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They come in threes

A few months ago, I was debating whether or not we should use our economic stimulus payment for a nice-sized, flat-screen TV. Last month, that decision was made for us after we had over $700 in truck repairs. Looking on the bright side, I decided after we put our ESP towards the truck, we would have almost $800 to spend or save, so it seemed like a better deal than blowing the entire ESP on the TV; it was like found/extra money. Then a few weeks later, our drier needed a $200 repair. Again, I told myself we would still have about $600 left, so things were still looking good. Then this past week, we find out the car needs a new clutch, to the tune of just over $700. Again. Ugh! I guess I should be glad our mechanic "works for Jesus and for you"; otherwise, who knows what this could have cost us!

I thought this ESP was a bad idea, just another example of the government wasting (our) money and putting the country more in the hole, but I was looking forward to it. Considering that I would have had to dip into our savings without it, I am now grateful for it. Speaking of which, my check is not here yet. Last week, we got a letter from the IRS (the second in three months, I think) telling us we were going to get it by May 9, which has come and gone, and if we did not get it within six weeks, we should call some number. Thanks, government, for again wasting more postage just to tell me I was going to get this money on a date I did not. Sheesh.

Hopefully, now we are done with extra expenses (and I also hope I did not just jinx myself by even saying this). I know it could be a lot worse, and I have so much to be grateful for, that I can almost laugh about this. For the rest of the day, I just want to focus on having a nice Mother's Day and spending time with my family, and later with my mom out to dinner (and watching the Pens). I wish all of the mothers out there a happy, restful, Mother's Day. God bless!
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Comments

Anonymous said…
Just thank the good lord these three expenses didn't come *after* you bought the new television! :) But it does suck to have to put the money toward such practical expenses...

Our rebate is just helping us move things along on our current home improvement projects. I'm like you, though...thought it wasn't the best idea, but I'm still happy to have the extra cash. ;)
May 12, 2008 at 9:18 AM
Anonymous said…
So true!
May 12, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Facie said…
Ashley,

I wanted to drive over to your place last night and watch the game in HD. HD is one improvement I wouuld love to have (in addition to the large TV). Maybe next year.
May 14, 2008 at 5:21 PM
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