Okay, things have sort of calmed down now. It seems like the lawyers have better things to do than get back with us, so we're going to wait it out. And to answer a comment from the other day, we DO have other debts that would be included in the bankruptcy, we're looking at more than one car's worth of debt, as hubby was a young adult once, and still has a repo on his record from years ago, we've both got seriously old and newER credit card debts, and it just seems like a fresh start would be ideal. IF not, there's the reorganization type of bankruptcy, which would be fine with us as well.
My parents and sister are going out of town starting tomorrow, and my dad is loaning me his car for the time they're gone. (all together, now: Awwwww!) The family doesn't want me to be stuck taking a bus while THIS pregnant - there are too many risk factors out there for pregnant women - just turn on the news anymore! Plus I live in a city, so there are automatically a few more weirdos out and about!
So I have transportation for a week and a half now, which buys me some freedom and time to accomplish any last-minute shopping, errands, and even a HS field trip we really wanted to attend - before we're completely hacked off at the knees, stuck at home :S NO, really, I have people who would take us places, and I'm still holding out hope that the unemployment check comes in soon, or that a paycheck or two helps us out. We'll get a car soon...
I'm still waiting to get a jury duty notice in the mail any day now - it'd be just what I needed ;) At least this time I'd be able to get excused! It'd be fun to sort of sneer at the state and be like "Nope, too bad! Can't get me in for jury duty! Nyah, nyah!" Just because it'd make me smile.
Oh, yeah, the doc told me I'm not allowed to mow the lawn anymore, or walk any long distances, do mega-shopping marathon days, etc. It might be mentioned that I LOVE to mow the lawn, it's like walking meditation for me, and even though now I'm FORCED to walk places (well, after Daddy takes the car back, LOL) I ADORE walking - it's such a slow pace, and this world is often so hectic, it gives me a chance to become more centered and gain perspective. And if I HAD any money, I'd LOVE to marathon shop someday soon... I'm only missing the money, LOL :D
OMG I got the nicest gift from my brother for my baby shower - it's called The Ultimate Baby Wrap. I'm a normal size 2x (yeah, I love to eat!) and pregnant me is MUCH larger (well, not that much. Today's appointment revealed that I've only gained 6 lbs. the whole pregnancy - for some reason I can't gain more than that!! What would make that happen? Whatever it is, I can lose a** and gain baby, not a problem for me, LOL) and anyhow, I was worried that the baby wrap wouldn't fit my fat butt! When I tried it on, it wouldn't come close to closing - I needed another foot at least. I read some comments off the Internet about it, and found out it stretches a LOT, so DD and I pulled on it, and it fits now! I can't wait to try it out. I could even hold my 50lb DD in the side-carry position, and she felt like she was 20 lbs to me! I am THRILLED with it already, and the baby boy's not even here yet!!!
As bad as things are financially for us, there's a wonderful distraction coming in the form of an estimated 10 lb baby boy sometime in the next few weeks. (I'm not dilated yet, but it's softening and baby's head is in position...) Point is, it's hard to be totally depressed when there's a baby in your near future. I'm sure the second I see him, the troubles will melt away, and it'll feel like it's all better :) It's a good perspective-shaping event, and a welcome one!
And yes, I plan on sneaking off to the library as soon as I'm cleared for long walks again (it's about a mile, one-way) to update again and again. Meanwhile, I'm going to do my best to keep the bills paid, maybe searching for a cheaper package deal with internet and cable? Whatever - I'm not gone yet! :D
In case I disappear off the blogosphere, I want all my friends and 'peeps' (LOL) to know what happened!
Last night at 1 in the morning, the police showed up at my door with a tow truck guy. Apparently, when you owe $635 (which is 2 mos. of car payment for us) they tend to reposess it. SO now, I have to pay almost $1600 to get the minivan out of impound! This is on the tails of my DH losing a job in April, and gaining one just this past month. Without getting into the specifics of where we are, the state unemployment office denied his claim for unemployment. We're owed 6-8 weeks of payment, but since the STATE screwed up, we might not see a dime. We're contesting the state on this matter, but STILL may not see any money. That's approx. $2200, owed to us, folks. NOW, if we HAD that money in hand, any time before, say, last night, we'd have been able to keep the car payment up. It was our only MAJOR bill to pay, but when you run out of money and food and car payment money, it makes more sense to buy food with what little money you have, right? Then pay for electricity, as those kinds of things tend to keep a fridge and freezer cold to prevent what little food you have from going bad - but what do I know, LOL - according to the finance company, I'M the dirtbag! How DARE I not pay THEM first?! Imagine, feeding my pregnant self and small child! The NERVE of me!
