How am I doing? == I have no idea.. Thanks for asking.

How am I doing?

I'm facing some challenges going into the new year and am seeking support. But I want to focus on celebrating the good things and people in my life for Advent and Christmas. It would mean the world to read this and know that you are thinking of me.

My car's engine has failed, and I am currently on a waitlist for a replacement from the junkyard. The swap will cost about $2,000, for which I have a potential interest-free loan arrangement.

My Christmas wish is to get a new used car—something reliable that won't require constant repairs. A dependable car would allow me to sleep in it between shifts, during travel, or if I needed to sublease my bedroom for a season during financially difficult times. I have been borrowing a great car for the past two months, and need to return it permanently in a couple weeks. The owner is planning to sell it, and has a fantastic reference for me borrowing the car.

I would still love to fix the old car and pass it down to a couple I've known for years through culinary vocational training. They are on disability and have been needing a car for a long time.

My housemate is moving out into the new Lady Gloria Ridge income-based apartments. The units are supposedly opening on the first of the new year. I am very proud of her, and while the move is bittersweet, I'm looking forward to having one month alone to prepare the house for one or two new housemates. This is the only way I can afford to cover the rent.

This past year, after the storm, the two people I had lived with both moved out. One left the country, and the other moved to Marshall with their partner to help them survive. I've stayed in touch and am on great terms with both. I even worked with one of them at my school job until this past week; they are leaving to begin student teaching. I am sad that I may not see them often. However, this year I took a chance and offered housing to two people I knew well who were homeless or recently homeless.

The first time I tried this, it went terribly. I took in a young man I had known for about three years, whom I know to be brilliant and kind. Unfortunately, he struggled and experienced a mental health crisis. He left amicably after 28 days with the mediation and support of our faith communities. The second experience went much better. We had some hiccups, but overall, we truly valued our time together. I am looking into cohabitation options for 2026 so I can continue renting. Our rent is below market rate, and splitting it among residents makes it affordable.

My part-time job is wonderful, but the hours are very limited, and the compensation is not as good as I would like. I live a simple life with no frills: I don't eat out, most of my food is free, and I stay home almost every night. I drive less than 10,000 miles a year. I recently applied for a part-time IT position at my workplace to supplement my hours and pay. I interviewed and felt optimistic, but I was ultimately rejected. It stings, but I am moving past it.

I am currently selling apple chips and taking orders until March. They make a great holiday gift—please consider buying some! I also have a project called Heartwarmers, which is a social platform I am building to support local mutual aid for at-risk members of the public. Please check out my order page and Heartwarmers. I would like to a fundraising event this winter with a five-course custom menu, a live-streamed stage performance, and a showcase of my work. My hope is to use this event to raise the necessary funds and bridge the gap between my business and soul work and my finances.

Thank you for reading. Have a great Christmas.

Here is an unboxing video for a Christmas gift some members of Gen We donated, to Shanna, who is an unhoused neighbor.