Short post (LOL). Night before last, back brakes went out. Yuck ... I had to scrounge and take all my parts leftover from the last car to Auto Zone, where they graciously refunded/store credited me ... otherwise, for the moment, I'd still be screwed. Yesterday, did the brakes and oh, so fun. This car has antilock and disc on back ... and need a special tool to compress the piston back into the caliper ... finally got it with a pair of needle-nose pliers ... running late, hot, dehydrated and stinking to high heaven.

Today was Small Claims ... originally I was going to file a motion to dismiss but I went on some law forums (FYI, avvo actually has attorneys who answer .... general, but it was enough to allay panic attack!), so I decided to just attend. I read that if he won, I should still have some time ... and could appeal. He got to speak first (and came with his mother) and presented the paperwork as me being his "tenant". Then, of course, it came out that I was his ex-wife and I "just refuse to leave". NICE ... I REALLY love it here in wonderful BFE, where every trip for a gallon of milk, etc costs $20 for gas and all other costs to the car ...

It came out (I was freaking out this morning, because I couldn't find the divorce decree) ... and I told the judge the decree was vague and I had asked attorney to clarify, but she had said the protective order would suffice for possession ... and they actually looked it all up; the judge went and conferred with the other judge ... who has already told him "no" for the moment ... twice ... in the last couple of months ... as he filed there first to kick me out. Even though he is paying mortgage, I am paying all else ... and WE are responsible for post-secondary educational expenses, which I have been paying.

So the judge dismissed it ... and the hearing for the $9,000 in "damages" (he told the judge that I have DESTROYED the house). I also pointed out that he has complete control over the selling, though it is supposed to be "mutually agreeable. The house isn't selling because he refuses to even entertain an offer under the high limit of the appraisal ... and the realtor said he said "because the judge said so". After the dismissal, he asked the judge if he can "come and go" as he pleases (I guess that is what he was doing the other week when he came bounding in, telling me "get out" and raising hell ... with our daughter, too). The judge said he needs to address that with the other judge, as well.

I am going to meet with a financial adviser next week, through the church that helped me with the other car ... I went in and talked with the woman in the Victim's Assistance office for a bit after ... and I waited to leave the Courtroom until I was sure he and his mother were gone. So I am hoping that will help get me going in some direction ... I can go three times for free ... and hoping to get some ideas on how to help my daughter with the bills on her record.

I figure that although it was the judge that dismissed, he is probably in a new rage against me. But my daughter killed her turkey the other day (he was starting to attack everyone), I cleaned it and did an outstanding job ... mastered those brakes yesterday (despite tears and AGONY) ... and faced off in Court and didn't lose ...

... thank you all for being here for me ... this has been such a long, hard road ... and I am hoping that maybe (especially if I can get more energy back) the tide has turned in some small way ... the VA woman was very supportive in some good ways, and gave me a real hug, too, before I left :-). I know I AM coping with more than one person should be expected to, and with little (but real, when it's there) support around here ... someday is getting closer ... so thankful for that!