A sequence of gifts

[deborahjross]

The end of this year and most likely most of next will be very lean for us, financially. This poses a particular challenge for me because I tend to exaggerate and dramatize my own fears when it comes to money. In my saner moments, I know they're not rational. I've never been homeless, I've always had food and clothing and medical care. I also know that unexpected expenses -- one way of managing these fears is to Make A Plan -- can throw me for a loop.

So when Dave misplaced the electronic key fob to my Prius, I went nuts. I even had nightmares about searching for it (and not finding it). These things are pricey to replace -- the dealer has to program the new one, so the cost can be upwards of $200. And if you lose both, they have to replace the hybrid computer, about $1000. In my demented mind, we had suddenly become vulnerable to financial disaster, one key fob away from ruin. (I told you it wasn't rational.)

Just as I had made my peace with going even deeper into credit card debt, Dave's fob reappeared. Just where he usually puts it, in a jewelry box on top of the dresser. (Yes, both of us had checked there many times.) Our closest guess is that he'd put it in a pocket of something he rarely wears, forgotten about it, then wore the pants again and put the fob back in its usual place without thinking about it.

Relief doesn't even come close.

Yesterday I put a load of towels in the washing machine. Dave came home to find smoke emerging from the machine. Experiments revealed that it would spin but not agitate. Further research online convinced us that for a machine this old, it probably wasn't worth it to call a repair person (and neither of us is handy with such things).

A new machine is worth 3 or 4 key fobs. I went off in a corner and quietly freaked.

That evening, Dave went off to practice with a group of clarinetists and mentioned that we had to go washing-machine shopping today. "We've got a perfectly good second machine we've been wanting to get rid of," they said. "Won't you please take it away?"

Please take it away???

I think the universe wants me to stop worrying about money.

Comments

[missingkitsune.livejournal.com]

what was once upside down becomes right side up again.
that's happened a few times in my life also.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

Such moments are precious -- and to be shared in these bleak times.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

I've discovered that if you put it out to the universe what you need (a washing machine, a couch, a television), someone will provide it. As a result, I try to keep my ears open for other people's needs, on the off chance I can provide them, too. It keeps the world running, at one level anyway.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

Freecycle is marvelous for this.

Right now I have a Thai women's skirt and man's sort-of-breeches that need a home. The fabrics are gorgeous, but we'll never wear them. Of course, not in the same category as a washing machine.

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

I think you're right about the universe.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

I intend to take the message to heart.

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

Listen to the universe!

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

Okay -- and hope for many chances to spread the wealth around.

[otana.livejournal.com]

Hey, you've been paying out a lot of charity for a while now. That stuff has a tendency to come back and help you when you need it.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

I think it does (come around), but it also pays for itself in how good I feel about myself and my life.

Taking care of loved ones isn't charity. It's spirit in action. Besides, when I'm 103 and doddering, you can take care of me.

[equesgal.livejournal.com]

I know what you're going through. Working at Starbucks barely pays the bills. But, like you, I have a roof over my head, a car that runs (even though the fact that it's 20 years old freaks me out) and food on my table. But I am, as I call it, "circling the wagons" and praying no unexpected expenses pop up.