This Christmas was rough on my wife and I. Normally, we exchange presents with each other and shower the children with everything they asked Santa for. This year we cut out any presents for “us” and set a very small limit on what we spent on the kids. It was sad, I have to admit. I would give my life for these kids, but this year, we just couldn’t give them what we normally would. Our 5 year old noticed. The 2 year old had no clue. Luckily, our parents (both sets) helped out and had some presents from Santa at their house.

We thought we could give them a little extra, but I really want to start the proceedings and give the attorney his $500 retainer. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you, but there is nothing worse then having debt collectors calling your home on Christmas eve. Here I am, almost in tears about the situation and these heartless bastards are calling. Like I have more money today then any other day. Sorry, heartless bastards is probably a little strong. All and all though, I feel that once the bankruptcy begins, it will better our home life. We won’t be half as stressed as we are now. I won’t have to work as hard to make an extra $50 and most importantly, I’ll get to spend a little more time with my kids, as they grow up.

My company doesn’t allow us to carry any vacation or personal days over. Seeing as though we didn’t have any money this year for any vacations, I had some time left. I am not working this week, so I’m getting all the paper-work ready for the attorney. I do have some concern over the means test and want to make sure we’re not going to have any problems. As I wrote in the last blog post, I’m concerned about this and all the new or maybe I should say “different” things I do to try and make money. They rarely pay more then a hundred dollars or so. Now I have to find all those little payments and document them. So technically, I’m really working this week

Tomorrow, I plan on calling the attorney for a part 2 consultation. I just want that last bit of assurance that we’ll pass the means test. If there are no issue’s, I hope to have him his first check for $500 within the next week or so.

- A. Joe