You guys have bailed me out numerous times already: When I needed funds to keep my connection, when I found out about the glaucoma/cataract thing (which remains ongoing but is currently in a sort of holding pattern.) Somebody just donated a new Official TUAK Laptop, and somebody else is loading it with OS and apps. I’ve had cash contributions and care packages galore. You guys owe me nothing, and you’ve been very generous.
So I figure, “What the hell? They’re gullible.”
The shoe I’ve been waiting for has dropped. Regular readers will know I got dragged to a local clinic by a neighbor about three weeks ago, while I was learning the sort of joy and fulfillment that can only come from traumatic limb amputation, childbirth, and kidney stones. Everything seems to have come out all right, I’ve felt great for over a week, but now I’ve gotten the bill from the clinic and lab. It’s not as bad as I feared, but I have to come up with about $500.
The Paypal account currently holds $65, and I’m not sure what’s in the bank but it’s probably about $100. This pisses me off because I was hoping to use that for Internet costs, but bills must be paid. Push comes to shove I can probably work out some sort of payment plan, I mean they’re not going to drag me out of the lair and off to debtor’s prison, but I just really hate debt.
So everything that goes into the kitty from now until I can raise $500, including ebook sales, will go to pay off the people at the clinic who were very prompt and kind and got me out of agony. Anybody who wants to contribute is certainly welcome to, and I’ll chart the progress on the new neato graphic on the sidebar. To anybody who wants to help get Uncle Joel out of hock, Thanks Again.
Donation sent — though I didn’t really need the extra copy of your book the system offered me afterwards.
I know it might be futile, since you don’t have any way of proving your income, but have you checked to see whether the clinic might offer a sliding pay scale for impoverished hermits — or possibly a discount for cash?
Still, if the bill was less than $500 for an emergency visit with IV treatments, you’re doing pretty well.
Well…yes. I didn’t check, that is, my nosy neighbor L checked. And though I don’t know for sure, I suspect the price they charged me is the “poor guy” rate. They knew before I arrived there was no point asking to see my Blue Cross card. But I could go and negotiate, proving my income…if I could prove my income. Last year’s tax returns would do.
My papers are not in order. There are downsides to being off the grid, as you well know.
I kicked in as well Joel. Get well, stay well, God speed.
I’m glad I could help. You’ve provided me with years of free entertainment. The fre-e-book was a pleasant surprise – thanks. Take care.
Got to keep you in one piece. I can’t imagine how I’d start my morning without Joel and Claire!
Joel, Happy to help.
Medical facilities will often allow their bills to be paid in increments if asked. Something to look into, perhaps.