39 checking in. in 2010 I was super broke, and when they shut my power off, my landlord said he wasn't gonna renew the lease next month. that meant I had no food, no lights, and 30 days to come up with 90 days' rent (first, last and security at a new place). I was lucky that I had someone to let me crash and start rebuilding my life, but I also promised myself I'd never for the rest of my life let my survival be dictated by luck and someone else's kindness.