Sorry, I ranted a bit there. Not without good cause. Deep breaths...
So then the contractions started around 1am and continued until around 9am, then stopped. I was convinced this stress of being harassed in the middle of the night (amidst DD's sleepover, no less!!) and having to empty out our "brand new" minivan of all our personal effects - would definitely send me to the hospital sometime today. It seems to be over for now. I plan on a bit of ostrich-ing with my head in the sand so I can function during the majority of the day. I have talked with the finance company (jerks!) and with the impound lot guys (actually the opposite of jerks there!) I'm pretty sure we have 2 options here.
Option 1: Beg, borrow, grovel at family members for the money owed to get the car back. This option involves a lot of faxing, and a western union type money transfer. Also requires proof of insurance, which we HAD to let lapse - as it was our choice to remain fed with food that wasn't spoiled - which we'd have to re-purchase, and fax proof of. (which requires more begging and money and stuff...) All of it borrowed money, of course!
Option 2: Tell the finance company to stick something somewhere entirely inappropriate, as we head off to the nearest bankruptcy attorney with our eventual check from either the state or hubby's new job to be able to pay the attorney. File for bankruptcy, hopefully regain the car, but if NOT, at least be able to save a grand or 2 to purchase some beater off the street from Joe Schmoe so we can get around town. We could also beg relatives for the cost of the beater car, as long as it were a loan, you know.
Option 3: I don't know that there IS an option 3, it just sounded better. Like the 3 bears, the 3 amigos, the 3 musketeers, etc. Shouldn't there BE an option 3? LOL
So if internet is the next thing on the chopping block (besides my transportation independance) and I happen to disappear, know that even though I'm not able to blog much anymore, I'm going to be fine, things WILL work out somehow, sometime, in some way...
"I'm president of the local Pessimists Club. We haven't had any meetings yet, because chances are no one would show up, and even if they did, I probably wouldn't like any of them anyhow." ~C
I know, I know, it most likely means NOTHING, but the baby dropped a little yesterday, and more today! I can breathe and eat again!!!! The question I have now is "how much longer do I have to wait?"
I'm 36 weeks along (and some change) and if he decided to come out now, he's considered full-term - especially since they estimate him to be a LGA baby (no GD). It might be TMI, but I keep searching for that mucus plug, lol, I want him OUT already!
Murphy's Law is a funny thing. I hope it doesn't get me. See, hubby is out of town 'till Sat. after the 4th. Dear mom (aka Nana) is out of town starting Friday, she'll be back before the 4th. I'm certain that if Murphy has anything to say, I'm going into labor as soon as everyone in my support crew is GONE. Seriously. AND if Nana stays home, and doesn't go on her vacation (3 hrs away) this baby boy will continue to 'bake' until everyone would've been home anyhow. Guaranteed.
Completely different topic: DD is having a sleepover tonight. I hope I survive the night. More accurately, I hope THEY survive the night ('cuz if they didn't, it's cuz I went pregnant rampage on them for making too much noise!) Wish us luck!
Today is Father's Day. It is a day to remember and honor fathers, be they biological or otherwise. I hasten to mention all the single mothers out there who deserve a pat on the back for playing fathers as well - Just like I think the single fathers deserve a mention on Mother's Day - the single ones deserve props!
I know it's not an official tag or anything, but it'd be fun for me and anyone else reading this post to put down 8 good things they remember about their father (be he alive or not!) in a blog post.
1. I am STILL Daddy's little princess - even tho I'm 'grown up' now!
2. Dad is always there for me for car troubles.
3. The bank of Dad was open when my bank was not. (Plus, the BOD does not allow me to incur any late fees, LOL)
4. My Dad always has my back, no matter how wrong I am!
5. Because my Dad's a college football fan, I'M a college football fan!
6. My Dad turned me on to potato chips dipped in yogurt - WORTH A TRY! VERY DELISH!
7. Dad only ever cried when we were born, got married, and had children of our own. (I'd always cry when Dad cried, too!) It helped me realize men weren't made of stone, and it was okay to cry!
