Quick note: Bali volcano is putting out serious ash, so Indonesia's got air travel and air quality etc. warnings up.

Hi Leo. It sounds like your hubby would not have slept even without snoring going on as he is all worried about money, and that is what is probably keeping him up. You can only do what you can do. I don't know why you wouldn't qualify for SSI. I have fibro and PTSD (depression and anxiety also), and OCD, and I qualified. My many hospitalizations probably were part of it, but you could try. It is a big relief for me and my husband. No we are not rolling in the dough, but the bills get paid. I hope your day improves and that your hubby is in a better mood later.

I have 2 big boxes ready to mail to NM. One is a birthday box, as DIL, and both grandchildren, were born in December. Then it's the Christmas box. I thought the USPS was safer than in our luggage when we fly out on Dec 31st. Anyway, hope it all gets there safely.

I have to pick up an order at Target today. And do a little grocery shopping. I'm all done Christmas shopping....just waiting for one last gift for little guy to come in the mail. I don't think I've ever been ready for Christmas this early, although I've done no baking yet. I'm not making much anyway.

My cold was short lived, and I'm beginning to wonder if it's allergies that I've been having. It seems late in the season for that though.

The Packers lost a close one last night. At least they weren't destroyed like everyone was saying. I won another fantasy football game, so I'm alone at the top of the league. Woohoo!

I'm having some fibro back pain today (and yesterday). I think I need to get back to the acupuncturist.

Take care all. I'll stop in later.....

I meant to say SSDI, Leo.

Morning to all,

Leo, I'm so sorry that your husband is worried. Is it possible that there is something "more" going on that he's worried about and hasn't shared with you? Looming (fill in the blank)?

My hub will get like that at times, when he's got a "plan of attack" in his head to chisel down our finances. And then sees me spending $$ on something he didn't think of forecasting for like kids shoes or jackets. We then hash it out and walk away in a better place. See, my hubs has a way of forgetting to include me sometimes in his thoughts. And while I love that he's got these plans to get us out of debt, I'm the one who thinks of the family needs, he thinks of the bills needs.

And like you, I don't have another job, well not really. And it was my hubby who convinced me to give up my career back when we had Andypants 12yrs ago. Me working nights wasn't working for him, so he went out and got another job which paid more and allowed me to stay home.

I have no doubt that you and your mister will figure this out. You always do. But like you, I hate the drama that leads up to it all.

I survived Thanksgiving here. Actually, it was quite nice, laid back, good food....easy, no fuss, sort of day. They came, they ate and the left.
But the next day, we cleaned out the garage and packed it all up. Well, it took two days. My fibro was on "just sit down and rest" mode while I had a list to accomplish and a drill Sargent of a hubster who almost slept out there for the night. LOL.
And then yesterday we packed up the last of the lasts here. We are officially living off of just a weeks worth of stuff (only the necessities) and the rest is packed. Paper plates/cups and such have replaced everything else. And it's nice to have it done. Now we can focus on finding a house.
Next weekend we plan to head out and start looking again. We have a few in mind that we think we will like best. And we meet with the accountant in two weeks to get that paperwork rolling. Christmas will happen somewhere in between there and then we are off to the races.

Sorry I didn't make it on to reply over the weekend. But I did read some posts for the few breaks I did take. To all who are feeling cruddy, I hope you feel better soon. And to all who are struggling, I pray your day gets easier.

I gotta run, we have the nurse coming out for Bean's review for his medical stuff. I have a love hate relationship with his MA coverage here. I like that it's there and it is the only thing that covers the boys Autism therapies. But I sure do hate dealing with the paperwork, the meetings, the "Why does this have to be so difficult" process of getting coverage. It truly cracks me up that they think that Autism needs to be reviewed every year to see if they still qualify. Last time I checked, Autism doesn't just go away. It's a forever diagnosis. But that's me being silly for thinking again.

Anyways, Happy Monday....it feels like it's Wednesday already. I never prayed for a Monday to come so badly in my life.

If you guys have no debts and can pay your bills every month, you're doing a lot better than a large amount of people. I have friends who still live with their parents at almost 30 because they can't afford rent *and* student loans, and another who got married too early and against her better judgment to save money on taxes. This kind of thing is pretty standard from what I understand. I'm not as financially stable as I should be either but once the holidays are over I know I can start saving again, and that's better than a lot of people's situations. But still I understand the feeling that you're a burden on someone, hopefully your hubby will realize that it's maybe not as bad as he thinks
I'm still beyond tired...I was in so much pain last night, my bf came over and I texted him beforehand saying that I was going to be wearing a hoodie and yoga pants because wearing real clothes felt like too much effort. And I don't get too dressed up most of the time...jeans or leggings and a flannel shirt or something. But he was understanding and he said that he was going to do a little research on fibro so he could learn a little more about what I deal with. So that's nice of him. Anyway...the phone is starting to get busy and there is not enough coffee in the world today. Hope everyone has a good day today

Ida, yeah, I checked. SSDI in my state is basically a joke if you try to get it for PTSD or anything short of amputation and/or partial to total paralysis, apparently. *sigh* BTW, HIGH FIVE to the Pack, that was a good hard-fought game!

