The cold has returned!  And I'm not thrilled to partake in it but it's all part of the deal.  And my northern friends and relatives can quit laughing.  I realize that 23 degrees Fahrenheit would almost seem like a heat wave to some of you.  I've become quite accustomed to warmer weather and now find these types of temperatures much to cool.  Fortunately for me the temperature went the other direction this afternoon!

Have you ever been working and struggling to achieve a goal and the end is in sight when, bam, something small seems to get in the way?  We had that happen again twice in the last week and once in December.  Last night the washing machine quit pumping the water out.  I suspect a small sock from one of our sons to be the culprit but won't know until the repair guy comes out Monday.  Of course, I'm just impatient enough and cheap enough that I may attempt to drain the thing and solve it tomorrow.  Why is this a big deal?  Well, honestly, it's not. We have a small emergency fund and can easily cover it. 
   The discouraging part is that things seem to keep breaking on us.  We're just under two months away from being out of debt except the house and we've been hit three times in the last month and a half.  First, our car engine went out on us in December, then our camera quit working this week and we shipped it out for repairs, and finally the last straw was the washing machine last night…. aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggh. 
   Here's the bottom line.  It's absolutely frustrating and I think just about anyone would be ready to give up.  However, we're not going to.  There is nothing on God's green earth that would cause us to go back to the way we used to live… back when we were stupid with money.  I will work extra jobs throwing papers or boxes at UPS before I ever consider borrowing money in the future.  I will not ever borrow again for anything except perhaps a mortgage.  And that will be on a short term (10-15 year), fixed interest rate.  I will not borrow for cars, washing machines, cameras, school or anything else.  

You just might be in the right place, if you find yourself feeling trapped by debt and are looking for hope as you slug your way out.  In the upcoming weeks we will cover more of our story and how you too can make a plan, work a plan and succeed.