Updates 2.0

This week was Spring Break. You didn't realize that did you? Because I didn't whine or complain about it even once.

I am very proud of myself because summer is just around the corner and we all remember how that went last year don't we? Relentless activity planning packed into endless rainy days with a mother who desperately needed medicating but kept running on a treadmill to avoid medication.

I have my annual next week and I'm hoping the topic of summer and my medication comes up because I think I may need a 'Summer Dosage'. I keep trying to imagine how I'll bring it up to the doctor without a deranged look in my eye. Maybe I'll do it during the actual pap smear so he can't see the crazy. Unless my vagina is also looking deranged. It's possible.

This week was only a little bad. There were some days where we didn't have much to do and we were all feeling a little bored and stir crazy. So bored were we that I found Madison in the living room playing 'Rock Paper Scissors" by herself.

That's a fresh brand of bored.

The weather was good on a couple of the days and that always helps my sanity. One day we walked into town to the library and the post office and to the bagel place for lunch. Those are the types of outings which make me love my neighborhood and my stay at home life. The warm sun on my face and the chatting which isn't contained in the confines of our house for 12+ hours a day.

We had some other outings and play dates and none of these events ended with my son gnashing his teeth and throwing objects at other's heads. So this was good and helped the week go by with little whining from me.

...

The link I shared with the unbelievably priced Canon Rebel, totally horrific. I should really never have posted that. I did some research about these companies and heard some awful stories. Do NOT purchase your camera through Royal Camera, US Photo Nation or A&M Photo World.

This leaves me at a price point which is significantly higher than my 'fun money'. So I've made up my mind, I am definitely purchasing the Rebel. I am definitely obsessing about the Rebel. But it appears the time I will have to obsess about the purchase of the Rebel is going to be longer than I first imagined. Damn.

But this is good for me and my continuing understanding of money and how we made the financial mess we are now climbing out of. You must save for the things you want. You can't always have what you want the minute you see it! We must be grown ups, and not consumer credit crazy Americans. Even though US Bank LOVES ME and wants me to have what I want. Right now! No no no. That isn't how a grown up handles things. And I am a grown up.

I promise that when Logan goes out of town for TEN EVER LOVING DAYS later this month I won't throw caution to the wind and purchase the camera with whatever funds I can come up with. That would not be like the new me. I mean it. I'm absolutely not doing that. Don't try to convince me to do it Internet.

...

The book and the story I can and should tell remains something which taunts me. It pains me. It gives me anxiety attacks. It makes me want to leave my family and become a crack whore in Detroit just so I have a STORY TO TELL. Imagine how entertaining that would be. It has situational comedy written all over it.

Instead I run in circles in my head. I read emails of encouragement and speak to people who encourage me but I stare at a blank page and berate myself.

I did have one idea, tell me what you think. Let's say someone could pick their nose with their tongue. That's kind of compelling, right?

Right. I'll keep thinking.

Comments

[Amanda]

You can pick your nose with your tongue?!

I'd buy that book for sure.

[Meredith]

I'd go for a book by you that was written in the short chapter format of a blog. It's like jumping in mid-stream. You pick up the relationships, issues, passions and details along the way. Couldn't a book be written in a similar style? Maybe the screen would be less blank then since you get the blog groove on so well. Maybe I should shut my suck hole. Maybe.

On the topice of CAMERA. I wonder why the Rebel. Or I wonder how you came to choose that one. I want some camera consultant who will listen to what I want and tell me which camera will do it. I'm hoping that's how you came to fixate on the Rebel. And if so, you'll hand over the name and number of your consultant. Will you?

[Kathy]

It is just unfair that SOME people have these wild experiences and can write a book about them (like being a detroit hooker) and for those of us who just live a nice, uneventful life we have nothing that publishers want. The children's book author Patricia Polacco, who I LOVE, writes most of her books from first hand experiences and they make great stories ( a metor falling in her yard, a quilt made from fabric brought over from the old country and now passed down through generations). Somehow I never get those things happening to me.

