Gramma Ray's Blog

The new pump is in and the water is back on.

...and now my bathtub has stopped draining.

crud.

The pump man came out last week and installed the new pump...I had no idea what was involved with that...but they have to actually pull out the tubing and wires and, depending on how deep the well is, it can take a while...(at just under $100 an hour)...ours, 480 feet + pump and parts = $1600 guys...*ouch*

and on the end of that last tube is the pump that needs to be replaced...only, when he got to the last tube---all that was there was...well, the end of the tube and a couple of loose wires (no pump)... I guess that explains why it wasn't working!

Now...the dad-blarned bathtub has stopped draining...which probably means a plumbing bill. *$&*#(&%*

Tomorrow is Papa's 74th birthday and he requested Olive Garden...so we are taking him to eat tonight. He may not be here next year and I want to make this memorable for him! (and us)...so I am sure we will have a wonderful time!

H and I (I am leaving off the 'D' for now as he is not entitled to 'darling' for a while...lol) continue to work on things. It truly is a day at a time process. But it is getting a little easier---for a while it seemed like I was learning something new and painful daily...but I am starting to believe that this is behind us and we can heal and move on...at least, I really, really hope it is.

Cold? Heck yeah, I can see my breath INSIDE my house today...brrr.

Well, I started typing this entry this morning...and it is now evening...

We had a snow storm come through yesterday that dumped about 4 inches here. Given that we do not get much snow on the valley floor---this caused alot of road issues...mainly people sliding either into each other or off into ditches. Its very pretty, but boy has it wreaked havoc on the routines...

and our water froze...or so we thought...but we've been without going on three days now.

This afternoon we called the pump guy and for a house call of $76, learned that NO, it wasnt the water that froze...it was the pump to the well that went KAPUT...and for a mere $1500, we can be back in business. ugh.

So, I am contemplating a part time job to pay for this minor setback.

My sweet daughter (DD2) brought me several gallons of water tonight and I did the sponge bath thing...and I feel like a million bucks! I have water boiling on the stove for dishes...

Good news is, by tomorrow noon if all goes well, we will be back in business.

I managed to get in 20 rounds of stairs today...which is sure helping with my goal for the blood pressure meds...unfortunately, there is no financial payout for the $20 Challenge since I am on reduced pay for the winter ...but the health benefits are very worth the effort!!

so....that is a recap of the day...how was yours?

It is a whoppin 46 degrees in the office this morning....so I have the little space heater running to try to heat it up a little.

Yesterday morning, you actually could see your breath anywhere in my house for about 2 hours until that fire kicked in good and hot..brrr.

This weekend we were busy cutting/splitting firewood...we had 2 1/2 cords to get out and have another 2 to process this week. Luckily, DH has a friend coming after work to help so I dont have to be out there...( ) I generally dont mind...but it will be about 20 tonight when they are out there and Id much rather be in the house!

Budgetwise, this was a fairly frugal weekend.

We went to our friends house Saturday night for a bbq and used up a few more of the leftover patties from New Years eve.

Last night we had leftovers and just snacked more than eat a big meal.

I did spend about $70 between two trips to the store (DH wanted some beer for the bbq and we took some chips &dip and soda for the kids) and I got some chicken and other stuff for the week.

I also scored a nice pair of insulated high-top worker-type boots for $20 (normally $80)...this is way more protective than my old holey tennis shoes!!

All in all, a very nice weekend.

DH received a $100 gc to a grocery store that I never shop in. It is one of those stores where you bag your own groceries and is supposed to be cheaper.

But what I find is that the quality of the perishables is low and their prices are often higher than the stores I do shop at.

I have no problem bagging my own groceries, however.

Anyways, we receive a gc to this store each year- so I go there once and make sure I spend at least the gc amount so I dont have to go back.

I would love to repoert that I took coupons and stocked up on some wonderful sale items for the year.

But that is not what we (DD3 and I) did.

We just had fun. I did buy a few bulk packages of what we needed...but I also bought things just because. DD3 has been wanting 'matching' shampoo and conditioner for a loong time...but we have a closet stocked with whatever great deal I could find...so she scored on some items---and funny thing, the ones she picked were Herbal Essence and Suave (both pretty cheap)...when the closet beholds Pantene, Infusium and Aussie products....go figure. (Just because they match?)

