September 12, 2012

Take Your Lemons and...

So here's the thing...the saying goes, "when life hands you lemons make lemonade".  Well that's all fine and dandy.  Lemons, I don't care for but they're tolerable and lemonade is just plain delicious.  What happens when life hands you a load of shit?  Shit sandwich?  That's what I thought.
That's exactly what I feel like right now.  As if a big load of cow dung has been unloaded on us.  You know how much that stinks?  Literally and figuratively.
I know that God will not give us more than we can handle but at this point I feel like He is testing our limits. And I know I shouldn't question God's plan because, after all, his plans are greater than what is happening in this minute of this day. I need to remember that and remember that, at the end of the day I have what I need.
Since Friday Chanel has seemed...off.  Just kinda lazy, not very active, just kinda blah.  I didn't think much of it till we went on 4 days of this behavior.  I had started to worry when I remembered that Kendall had accidentally "hugged" Chanel and by hugged I mean sat on.  Jimmy and I started to worry that maybe something inside of Chanel was damaged.  A broken rib?  Ruptured organ?  Broken tail? were all thoughts that crossed our minds.  Until Tuesday night.  I was laying on the couch with Chanel, watching our daily dose of Dexter when I noticed she seemed to be "leaking", if you will.  I flipped her over on her back to take a look at her lady bits and she was bleeding.  Everywhere.  Long story short she needed an emergency hysterectomy.  To the tune of $1,300.  $1,300 that we don't have.
Which brings me to complaint #2.  I can barely put food on the table, no seriously, let alone shell out $1,300 for a dog surgery.  Which leaves me with no choice but to charge it.  Seriously?  I'm charging my vet bill.  The interest rate is astronomical, the monthly payment will most likely be something outside of our non-existent budget and will swallow us alive.  I'm almost certain of it.  Just like every other bill that we have.
If you learn anything from this blog, learn this, credit cards are the devil.  They really are.  When I was young, single, and dumb I thought nothing of it.  I needed those Citizen jeans, Ugg boots, and Coach sunnies, obviously.  Never did I picture myself, almost 30-years-old with credit card debt that will still be lingering when my child enters high school.  Ridiculous.  Completely irresponsible.
I know what you are thinking, I should just go back to work.  Trust me, the thought has crossed my mind and the words have come out of my mouth more times than JLo's been married.  It seems easy, right?  But then there's Kendall.  Daycare is expensive, yo.  I will not find a job that will pay enough to cover daycare and then bring home anything.  It's true.  I'm contemplating doing a 3rd shift gig just so that Jimmy can be home with Kendall in the evenings.  The trade-off there is then Jimmy and I have no time together.  Selfish, yes but my marriage is important to me.
All the extra money from blogging and Avon was going to go towards a new bedroom set that we so desperately need but instead we got a notice from the government that one of us didn't have enough school district taxes taken out so now we owe $560.  Sweet.  Awesome.  That's just what we needed to hear.  Oh and we're still making up for that week of no-pay from when we were in Ocean Isle.
Oh and let's not forget about the fact that I want to have another baby.  I mean, am I crazy?  How on earth are we going to bring another baby into the world when we can barely take care of ourselves.  I hate that finances are making the decision of whether we expand our family, but it's true.  It's sad, it really is.
OK, I guess I'll stop my whining now and instead start wine-ing.  It's 5 o'clock somewhere.

44 comments:

  1. I am so sorry...I know how you feel and I know no kind words, while well intended, can make it all better...so I will just say I am so sorry. I hope no more surprised come because some surprises are great...and some just plain suck.

    Laura@MiceInTheKitchen

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  2. Hi there- I've been a follower for a while but just never commented. I know your pain. it sometimes feels like we just live our lives to work to owe other people. It is ridiculous to think about. Just know that the hard times never last. They really don't. Just keep your head up and stay strong and keep a strong attitude and things will get better. Nothing lasts forever.

