ha! solved all of my problems myself!
now using a product called secure-tunnel (
https://www.secure-tunnel.com/).
it costs $8/month but works perfectly w/ skype and ftp.
well worth it to me (i've already spent 250 pounds on cell phone minutes for my gf.....)
and since ftp is working i don't have to go down to that [censored] casino and self-deal a 1-1 nl game
holllllllllAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!
edit- yes!! even pahud works! (didn't before). what a sweet product. (i know i sound like a shill, but whatever.)