if you're talking about a brand new incoming doll, and you're actually worried, then just leave it in the box for a few days before opening it. Viruses don't live forever outside of a host.

 

Thank you very much! I enjoyed the take a break part and came across Bodega cats of instagram and now my day is made hahaha I have been feeling better these past couple of days, I hope things start going a little better soon!

 

I have a question.. due to all this pandemic, what are your thoughts on ordering a wig from China? Will it be safe or a possibility of getting the virus?

 

To be honest I think it's probably safe, China is in a much better place right now compared to a few months ago, but it's probably gonna take a long time to get to you, i'd do what they've been saying in this thread, when you get the package wait a couple of days before opening it, i'm not sure what's true and what's not but I've read it's unlikely to get the virus from a package, except if the person who delivered had the virus and grabbed the package with dirty hands...I'd wait though and probably try to make a wig by myself in the meantime.

 

All viruses (SARS-CoV-2 included) have poor survivability outside a host. The contents of the box would be enclosed long enough during shipping that no viruses of any kind would remain viable. You would have to pick up a viral load from a customs inspector opening the box and handling everything with dirty hands (unlikely, US inspectors don't tend to open private shipments), or from your mail carriers and other postal employees handling the outside of the box, meaning that it would not be specifically the point of origin that would be the source of the virus, and you'd be at risk of it regardless of what came in the mail and where it originated.

 

Honestly the biggest impact is that I can't really go out and go browsing for fabrics, items, or etc. I was really looking forward to spring since in the US it's a good time for garage sales- thus really affordable old clothes and jewelry and trinkets.

 

I totally understand. I want to find toys for my Lati White and find it hard to find the right size.

 

Well, now my husband got sick. No doctor's office or even urgent care would see him as he was displaying many of the symptoms. The only option was the emergency room at the hospital. The attending physician was fairly confident he has it, but he cannot get tested as they are only testing people who are going to be admitted to the hospital (with dangerously low oxygen levels, for example). The doctor instructed us to quarantine from each other in the house, but I don't think that is realistic or possible. Now I'm just waiting for me to get it!

I'm quite alarmed at the situation in the USA giving what I've now seen. It makes you wonder how many people truly have it, as they are only testing those who may require hospitalization (at least, that's the case near me).

My only response to this has been to stress-buy more dolls. I need to stop but it's like the only thing that is engaging to me right now. Television, movies, internet discussions and now even some of my hobbies seem useless or pointless. It's been so hard to manage mental health and try to continue working from home through all of this. It just doesn't seem important in the big scheme of things.

 

@I<3MySD that is terrible! i’m so sorry to hear that you’re having such a rough go of it. it’s kind of ridiculous that they aren’t testing everyone that comes in with symptoms. honestly they should have tested you as well!

and i feel you big time with diving into doll stuff as a response to the stress. they are such wonderful companions to have around, and if you gather enough you can use them to make a circle of healing around your husband while he’s trying to rest!

 

@I<3MySD I'm in the US and facing the same thing; it's a lack of facilities, tools, and doctors and nurses if I understand it. There's been shortages of medical staff in the US before this iirc. The cost of schooling to maybe be a high paid doctor just isn't worth it.
Honestly though, best wishes. I know my own life would fall apart if one of us in this tiny apartment got it.
Try not to hold it against the few medical workers, just take good care of your husband and yourself.

 

I think he would be a little startled if I surrounded him with the dolls! Lol. I appreciate your thoughts! I think so many people are so overwhelmed right now and that's sad. I hope everyone can find some comfort

Oh, its nothing against the medical workers at all! It isn't their fault our government isn't supplying the needed tests. They're doing the absolute best that they can giving how woefully unprepared the country is to handle this. Thank you for your well wishes!

 

I have been so disinterested in doll stuff lately. I have dolls out and I look at them every day, but all I want to do is knit, sleep, and try to read or browse random internet stuff when I'm not working. And now I have ANIMAL CROSSING. I have dolls paid off, but can't be shipped, and the longing for them has kind of taken a backseat to the longing that I now have for the number of concerts I've already missed (Against Me!, Anti-Flag, Subhumans, AGAINST ME! AGAIN), and life events I actually could be doing.

I'm a registered nurse in a hospital, and this situation in a lot of ways reinforces my love for my profession, but I do regret that our health literacy and health disparity issues have maybe helped contribute to our situation. And some places aren't even in the worst of it yet. We are still rearranging and consolidating staff and resources so that we can brace for a real impact. Some states are definitely worse than others, but I feel like I always need to offer some input, which may or may not be helpful...

If you are sick and are not sure what to do, call your primary doctor or the hospital first before showing up to the ER. We do not want people IN the hospital as patients, because increased length of stay increases risks of infections like COVID19. And if you are not sure you have COVID19 and don't know how to keep your symptoms contained, the ER is a pool of very sick people with cancer, broken bones, heart failure, chronic lung disease, etc... just waiting to pick up more infections from you. I used to feel safe in my hospital, but now I feel like I can't shower enough.

