Blah

Malaise has set in.


It could be a number of factors: it's cloudy and ooky (that being the technical term) outside for the third or fourth day in a row; I have to pick up a prescription because I'm out of one of my meds; Seasonal Affective Disorder is rearing its head.


Whatever the cause, I feel unmotivated and uninspired -- especially in the contract work. I am giving myself a breather to recharge. But I can't afford to miss too much work.


Another potential cause of the malaise is the debt. Last week, we put $800 down. Unfortunately, we had $700 worth of charges from my medication and Tim's denture re-align. So the net was only $100 down. It's discouraging to say the least.


That, at least, we can do something about. Today, Tim's unemployment check comes, which will allow us to plunk down another $200. Additionally, through my own efforts, I've manage to raise around $120.


A friend took me to a casino and staked me a few bucks. The penny-slot gods decided to be benevolent, and I left with $60. I had already raised $52.50 from selling off random household junk. And another $7 came in from some printer ink.


Added to a $50 payment from Vindale and about $10 from MyData, I can make a nearly-$200 payment of my own. Hopefully that will cheer me up!


I am also wondering if part of the doldrums aren't related to the encroaching holiday season. Pre-Black-Friday sales abound and it just makes me feel that much more hemmed in and panicky. I feel like I just need more time.


This is silly, actually, since I more or less have planned out exactly what I will get Tim for Christmas. I even am managing to use MyPoints on a decent chunk of it, so actual expenses will be low.


But for myself, I'm drawing a near-blank on a wishlist. You'd think that would be good -- that I am happy with what I have and don't need more material possessions. But I am a kid at heart and want some goodies under the tree. So I suppose I'll have to trust Tim's instincts for presents (which are good) and just remind him to keep an eye on the total spent.


At least I am looking forward to putting up the tree this year. It's still a huge treat for me to have a full-sized tree for Christmas, since we only ever had a 3' tree when I was growing up. It was in deference to my father being Jewish. In the end, we gave presents at both holidays and that was about the sum total of our religious celebration -- aside from chocolate on Easter.


Tim and I have started hunting for an ornament we both like, preferably with the year on it, so that we can have one from our first Christmas as a married couple. That should provide for some fun window-shopping, and hopefully help get us into the right holiday mood.


How is everyone else's holiday(s) preparation going? Are any of you done? Mostly done? At least have things planned out? Anyone watching the pre-Black-Friday sales with bated breath?



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Quick update on my version of the 30-day challenge:

Last time, I forgot to include the Sierra Trading Post return credit. Plus, I sold the ink. So the current standings are:


Dishes: $40.00
Poker Set: $5.00
STP returns: $20.07
HP printer ink: $7.00

TOTAL: $72.07