[LPStar]

Your situation is not ideal, but it sounds like you are working to make the best of it for your sake and your daughter. It sounds like you have food and shelter and are relatively safe, so I hope you can make the best of it. Maybe if you have access to a computer, you can pick up some telecommuting work from the US. Please don't feel bad about using the welfare system - I am sure you'll be right back to work as quickly as you can. I'm sorry to hear of nasty Swedes, but I'm glad you are not stuck in an Arab hellhole country. Maybe consider writing a magazine article on this subject - more women should know what you have had to learn the hard way.

[Rutabega]

So true! (Thanks, by the way!) I am eating and have a nice-ish home, etc. The welfare thing gets under my skin, but, as my mom keeps telling me, they should be supporting me since they are making me stay here! (Could you send me a private reply about the telecommuting thing? I am clueless, and would be thrilled to find some work--my brain is frying from boredom!) And defininitely, thank goodness I am not in an Arab hellhole!!!!! I am thinking about magazine articles OFTEN (have a few of them written, but need more editing!) These other women are in a much worse situation than me, for sure. I can handle some people telling me off about US politics (they are pretty stupid people, and don't make up my core of friends!)

[JustPiper]

Maybe consider writing a magazine article on this subject - more women should know what you have had to learn the hard way.

Excellent idea, it should be published by INS!