Set Backs and Forward Motion

I got a call about the ultrasound results and they were "clear" when I asked if the doctor wanted to see me she said, “No”. I assumed we'd just wait and see if the pain returned. It did (x3) and I called to find out what to do next. I was afraid she would tell me to go to a specialist. She did.

I've decided to wait until after the birthday party, Thanksgiving and surgery to do something about it. It was totally one of those I know it's coming, but I jumped anyway moments (not that my life's a horror movie). I'm not in the mood to think too deeply about it today.

I've been reading/listening to books on couponing from the library. I also got a second pantry (on sale with a gift card, of course) and I upgraded my coupon binder to this (isn't it pretty):

This week I scored some adorable Dora and SpongeBob wrapping paper for free. I'm getting really excited for Christmas. I have abandoned Toys-R-Us forever because they refused to honor the wording on my coupon and were rude about it. Technically, it was a last straw situation after 3 or 4 attempts to obtain toys they no longer/never carried (that I found elsewhere cheaper anyway). Then when I described the incident to customer service they emailed me a copy-and-paste-d section of their website FAQ's without ever specially mentioning my issue (let alone answering my question or apologizing). So, screw them! Target price matches anyway.

I've been scoring deals left and right (and keeping my mind off surgery and such). I'm very happy about the way things are going and aside from Toys-R-Us being dumb and I've only had one other incident. I ordered a bunch of great Christmas gifts from a website having an amazing sale. I even got a confirmation email. I strutted around all proud that most of my Christmas shopping was done, for about a week. Then I tried to check my order status and found out it didn't exist anymore. I followed up twice before I got someone willing to re-do the order with sale pricing. I was told that only one item was sold out. Again, I was relieved and proud of myself that I had navigated the whole mess and gotten most of what I needed. Except, they cancelled my order again a few days later. I give up I will have to find other gifts for those 6 people...sigh. At least my kids are done.

I've got everything I needed for the birthday party and Thanksgiving using sales and coupons though. Now how do I use coupons for a live Christmas tree? Another milestone this week was sending out my first two rebates, woo hoo! Three if you count my two free Coke-a-Cola Polar Bear Bowls from Dollar General.