Well, The Evening Began Idyllicaly

This evening was gorgeous. It was warm & sunny; Doug pulled out the patio table & chairs so we could eat dinner outside. We had gnocchi and salad. Had we been surrounded by grape vines and eating on a rustic wooden table it couldn't have been more ideal.

After dinner we all did some yard work (Doug picked up poo while the girls and I pulled weeds). I began taking plates into the house. I was in the kitchen when I heard a thump. You know the sound- kind of like a melon hitting a cement slab.

Except it wasn't a melon. Unless you're using speaking slang for head... Then I suppose you could say that Caelan's "melon" hit the patio slab. Hard enough for me to hear it in the kitchen- one floor up and indoors.

Somehow she had missed the seat of our patio swing, or she slipped off... I'm not really sure. Doug said it happened in a split second... She was on and then she wasn't.

Oh how she cried.

Her eyes didn't dilate, she didn't lose conscienceness or vomit. She was groggy and dazed.

We made a trip to urgent care. Where she wasn't the only child visiting for a head bump.

By the time we saw the doctor she was telling me, "My head is ok, Mommy." But with the whole Natasha Richardson thing in my mind we weren't leaving.

The doctor we saw was very understanding. He checked her eyes, ears, blood pressure... He asked her questions and had her walk.

We left with instructions to wake her twice tonight and make sure she is fully conscience. And no food lest she vomit. I made mention that my worry was bleeding. He said that is really the only worry but that he didn't see any signs of that. I commented that they were probably seeing a lot of worried parents for this reason and he said, "Yes. And doing a lot of unnecessary cat scans. The case with Neeson's wife, that is incredibly rare. In a child your daughter's age a cat scan probably wouldn't show anything, anyway."

Right now Caelan is fast asleep in our bed. I'm thinking about taking the computer upstairs and sitting by her as she sleeps...

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It's Amazing How Much a Town & Country Can Hold...

So... We're home. I have much to do. Saying much doesn't even begin to describe what I need to do... But I do want to show you something... But I had to show you these photos.

Here is the van packed and ready to go. It's a good thing I enjoy puzzles... Because this was! But I gotta tell you, I LOVE the stow & go storage. WOW! I fit a ton of stuff in there.

What? You don't believe me? Here's all the stuff that was in the van unloaded into the house:
Storage totes, boxes, suitcases, bags... It's almost like a clown car full of stuff puked in my house.

Gotta say, I really, really liked that van. And I'll be sorry to see it go back to the rental company tomorrow. And I need a vehicle (remember- Doug totaled the truck a few months ago) but the expense of the Town & Country isn't anywhere in my budget right now.

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Wow... 2 Months Gone

At times the days seemed to crawl by... And other days I wished for more hours.

While it seems entirely possible that our final week in Massachusetts is upon us it doesn't quite seem plausible. I still have so many things I would like to do, so many things to see.

Ah, well, those will all have to wait until another time, I suppose.

We had a great weekend. On Saturday the girls got to see their first musical: Thomas the Tank Engine Live. They loved it! We finished the evening at our favorite Irish pub: the Black Rose. Sunday we ventured to the Cape to explore Falmouth, a town we passed through on our first trip. We didn't make it past Falmouth as the girls wanted to use their new sand pails & shovels on the beach. Then into the village where a few shops were open- as was a great Irish pub. No live music but the food was really good!

I have so much yet to share from our time out here- my articles are ending up longer than I anticipate and are taking a while to write. I don't want to miss anything! Be sure you're subscribed to Have Kid Will Travel or following me on Twitter so you can keep updated!

Tomorrow I have a few things to share on the review site- my Crocs arrived last week!- and I hope to finish the article about our "home away from home".

Also on the agenda... Beginning packing. What can be packed, what has to wait, what will we need for the trip home, what won't we, what has to be done before we leave... I anticipate a hectic week. But there's nothing new about that...

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Now That I Have Internet...

You would think I could post a bit more regularly, wouldn't you? HA! Not likely. You see, we have no schedule right now and that is wrecking havoc on more than my blogging. It is wrecking havoc on the girls, too. We're all creatures of habit- and when we are at home that habit is nicely laid out in the form of a (very detailed) schedule that includes preschool and gymnastics class. Last week wasn't too bad as we were in "settling in" mode. This week, however, was painful. I did find a nice gym (but not as nice as our beloved Triad) that the girls will be attending every Tuesday morning.