If you feel like you cannot get tested, you could also consider searching the news for any independent testing sites, or contacting the CDC? I realize this may require you to have some sort of reliable transportation and/or some form of money, although most are waiving fees at this time. We are definitely still limited by how many tests are available every day, but some bigger hospital systems have developed their own tests, so there are different options, at least in larger locales. We've put people on "watch" under quarantine at home or COVID19 precautions for days instead of just testing them. It sucks, I don't know.

This is kind of out of nowhere, but: IF YOU CAN, PLEASE DONATE BLOOD. The other day I gave out 4 blood products, and none of them were from the local blood bank, because we are under stay at home orders. That almost never happens to us, at a hospital in a big city. I gave blood that came from places as far as Arizona to D.C. - so seriously, wherever you donate, your gift will be distributed and well loved/used.

But anyway, now that I ranted, I feel like I've been donating away my money more so than spending it lately, because I feel way too privileged in this situation. I want some doll stuff to give to myself, actually, but really nothing much is interesting me at the moment.

P.S. Please god don't make me tell anyone how to properly doff a mask or pair of gloves AS SOON AS IT'S CONTAMINATED and not wear it in your car, docking your groceries, etc.

 

edit: double post.

 

I just got furloughed for two weeks starting this Monday. As long as the unemployment check comes through I should be fine as my apartment is rather cheap but it is still really stressful.

I've been sewing to help deal with the stress, but nothing doll related yet. So far I've just been making face masks and tote bags.

 

@snow072291 definitely apply asap; my roommate was furloughed indefinitely but was able to get benefits started really quickly, and for a full furlough it was really easy to get everything filled out. (My whole team at work is being 40% furloughed, which has been a lot more confusing, so we're all really hoping we got through correctly.)

 

@vicemage I applied today. Now just to see if they need any more information from me regarding my current classes.

 

Domino's Pizza is putting out commercials saying they're hiring, I'd guess other places that deliver food and stuff would be too.

 

Thanks

 

You're welcome! Just be sure not to soak the elastic - if it gets too wet, you'll have to at least partially unstring her to let it dry out.

 

A few questions about this, if you can answer and don't mind:

-Is it safe to donate or will I be exposing myself to the virus by going out?
-How do I know if I'm able to donate? (borderline anemic but sometimes I'm good enough to be accepted, got a tattoo last September)
-Do I need to make an appointment or just show up?
-Do I need to know 100% that I don't have the virus? I've been staying home as much as possible but worked retail until a couple of weeks ago and have gone out for groceries and post office, so I guess it's possible I could have caught it but have no symptoms.

I'd like to help if I can!

 

I received my stimulus direct deposit today. Honestly, I'm still working and my finances have not changed at all, so my first impulse is to buy a new doll, heh. But I won't...because I don't need this money (well, no more than anyone ever needs extra cash), and it was completely unearned. I actually feel guilty, and wish that they hadn't started randomly throwing checks at everyone in the US. I'm doing okay, and people who are already a LOT wealthier than I am - with plenty of money in the bank - are getting them, too. Did anyone really think this through?

Anyway, now I have to figure out where to spend or donate it to do the most good. I never imagined I could be so unhappy about a cash windfall.

 

A lot of charitable organizations are struggling right now. The two major charity events/disbursements that the organization I'm in normally does have both been cancelled, because we couldn't put them on and therefore don't have the money to hand out. Maybe check your local area for similar cancelled events, pick your favorite charity/charities from those ones, and give them the money.

 

@celga That is really kind of you to do, and I'm sure whomever receives the money will be beyond grateful.

I see @vicemage already offered some sound advice - I'd like to add that food pantries are really struggling to provide much needed groceries to folks in need right now. The amount of people nationwide who have turned to food pantries in the recent weeks has spiked significantly. They rely heavily on donations and I'm sure any local food pantry in your area would put a donation to great use.

Of course, it's your money, so you are free to do with it as you see fit. Just some food for thought.

 

How does one get this check? On one hand, my new job doesn't start until June and I can't seem to get unemployment. On the other, my parents are providing me food and board until then. I don't need the money right now. It would be nice, but I'm not in dire straights. So I also feel conflicted about this "checks to everyone" plan. I just hope it doesn't cause inflation.

 

Like I've heard about every hospital, I'd imagine every place has individual policies for the COVID19 issue right now, so I think the only thing I could suggest would be to google search your nearest blood donation bank and see if they are even doing anything right now, and how you can help. I know the limit on tattoos is like 6 months before donating, and I know they can check a blood sample before donating to see if you're eligible ( I'm also anemic . And they can check for electrolyte and protein issues too I believe, which can also bar you from donating).