    Cara @ In Search of Sunshine

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  3. Hang in there!! I thought your MIL watched KP for free?? You could pick up some part time gig a few days a week easy! Good luck!

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  4. I'm sorry you're going through this. I hate how expensive daycare is and it's that expense that will most likely dictate if/when we have another and having one us quit and stay home is not financially an option right now. Being a grownup sucks sometimes.

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  5. Oh.. Shannon! I feel for you! 2 of the 4 dogs we have need surgery to fix their chronic ear infections. The cost? $3400 PER DOG! That is just not happening... NO WAY IN HELL!! We love our animals but there is no way.

    I hope things get better financially for you and Jimmy!

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  6. Choosing to stay at home for your family when finances are tight is hard. We've had a couple of months that were definitely way more difficult than others. We cut WAY back, started changing my shopping habits (even when it came to groceries), and I started doing things to save money that I could (make my own laundry soap, hang clothes to dry, get rid of Netflix). By tightening up things now, it was much more manageable. We are still working on building our savings more, but it's all one thing at a time. You can do this. God is always faithful!

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  7. Ugh! I'm so sorry! I know you love Chanel and there was no other choice but to charge it. I feel like this was a total vent post and that really you want us all to just be here for you and let you vent. Let me know if you want any advice. I can tell you this. We don't have a bedroom set. We have two dressers that my in laws gave us and our bed is on a frame from costco :)

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  8. Hey girl, hang in there. Money sucks and so does debt. We've finally clawed our way to the surface and had minimal breathing room. And then I quit my job. Just to keep things interesting.

    Have faith. Buy cheap wine. Keep that chin up.

    LB
    www.accordingtol.com

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  9. Good thing you like box wine.

    What about something part-time at night. Hostess? Waitress? Or bar tender, that would be my job of choice. You get paid to socialize...sounds like a good gig to me.

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  10. 1. Been there.
    2. It sucks.
    3. Been there a second time.
    4. You'll make it through.
    5. I promise.

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  11. I had a friend that used to do a paper route. It's really early in the morning, but you're done in just a few hours and have the rest of the day with your kiddo.

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  12. Oh, and my favorite slogans are, "if life hands you lemons, put them in your bra and make your boobs look better," AND "if life hands you lemons, make vodka with just a splash of lemonade." Yours could be, "when life hands you lemons, mix them with your boxed wine to make sangria."

    I don't have any cute sayings for poop sandwiches, though.

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  13. Does the vet have a payment plan? Ugh, I'm sorry that you're having to deal with this. I hate money sometimes.

    We just refinanced our house which is going to save us $300/month...could you look into that?

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  14. Ugh, I so hear you! We just got slammed with a (brace yourself) ten THOUSAND dollar car repair bill. Yes, you read that right. For a car that is only two years old with 40k miles on it. I had to chuckle at your shit sandwich comment. Hang in there. God WILL provide. I'm sorry this happened to you. Hang in there.

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  15. I'm SO sorry! I feel you, I do. God does provide, and He will, but I know it's SO difficult to be "in it". If that makes sense. Praying for you dear, I'm sorry :(

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  16. Ugh. Finances dictated my life and family in a big way last year. Keep your chin up, get the cheap wine for a while, and it will all work out. If not, drink more wine until it does.

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  17. I was there not too long ago. I'll keep you guys in my prayers. Now, we are finally financially stable, but I'm dealing with other issues. Sometimes it seems as though it never ends.

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  18. I'm sorry life is serving you a shit sandwich right now. I know a little about shit sandwiches and being irresponsible with money in my college days. Except that my debt is masquerading as student loans (I used the extra money after I'd paid for tuition and books to buy expensive vodka, never showed up to a party empty-handed, and went out at least Thursday-Saturday of every weekend; this does not include the beers consumed during the school week). Five years after college, and I'm paying two monthly payments to make up for my shortsightedness of my early twenties.

