The Move, The Sequel, The Novelization

I begin to feel as though I am the main character in someone's first draft of a book that's supposed to be a meditation on the futility of modern capitalist enterprise. It's not a very good book. I don't recommend it. Thumbs down, one star, and soforth.

Which is to say, after almost a year of staying with very generous friends in spare rooms and basements in NY and NJ while I applied to every job I remotely qualify for, I have to move to Atlanta to occupy a family basement instead.

Of course, that comes with a new set of logistical issues, including the (thankfully temporary) rehoming of my cats and the costs associated with getting them to their new babysitters.

7u8y, says Jade, with an emphatic paw on my keyboard.

I could spin a tale of woe and frustration, but honestly, I'm tired enough from living through it that I don't really want to inflict it on anyone else. In terms of what I'm asking for, you can see in the associated screenshot exactly what my numbers are and where they're coming from in terms of range. The estimates that involve rental vehicles and hotel/motel expenses are all based on no less than three companies available in the areas where services will be needed. I tried a variety of rental configurations and options to land on the most economical ones available.

There are factors in this that could change, including how much moving the cats will cost. I'm finalizing planning with the other parties still, and will update the amount I'm aiming for according to any expenses eliminated or deferred. I've already worked out the math on meeting people places vs driving the whole way myself vs other options, and will share those updated totals if they become relevant.

If folks have my Venmo, Paypal, or Zelle information and prefer to donate via those sources and avoid the GFM service fees, I'll report those donations here and drop the overall amount accordingly.

Timeline-wise, I'm looking at:

First cat transport initiated May 12-16, total cost with $450 hold on card for rental vehicle: $1805

Second cat transport date tbc but before May 31st, including vet appointments and vaccinations; vehicle rental hold covered by previous amount: est $910

Remaining expenses including box truck rental, lodging, gasoline, and food, by May 19th: around $3915

Additional expenses for these events (ie transport to/from rental locations, etc): $125

Which brings the grand total to a nausea-inducing $6755.

The current total ask is $6400, based on the averages of the expense range included in the screenshot below, and GFM's additional fees. As mentioned, anything sent to me via other platforms will get noted here and the total will drop!

I wouldn't have made it through the past year without the friends and family who have helped me until now. It's been hellacious, for a lot of reasons, and I'm heartbroken that having a roof over my head means being without my pets for the next while. But I'm also incredibly grateful that I have somewhere to go.

I know none of us are doing "well" right now, and everything is about to get harder. Thank you, so much, for any time or financial help you can spare!

Bonus Jade picture, as she helped co-author this post.