The Great Escape: How Jeanette Wall (Almost) Single-Handedly Launched Operation: Get-Lori-to-The-Big-Apple
Let's face it, folks, life with the Walls in Jeannette's memoir, "The Glass Castle," wasn't exactly a walk in the park (unless that park involved dodging falling debris and questionable plumbing). But amidst the chaos, one thing shone brighter than Rex Walls' get-rich-quick schemes: Jeanette's fierce determination to get her sister, Lori, out of Dodge (or should we say, Welch, West Virginia).
Operation Bootstraps (With a Side of Babysitting)
Jeanette and Lori dreamt of escaping their nomadic, unconventional life for the bright lights of New York City. The problem? Well, let's just say their family finances resembled a particularly generous game of Monopoly gone horribly wrong. Enter Jeanette, our very own resourceful protagonist.
She became a couponing queen, a master bargainer, and probably could've sold ice to Eskimos. Every penny earned went towards their New York kitty. But even with their combined efforts, it wasn't enough.
Enter the Deus Ex Babysitting Gig: In a stroke of genius (or maybe sheer desperation), Jeanette snagged Lori a summer babysitting job with a one-way ticket to New York City included in the sweet, sweet payment package.
Victory Lap... Almost
Lori was on her way, living the New York dream (well, a version involving a cramped hostel and endless shifts at a German restaurant – but a dream nonetheless). Jeanette, however, was stuck in Welch, temporarily grounded by the cruel hand of fate (and the need to finish high school).
But fear not, dear reader! This wasn't the end. Jeanette, fueled by determination and a healthy dose of "I-gotta-get-outta-here-itis," devised a new plan.
From Welch to the Big Smoke: Round Two
Fast forward a year: Jeanette, armed with her babysitting savings and a whole lot of gumption, joined Lori in New York. She finished high school, snagged an internship at a local newspaper (because who needs fancy degrees when you've got grit, right?), and slowly but surely, built a life for herself in the city that never sleeps.
So, how did Jeanette help Lori get to New York? It wasn't a magic trick, folks. It was a combination of relentless saving, a lucky babysitting job, and a whole lot of sisterly love.
Side Note: Let's not forget the questionable "borrowing" of funds from their dear old dad, Rex. But hey, desperate times call for desperate measures, right?
FAQ: Operation Get-Lori-to-New-York Edition
How to save up for your escape plan when your family budget resembles a game of Monopoly gone wrong?
- Channel your inner coupon queen! Every penny counts.
- Pro Tip: Garage sales and thrift stores become your new best friends.
- Disclaimer: This method may not be suitable for those with a strong aversion to slightly used clothing.
How to convince someone to give you a job that includes a free trip to New York City?
- Key Ingredient: Become a babysitting extraordinaire! Perfect your macaroni and cheese recipe and develop a tolerance for endless rounds of "Go Fish."
- Optional, but helpful: Having a sister with a killer resume might come in handy.
How to deal with a slight delay in your own escape plan?
- Step 1: Don't despair!
- Step 2: Channel your frustration into something productive – like landing an internship at a cool newspaper.
- Step 3: Remember, great things come to those who hustle (and maybe "borrow" a little from their dad... but we don't recommend making that a habit).
How to (eventually) reunite with your sister in the city that never sleeps?
- Essential Skill: Master the art of the hustle.
- Bonus Points: Develop a thick skin and a tolerance for questionable fast-food pizza.
How to (probably) avoid replicating the Walls' unique parenting style?
- Highly Recommended: Maybe don't promise your kids a glass castle you never intend to build.
- Life Lesson: Providing your children with a stable and secure environment might be a good idea (just a suggestion).
