My car is back after quite the ordeal at the repair shop. It drove fine for 2 miles and then the whole power issue happened again. I'm thankful it never happened with a sudden stop or in the middle of an intersection. In order to keep from killing each time I slowed down I was forced to brake and keep the gas on so the gauge wouldn't dip below 5000 RPM's. It was a flashback to when I drove a standard and had to coordinate my feet. I'm not very coordinated anyway so imagine my frustration. Well, $476 dollars later I have my car back. The next present to my car is another $150 dollars to replace something that I can't recall the name of. That wiped out our Christmas fund. Kevin and I don't need anything and JT is too little to know any better so it's okay, I guess. He's got gifts that both grandparents have sent and I bought him a book a few months back. I'll hit a few after Christmas sales to replenish our missing Christmas goods so next year we can have a full on celebration. All I wanted for Christmas was to spend the week of vacation with Kevin and JT and I know I've got that. I've been feeling really miserable about how things were going for me and my family. I slowed my blogging because I felt like I was doing nothing but delivering bad news. I'm not here to make this out to be a pity party, I'm really not. I was kicked back to reality when I was asked to deliver a card to a co-worker in another department. I stopped by her desk and said, "I was asked to give this to you." and walked away. Moments later I had an email from her professing her joy and tears saying that it was a blessing. She informed me that she is a single mom, was struggling so hired herself out cleaning homes. That was enough to pay the bills but didn't leave anything for her kids for Christmas. Not even a pair of socks. I don't know who organized this but they presented her something so she could give a Christmas to her kids. A few minutes before taking the card to her I had said to myself half jokingly, I wish I was her, because she was getting something that was a surprise. But almost as soon as I said it I took it back because Lord only knows what her situation is and while losing a house, savings, pet, Christmas items may be pretty crappy in my world? - at least I have Kevin and JT and a home (again) and a few dollars in the bank and food in the house and parents and in-laws and family and friends both near and far. After re-reading those emails from that woman I had to stop and thank God for what I do have. I may not have a lot but I have the important things that really do count. I'm in tears now but I want to say thank you to those who are in my world and share in my joys and my losses. I couldn't have made it without you. Merry Christmas.