Gas Prices Are Killin Me.

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The guy you see in the photo, is me in early 2001 (I'd have to either close my mouth or photoshop my smile, for a recent photo,) when I was finally making some progress after years of low paying jobs. I had started what I now, reluctantly call a business in mid 2000, and was making enough money to pay the bills and sometimes, have reserves; reserves often eaten for repairs, by the clunker you see below me. Then 9/11 hit and things began to change for the worse.

It was subtle at first, and as the publics fears subsided things improved; Leaving room for hope. That seems like an eternity ago.

For a while, I thought I saw a trend and had it figured out. Gas prices would rise and decline; and with the decline, calls would increase. After a time however, when fuel prices declined, business remained stagnant. Increasing advertising and follow up calls yielded little or no results.

I ignored earlier forecast of predicted fuel prices, and remained optimistic; for calls were sporadically coming in. Now, it's nearly $4.00 an hour in my area; the phone almost never rings, and the vehicle I drive requires a full-time job to pay for gas to find a job. I'm hanging on by a thread, and am at the end of my rope.

I've never lived above my means; no credit cards, cable, fancy dinners out, or vacations; buying only what I have money for, and often buying it used.

I've also never had to ask for help with food, utilities, or bills before the recent gas prices; and I've certainly never felt like a loser.

Now I find myself relying on the generosity of strangers to help me rise above this situation; in a venue where so many are scamming that legitimate needs are subjected to scrutiny and harsh criticism. I say preemptively...I take full responsibility for the fact that in my youth, I could've done things differently to make today different, but I can't change the past, and without help today, the future looks bleak.

I suspect that if you look at the monetary amount, you might be dissuaded and disinclined to help, but if you look at it from the aspect of small amounts from the many who might read this and contribute, it's more palatable.

It's my fondest hope that readers here in D/F.W. who have carpet, might read this and allow me to service them; as it would please me to earn my goal - and that all others at too far a distance for servicing, might be willing & able to assist with the attainment of an economical vehicle;
NOT to fund the continuation of carpet cleaning services.
*My minimum goal is $5,500.00 for a good used vehicle but aspire for 8k to lessen the likelihood of getting another clunker.

*To reach my goal of $5500.00 I need 138 pledges of $40.00 Thank you. Sincerely, Michael