All in all we did ok...and my trip to this store is done for the year.

But best of all was the fact that I not only felt up to it...but also enjoyed going. I hope this means I am turning the corner and that the past, is indeed, the past and can be ---well, left there where it belongs.

Hello!

Gosh, aside from the shock from my last post..last month, my dad was soo sick (remember his hallucinations?) and my mom had to have surgery...couple all of that with a few days of grandbabies and planning a 40th birthday party and trying to get Christmas put together and what do you have....

A very distracted worker who managed to really mess up the paperwork/appointments and scheduling for the business. oh-boy.

I got BOOTED from the office this week by my 'bosses' which happen to be my daughter and son...and daughter took over and so I have had the job of watching GRANDAUGHTER all week (she is 16 months and LOVES GRAMMA RAY). GD and I mutually agreed that this arangement was best for gramma and she did her best to keep me occupied.

So, I have been MIA from my beloved blog due to playtime...I mean working and taking care of a very attention minded toddler.

On the marriage front, we are talking things through. We will be ok guys. Probably when everything settles down, we will be better than before.

Money- well, I havent started working on that new wardrobe yet but with the side-effect of tremendous stress being WEIGHT LOSS (hooray) new clothes are a given in the next few weeks.

Sometimes, life sucks...but it is still good when taken in perspective.

Hugs to all of you for your kind words...I cant tell you how much I have appreciated them all.

First of all....the refund came through. I am glad to have my money back, but disheartened enough by Circuit City's lack of custmoner support, that I will NEVER shop with them again. buh-bye.

Now, the serious, not sofun part of Rays recent life..

I obviously made a few major fopahs in my quest to save money.

I quit doing things like getting my hair cut...wearing make-up, buying new clothes, going out...basically taking care of me.

Instead, I spent my days contemplating how to stretch the dollar a little further...how to be able to stay home and take care of my parents and enjoy my husband, kids and grandkids...

And I thought, how to have a healthier, happier marriage.

I can remember very well the first time my husband mentioned a newly divorced female friend back in early November....and my mental red flag that came with it.

and then how he went and helped fix her trailer...

and DD3 asking who this was programmed on his cell phone....

and how her name suddenly became very common....and how he became MIA alot...the stories started not adding up...and the lies...and finally a tell all cell phone bill with hours of calls at all hours of the day and night....(the ones that hurt the most were those made when I was at the hospital with my mom or dad) He called her THREE TIMES ON CHRISTMAS....damn him.

and how it all snowballed into a big ugly December for me.

and finally, the ugly New Years weekend confrontation and a promise that "they were just friends...and he has severed all ties with her"...

and now I have this empty hole where my fantasy of my perfect life used to be...and anger where my naive enjoyment of my family used to be...

and self doubt...

and a whole bunch of decisions that I dont want to think about.

All of a sudden money doesnt seem so important...and nothing feels the same.

and I feel like a frumpy mess...and I have no idea how to make this ache go away.....

So why am I sharing this very embarrasing, very painful story?? Clearly, this is not something I tell my family...nor do I share it with my friends...at least not yet. Thank goodness for an outlet here...just typing it out feels like a baby-step purge.

We are going on a roadtrip today and will be back on Sunday.

DH lost his mom almost 5 years ago to liver cancer and today was her birthday. So we are going to DHs hometown and taking her flowers and then spending the weekend with DHs dad and his new wife.

I am planning to continue my walks while we are there...I am already feeling more energetic and can tell Ive dropped a few pounds. I hope to get in a local hike on Sunday, weather permitting.

This week has not been a good week as far as finances are concerned. We ate out a couple of times since we were in town for DD3s drivers permit tests. $31 at Olive Garden and $15 at Burger King on two consecutive nights.