Everyone has a small possibility of being exposed to the virus by just going out of their house, but try to feel safe in the understanding that the people at donation sites are also medical professionals working with reduced staff at this time, and they are probably screened everyday for exposure or symptoms of COVID19 as medical professionals at almost all worksites are. You may want to ask questions on the phone, like, "will the staff be wearing protective equipment like masks when helping me?" to figure out if you feel safe or not beforehand. Right now every staff in our hospital is wearing masks regardless, so I would refuse help from anyone that is not.

 

I'm in the "this sucks, but I am not facing impending financial disaster" group, but being temporarily laid off has made me realize how much my job keeps my brain busy.... Like the first two weeks I was like "hey I'm gonna chill" then shelter-in-place was ordered and my boss e-mailed me like "yeah probably not gonna go back to work until June" I am like... I am getting stir-crazy and anxious and I'm gonna cry because one of my pet goldfish suddenly went into organ failure.

I thought I'd be fine because I am a bit of a homebody, but nope......

 

I'm really sorry to hear that (your poor fish). But please try to keep the faith...if nothing else, Parzival will be home soon, and you'll have lots to do.

 

Yeah, expecting things in the mail is one of my happy things. It's kind of silly, but it works.

One of my shelter-in-place frustrations is sharing the living room with everyone being at home at the same time. My sewing space. Normally have time to sew with no one being around to need the table or kick up my fabric.

 

These checks are going out to people in the US who:
-filed taxes in 2018/2019
-make less than $99k single or $198k married couple
-cannot be claimed as an independent
-are 18 or over

If you made over $75k, the amount will be lower. You don’t need to do anything to receive it, it’s automatic. From what I’ve read, if you used direct deposit when you filed your taxes, it will automatically show up, most people are receiving theirs now. If you didn’t get direct deposit, you’ll get a check in the mail, which people will start receiving around April 24.

Thank you for the info! I’ll look into my options.

 

Shoo, I hope being claimed as a dependent in 2018 didn't eff things up. My 2019 return was only just filed.

 

Not entirely. Kids over 16 get squat if they're dependent (including 18 and up), even if they file taxes. My daughter is in college and holds a job, but she receives nothing...which is absurd, considering that tuition costs far more than the basic expenses of a kid who is 16 or under. And hey, older teens don't eat? My family is already good, but it sucks for those who are unemployed and have unqualified children. Again, wondering if they really thought it through.

 

i’m so sorry to hear about your fish! i lost my whole ranchu tank almost 2 years ago and i’m still not over it. unexpected losses are without a doubt the worst part of fishkeeping.

 

Still haven't decided what I want to do. I got furloughed (potentially leading to a full lay off depending) after 5 years of regular employment at my job. My department has been super busy even during this time so it caught me completely off guard that we'd be let go since there's so much work to do and no one to do it now. Sadly I had JUST started a DC layaway for Hyman (a now discontinued doll) when I lost my job. My second payment will be due this month and unemployment is 4 weeks behind minimum in processing applications..so I'm trying to decide..do I cancel my layway and lose the payment made so far and risk damaging my reputation with the company as being a flaky buyer (not to mention losing my chance to own this doll)? Or do I keep making payments in the hope that my unemployment will be approved and I'll be backpaid? It's a really tough call. I also just impulse bought a doll less than a month before this happened too. I keep looking at all my doll choices lately and questioning if any of it was really worth. You never know what could happen in your life and this has brought a lot of that to light

Edit: I am in the US and I did get my stimulus check but I kind of need that for rent so not sure how much good that does me.

 

Oh wow, I am so sorry...this has caught so many people off guard, and the choices boil down to the lesser of two evils in most cases. I will say this: I work in the realty management business, and I know for a fact that while there are no late fees or evictions allowed for 120 days, you are still fully responsible for back rent when all is said and done...so best to keep up with it if you can. If not, making payment arrangements with your landlord will go a long way toward keeping you solvent. As for your doll, I'm just wondering - this is a worldwide crisis, and people everywhere are in it together...so have you tried contacting DC to discuss it with them? I have no doubt they understand the ramifications of what's happening, and that you're not just some random flake who can't keep up with the payment schedule. Perhaps they would be willing to work with you. After all, they're just people in the same boat, so it's not entirely out of the question that they might be able to help.

 

Oh gosh whole tank loss is scary.

I was celebrating my fish's second birthday/buyday just at the start of the month so it was like whhhhyyyyy....

My only silver lining is that the issue does not seem to be contagious..... but knock on wood....

 

Maybe I had poor wording on this. I was under the impression 18 and up would get this if they filed taxes and couldn’t be claimed as an independent? Though I don’t have kids, so I admittedly haven’t looked into that part too deeply. Thank you for the clarification.

 

There's also a site set up where you can enter your deposit information for the IRS and they'll send you the check: Get My Payment | Internal Revenue Service (note that I don't know the details on how this works, this was sent out at my workplace as an option for people who don't use direct deposit)

Talk to whoever you started the layaway with. BJDivas has said that they'll work with people during this situation, and I'm sure other companies are willing to do the same, you just need to ask.