So after 17 years here in California, I have decided to go back to Illinois. With all the loss that I have endured here and the cost of living, it made it harder to live here. With the people that miss me back in Illinois, I feel the need to be back there, closer to them.

Soooo, the moving of my belongings alone is costing me $2,500. I do have a car that I paid for, so I am driving me, my son, and dog back that way. The estimated cost of gas is going to be about $700. It'll take roughly 4 to 5 days depending on how many times we stop for the night, with the cost estimating $600 to $800 for hotels. And then the cost of food. I also found storage for my belongings once I get there; the first month and the second month are going to cost me about $200.

As for living arrangements, I am not sure about my living arrangements at this time. I'm hoping to have a little bit of extra cash to help if I need a hotel room once I get there for at least a week, and we're looking at $600 for that.

Times are hard and things cost so much money here in California. I'm just asking for a little bit of extra help from whoever can help. Every little bit counts. So in advance, I thank you all so very much for at least entertaining the idea of helping me out. To all my people here in California, I love you all very much, and I am very, very sad to go.