Michele,
I corrected the address for you in the first post.

Thanks Shawn!

Na & Monkey, I received your packages of supplies on the same day. Boy, it sure felt like Christmas! Thank you guys soooo much for the supplies, they really do help (especially the fabric dye, Monkey!)   Na even sent me these really yummy Aussie chocolate bisquit cookies that are soooo good. I think you knew exactly what you were doing when you sent two packages because I'm already halfway through one package, and of course I'm going to blame that ALL on my girls. 

Snowy weather, hot tea, & chocolate bisquits... what a wonderful mix.   Ahhhhh   

I'm so glad the package got to you ok - and much faster than I thought! (Good thing, it ended up being heavier than expected too so I was worried it might get slowed down)

Yep, I knew exactly what I was doing with those chocolate biscuits - they're Tim Tams, an Australian 'delicacy', in that you can't get them overseas. We're known for them, and I knew they'd be perfect as a little treat. (Two packs? I'd buy 10! They go so quickly, especially amongst family and friends)

Anyway I'm so happy that you liked them and that you can put everything else in the care package to good use. I hope all gets better soon, and from what I've read on Muppet Central it looks like you've already made some good progress. 

  Your welcome, Michelle.

Ok, here is the deal. I'm probably asking for it by posting publicly because there is no way to make every single person happy and I'm likely to face some backlash from those who don't agree with my decision. But lets face it, this whole mess has already been made public anyway.

I was originally going to ask you guys for advice because some of the members here will be affected by my decision, but the choice I made ulitmately makes better sense to me in the long run. Im doing what I think is best, but I do want some input so that I can try to think this through since I still have a couple weeks before I have the ability to take some action. So, tell me what you would do:

I did my taxes and I've got a little bit of a return coming back (which will take a few weeks since I didn't want to spend the money getting a quick return). Enough to pay the remaining balance on my truck repairs (YAY!) and then I'll have about $300 left to try and make a dent in my business mess. I really only had two options and I choose the second one and it's obvious why. Again, I'm not going to make everyone happy here but in the long run I think it will satisfy a lot more people in a shorter amount of time...

First Option:  $300 would be spread out via a few small payments to people that I owe refunds to. It would make a small dent in some of debts I owe and then that would be it for a while until my finances pick up. It's a short term bandaid to getting some people a little bit of money immediately but once the funds run out I'm back in the same limited situation I am in right now.

Second Option:  I owe ebay about $300 in fees ($287 to be exact).  If I pay that bill, then I can figure a way to get some puppets and figures I have in stock listed on there again.... which would lead to some regular income... which would lead to MORE people getting refund payments. This is a long term fix, and people would still be getting small payments... but with more frequency than the "money right now" option mentioned above.

Another reason why I choose the second option above is because I have not been successful with finding regular employement yet. Having my own transportation will help hopefully.... but the unemployment rate here (over 18%) is higher than the national average. Truth be known, I'm willing to work anywhere doing anything (except take my clothes off!  ), seriously... anything legal.  I'm willing to work at a McDonalds, Walmart, whatever. I'm not picky about that kind of stuff.  But the extra income from selling my work is something that isn't controlled by how many hours a company might put me on the schedule, etc. If I can do both, then I obviously will.... but getting myself up and running on eBay would be a guaranteed job providing I have the materials to make product (and I do have a little).

So, thats basically it. It doesn't solve my internet access problem just yet, but I think it will get me on my way to getting back on my feet again... and getting people substantial refund payments.

So let the bashing begin.     No, seriously, share your logical thoughts.

-Michele

I forgot one thing.... eBay sales would lead to Paypal payments. Which is great, except my paypal account is in the negative right now too. It's nothing that 2 or 3 decent sales wouldn't take care of.... but still something I need to remember and mention for those who are waiting on refunds from me.  :'(

I honestly think the long-term fix is better than the band-aid. People who disagree should take a step back and put themselves in your shoes for a minute.

Seriously, if I had the funds, I would buy every puppet you have in stock just to help you out, and I mean that... but since I can't, what I will do is collect stuff I don't need and send it to you.

Take care! Keep your chin up, keep smiling, and keep the dream alive

I agree that the second option is the better way to go. It will be better in the long run - even if it means that some will have to be patient. We humans are not the best when it comes to being patient!! I would love to be able to buy some more of your puppets as well - but at the moment that is simply not possible. We are all hoping the best for you Michele and are eager to see you get back on your feet. I wish I could help you find another job!   But I will be praying!!

Michelle, I would choose for the second one too. I hope you can get a job soon....
Do you know what courage is .............. to stand up once more than you fall...
and you are standing on your feet again

Second option is great. And I want to buy one of your puppet. How can I do it?