(Our DMV has this ridiculous rule that- even though you arrive an hour and a half before they close at 5pm, if your 'number' is not called by 4, youre outa luck for the day and cant take the test...her number was called at 4:03 and they refused us yesterday...makes testing tough when she gets out of school at 3:30 and its a good 10-15 to the DMV. argh)

So, still no permit and now I will be back in town again next week. grrr

Checked my account this morning...still no Circuit City refund.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Happy New Year indeed!! DS and his wife are officially parents-to-be!!!! They are sooo excited. DIL has wanted to get pregnant since the I-Do's were done...but DS is very financially careful and wanted to wait until they had some things paid off and the business was going good. Baby is due in September.

This will make grandbaby #3 for us!!

I received a call from Circuit City yesterday. They stated they had posted the refund and it should hit my account in the next few days...(umm, Ive heard that twice now). Got all the info and now we shall see. Isnt there yet.

DD3 is still working on passing that learners permit test...today is try #3 (last night she missed by 1 point). Each attempt is $5. She only gets 4 tries and then she has to wait for a while...but I am confident the third time will be the...well, you know. Keep your fingers crossed for her!

I walked for 40 minutes today. Not bad for the first journey out. It felt so invigorating!!! I can feel my heart jumping for joy at the prospect of getting off the meds...and my pocket book is looking forward to the heavier load it will carry when I do!

I have gotten 10 loads of laundry done today....If you arent familiar with my blog...that is not an admittance of being a total slob. I do all of the laundry for my parents and they had a really big load this time...I swear, for two little old folks...those two can go through alot of clothes and towels..they do not believe in using anything more than once...ugh. Ok...so maybe I was a little behind on my own...but goal is to finish before bedtime tonight!

Today was a no spend day- my favorite kinda day.

I will be taking some cans in this weeks so I can make a deposit to the challenge account...but my challenge account will be a slow grow this year as we are planning a couple of week+ family vacation road trips ...and that will take a significant amount of money compared to our usual camp somewhere close kinda vacations.

Ah...the new year, doesnt it feel great?

Oh...and that refund....I still dont have it. *$(@)&*# Circuit City.

Happy New Year Friends!

My new year is off to a great start with my January Habit of walking/hiking. We went up to the snow yesterday and I took a nice long walk in between rides on the quads.

I guess a side effect of eating healthier and exercising is that your body adjusts and doesnt need as much sleep...as I have been up since 4:30am in full throttle cleaning. (wow)

I spent too much money this past weekend- as DH really wanted a nice New Years eve party...so, we supplied all the meat for a bbq and everyone just BYOB. I made the mistake of buying all the food and supplies at COSTCO...and spent just over $100---but we have a years supply of paper plates, frozen patties and hamburger buns now...well, maybe not a years worth, but you know what I mean.

We sat out back in the sub-freezing weather with a nice big bonfire...and enjoyed friends and family while ringing in the new year.

I have been reading, highlighting and earmarking my new book on hiking.

I heard so many wonderful remarks and suggestions from all of you---which really has me motivated to get started now!

Best of all, both DD3 and DH are on board for this new hobby. They have both been asking questions and I can see that they, too are eager to get started.

I have a feeling this new hobby is going to be the death of those blasted blood pressure meds once and for all!!!!

DH and I are going to deliver a load of wood this morning and will be scouting out a couple of the trails mentioned in the book.

I already have a pair of binoculars and a digital camera with plenty of memory. I will use my old ratty tennis shoes to start..DH has a nice Cabella's backpack. Now to look up some good trail mix recipes...and I think we are all set!

DH and I have been...well, at odds lately. I am hoping this will provide a means of reconnecting---something we can both enjoy and be excited about.

Hiking...hmmm....frugal fun...healthy...and food for the married souls....Perhaps that free gift card from My Points will be more valuable than I realized.

In any case, my JANUARY habit is pretty well defined and Im anxious to start seeing results...and having some fun with it! Bring on the New Year!

Between doctor appointments for my dad yesterday, I stopped by my bank and explained my dilemma with Circuit City (still no refund).

They are filing a dispute against the transaction and the teller felt I would get my money back in my account sometime next week.

I am going to write a second letter to the president of CC and also file a claim with the BBB. This has been ridiculous.

I am so thankful that I had some reserves in our checking account to cover the bills inspite of this missing $400.

Shame on you Circuit City.

My Points. Life Changing...huh?

Ok...let's start at the beginning.