Wonder, he has this self-imposed year-end "did I meet my goals" thing in a week, and the thng is, he's never gotten those goals, b/c he's unrealistic (he works commission only and loves the adrenaline rush, but duh, downsides!) and my mom's health means he's freaked by his own mortality. I can't fight that one. I don't care. I die, whatever. Either I find spiritual rest, or I am not aware to know the difference, the end, let me fertilize a tree, I'm good, thanks. I don't have time for terror of dying/death. LIVING is scary enough!

Sorry to rant. It's... ARGH.

I found out over the weekend that my one godson has primary cardiogenic dysautonomia (assume that this is as bad as you think) and has to be on a ortable monitor for, y'know, *life*....

And Mom was not doing well and I still don't have her burial plot settled, and I feel like that's caving in, too.

I don't think Hubby realizes it's not as easy as I make it look to arrange a parent's dying wishes. Last time, it was my dad, and we weren't close by any means. It was a chore, not ane motional grenade.

I am so sorry I can't stop ranting. I'm safe here. That's all. I'ms afe *here*. *whew*

You all never once make me feel like I'm a failure. Thank you.

We surprised Mom by putting up a tree for her yesterday. A little one. So now she'll have had some Christmas even if she isn't here at Christmas. All Hubby saw was the $50 spent on tree, lights, ornaments, etc. (yes, all that I managed for $50, tax included!), even tho' it's part of the Christmas Gifts Budget. ....

BTW, he's asleep right now and I can hear him snoring through two closed doors.... Do I laugh or cry?!

Miki, oh, that's so nice he's gonna research!:-) I agree, who needs clothes? Pfeh. Then we have to wash them, too. Hope you have a good day.

Ida, you know, I've heard many people complaining about sinus infections due to the mold/mildew with the prolonged fall season we are having. When typically we would have a frozen ground by now.
Maybe you're experiencing something similar?
And that is great that your shopping is all done. I started a little with ours. Got a good deal on one of the kids wish list items over the weekend. And we were in tears Thurs night into Friday night over trying to make a Christmas wish list. How do you wrap up You Tube? It's all that they are interested in. LOL.

And I love your idea of a having a White Christmas day with your daughter. One of the greats.

Miki...it's sad that in order to afford college these days you either take on a debt as large as a mortgage or you need to still live with your parents. I'm a big supporter of trade skills as they earn now what most college students aspire to earn. (I also grew up in a blue collar family, so my heart has been there long before this college crisis).

I'm sorry everything is mounting up on your side financially also. It seems through life we save and save to only spend it and spend it. Most of the time on things we don't want to spend it on....but like you said, it's a blessing that it's there.
Adulting sucks rocks some days.

And that Bf of yours....so happy to hear he's wanting to research some on what you go through. Does he ever ask you questions about it? Come to think about it, I think the only question I ever hear from my hubster is "How are you feeling today"? And he asks that a lot.

Hope your Monday is good to you and the coffee cup always stays full and warm.

Leo....unrealistic goals...I set those ALL THE TIME. Laundry...floors, you name it. LOL. Life happens in between there. Does it eventually get done, yes...but on my deadlines? Ha...feel free to join me in the laughing.

I'm sorry the planning for your mom is so difficult. My mom bought a double plot when my Dad died. So we know that will happen and she's just so shut in that she only wants her immediate family there. So it will be short and sweet. I think she's watch too many old movies and thinks that a funeral should be just quaint. It's her wishes. I'll just hold up the picket sign when the rest of the family shows up because they are family and were raised by Grams too.

And I too have toyed with the thought of SSDI. But they would laugh at me. I haven't been to a doctor in years (thanks to my anxiety stuff)...the only thing close is when I last broke my toe. And I kinda sorta work now. It's weird. The boys have this parental pay thing under their TEFRA coverage for their MA. It's covered under a grant. Well...the way how it works is you pay this sky high fee for their MA (because my hubby makes too much). And then you are eligible for a grant. The county comes out and it's covered under PCA hours. You can either choose to have a PCA or go with the grant funds. We selected the funds after several PCA's didn't work out. So then I am technically their PCA. But it's called parental pay. Which then we use that money to pay down on their Tefra Bill. It's a strange way of doing things...but hey, it's MN...what do you expect? So in a way, I work. I have to hire a fiscal company to manage the big details (W2s and stuff). In a strange way I was hired but not really, but sorta messed up thing.

So my point being....if I ever got for SSDI, this will be seen as being able to work...from home because in the eyes of the IRS, I'm employed part time.

And Ida, I was going to say...sorry to hear the Packers lost. The boys were rooting for them last night. It's neat to watch them cheer for other teams when the Vikes aren't playing. Any word on Rodgers? I thought for sure they'd throw Teddy B back in as our QB, but Casey seems to be making his debut pretty big. And it's just strange to even hear the words that the Vikes are doing so well. (I probably just jinxed it). But the talk in town is...could this be a historic SuperBowl this year if the Vikes make it being the SuperBowl is being hosted here?