But, since we found out yesterday that our trip will be extended by 3 weeks (I can hear the audible groans from friends, family & teachers), I am now in search of a preschool - or something intellectually challenging - for Brenna. The girl is bored. And I am not teacher material. At least not all-day-every-day. (I don't know how homeschooling moms do it.) Today the three of us (Caelan, Brenna & I) had to have time-outs from each other.

OK, enough of that... Here's what we've been up to lately...

Wednesday the girls and I ventured into Quincy and to a larger mall - in hopes of finding a large play area. No such luck. But the girls did get to visit the great haven known as the Disney Store. Caelan was entranced by all the very fancy costumes. Brenna, a girl after my own heart, really wanted a fancy fairies desk set (with neat "hidden" compartments). What they each got was PJs from the sale racks in the back. Hey, we'll be here for Easter... Who knows what that bunny may see fit to bring?

We got to go see Doug's office and meet a few people he works with and then it was off to dinner... We went to a place called Cela's. From the reviews I'm guessing it's a relatively new place. It is not really a place for kids, though the girls did well enough. It wasn't too busy, and it was early. The waitstaff were good natured about the girls and Doug dancing in the dining room. The food was quite good... Check out these salads:


We ordered the girls Chicken Parmesan to split (and it ended up being enough food for Doug & I to both have it as leftovers the next day!), I got a sweet Italian sausage in pesto sauce over gnocchi and Doug got a lobster gnocchi with a cheese sauce. I say my dish was the best.

Caelan has graduated to diapers at night only and continues to do an amazing job with her potty skills. Here she is in her new Aerial nightgown, very proud of herself.

Thursday was nice enough for the girls and I to head out exploring in the afternoon. We visited the Scituate lighthouse, explored the beach and picked up more shells for our collection. (click the picture for a closer look)

We tried our best to get lost but with a compass in the van I was able to keep us heading in a direction that would either take us to the ocean or back to the house. And though I had heard it existed, I really didn't expect to find the Scituate castle.

OK, so it's a water and clock tower but it's a really cool one. And it's right next to a playground and the library - which is having an Irish music concert on March 8.

Today was another lovely day so we made a visit to our beach after running our morning errands and having lunch.

Tonight weather is blowing in and I have no idea what adventure tomorrow will hold.

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And I'll Have...

After my whirlwind weekend in Nashville I spent half of Sunday on a plane bound for home. I was so excited because I just knew that my family would have missed me so much that they would be waiting just outside security.

As Paula and I came down the escalator, bending our bodies to catch a glimpse of our waiting families....

And...

Nothing. I was a bit let down. Our plane did land about 15 minutes early but one would think that mommy would be missed enough to warrant at least an hours wait in the airport.

As we entered baggage claim I saw my little family come in the far doors with flowers. The girls ran to me with hugs ready. OK, I'll forgive them...

After being away for most of 3 days I wasn't about to cook so we went out for dinner. Our waiter was wonderful, addressing the girls first. He asked Brenna what she wanted to drink, "I want chocolate milk, and so does my sister," she replied.

And then, before he could ask what Doug or I wanted Brenna continued, "Daddy will have coffee and Mommy will have tea."

Our server looked at me. "Hot tea," I clarified.

"Yes, hot tea for Mommy and hot coffee for Daddy," Brenna told him, letting him know exactly who was in charge of the outing.

And, while she ordered her own dinner, she- thankfully- let Doug and me order our own.

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Hello!

Just in case you all think I disappeared I will first offer my apologies. I really thought I would have more time whilst in Nashville to blog. I was, after all, at a blogging conference, surely I could pop in and let you all know how I was doing and what I was up to.

Nope, not so much.

The conference was amazing and I plan to share all kinds of stuff with you this week.

• The amazing bloggers I met (stars in my own little world)
• The great entertainment (including a couple of the stars of Yanni Voices (#voices on Twitter)
  
• The talented and funny Chris Mann (@iamchrismann on Twitter)
• Jen Lancaster was the keynote speaker
• Little Debbie was a sponsor (Hello... New 100 calorie goodies!)

As much as I would like to ramble on about this it's now shortly after 10, I'm exhausted, and we have to take Doug to the airport at 5:30 in the morning.

But I have much to share. Including giveaways for Iowa Geek Reviews! Until then go over and sign up to win Galway Bay.

This week should be exciting. Have I mentioned that we are relocating to Boston in 6 days?

