Life of the Lintee Bean

My dad says it doesn’t matter how much money you make, you always need another $20. I don’t know if that applies to everyone. Do Warren Buffett or Bill Gates need another $20? I know I do, though it’s more like another $200 or $2,000 that I’m always short.

Several months back, I’d paid off the last of some bills. I was looking forward to actually SAVING some money. I started setting aside some money every month, and was eagerly anticipating some long-term purchases, a car and a kitchen remodel.

Well, that changed in a hurry. First, I had some much-needed electrical work done on the house. I had to upgrade the electrical panel and bring all the electrical up to code. Not only did this consume what I’d managed to set aside, but I had to borrow. So, I was back to paying off old bills instead of saving for future purchases.

Then there were some unanticipated veterinary bills as Studley and Jellybean got ill and passed away. I put myself on a “yarn diet” and forbid myself from any fiber purchases. (Do you have ANY idea how difficult THAT is?)

Despite the setbacks, I was optimistic. I usually get a little extra in my December paychecks. With mortgage interest rates dropping, I found an offer that would cut my monthly mortgage payment about 10%. I needed an appraisal, but I didn’t think that would be a problem. My house was just appraised in 2009 for WELL over what I owed and what I paid for it.

I got a lot of bad news. There was a leak under the kitchen sink for starters. Plumbers are expensive, and unfortunately it wasn’t a simple fix. Soon I was out over $400 to stop the sogginess in the kitchen (and start the sobbiness in my eyes). My car broke down. It has a multitude of issues, and it’ll cost over $500 to get running again.

The appraisal report on my home came in – and it was only 64% of what my house appraised for in 2009! In fact, it’s 25% less than I paid for my home in 2004. Needless to say, like millions of Americans, I’m “under water” – owing far more for my home than it’s worth.

I’d tighten my belt – but it’s so tight now it needs to be replaced, due to the weight I’ve gained. I don’t think they should refer to money as green, but blue, as that’s the color it makes me. Still, I know I’m much better off than many in this economy. I’m incredibly fortunate to have a good job and a warm home, and currently I even have a roommate to help with expenses. It’s the holidays, and I’ve decided to crochet some scarves and sell them. I figure if I make and sell about 10,000 scarves, I’ll be set – well, I’ll probably need another $20.

Submitted for publication in the Greeley Citizen

Crocheted items for sale available!
http://www.mousabilities.com/crochet

Crocheted scarves for sale!