Hey, there's no "but still" -- paying off any debt, whether it's your only one, or one of a handful, is EXCELLENT. Particularly in this shitty economy, when it's all some people can do to make minimum payments and keep body and soul together.

Thanks! I've been tutoring all year and saving my money whenever possible (with the exception of my tax refund, which I admit I blew completely on new clothes--but I needed those for work, really!). This was the smallest debt of all but the one with the highest interest rate, so I had been paying an extra $100/month on it while squirreling away what I could in savings (which wasn't much, but it added up). I looked at it today and realized I could pay it off with my savings and therefore eliminate two monthly payments: the regular loan payment and the extra one I'd been making. Now I can redirect that money to the next debt. It's very happy-making.

Yay Pix!! One down, a few to go. The key is ONE IS GONE!!

Exactly. All the progress I'd made up until last March was erased by the year from hell (as you all know: dead laptop, crazy vet bills, hospital bills, etc.), and I've just now finally gotten back to where I was then. I no longer feel like I'm sinking deeper, though I know I have a long way to go. You're my inspiration, Omnis! I have never known anyone who was better about money management, especially when it comes to stretching a small paycheck. Getting yourself to a debt-free place after years and years of sacrifice and frugality is so impressive. I don't think I'll ever be as good as you, but I'm trying.

I just got OKCupid mail... from a girl! I'd been considering changing my profile to say I'm gay because I only ever get mail from guys. I think I'd have to ask her out even if she wasn't very pretty and loved Ethiopian food. Ah crap. I don't have a car.

Woo hoo, Laga! I say go on a date and see what happens. Maybe she has a car or could meet you somewhere accessible by public transportation?

Maybe she has a car or could meet you somewhere accessible by public transportation?

I'm planning to be up front and honest. Something along the lines of-

It's great to hear from another bi female and I do think we seem compatible. I'm usually very into meeting as soon as possible so we don't get the wrong idea of each other through internet communication but at the moment I've got transportation issues so if you don't want to deal with that hassle let's plan to meet in a month.

...two weeks later she meets the girl of her dreams and forgets all about me.

apologies for the cereal...

I want to write back right away (as opposed to waiting until I get the car thing straightened out) because I have experienced the frustration of writing to a bunch of girls and getting 0 responses. She should at least know I'm interested.

My car go crash.

I"m ok. Toto's ok. Gracie (the car) will be ok eventually. My bank account, on the other hand, is going BOING!

oh noes! {{{vw}}}

So glad the only thing hurting is your bank account. Was Toto very scared?

Fortunately, Toto was in his crate, for which I was SO thankful. He was terribly confused and is exhausted now, but was such a good boy in the tow truck and office of the towing place.

{{{vw}}}

to the tune of "Horse with no Name"

hiding in the office from a guest with no boundaries

I wish he'd stop using my name

Glad you're OK, vw.

Ugh. My sinuses are killing me. I feel definitely feverish, but I can't find a thermometer to check. I used the neti pot and took Mucinex. I also feel kind of nauseated. This is not fun.