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Big Friday Night Plans

Doug has been in Boston all week for work. I didn't mention it on the blog before now because, hey, you never know what kind of crazies may be lurking... But he'll be here soon and we'll be so happy to have him home!

It's amazing just how much I rely on him in the evening. Being a full time mommy is hard work. Being a full time mommy alone is much more difficult. I NEVER want to be a single mom.

Until he gets home I'm going to curl up with the new book Miriam from Hachette Book Group sent me:

Expect to see a review soon... But this one is staying with me.

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And Another Day Gone

I woke at 3:47 this morning so it's no wonder 7:40 feels much later. At least I got on the treadmill (for the first time in weeks).

Thanks to everyone who dropped little notes of encouragement yesterday- today was much, much better. No car troubles!

I have much I would like to do online but I'm going to do laundry and watch Definitely, Maybe instead. Next week will be busy... It's Bloggy Giveaway Carnival time and I've got some great sponsors and wonderful stuff to give away!

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Thank God Today is Over

Honestly, I don't know that my day could have been more frustrating.

Doug's week is insane; we aren't really seeing him. Which puts more stress on me. Which makes me tense.

I actually went to bed at 9pm last night with every intention to be awake at 6am today. Nope. I was so exhausted, slept through my alarm and woke to the girls coming downstairs at 7.

After getting breakfast for the girls, making my breakfast, having them decide that my breakfast looked better and remaking my breakfast... I took a shower.

Out the door about 9:30am to take Caelan to school. Brenna & I drop her off, come out, get in the car and

Click, click, click...

What the?

I try again...

Click, click, click...

Seriously?!?

And again...

Click, click, click...

Crap. Crappity, crappity, crap.

I call the auto shop and tell them I can't get my car to start. Of course while I am on hold it starts. So I take it directly to the shop. Where Brenna & I spend the entire time Caelan is at school and I spend $185 to have the battery replaced. Apparently they have to practically remove the front end of my car to replace the battery. Great.

I also got a call back from the nurse at the pediatric clinic; the Dr. wanted to see Brenna as she's had a nasty rash/boil/pimple issue on her tukkis. They wanted her there at 1:30pm. It was 11:45am. Bah! Not enough time to get back home, make lunch and get to the Dr. So I took the girls to lunch at IHOP (nuthin' like pancakes to make you feel better).

And then to the Dr. Where I learned that Brenna has some sort of bacterial infection that is common but requires both a topical and oral antibiotic - to the tune of $75 that I pay in cash as it's a new year and I have a new deductible to meet.

After 5+ hours away from home and accomplishing nothing I had planned to do I sent the girls to separate rooms for quiet time and hid in my office. Where I saw that a credit card that we no longer use but still have a balance on has doubled our interest rate.

Grrr... After a tedious phone call to them I got our old interest rate back as long as I promised not to use the card again (wierd... Wouldn't they make more money from me in the long run if I pay less interest and continue to use the card?) which isn't a problem as we haven't used it since last summer.

Blah. I could go on about my day. But, seriously, if you made it to here I should give you chocolate or something.

So I'll share a happy moment... I've lost 4" from my waist. (Which I'm sure I just destroyed by eating a plate of nachos)

Ugh. Good night. May tomorrow be better.

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It's Official

The adjuster called with the "good" news yesterday: the truck is, officially, totaled. It was bittersweet, really, to go and take the license plates off it and get the few things we had left in it. Doug bought that truck about the time we got married so we've had it 5 years. And, despite my complaints about it, it really was a good vehicle.

I've been driving the car this past week and I have to say, I miss my SUV. It just feels safer when I have the girls with me.

So, what's next? We aren't really sure. Doug's assignment for work is changing and he will be commuting farther, on a daily basis, but won't need his own vehicle during that time. Which is both a blessing (it gives us more time to look for a new vehicle and find a great cash bargain) and a curse (he'll be gone more).

On our radar now? A Land Rover Discovery. Used, of course. We really liked the one we drove in Ireland. Or a Saturn Relay. We rented one in Texas a few years ago and liked it, too.

Another blessing; there are tons of used cars in the market right now. We have the time to be choosy and bargain shop. And, hey, if the best deal is in Florida maybe we can get away and find some warm weather, too!

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Busy, Busy, Busy

I feel like the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. I feel like I have so much going on and absolutely nothing is getting done.

