Seems like I would have posted some of this already, but I don't see it.
As you know, my Son Joseph is in France for a year of study. He got a grant that pays his tuition and an inadequate living stipend. He took out a loan to augment the money from school, to cover the rest of living expenses and to allow entertainment and travel. A local friend here went over with Joseph to France in early August, so that they could travel around Europe for three weeks before Joseph had to return to France and get settled into his apartment.
When they reach Spain, an ATM machine not only keeps Joseph's debit card, it shreds it. Joseph and his friend are out of money and the card was how he was accessing money in his account. I have to wire him money and request duplicate card. Fortunately, he can stay with friends until his apt is ready.
In late August, he learns that the loan he applied for was reduced by 80% (with poor economy, I read that student loans are not being approved as they had been). Joseph is in a panic, as he needs the extra money to live. He, his mother and I are calling everyone we can think of to challenge this decision . . of course to no avail. Another student from our town who is in the same college program as Joseph was about to go to France when she learned her own loan was severely reduced. As she and Joseph are in a similar money dilemma, I suggested they share the apartment and expenses, which they decide they will do (original plan was each would have own apt).
After less than three weeks, Joseph and the female roommate are getting on one another's nerves. The small apartment (500 Euro for one small room downstairs and one upstairs) doesn't help, as they are together too much. He messages me, "I wish this bitch would go somewhere. We are up each other's asses!" (typical Joseph angst).
Joseph's skin started breaking out in small, itchy bumps while he was traveling, and it started to involve more parts of his body. He just went to a doctor and found he has scabies. The doctor noted his travel and thinks he probably got the scabies in eastern Europe. His roommate now has it too (which she got from Joseph, which further impacts their annoyance with each other at this point). They are in the process of treating themselves and cleaning/spraying their apt. to try to get rid of the scabies.
I told Joseph: "Memories often result from really good events, or really bad ones. Until the 'really good' part starts, remember that the bad times will not last and that in the end you will have really good stories to tell everyone!" He plans to leave out the scabies detail from any future recounting, as he doesn't want people to know he was ever so infected.
So . . . you guys are in privileged company!
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