Studio7

I know the difference between using "was" & "were" (i.e. I was there yesterday vs. I wish I were there) but don't know which to use in this case:

In July, there was/were one fire call, two emergency calls, and three unknown events.

Please help...thanks

The Homeowner Association president lives next to my unit & is constantly blasting music (among other inconsiderate habits) from his house AND from his car. I am extremely sensitive to this as I have a hectic & inconsistent schedule & find myself being awakened in between naps. I've asked him a couple of times to turn it down & I've complained to my landlord on several occasions about his disturbing behavior with no action taken. I've researched Florida law which seems to only defend landlords with tenant problems. I was under the impression that I had a right to peace and quiet, or is that just moral code? I need legal reference so I can "encourage" my landlord to defend me!

We are a graphic design firm & contract graphic designers to work on a freelance basis. Besides using a contract, how can we keep the designer from contacting our client directly & offering their services (cutting us out)? Need professionals or experienced businesspersons to reply with valid advice--thank you in advance.

I've earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management w/ a minor in Advertising. I am also a passionate artist with limited to no professional experience, only freelance projects: Makeup, Set Design, Wardrobe Styling, Interior Design, Fashion Design. I am eager to start a new career now but it seems that I am caught between "no extensive professional experience" & "no specialized formal education" & it has become difficult to find real work. I need guidance as to how I can begin a creative career without returning to school or doing an internship. I feel like I am stuck in the "credit" fog: you can't get credit without credit.