I recently clicked enough My Points emails to earn enough points for a gift card.

I really wanted a Bath and Body works card for DD3 for Christmas...but they were all sold out...

So, I chose a Barnes and Nobles gift card. $10. I forgot that I had already bought DD3 a $15 GC to BnN...so I decided to keep the freebie for myself.

DD3 and I went there yesterday and were browsing the books...

I stumbled into the HIKING section. Never officially hiked before...but have thought it might be fun.

Hmm...I have a goal to start WALKING more to help me get healthier and hopefully get off the High Blood Pressure meds...

and...afterall...Hiking...is walking with scenery!!!

So, I picked up a book about the top 100 places to hike in Southern Oregon...and as I did...

a nice man happened by and said:
"That is one of the best hiking books for this area"...so I asked him a little about his hiking and was impressed...thanked him for the suggestion and used my FREE GIFT CARD to buy the book (thanks My Points)

So...I have a plan, to achieve my goal, and involve my family, in something fun and new...thanks to MY POINTS and a few simple clicks!!!

Life Changing? Well, we will see in the next couple of months...but I have a plan...and a book of great information for 'getting there' !!!! and best of all....it was FREE.

Thank you for all of your well wishes! The surgery went well and my mom is home again. (Hooray!)

Tomorrow, doctor appointments for my dad...back to have another breathing test...and to the dermatologist to deal with the skin cancer.

Heavy sigh...and still no refund from Circuit City.

But the most exciting event tomorrow?...DD3 is going to test for her learners (drivers) permit (can you say GRAY HAIR?)...that's what Ill have everytime we go anywhere now...oh boy.

Again, thank you for all of the well wishes! I really appreciated each one!

My mom needs an outpatient surgery tomorrow to have her

fistula repaired. Please keep your fingers crossed for us that a simple bypass will suffice...rather than needing to find a new artery to use. The bypass means an outpatient surgery...while a new fistula will be a HUGE deal. We much prefer the repair...Please, let it be a repair.

I bought new tennis shoes today at Walmart for $24.98. My old tennies were so old that I know when I wash them, they will fall apart. They really were getting embarrassing....so they now are my work in the wood yard shoes....which I will be doing tomorrow afternoon if all goes well with the AM surgery.

I actually spent $55 at walmart...the shoes, laundry soap, tp, dishwasher soap, fabric softener, bleach, ammonia...I was out of it all. So it is a good feeling to have all the cleaning supplies back on hand....I am busy running the dishwasher and laundry as I type.

I am getting ready to start my first new habit of 2007 (January)...which is get off blood pressure meds!! I will begin walking 45 minutes, 5X per week this week!

Ugh.

Why do so many people wait until the LAST possible second to dim their brights when driving at night?

I always dim mine when I see the first sign that a car is coming. Usually I can see a light approaching over a hill, or around a curve...so I know there is probably a car coming and go ahead and dim the lights...if Im wrong, I can beam em up again easily enough. Its such a simple, common courtesy.

We went to dinner tonight with DHs dad and dads new wife.

On the way to the restaraunt, this blasted approaching car had its brights on...which made seeing anything else nearly impossible and sadly, we hit and killed a deer. Poor deer. It was a pretty young female. Dang it.

Interestingly, we passed three other deer walking near the road and then an entire...well, whatever you call a group of deer...looked like a big ol family reunion. Thankfully, no others were IN the road and we didnt do any further damage to the local wildlife.

Needless to say, it put a damper on the evening. I hate seeing any animal accidentally killed like that. Very sad.

Our dinner was at the little mexi restaraunt on the river...we split the bill---so our portion, with tip $35.

I also had received a Kohls gift card and bought a pair of snow boots. 1/2 off. Ive never owned my own...always used an old pair of DHs which are literally 4-5 sizes too big!!! (No, 2 pair of thick socks didnt ever help) Now I will be more inclined to go play in the snow...since I can actually walk!! lol.

Back to the headlight thing for one final thought...or I guess, request...For us 'older' drivers, it gets harder to see when there are bright headlights shining at us at night...Please remember to dim those lights long before you think you need to!!! It may just save a life.

How you save or not for the Holidays plays a big role in your stress level each year.