We are still waiting for an adjuster to call us about the truck. I had to call my insurance agent yesterday to let him know that no one had called us yet. It's funny to hear them say "We'll get it repaired" when I know there is no repairing that vehicle for under the loan payoff cost. Whatever... They'll catch up to where I am sooner or later.

Doug is hitching rides with my family this week. He is out of the house before the girls are awake which throws them off. I hear "I want daddy" all day. Hopefully we can get over it soon because the next 2 months Doug is on a project that will have him away from home more than he's here. Not looking forward to that. Being "Mommy" all day is tougher than so many people think (and I see all you mommies nodding) and I really rely on Doug in the evening. It's going to be difficult having him gone until late and out the door before the sun. I'll be a single parent... But not.

Through all the difficulties this past week I did manage to lose another pound. It's not much, but I'm amazed I didn't gain any.

OK, back to work. Man, do I feel scattered. Why won't my kid go lay down and watch her movie? Seriously, I NEED THE QUIET TIME TOO!!!

Oh, when I was thinking coherently I was quoted for a bail out article. Check it out here.

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I Wish I Were Sleeping

And, come morning, I'm going to wish I drank something stronger than tea!

Caelan woke at 2:30 am needing a diaper change. Oh, yes, she is ready to be potty trained. I need to just buckle down and do it. She holds for 24+ hours at a time and then the next 12 hours are filled with heavy, wet diapers and nasty poo. And it's waking her in the middle of the night when she needs to go.

Brenna, who usually sleeps like the dead, trailed down a few minutes later. It seems Caelan isn't the quietest mouse in this house and woke Brenna with her fussing.

After changing one and having both wanting to "cuddle" with me, I managed to get them both tucked into their beds. I, of course, had to stay to "cuddle" or risk fussing that would wake the rest of the house (Doug) fully.

By the time I made it back to bed I was awake. Grrr...

And my mind began to work. Grrr...

So, here I am, taking care of things that need done this morning. Though not this early...

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One Vehicle is Not So Easy

The weekend passed, quite quickly actually. Saturday's accident threw off my rhythm quite a bit and we ate out twice and had ice cream at Marble Slab.

This morning I got Doug into the Chiropractor for an after-crash check up, then drove him to work. Which was a great joy as the snow is falling steadily and the car really doesn't appreciate roads that aren't dry. Luckily we made it home without incident- though others we saw weren't so lucky.

I haven't hear from our insurance agent yet. Doug left him a message on Saturday to call me as I had questions... Like checking the driver side airbag and seeing if that $650 I just put into the truck can be reimbursed.

Soon it will be time to load the girls into the car again- this time to take Brenna to school. Then out again to pick her up, grab a prescription, pick up the babysitter from school and send out books from last week's contests.

Thankfully I don't have to collect Doug from work- my sister is doing that. As well as taking him in the rest of the week.

Did I mention the blizzard warning that we will be under this evening? Oh, yes, I miss my 4-wheel-drive truck right now. I felt so much safer in it...

Maybe I can win a Disney Vacation and get away from the snow for a while...

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Have I Crossed the Line from Frugal to Just Plain Disgusting?

Warning! This post involves poo. Do not read while eating!

I'm not really pushing the whole potty training issue with Caelan. I have no interest in trying during the winter and I'm not going to frustrate myself by trying before she is ready. I made that mistake once and I'm not going to repeat it.

That said, Caelan is actually doing quite well at "training herself". She has the whole control thing down. In fact, she has been known to "hold it" for over 24 hours because she doesn't want to soil her diaper but she doesn't want to use the toilet. She has even told us, a couple of times, "I need to potty". Of course this is followed by toilet time that produces nothing, but it's a step forward.

Well, this morning, after not p'ing for over 16 hours, she wet completely through her diaper and down her leg; thoroughly soaking her clothing and socks. I changed her and wiped her down and she went happily on her way. A short while later she calls to me, quite happily, "Mommy, I'm poopy!" And she was. But she wasn't wet. And the poo was quite solid.

So, I removed the poo to the toilet, wiped her tukkis and the diaper as best I could and put it back on her.

Have I crossed the line with frugality? Because, seriously, the diaper is still good... Isn't it?

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It's Shaping Up to Be An Exciting Day

Oh, yes indeedy it is! I just started what is the first of many loads of laundry. And have mapped out ideas for my Moleskine hack. The first of many toy-pick-up projects have been begun as more toys are brought out. And I have managed to avert no fewer than three major crisis...

