This whole being without any checks thing has me quite stressed, so I bit the bullet and switched my stuff over to a checking account in a local bank that has a debit card to it.(did I mention my old bank is in another state? cant just zip over and do any transactions as its a credit union and not a branch) I have had this local account for 5 years now and used it as my play account. I could use the debit card on the internet without worry. I got thinking about it and I have been handling my money like its 1950 or something. My credit union was awesome in its day, but offers no amenities. I got the paperwork on line, and then faxed it to the retirement division comptrollers office, and my next check will go to the new account. I even set up on line stuff so I can see my account whenever I want, and know where each check went. For now I have left my SSDI check going to the old place so I can easily transfer stuff to DH if and when I need to. Funny, before this check fiasco I didnt give much thought to how far behind the times I am. I even downloaded an app to my ipod and can control and view my account from my palm or in the car! whoo!

Jack is down to one pain shot a day. We are going to try to see how that goes. He is angry and pouting in the other room. I set him up in the sun filled window and made him believe he has a nice hiding spot. Sleep is good for him.

I guess since its 2011 I should start bringing my way of life into this century. Funny how quickly we can get stuck in habits of yesterday.

btw, a first class stamp is 44 cents, but now all the stamps they sell are forever stamps, so they never expire. I guess I will be saving money on postage now huh?

Afternoon all. Survived all the holidays and a kid birthday. Now I'm dreading an event coming later this month. It could be fun, or not. It all depends on which event I'm attending. I think I'll be finding out tomorrow which it will be. It doesn't look good at all for the fun one.

Plenty to do, so I better get moving.

Dej, you'll never look back. Once I switched to online banking and direct deposit, etc. my life became a thousand percent easier. DH never wanted to even try direct deposit and up until his death we did everything in person at the bank. His aunt worked there and it always bothered me that she had direct access to our accounts. I felt like everyone knew our business.

He loved to sit at the kitchen table and "do bills" once a week. I hated it. It took forever and we were always buying stamps. Now.....everything is at my fingertips and I can look up stuff at 2 AM if I so choose. No more waiting on the bank to open.

This holiday season took it all out of me and then some. I need a shipment of spoons pronto. I guess I will just keep doing things as little as possible for awhile until I get back to my normal crappy level of energy. So, while I read everything, I am out of energy to respond. Love you all and free hugs for everyone.

Jenn, Hope your first day at work went well. Is your position full time?

Holly, I wish I had some spoons to spare, but I used them all in Texas. I am not sure how I managed the flights back to Illinois. I did enjoy using them however. Hope you had some fun and experienced some joy over the holidays.

Kelly, I am one of the last holdouts. I have never signed up for on line banking. I have just been afraid that I will screw it up. I do have direct deposit, and have occasionally paid a few credit bills on line.

Other than getting my hair cut today, I have been just laying around, reading, and playing a few computer games. I still need to finish getting ready for classes.

Holly I too am just out of energy. Some days I am lucky to even just read the posts...much less try to respond. I know I miss a lot too...kind of goes in and wanders around the brain then leaves no trace that the information was ever there!

to all! I sure hope this phase I'm in passes soon...not calling it a funk cause that's not what it is.

Hey all, I want you to look at this picture of me and my boys. I just cannot believe how grown they are and how they literally tower over me. lol Chris, the teacher and coach, is on the left (blue shirt), and Nik, who just got engaged, is on the right (white shirt).

@sandy, did you feed them fertilizer? They are tall and in great shape! My son is 27 and while he is tall, he is scrawny and thin. He swears he eats like a line backer, but it doesnt show on him. If anything he is too thin. You did good!

Husband is in a rush today! Tuesday is trash day, and errand day here, and I dont know why he takes it so seriously, but before I can even crawl out of bed its run, rush and lets go! I have explained over and over that the increased level of stress sets the tone for the rest of the day and it is upsetting. I can barely sip my tea before he is saying "you ready?!" I have sent him off to do the trash on his own, and gave him a handful of banking errands (I hope I dont regret that) and asked him to stop and get a hair cut so I can at least finish my tea, wash my own face and medicate the cats before we are off to the races.

Jack is on one pain shot a day and seems to be doing some better, but everytime I back him off this stuff he back slides, so I have my fingers crossed. He was very sweet this morning, chirping in the window at the birds. What a nice kitty when he is not sick.

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Im with Holly, the season took so much out of me. Ive been reading
but no energy to respond. It will come back, im sure...just going to take
some time.

Love and hugs to all!

I knew I'd find you all hiding out here..

I'm with you, all tuckered out, after the holiday rush and crunch.

On NY day, Sun and Monday, the water company has been digging up the streets and we have just had periods of water then no water. Those poor workers.. The seem to be finished at my neck of the street, but I hear them working on other streets.

It seems that our recent freeze, thaw, freeze, thaw and freeze again. made our ancient pipes burst. One good thing....our water bill went up on the first of the year and it was nice to see them earning their money.

Everyone rest up as much as you can and try to get your pre holiday strength back.

OK, back to my Christmas cookies/candies.