A Thought

Today I'm sort of feeling like everyone is trying to take a piece of me or my wallet, and I don't like it one bit. We've been invited to several parties over the next couple of weeks and I have RSVP'd yes, but now I'm feeling overwhelmed by the need to find multiple white elephant gifts (though that really shouldn't be hard) and an ugly sweater to wear. There are overlapping events and generally always someplace we're supposed to be. But it's all fun right?

Plus, I went to Costco to buy bagels for Landon and then remembered that our account expired on November 30th (oh the humanity!). So I mentally prepared myself to pay the $50 renewal fee but then almost passed out when my total with the bagels ended up being $111! I had forgotten that we have the Executive (2% cash back) membership. So though it's fine most of the time, today it really wasn't and I've felt sick ever since leaving there today. I came home and told Landon that his bagels cost me $111 and that I hope he'll enjoy having those for his Christmas gifts. Ha. Aargh!!!!!!!!

The car goes in for repairs tomorrow. Good times.

**Are you feeling overwhelmed?

Does everyone want money from you?**

Comment Window Tidbit: We've already received a bunch of ridiculously cute Christmas cards...should this be making me feel blue? I may need to up the meds.

There's a Viola in the House

The little Missy has been talking about playing an instrument for years, but now that she's in 5th grade and Elementary Orchestra is an option we've finally taken the plunge (i.e., started paying for it). Part of her interest in this is that cousins Bella and Megan both play the violin and have been for quite awhile. We opted for the viola because Adam told us that violists are less common so scholarships are more abundant for them...say no more! So though it felt like I was signing my life away today at the music store as I paid my down payment, insurance fee and signed the contract for the next 18 months worth of payments, I am choosing to see this as the start of her college education. Hopefully she will love playing the viola and will get good enough to get a scholarship someday. If not, we'll have to consider it a public service donation.

**Have you ever had to sign one of those contracts?

Do you think about scholarships?

Did you ever have a scholarship?**

Comment Window Tidbit: So Tuesdays and Thursdays will find me working 7:30 to 3:15, picking Whitney and Madison up from school at 3:30, dropping Madison off at home, then running Whitney back to the junior high for Orchestra by 4:00. It's like driving a tortuously slow (25mph with cops all over) circle in a hurry. Aargh. I'm going to have to find my happy place with this new schedule. Plus next week her beloved art classes resume on Wednesdays at 5:00! I really don't know how people with more than 2 kids manage it all.