Nothing changes but the media

I'm supposed to be reading my text book and handouts for class tomorrow.  That's right, my 3rd attempt at my "first" class.  First time, I had dates mixed up.  Second time, the professor cancelled.  By this time, I have learned (thanks to my cousin) that there is a website for me to check on any updates and necessary information I might need for my class.  So I was able to download the needed hand outs and text book info so I'll be prepared. .  only instead of preparing, I'm blogging.  And playing words with friends.  And intermittently checking in on facebook-- just to make sure I'm not missing out on any exciting, and/or life altering news... and of course, to make sure that the Giants did actually win last night.  I need only log on for a second to be re assured of that.  

I had a productive day of highs and lows today.  In the morning, I called the bank that I finance my car from.  I explained to them to I didn't have the money in my checking account to make the car payment this month (which was due yesterday-- but it was a Sunday, which gave me one day of grace), so I would like to make the payment with my visa.  He explained that they only accept checks or money orders, and that my only option would be to take a cash advance from my credit card and pay that way, but that I should be aware of the high interest rates that hit cash advances-- which I already was aware of.  I told him that wasn't an option, and asked if he was sure that his bank would rather take NO payment at all than to accept a credit card?  He said he's sure.  Great.  Well that's a lousy start to the day-- I hate when something happens right away in the morning to set my mood off all wrong.  .  Especially when that morning's coffee tasted especially delicious, which should lead to a good day.  (Yeah, I know that doesn't make sense, but it SHOULD.)

I texted John and told him that I wasn't able to make the car payment, and that he just HAD to help me out with it. . cue the crickets.

Within just a few minutes after that call, I got a text from my Mom that she had deposited some money into my checking account because she wanted to buy my text book for me.. hmmm.. let the juggling begin!  Ok, so, if I add the balance from my regular checking account to the balance of my account that I use to make my car payments, PLUS the the money my Mom just deposited, that will give me pretty much the EXACT amount I need to make my car payment! Bingo!  So, I know that the college bookstore will accept credit cards-- since college kids pay for EVERYTHING on credit.. So, I'll pay for the book with my visa, and the car with a little bit from here and there, and my day was right back on track.

After dropping J off at preschool, I dragged R with me to campus.  Got my book, headed to the bank.  Made the deposit from my "regular" checking account into my "car" checking account (yes, I have a good reason to have a different account for my car payments, but that's for another time.)  Tomorrow, I just have to log onto the car bank website, transfer the funds, and I get to keep my car for at least one more month.  Next I headed off to Best Buy.  I've had 4 rewards cards sitting in my wallet since last May when I cashed in my credit card rewards for store credit with the intention of buying a laptop.  I wound up getting my brother in law's old laptop that he doesn't use anymore, so I bought some software and accessories, but still had some store credit left over.  After checking my balance, I learned that I was just $3.00 short of being able to get Microsoft Office with all those rewards cards.  So, I got the software, charged the $3.00, and left a very happy girl.  I knew I was going to need the program for school, and was hoping I'd have enough.  

R fell asleep on my shoulder in the time it took to leave the store and walk to my car.  Both boys stayed up to see the end of the Super Bowl with me last night, so I figured he'd be in for a good nap at some point today.  I drove to Pathmark, put him in the cart, and he stayed asleep for the entire shopping excursion.  What a treat!  I was able to meander the aisles and browse the produce and meat sections without one nag or request or complaint.  I strolled up and down the international aisle picking up and reading some unusual foods and ingredients that I've never tried before.  I didn't have to zip past the candy and snack aisles at break neck speed to avoid the meltdown of a sugar deprived child.  It was glorious. And to top it all off, I still have a really good balance on my food stamp card, so all is right with the world.

I guess not that much has changed since I was in college the first time around.  Always broke and looking for a way to juggle things around to make ends meet.  Back then, I would sell a text book to get gas money.  Hit up a friend that lived on campus for a free meal.  I'd avoid my homework by playing pool, or skip class to watch Days of Our Lives.  Now, it's all a little more tech driven, but pretty much the same shit.

After picking up J, I headed to the drive through of my regular bank to deposit a  $30 check that a friend had sent me.  She told me to accept it as a daffodil to brighten up my dreary January.  I think I was supposed to go buy some daffodils with it (one of my favorite flowers).  Instead, I opted for a half a tank of regular unleaded.  Truth be told, I'll take the smell of gasoline over flowers any day!  Thanks S, you DID brighten up my day :)