Are you a dedicated saver? Or do you spread your gift buying throughout the year? Do you hope a windfall will come along just at the right time? Do you count on a Christmas bonus at work? Or, do you pay by credit card and payoff the balance long after the Holidays are past?

Ive had years where I put the entire Christmas bill on plastic...and it was NO FUN at all...paying on those bills long beyond the life of the gifts.

You have a great opportunity to START NOW, saving a little each pay period to cover your Holidays next year.

I started doing this about 5 years ago...and will never go back to those plastic years.

My DH gets paid weekly...so each week, a set amount is deducted AUTOMATICALLY from our checking account and goes into an ING savings account. This not only provides for a CASH ONLY Christmas, but it also provides an opportunity to take advantage of those great sales and deals that come along throughout the year!

If you havent started a CASH ONLY Christmas plan yet, why not start TODAY?

Figure out the amount you will spend for Christmas 2007, and divide that number by the number of paychecks you get each year...then, set up an automatic deduction for that amount. (If you've always used CREDIT and bought your gifts in DECEMBER...you will find that you can spend LESS MONEY on the Holidays by being able to snatch up good deals as they come along throughout the year!!)

Your 'Christmas Account" can be stashed at your bank, or, like me, in an account other than your bank...making it less likely to be spent on anything besides its intended purpose. It can go into a money market account...or even an envelope.. The KEY is to plan and start now so that you have a solid spending plan for next year!

Once you try it...you wont go back!

Merry Christmas Friends!

I hope your day brought joy and happiness to each of you!

We had a fabulous day. The entire family was here and everyone loved their gifts.

I have to say, once again, the most favored gift was heartfelt, rather than expensive.

My son and DIL are planning to start their family this year...so I bought an inexpensive frame that said "Best Dad" on it...and wrote a little note from their future child to them and put it in the frame....they both loved it and will cherish it for a long time, Im sure.

I made each of the kids a New Years party pack...with margarita fixins...which they all loved...and mostly gave gift cards...which I know they will all enjoy.

I received cash to help buy my craft room shelving and storage...This year Im getting organized in there!

A beautiful day, full of love and gratitude....What else, really, could you wish for??

Oh, well, maybe those nice warm socks Ill be wearing!!!

Holiday hugs to you all!

The party was right on! The birthday boy enjoyed all the decorations, gag gifts, lists of redneck and old people jokes...etc, etc.

So thank you all for the ideas!!

The party itself did not cost us anything since the wife paid for the pizza and drinks. The decorations were old beer bottles and white flowers spray painted black...so they were pretty cheap...and everything else I made on the computer.

I still have quite a bit of Christmas wrapping to do! So I am off to get that done tonight...it might end up being a long night!!!

Tomorrow is DD3s 15th birthday...so lots of family fun planned!!

In spite of my phone conversation today---I have to say, it was a WONDERFUL day...I got to spend it with one of my TWO favorite little people..which would be my grandson (2 1/2)...He is too funny....every question is easily answered when you are two...with a simple 'NO' (or NOPE in his case). lol

He amazed gramma today and counted to 10...(didnt know he could do it...but sure nuff..)

We played with his new train set. He got really cranky when he missed his nap...so we took a break in the 'big bed'...and he fell sound asleep within minutes of laying down and talking about our day.

No worries about refunds unwrapped gifts, shopping, or wrapping....NOPE...it was all about the here and now and having FUN.

I hope you all have an opportunity to see life through two year old eyes when you're 45. Quite an adventure to say the least!

I spent $6 on two coffee mochas this morning for DS and I...lord knows I needed the caffiene after waking at 6:15am and rushing out the door to babysit...thank goodness DS was willing to go on a coffee run!!!

Tonight...its all about the last minute stuff...laundry, wrapping, birthday stuff. etc...

fun day for sure...and not too expensive either!

On hold for another 45 minutes today....only to be told...

"Thank yew for yoooor pashens ma'am. I oapologize for the deeelay and have furwooorded yooor request for refund on to our 'special care' department"

me: WTF? (I know, not very lady like)
What do you mean you have forwarded the request blah, blah..Jissica told me the refund was processed on the 11th and would be in my account as of TUESDAY....today is FRIDAY...where the blank is my mnoney?

