But it's not as bad as I make it seem.

Apparently, there is nothing they can do about student loans. I'm thinking that third C standing for Credit may actually mean something. I mean, it's not like they are calling it CCLS right? Right?!?!

Anyhoo, she gave me some phone numbers to call, my stomach cramped up. She said she knew it'd be hard but I really needed to call them first thing b/c I didn't want to get into garnishment.

When I left, I was tempted to not call. I mean, it all just feels so bad and overwhelming. They couldn't help, I'm up shits creek in debt, maybe garnishment will just get them to leave me alone. I did some surfing on general student loans. Called the debt clearing house to get all my debts and here's the ugly I've never mentioned on this site before

6 stafford loans in default.
1 direct loan in default.

Ouch.

I called the stafford people first. Before the customer service people even said hello, I was immediately transfered to collections. At this point, I just resigned myself to whatever they said. I felt completely and totally at their mercy. If they wanted to scream at me and call me nasty names, I would've took it.

This girl however, was nice. Said I was a few days away from garnishment, took all my financials and for the next 10 months I'll be paying $318. To numb to really crunch my numbers and care, I said ok.

At the end, I thanked her for being so nice, told her I was scared to death to call, and she was even nicer telling me it'll be ok. I can go back to school in 6 months and just keep in touch w/them.

Next I called direct and I'm not yet in collections there, I spoke to what sounded like a gov't worker. She was pretty laid back is what makes me think so. She said I'm 360 days in default and can get back to repaying in November. B/c my financial situation is bleak, I can pay 105/mo for the next 6 years.

The diff w/the two is the Direct lates and such will stay on my credit report. In 10 months I'll get myself out of collections and reduced interest & fees duing the rehab w/the stafford loans.

Oh and parting shot, for those of you @ home keeping a tally on my debts.

Owing Stafford: $26,900
Owing Direct: $8260

I have a vague memory of saying I'll be

...completely, totally, ultimately debt free from all the debts I currently carry one year from today.

Oy.

Vey.