LOL, Wonder, yeah. I sorta had a job so I must not be disabled enough. Yeah, part-time writing gigs, realllllly pay well.... NOT. (If you think wait staff have it bad? Freelance writing is ... You can bust your ass for 8 hours and earn $25. *sigh*)

Here in Virginia, I thinkt he rule is, "If they can walk into the office and speak, they don't need SSDI." Unless you're giving kickbacks, b/c I know that happens a lot on the coastal region. "Look, approve me, I pay you $100 out of the first check" sorta thing. Happened near here, too, about a decade ago. Five women had a hell of a racket going. Managed to grab $30K in two years in non-legit SSDI, and guess what? They claimed FIBRO. So guess what is now a huge(r) red flag dx for "fraud"? Yep. *sigh*

Morning Leo,
I'm sorry to hear about your husband getting all wound up about money. It sounds like you two are at least keeping up on the bills and that is a lot better than a lot of us. I'm sure you'll work it out with him. Gin is trying to get SSDI now. We chatted with a lawyer and he more or less said that there is a good chance that you'll be turned down, then come to me. He sounded pretty confident that he'd be able to get it for her. Ummmm to, once again, make a long story longer....have you talked with a lawyer?

ida,
I'm top dog in our league too, for the first time in about 10 years! I have one it and been in the top 3 a couple of times but have never been this high up at this time of year (had to win three straight in the playoffs to become champion). Hopefully we can keep it up!

wonder,
Your TGD sounds nice. We went and had ours at the nursing home with my sister. They put us in a private room and the food wasn't to bad. I know that she was happy to have the company and I was happy to be there for her. We had another turkey dinner yesterday at our house for my Moms and a friend of Gins bday so I am getting my share of turkey this year!

Miki,
I had to work last night from about 6 to 8:30. For the first time ever I came into work (a govt building) in a pair of sweats and a baseball cap. Kinda felt good. :-) It's a little spooky being in a big building by yourself.

Well..The weekend was very busy. I did to much and am paying for it now. The good thing is that I'll be on the ship in Hawaii, looking forward to meeting Blue, in under two weeks now!

I hope you all find a reason to smile today,

Kel

Leo, I say laugh and cry for hearing hubby snore through 2 glass doors. I hate that he is so mean about it. It's not like you want to snore you just want sleep the same as him. I love that you got your mom a tree. I got mine up but I need to have my husband get my moms up. And you are safe here with us, chime in all day and focus on something else to help you manage your day. I'm praying for you.

ida, me and my family are suffering from a lot of alleriges lately. My husband looks like he has a cold and he sneezed all weekend, I think it's allergies. I'm so glad you are done with Christmas presents this year. Baking is the easy and fun part to me, though it does tire us out. Enjoy your day.

Miki, it sounds like things are going good with your BF. I hope that continues and he takes care of you. Have a good day at work, and may the time pass quickly.

Wonder, It sounds like you had a great thanksgiving, I'm so glad. I hope the medical review goes good today and I'm with you on thinking a review for autism each year is silly. My girls have to go in every 3 months for review of their meds with autism and ADHD. It just doesn't seem necessary to me all the time like that.

I'm so tired today. I was ready to sleep on the way to work, I thanked God for allowing me to make it safely. I also prayed out-loud in my Jeep to help keep me awake. I'm struggling with so much pain in just about every spot you can think of. My hips and back continue to give me more problems than usual, but overall it's those darn feet, legs, and hands that leave me hurting the most. I leave early today for PT to do pelvic floor exercise, how exciting :-) My mom mentioned yesterday that I drink too much water and I should mention that to the doctor again. I've told them before that I don't ever feel satisfied, I'm always so thirsty.

I hope everyone has a good day.

Twin, big hugs. FWW, I have to do those pelvic floor PT Things every day since late 2011, and they do really help. I just hate that they're one more To Do Item on my list. The thirst thing worries me, so I hope they pay attention!

Kel, LOL, who do you think told me my chances of SSDI sucked? Yep. The SSDI specialist lawyer! I will keep a candle lit for good luck for you and Gin.

HI there.

Thanksgiving was good—I just feel like I did too much – I’ve had trouble sleeping and add in fibro fatigue, and I’m so totally drained. I’m still coughing from the cold, too.

I’m struggling with the birth control medication too, I think. I had a meltdown yesterday at the cat—he knocked something off a shelf—a glass candleholder—he does it on purpose to get attention when he’s hungry, and I yelled and stomped my feet at him. I felt so awful afterward that I broke down crying. The cat forgave me, and I would never, ever hurt him. I think the problem is that the hormones are affecting my emotions, and I’m not myself. I fell like absolutely everything is completely out of my control, and I totally hate that feeling. That and my IBS is really flaring too.

Leo, I’m sorry to hear about the money worries – and like you, I don’t qualify for SSDI. So here I sit, and I plug away.

I have a lot of work on my plate to day, so sorry I can’t reply to everyone. Know you’re in my thoughts—praying for peace and rest for all of you.