I am sou soory ma'am but there has been a technical deeficulty and your request will be processed as soon as possible.

Me; WHAT DOES THAT MEAN??? DID JISSICA LIE TO ME?

Ma'am, all I can say is I will forward your request...no, ma'am...theeere eis no wan higher than me dat takes calls so I could let you talk to someone else on my level who weel tell you da same ting as me. Would you like to talk weeth them?

ARGH!

Best part of all? This guy gave me the email address to the 'Corporate Office" so that I could write and complain...since I had apparently made it to the top of the food chain with calling...

The email address he gave me?? It is the exact one I used for my first inquiry back on December 4th when "Vijay T.", the emailers name responded with
"Sorry for the delay, your refund will be posted shortly, please give it a little longer".

This nightmare began four weeks ago today....with no end in sight.


I will never, ever, never EVER EVER EVER EVER DO BUSINESS WITH CIRCUIT CITY AGAIN AS LONG AS I LIVE!!!

and still....no refund.
Ok, thats outa the way...on with the other stuff.

We had a lovely dinner last night with the family- but I didnt feel right allowing the uncle to foot the bill...so I paid for our half of the dinner (dh, me, dd2, dd3 and dd3's friend), and my dad paid for he and my mom. I know the uncles portion was still very expensive...so I felt much better picking up our end of the tables tab. But talk about a great time!! wow.

Today, I continue with the housework and the wrapping and the party preparations, etc.

I now remember why the week after Christmas I feel as though Ive been through the wringer!!! I will knock on some wood that at least no one is sick!!!

The budget is hanging in there...although I still have Christmas eve dinner to pay for (again, we all go out to pizza for DD3's birthday celebration)~ Usually rus about $150-ish and Christmas dinner ~ which I plan to prepare as frugally as possible.

and then....to relax. Thanks to all the gift cards this year, I will still have plenty of wrapping paper for next year...and I have all the decorations I need...and so there isnt much reason to hit (too many) of those after-Christmas sales this year.

Next week- a strong focus on goals and budget for 2007....until then, however, it's a Christmas frenzy!!!

DINNER
The kids uncle (my ex-s brother...who we are very close to) is taking us all to Olive Garden for dinner tonight. He is such a wonderful person and is the kids only uncle. Technically, he is no relation at all to DD3...but he treats her just like the others and she really doesnt even know-nor would she care, that hes not her 'real' uncle. To her, he's as REAL as they come.

I love opportunities to get the whole clan together and visit. And it has been a long time since we all went out together. So it is sure to be an enjoyable evening.

HOUSEWORK
Flylady didnt show...niether did my refund from Circuit City (freakin surprise there)...but I have gotten quite a bit of housework done today and am now wrapping gifts. The tree always looks so much more festive with a few wrapped gifts underneath, doesn't it?

WINTER WONDERLAND
Our valley is under a major frost freeze this week. It is absolutely beautiful- everything is white...the trees, the grass, all of our plants...all covered with a frozen frost that lasts all day. It looks like it has snowed. I took pics, but the puter that I load them onto isnt connecting to the internet today so I can show you...but it is GORGEOUS! Needless to say, we havent gotten into the 30's all week...brrr.

The downside to being done with your shopping (which means thats where your focus has been) is that your house looks like a tornado has hit.

Well, it doesnt help when your week has also been spent:

planning a 40th birthday party (this coming Saturday is the big event),

taking care of grandbabies (ok, I 'play' with grandbabies---but isnt that what being gramma is all about)

and doing your parents laundry (which causes your own to majorly pile up)

So, if I tap my feet three times and wish for a Flylady...will it happen??

I would probably have as much luck as CIRCUIT CITY refunding MY MONEY...WHICH THEY STILL HAVE NOT.... grrrr....

So guys, could you PLEASE stop posting such interesting and humorous posts so I can GET MY WORK DONE TODAY?

I am an addict to this site...and it is the place I park my hiney first thing in the morning...and about...well, I wont even say how many times throughout the day--- But lets say, you are all a major contibuting factor to...well, my procrastination of things like toilet cleaning and dirty dishes and such...