OK, that may not be exciting for you. How about this:

I have secured some wonderful items for Bloggy Giveaway Carnival! I've got bags, books, videos and travel items so far, with more sponsors on board (I'm just waiting for the info on what they'll be donating)! I can't wait for the end of January!

And don't forget, I've got three book giveaways going on right now!

The Magician's Book: A Skeptic's Adventures in Narnia

Be Strong and Curvaceous

Love and Other Natural Disasters

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And the "New Year" Has Officially Begun

And I'm still trying to get organized! I am actually an organized person so the craziness of my house right now makes me a teeny bit crazy.

My computer has been residing in my kitchen so my desk has piles and piles of paperwork that needs organized and filed. (Yet another reason I want that ultra portable Acer Aspire One. No more lugging my laptop up and down stairs!)

So I'm thinking about how unorganized I feel and Jessica has to go and write about her Moleskine hack, which looks super cool to me. Yeah, yeah, I got a Franklin Covey planner 6 months ago but it isn't "perfect". I really like the thought of creating my own. (Besides it's a pen & paper project... I love pens and paper. Back to school was my favorite time of year. Crisp new notebooks, the smell of freshly sharpened pencils...)

So, while I make my way through all the stuff on my desk I'm just gonna send ya'll over to my Flat Belly Diet blog to read about my progress- actually I should call it lack of regress- which I'll be happy with right now.

Oh, and in case you're wondering how I'm doing with my one-and-only resolution... I haven't missed a day yet. It's pretty interesting to read the Bible from the beginning.

And don't forget about my giveaways!
Books...
Books...
Books...

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OK, Ford, I Need a New Vehicle

Let's see... Last week we replaced our hot water heater and the brakes on Doug's car. That cost us about $3000. Which destroyed our emergency fund and caused us to use a credit card.

With Doug's check last Friday I was able to pay bills and replenish about 3/4 of our emergency fund.

Which is fortunate... Because the Explorer started making weird noises yesterday. Loud, screeching noises. It was embarrassing to drive it. So I dropped it off at the local mechanic (BTW, if you're in central Iowa I highly recommend Graham Tire)... They know me so well that I take them Christmas treats every year.

Greg, the friendly head mechanic, just called to give me the bad news...

• water pump going out
• rear differential needs oil changed
• 3 different belts need replaced
• and other assorted "little" things should be done

And this will cost me in the neighborhood of $600. Which we, thankfully, have. Barely. But it means, again, rebuilding our emergency fund. Ugh.

So, if any auto manufacturers want to give me a vehicle to drive and review, I'm available! Or if there are any readers out there who need donate some cash for a tax write off I'll be your long-lost relative. Or maybe you just feel sorry for this trio of bad luck that has come our way the past couple weeks...

Tongue in cheek, of course... Kind of... Remember, Doug is out of a job in 32 days...

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An Afternoon Alone (Whatever Will I Do?)

Doug and the girls just left for his aunt & uncle's house about and hour & a half away. His aunt called me last night and said they were having a gathering today, could we make it? Well, all who know me know that I am a "planner" and to drop something like this on me at the last minute is like dropping a bowling ball onto a mirror. It's not good. I had my day planned out weeks ago and there is stuff I really need to get done before the week begins.

So Doug, who had no bigger plans than to sit and veg with the girls all afternoon, gathered up my little balls of energy and left me alone to get stuff done.

So, what's on my agenda? Well, I want to:

1. Create a new logo and button for Have Kid Will Travel. And I want to get all my older posts relocated to the new blog site and shut down the old one. Lots of copying and pasting.
2. I need to create a Fab Food Friday button, as well. I'm also behind over there and I have a wonderful beverage to share before New Year's Eve arrives!
3. I want to set up both my and Doug's blog roll in Bloglines to unclutter the sidebars of the new template I'm working on. And while I'm there I need to set up "subscribe with Bloglines" buttons for Fab Food Friday and HKWT.
4. I need to get my Iowa Geek Review email working through Outlook.
5. I must write a post for my Flat Belly Diet over at Prevention. And I need to make a link for that to add to the new sidebar on the new template.
6. I have three books to write reviews for and give away.
7. And I need to create a new schedule so I can get things done on time! Deadlines are beginning to become part of my life- which is good!
8. And, big news, I'm going to Blissdom'09! It's a blog conference in Nashville February 6 & 7. I got child care lined up for Friday and if I book before the end of the year I can save some money. I've got the OK from Doug, so I am booking tonight! W00T! And, hopefully, Paula from Boogers & Burps will be joining me! Anyone else from central Iowa interested?
9. I really need to make a list and hit the grocery store. We're out of string cheese (which has become Caelan's favorite snack) and practically everything else!