    So. As much as I feel for you right now, especially since it's not just ONE financial strain you're going through right now, but SEVERAL... I'm SO GLAD you put your debt-accruing experience out there honestly for all to soak in. A lot of us still need that reminder. Credit cards can be dangerous things when you want, want, want and are not currently responsible for the well-being of a family.

    Hang in there. I'm thinking about you.

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  19. thinking of you - so sorry to hear your family is going through this. many people (myself included) have the same concerns, so hopefully it's comforting to know you're not alone. xo.

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  20. I'm so sorry to hear about everything that is going on with you and J....it's not easy. I pretty much work to pay for day care. I don't have much left after that....and it isn't fun. That's why I started selling the Scentsy. But even that isn't much more. And I'm really sorry to hear about Chanel. I hope that everything goes good with her and she recovers good and gets back to herself!! Love you Cuz!

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  21. Ha! Have you seen The Help? Watch this video...it will make you laugh:)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fgub5zkBVk&feature=related

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  22. Awe, I'm so sorry to hear about the shit storm going on in your life. It sucks balls to deal with money issues. For real. I really wish money grew on a tree specifically in my back yard so it would never be an issue. I hope things get easier over time for you guys. Shit really does all line up eventually. Also I know you live far{ish} from Columbus, but there is a place called Rascal Unit that does vet stuff for dirt cheap. I'm talking shots that cost me $200 are $30 for them all.

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  23. girl, i'm so so sorry. I've been there. the CC debt, all of it. I can tell you (and I am totally not religious) is that it will work out. I don't even know the right scripture or quote or whatever, but it's something along the lines of 'if God takes care of the lilies in the field, and he will take care of us too.' it will somehow work out and be okay.

    Just like all the other girls have said, 'this too shall pass' and it will be okay. Maybe not today, but it will be soon. I'm now debt free, and I never ever ever thought that was possible. I promise it will be okay. It really, truly will be. Things will turn around. Life will get back to awesome.

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  24. This situation almost exactly was discussed between me and my husband tonight. I could go on a tangent about our current bills {surprise surgery for the toddler} and the fact that I need to get a new car before mine dies. Oh and yeah then there's the incessant baby fever. It's tough. I'm with you. I cried over this exact situation tonight. I hate to hear this about your sweet pup. Hope things are alright! Thinking about you. Sending hugs and drinking wine on your behalf.

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  25. Been through this and know it sucks balls! Keep your head up. If there was a way to help, I totally would even with never meeting you in person! Unfortunately, just recently starting climbing out of the pile of dung we got ourselves into. Thinking good thoughts!

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  26. Been there. Oh wait, I'm there right now. All I can tell you is this: everything always seems to work out in the end, one way or another. As far as having a baby, our first was planned. The other 3 were "surprises" (in quotes because we weren't exactly trying that hard not to get pregnant), and none came at a good time financially. Because unless you're a millionaire, there is no good time. Best of luck, I hope your pooch is feeling better.

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  27. Friend I'm so sorry you're going through this. You know, I do have one idea of how you could earn some extra dough by just working one or two nights a week. ;) Seriously, think about it.

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  28. If I could get you to help me sell the wedding dress from hell you could have the money. It might help

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  29. I absolutely HATE that feeling. For the past 16 months, I have felt like we have been drowning with no end in sight. You guys will make it through. You're tough and strong, and smart. I got faith in ya. For now, a nice box 'o deliciousness should make everything a little easier to handle!

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  30. I could've written this post! I feel so blessed with my family and everything we have but sometimes I can't enjoy it because I'm so worried about finances.
    We work so hard and are unable to buy new furniture, go on vacations and it seems like all we are doing is paying bills!
    Maybe you could work a part time job? Sell some of Kendall's clothes on ebay? I just made $230 selling at a consignment sale. Maybe you could babysit another toddler a few days a week.