If you catch me on here today...just shoo me away and back to the tornado clean up...lol.

Clicking my heels...will let you know the outcome later today!

I can put a checkmark next to my Christmas shopping...as i am officially DONE!

I finished today...buying those last few odds and ends...Even going so far as to put a couple back after I walked around the store for a while...Why is it we always want to 'one-up' ourselves? I finally talked myself out of those...by reminding myself that the recipient will never miss what they never knew...

Now comes the fun wrapping part of the gift giving frenzy...although, since alot of my gifts are gift cards...wrapping will be a snap!

I could tell the last minute shoppers from the others...they all seemed hurried and frantic as they quickly searched for the right gifts. I sure hope they all found what they were looking for!

All in all, I am pleased with the gifts this year. I spent a little more than I was planning...but much, much less that I did two years ago....and I have more people to shop for now...thanks to new babies and SO's.

I always start looking forward to winding down and getting back to the normal routine about this time each year...although I am eagerly anticipating the family time for the next several days...it will be nice to get the momentum of our quiet life back!!

Still looking for that drasted refund...will post yay or nay again tomorrow.

You all know that I am awaiting a refund from Circuit City and was told that the money would be back in my account today.

So....did they come through with their word and recredit my account?

NOOOOOOOOO

Funny- well actually not so funny...but when I printed off the copies of emails to mail to the president, their cancellation email actually stated that MY ACCOUNT WOULD NOT BE CHARGED FOR THE TRANSACTION.

I am going to have to charge the rest of my gifts this week, since I do not have that cash to use.

blech..

Princess Perky raised a good point in her blog about being home and whether it is really a luxury.

I looked up luxury and found the following:

luxury (plural luxuries)

1. very wealthy and comfortable surroundings.
2. something desirable but expensive.
3. something very pleasant but not really needed in life.

I have to agree with PP that, for most of us, being at home has nothing to do with luxury.

It is a blessing, it is enviable to some, it is unobtainable to some, but it certainly doesnt fall into the 'luxury' category.

It is not glamourous nor does it ensure financial security.

And, it is often misunderstood.

And, there are days when it really sucks.

Being home is a choice...it is sacrifice, commitment and determination.

And it IS NOT FOR EVERYONE.

Some folks are just happier, better people when they have the validation of an outside the home career.

Others, because of circumstances in their life, simply dont have that option.

As a homemaker, there is no paycheck...there are no raises, there are no 'attaboys' from co-workers.

I've lived both lives and can easily see the pro's and cons of either choice.

Believe me, when I worked outside the home 45+ hours a week...being a SAHM or WAHM sounded luxurious...A treat I didnt think Id ever be able to afford.

But when it came to decision time, I knew, for my family, it was the right choice.

Luxurious...um, nope. But, at least for today, I wouldnt trade it for the world!

Yep, success at last! We have a gorgeous 17 ft tall blue spruce ready to trim!! (My living room ceiling is 18 ft)

But first, we have a Christmas dinner for DHs work to go to (one of those great country steak/smokehouse joints...very rustic and good food)...and then its all about the tree when we get home!

It was a gorgeous crisp day for finding a tree...lots of snow on the ground but the sky was clear as a bell. Sadly, we passed the tree that fell off the truck last week...and its had a pretty rough week .

and Grace behaved herself while we were gone!

DH sold two cords of wood today, which were already loaded and on the trailer and he is off delivering those now...so $360 in the business account.

I did alot of thinking on the drive about budget and goals. I need to get those all organized and written so that I can start my 2007 checklist.

Great day- Hope everyone else's was too!

Ok guys...Get ready for a treat and see how hi tech can influence a home decoration concept!!

Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD4g0gmQSLk

First- for those who read my previous post- the TV actually survived the topple. I do not know how...that dresser is 4 ft tall and the tv landed screen down on a hard wood floor...but it survivied...and so did Grace.

Note to self...shut all doors before leaving the house and put all food items in locked, smell proof containers whenever possible!

Today, we are going to try this whole Christmas tree excursion again. I am very confident that we will be successful (in other words, we aint quittin til a tree is up tonight!!)

and....Action!