8. All those old-tales about daughters marrying their fathers seems to hold true - no matter how creepy that sounds! I married a man who's almost exactly like my father. The more I see the similarities, the more creeped out I get! At the same time, it makes me love hubby more, because I feel like I know him better, you know what I mean?
My DH is a fantastic dad, just like my dad's fantastic. DH would do anything for DD and I, which is why he's away training for his CDL-A class w/HAZMAT endorsement. He's doing whatever it takes to be able to support us, and support me as a SAHM. He goes that extra mile every day (okay I didn't mean literally, but I suppose either way makes sense!!) :)) I'm so lucky to have a DH who's also a fantastic father.
There is a rule in our house that video games (the one hour allowed) are only to be played once school is done for the day. As a family who works out of workbooks and unschools to supplement, this rule works for us.
Today, my newly 6yo DD wanted nothing to do with her 1st grade workbooks. She requested 2nd grade workbooks today. Not that she's never done math at that level before, but I found it funny when she moved along in her book too quickly (by HERSELF!) she got a tad frustrated at the difficulty level!
I reminded DD that she's only JUST turned 6, and that she's really only old enough to be STARTING 1st grade, not finishing it - let alone going onto 2nd grade work! I told her how amazed I am that she was pushing herself, and how proud I was at how quickly she grasped concepts her PS peers could not.
Perhaps I'm the only one who finds it funny that she wants to be challenged. As a PS product myself, I HATED school. I HATED math. I hated my teachers, peers, and was BORED every day in school. Looking back, it looks like I was not challenged enough in PS, and grew bored. The first half of every year was a review of the second half of the previous year. I assumed the school system thought I was retarded. I had no idea that my PS peers NEEDED review for so long before finally moving on to the next level. (And to be fair, I'm not bashing truly mentally handicapped people in any way. I have a cousin who is mentally handicapped, and another who is physically handicapped. I am an advocate of equal treatment, and have no ill feelings towards the mentally handicapped. When I use retarded, I'm using it in the sense of implying stupid or dumb or the like. My intention is not to offend.... well, any more than Carlos Mencia would.)
I don't want her to be TOO challenged, or too bored with repitition and things. I don't want her to think I think SHE'S retarded or anything. I don't want to challenge her too much and get her frustrated and thinking she IS retarded, either. It's a delicate balance I try to walk here and I'm doing the best I can! DD's little friend and neighbor is 2 years older than she is, and a PS kid who got held back in Kindergarden. I can't tell you how many times I've heard her (since the weather warmed up) say she's retarded or too dumb to get something! I don't tolerate that kind of talk in my home or yard. I told DD's friend (we'll call her Lynn) that she's not allowed to bash herself like that in our yard. (not just that, but DD started self-bashing in the same fashion whenever she had trouble with a concept!!!) I told Lynn (like I tell DD) that everyone learns differently and she's probably smarter than she gives herself credit for. I remind Lynn that she MUST be smart, because she hangs out with smart people (hee hee! US, LOL). I also told Lynn that if she needed help with any school stuff to stop over sometimes and I'd be happy to try to help if her mom was unavailable. It infuriates me to no end that I MIGHT be the only one telling this kid she's NOT STUPID!
I thank my lucky stars that HSing is an option. Not only do we get to decide what she learns and when, but we get to attempt to keep out the bad influence of our local PS by NOT teaching sex ed until she's a little older than 2nd grade, or waiting to talk about current events regarding the war in Iraq until she's a little older (like 9 or 10? we'll see!). Or being able to take off on a child-led question like, "How many kinds of dogs are there?" and looking extensively into AKC and UKC breeds, talking about mixes and mutts and how to tell what kind of mutt is mostly what breed of dog, taking trips to the local pound, taking a trip to a dog show, things like that - that a PS can't do or won't do because of lack of time, energy or resources. I ADORE being able to up and leave for a day at the museum because we found a rock we can't identify. I like having the freedom to nurture our ADD learning style, and being able to jump from subject to subject without a penalty of some kind :)
I think I've ranted enough for one day :) Thanks for stopping by!
