12.22.98

    Well, here it is, three days before Christmas and I have a negative balance in my checking account. I do so wish it is because I bought so many gifts but it's because I bought groceries and put gas in the car and paid a few bills. I have bought several gifts but I had more things on my list to get T. I've only managed to get one gift for him. He has put two or three under the tree for me. I don't dare look to see if he has added to the pile.

    I have over $2000 in past-due balances owed to me if you count what the Vigorous Idiot still hasn't paid. Everyone goes on and on about the commercialization of the holiday and how we should think of each other everyday and do nice things for our common man every second of our waking lives. I don't follow that belief. While I think it's well and good to be sweetness and light all year-round it's just not possible. And, I like the fact that we are reminded to give a token of thanks to the people we care about.

    I've been getting gifts from the dogs I walk. Well, okay, their owners are giving me the gifts but the cards are signed from the dogs.

To: Amanda
Thanks for walking us and bringing me all those good treats.
Your pals,
Lucky, Bounder and Scarlett

How cute is that? It warms the dark, empty spot where my heart used to be.

    So, when I want to buy T. all sorts of wonderful things and watch with glee as he opens each gift it's disheartening and really, really lame that I can't.

    If you're feeling sour this Christmas for lack of money you should take a look at what it costs to finance those "twelve days of Christmas." I don't know what I would do (after I smacked him on the back of the head) if my true love gave me four maids a'milking. I'd be a mite suspicious that he'd be hoping to keep them for himself.