So, on to the list... Let's see how much I can get done...

OK, it's now 2:07 pm and things are getting done!

Here's my Fab Food Friday button and code if you want to take it:

<a href="http://www.fabfoodfriday.com"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3144310685_817fe9a7e7_o.jpg"/></a>

And don't forget my Iowa Geek button is just off to the right...

It's now 4:52pm. I've been crossing thigs off my list as I get them done... And I've made some pretty good progress... But Doug just called and said they are on their way home. I should really get the grocery list made nd shopping done.

Yeah, like that's gonna happen in an hour and a half!

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And A Merry Christmas Was Had By All

It's been a busy couple of days here at Casa Geek.

Christmas Eve we were at church shortly before 5:30pm until 8:30 or so. The girls dragged into bed late which results in added drama at bedtime.

The gifts from Santa were prepared and set out (one each) and I, grateful the day was over, went to bed.

I woke at 6:45 Christmas morning. We must not have our children sufficiently excited about Christmas morning yet, because they slept until 8:45am! When we finally made it downstairs the girls noticed the gifts "from Santa", front and center.

Brenna was very excited by hers, a Frieda Trunki, "Just what I wanted for Christmas!" Caelan got a Tika Kids Crayon Bag, which was immediately put to use.

The gifts from Mommy & Daddy followed, with Brenna receiving a microphone and Caelan a toy violin. And then from the girls to each other: Brenna got a Hooked on Phonics touch screen learner and Caelan got her own digital camera (so she can leave Brenna's alone!) That's 3 Christmas gifts; Jesus received three so we don't give our children more. We are, after all, celebrating the birth of Christ.

Gifts from the grandparents in Texas were books (always popular in our house) and a LiteBrite cube. Very fun!



The rest of the day sped by. The girls, my mom & I delivered the Fill in the Blankie to a new baby in the NICU at Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines. Because the baby was in NICU we dropped it off, with an anonymous note, with the nurses at the front desk. Our prayers go out to that family for their blessed baby.

Not long after that my family descended on our house and the fun began! So much food- soups, dips, crackers, veggies, pickle wraps and so many desserts! Pies, cookies, fruit breads... An abundance- even by our standards!

Gifts were opened and then brought out to play with, the big screen was pulled down and the Wii was put into use. There is truly nothing better on Christmas than family & fun. The gifts are really quite secondary.

A sledding party was planned for the next day but we had quite a heat wave - 45 degrees! - and the snow was melting as we slid down the hill. So the kids created a snow person- which has since melted to a blob with a hat. They were quite proud of it, though.


Tonight bring the Christmas gift for us parents. We are all going out to dinner (courtesy of my parents who each gave us a nice bit of cash and are watching all the kids tonight!) and then to see Spamalot!

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Damn Murphy... I Think He Must Like My Cooking

Murphy has been here for a few days. You all know good ol' Murph, right? Mr. Can & Will Go Wrong himself, has been visiting us for the past few days.

It began when our water heater began dispensing boiling water. I'm talking 200+ degree water coming from the tap the minute you turned it on. My dad, who is a handy guy to have near by, came over and said it might just be the thermostat. So we turned it off for the night. Of course it couldn't be that easy as we found out when Doug went to light the pilot light the next morning and found a nice rusted-out gaping, leaking hole that had managed to leave our storage room quite wet.

Hello new water heater and goodbye to my thoughts of a new pink Acer Aspire One... A light & lovely 8.9" laptop with Windows XP {sigh}...

Then, today, on his way into work Doug had to fill the tires on his car... Again. So he asked me to call our mechanic and see if he could get in to have the tires checked for leaks today. Turns out it wasn't the tires but the brakes.

Of course this happened after I told him that I really wanted to attend BlissDom, a blog conference in Nashville this February.

So now we've spent a bit over $3000 in two days which has eaten up our entire emergency fund and then some. We've got to begin the Baby Steps all over again.

So... If anyone out there feels like donating a lovely little laptop for me to review or sponsoring my trip to the conference let me know. I'm sure we can work out a deal...

Acer? United Airlines? Target? Anyone???

Bueller? Bueller?

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