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  31. Already texted you last night, but I'm sorry. Vets are no joke. We've never had a bill that high, thankfully, but it always just seems to be ridiculous, anything at the vet. Credit cards are the devil, but in this case, it was something that helped you out when you had an emergency and saved your pup, so, it's good you had it! Even if you'll be paying it off for a little while. *hugs*

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  32. i could have written this post. for real. i cannot even tell you how similar of a situation we are in right now. if you ever want to vent.. i'm here. i can commiserate...

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  33. I feel like we've all been there at some point or another. I know I have! I think if you just go with your gut on what is right for you, your marriage and your family, you'll make it through eventually.

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  34. Your situation, not unlike mine, only without the Kendall, sucks. I'm right there with you, but its good to know we're making it right? At the end of the day we have what we need and whatever God plans for us, he'll give us the means for. If you're meant to have another baby, it'll happen and you'll have the dough for it!!! :) Keep your head up!

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  35. Keep your chin up and keep smiling Shannon!!

    Unfortunately in life we all go through difficult and testing times (and we often question why?) but have faith in our Lord and the amazing support group you have in us bloggers and everything will be ok.

    Everything happens for a reason and there is always a greater plan for you and your family.

    Have a happy weekend x

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  36. Love the new blog design! Really do love it! Sorry you are dealing with this! Hugs!

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  37. I've been stuck in shitty sandwiches myself, where BM and I had to decide whether we need gas in our cars a=or groceries, sadly gas won alot of the times so we could go to work and make up the money we were losing.

    I hate that you have to go through this love, sending big hugs your way.

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  38. Oh Shannon - I've been thinking about you for days! So so sorry you're dealing with all this. From Chanel's surgery to seeing your very unfriendly "friend" this month, you really need a break! Good thing is, you'll get through this. It just plain sucks right now. In the meantime, I love love LOVE your new blog design! Hugs to you mama and here's hoping every day is a little brighter than the last.

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  39. Oh girly :( I'm so sorry to hear about Chanel. and I feel ya on all aspects of the finance thing. I'm in the same boat with the CC thing. THE devil. Ugh. And I needed new tires two weekends ago. As I'm preparing for unpaid maternity leave. New tires? Ok. But then they found I needed a whole new wheel. $560 for a freakin' WHEEL. UGH :(

    Hang in there, honey! xo

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  40. I'm just now catching up! I'm so sorry, friend. When it rains, it pours. I know this. I'm sorry to hear about Chanel! It's so hard when we love our dogs as much as our kids. When we first brought Sullivan home, he cost us $1400 in ultrasounds and blood work to rule out a kidney disorder... THAT HE DIDN'T EVEN HAVE. So frustrating. And oh the bills. We just FINALLY bought a new front door- you know- since termites were eating ours for a good two months. Doors are fcking expensive. That shit cost $850! FOR AN UNPAINTED DOOR. No fancy shit. No windows. A DOOR. Whew. Long comment. Aside from diapers- having a second isn't ALL that much more expensive- as long as they can wear hand me downs! I've considered potty training C so much more these last couple months because we spend roughly $200/mo on diapers and wipes. Woof. Anyways. I'm thinking of you... hugs, prayers and a shit ton of boxed wine.

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  41. Hang in there Shannon!! Life can be a bitch sometimes I know! I finally talked Mack into baby 2 but I've got to have a job 1st....I've only been looking for 10 months!!!!! Annoying, frustrating, embarrassing...the list goes on

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  42. I'm sorry you guys are going through a hard time. I know people get tired of hearing me say this, but Dave Ramsey saved our financial life. I know it's not real fun and it's rather boring - but I cannot praise his plan enough. You could just follow his plan online (look for the 7 Baby Steps), sign up for the class online, or even attend a class (they are held at churches across the country). www.daveramsey.com - GOOD LUCK and I hope things get better! If you have any questions about it, let me know!

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  43. You can take your lemons. Read to know more
    Cosmetic Surgeon

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