Sing with me, now

"Gloom, despair, and agony on me..."

This has been an awful week.  We started the week with the flu.  Natalie had it, Monica had it, Kevin had it, and I had it.  Brett came home from his dad's house quite healthy.  By Wednesday, Brett had it.  Damn flu.  We were so sick, we were fighting death.  We (all but Brett) started getting better by Thursday...then the van broke down.  Damn.  It didn't just break down, the alternator fell the HELL off!  FELL....OFF!!!!!

The bracket that holds it on can only be found at the dealer....$150.  OUCH.  Plus, the belt that was lost because of it is $50.  Shit.  OK, plan B.  We fix the LeBaron.  The broken passenger side window can be bought for $50, and the thermostat is less than $5.  I bought the parts to fix the LeBaron, and thought we'd make it until next week....NOT.

Kevin was leaving for Carthage this morning.  I'm so glad he went.  His mom needed him.  His sister offered to pay for the gas.  Thanks, Susan.  Anyway, he's ready to leave and he woke me up.  He what???  Why are you waking me up?

Oh.  We're out of propane.  The coldest night of this winter, the wind chill is -7 and we have no heat.  Cool.  No, seriously...COOL!  I can't wait to see what else life can throw at me.  If my left arm fell off, I'd look over my shoulder at it and shrug, saying "well, maybe I can buy another one next week."  There's always next week.

The propane folks said that, yeah, they can deliver on Saturday, for an extra $50, and the total must be paid today.  I said, "Look, my husband is out of town, my van broke down this week, we've all had the flu, and I would really appreciate it if you could hold my check until Thursday."  she agreed, and I wrote a check for over $400.  Bitch, gripe, grumble, complain.

I don't know what to say, and I don't know what to do.  The poor, sad, 17-year-old LeBaron will get me around for a while.  My daddy bought me some beer.  My husband got to be at Steve's service, and my house is warm.  Glass half full?  Maybe.

I have so much to be thankful for, and so much to complain about.  I choose to be thankful.  Thanks, Mom.  Thanks, Dad.  Thanks, Kevin.  Thanks, God.  Yes, thanks, God.  Some would see this as being abandoned...I see it as a test of spirit.  My spirit is here, man...here.  Let's rumble. 

Good night, and good Day.  I will be fine...hell, I *AM* fine.  Finer that frog hair, I am.  Hide and watch....we'll suprise you every time.  We're from a strong stock....bring it on, baby!