1. Although we are overjoyed to have that insurance check, that money won't last forever. Already we spent about a third of it getting caught up on past due bills!
2. Stress continues to plague TB and me. Getting the check helped alleviate a lot of that but not all of it.
3. In January, TB will probably be cleared to go back to work. Either there will be work for him or there won't. If there is no work for him, there won't be unemployment either because he's been disabled. Since he won't be disabled anymore, that money will stop. So we are praying for work. If not, TB will need to get another job outside of his union job -- like at Walmart or McDonald's or something.
4. We've been really concerned about Linda. A lot of the services she's been getting are just going to end -- it's a long story. Anyway, no assistance from social services means she will have to go out and get a job -- any job -- to help support herself. It's a touchy subject right now. It's necessary not just because we need the money but because she's got to be able to support herself and Little T. Life is hard and there's no free rides. There are openings at the movie theater with Billy -- not great but hey it's money, right? She might also be able to get her job at WalMart back.
5. The kids are amazing! All three of them have done exceptionally well in school this year! And Billy, well, what can I say? He may be absent minded but he is having one hell of a year: he's on the honor roll with his AP courses, still taking karate, still working in the same place and advancing steadily, still saving his money and still focused on the things he wants. I can see the girls will do very well with what they want too! I'm very proud!
6. Little T has progressed from da-da to ma-ma and even na-na (meaning banana, not me, sob). He's pulling himself to a standing position and absolutely wants to try to eat and drink everything we do at the dinner table. He'll be 10 months old in just a couple of days! Zoweeeeeee!!!!!
7. We miss Michele, David & the kids. Been almost a year since they moved to TN but sometimes seems longer.
8. We won't be able to afford to spend much on Christmas this year but it doesn't matter. We have each other.
9. Depression makes you sick too.
10. This, too, shall pass.
1. How do you celebrate this time of year? What traditions do you hold dear?
We start to decorate the house the day after Thanksgiving. Billy put the tree up all ready and now the kids just need to put the ornaments on it. There are two radio stations that play Christmas music 24/7 and so I listen to that. We watch Christmas movies. I make Irish soda bread and the girls make Christmas cookies. Being together as a family – that is what I hold most dear.
2. When do you do your gift shopping? Early or are you a last minute shopper?
I do my shopping as soon as I can, as soon as I have the money.
3. What is the one present you would love this year?
This year … I think I would love a nice warm bathrobe most this year.
4. Have you ever believed in Santa?
I used to believe in Santa. I think I believed in him until I was kinda old for a kid. I had my doubts for a couple of years but wasn’t “sure” until I found presents for him in a closet.
5. Do the holidays depress you or make you happy?
It depends on the circumstances. Even when times are bad, I hold on to how I’ve always felt about the Christmas season and I try to be happy
6. How do you decorate your home/apartment this time of year?
This year, TB and I bought a Christmas village from the dollar store. It’s really nice and we put it on top of the entertainment center. I have some other Christmas knick knacks that can go around the house once they’re unpacked. I’d like to get some greenery to hang up too.
Posted by Cassie at November 28, 2004 04:33 PM