I am running very late today. My allergies are in full force of trying to make me drip, sneeze and drain into a pool of human flesh. My family and I except for Hubby all get allergies from October till February. I have been trying to clear up and clean up which of course is causing more dust, which I am allergic to. Hopefully soon I will get better, I have this spray but it tastes awful. After this morning I have to use it regardless of the taste, this is no way to try to breathe air.

So where do I begin? Layoffs are happening at my Hubby’s work. At this moment he doesn’t intend to take the voluntary retirement. Although he could if he wanted to, but since he is actually too young to retire for life it seems hard to do. There will be layoffs if they don’t have enough volunteers. Next month we will know if he is safe or not. No one really knows who or what department they will choose, or how they will come up with the people they will lay off. As a precaution the administration is keeping it close to the vest the criteria, only that they intend to be fair. Hubby and I totally understand the need to do layoffs, his job is dependent on the housing market with a focus on new construction or remodels. Few people are building or remodeling, the company says the outlook for them is long term recovery. They did lay off maybe a year ago, but they did not lay off as many as other companies.

Now the same day we read online the layoffs were officially happening Hubby got the news that he had to stay off work for a week. Seems somehow he injured or re-injured his elbow in the middle of the night. He woke up in agony, after going to the doctor there is something wrong with his bone, he is on predisone to get the swelling down. Next month he will see the orthopedic. For one week he is taking FMLA, the Federal Medical Leave Act. His company gives him a few days and the option of FMLA. One week is a few days too many without FMLA. You don’t get full pay with FMLA, you get partial pay.

This takes me to my Budget panic, I had just figured out how to make it after double electric bills for two months, but that was with full pay. I will have to figure out deeper cuts in our checkbook. It will be a tough Christmas season, I already have a couple huge bills coming due. Once we pay those we will be home free, but the relief only comes after the bill is paid. This Christmas I plan to be creative with the kids gifts, it will not be what they expect. I have an idea, if Hubby will agree. It could be fun and cheap, while giving them a place to get exercise and have fun. Whether he agrees or not the reality is I have to be creative, there is no extra money.

That is reality for me and many others. While I cannot tell you what I plan I can give you ideas of things. I plan on searching and finding options. Gator from time to time reads my blog. So I have to keep it secret until after Christmas, but if it works it will be fun!

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