Good luck, I know somehting will happen - I'll buy your book :)

Kathy

[LisaV]

I know nothing produces writer's block like having to write. I was actually trying to come up with a funny kid story yesterday and said to Rory, "what was that funny thing you said last week?" She looked at me like I was high. I wish I was. Must carry a notebook at all times.

I really admire your financial integrity. I am hoping just reading your blog will make it rub off on me. A home equity loan is just calling my name, saying "You really need to paint the outside of the house, get a new fence, and damn the ugly carpet." I will repeat your words like a mantra. I am a grown-up. I am a grown-up.

[Maia]

I like Meredith's ideas for the book.. similar to blogging.

The first time I went in to ask for anti-depressants I didn't worry about the deranged look in my eyes, I was too busy bawling and sobbing uncontrollably for her to notice THAT!
That was 11 years ago and I haven't looked back. I get such wicked PMS that it is just best for all concerned that I take my little pill every morning.

[Heatheranne]

During my spring break, I had two days of wearing shorts then a day of snow.

Yes, buy the camera. I have the Canon Rebel 300D and it's the best! And hey, now that they have the new one out, the price is coming down. They've gone from $999 to $750. Totally worth the money!

I like the blog book idea too. I'd buy it.

[amy]

Hey, I am a professional photographer, and if I had to I could take fabo photos with a disposable camera. It is your vision that captures the moment not the technology. Stick to your guns, stay on the program, and the day you have the cash and can get your camera will be all the more special.

You crack me up, keep up the good work!!

[amy]

Hey, I am a professional photographer, and if I had to I could take fabo photos with a disposable camera. It is your vision that captures the moment not the technology. Stick to your guns, stay on the program, and the day you have the cash and can get your camera will be all the more special.

You crack me up, keep up the good work!!

[Sarcastic Journalist]

everytime something fun happens, i think "this should go in my book!" therefore, nose picking with a tongue is book worthy.

trust me. i'm an expert.

[Phil]

While Logan's gone, he's eating expense-account food, right? Perhaps you can put 10-days-worth of Logan grocery money (and utilities!) into the camera fund?

Sometimes it's actually fun to save money for things. Extra bonus: sometimes, by the time I have the money, I don't really want the thing as badly as I thought. And it feels good to skip buying it. I don't buy on credit anymore -- too many past disasters still getting paid for.

[Fahrvergnugen]

I waited about three years to get my Canon Powershot A-70, so I know what you're talking about. I'm waiting another two years or so to get a laptop, and I won't tell you the obscene amount of back-burner-putting the restoration of my car has undergone.

Being a grownup sucks sometimes. But hey, nobody can force us to drink our milk or hang up the phone, your 15 minutes are up, young lady.

[landismom]

Urgh, as I have just this weekend decided to cut up all my credit cards except one, I am extremely sympathetic to your new-found grown-up approach to finances. The thing that pushed me over the edge was realizing that our tax return (which I had been counting on to pay off one of the lower-balance cards) is being eaten up to pay for two things. 1) The accountant who did our taxes. 2) The enormous gas bill that I just got, because the f---ing gas company didn't come to read our meter during the entire winter. Will it never end?

[Robert]

With the new Rebel and the 20D out, there are a lot of people with used Rebels for sale at low prices. Better than going the gray market cheapo websites.

[SueFromOhio]

here is a picture for the cover of your 'Nose Picker' book....it's a little big, but you can really get the full affect of him being right there in the room with you......heheheee

Hope your weather is better than ours in DOH-hio.....HAHAHAHAAA, YEAH, RIGHT!

[Stephanie]

I have a Canon Powershot A80 that I love, love, love. But, like you, I'm obsessed with getting a Rebel. It's so purty!

Signed,
Saving Along With You

[StacyB]

I probably shouldn't say this ... but if I wanted ... I could pick my nose with my tongue. Sorry. I had to share.

[Bill]

Back when I used to work on a farm, I was always impressed with the nose-picking ability of the cows. They had these nifty tongues that they could slip deep into each nostril (and they seemed to fit perfectly). I guess when you're born without fingers, you improvise. I'm just glad cows don't have to wipe their backsides.

[LongTongue]

I'm absolutely serious about this -- I can pick my nose with my tongue. It isn't pretty. Sure gets the attention of the ladies, though.