Feelin' good today! I was called back after a mammogram so they could "take a better picture." Although they told me not to worry, I worried. Today the radiologist gave me an all clear. Getting that good news helped me refocus on what's really important.

Today I sent off a claim for unclaimed property -- my parents apparently had insurance policies they forgot about. A friend of mine found the information on the internet. The total value is near $7000. If they honor the claim, I will divide it with my two surviving siblings and my late brother's wife. I would be very happy to get $1700 in these times!

I had to take $145 out of my emergency fund today to pay the dentist for x-rays, periodontal check and cleaning. Interestingly enough, that makes my emergency fund $491, exactly what my credit card debt is.

I am paying 0% interest on my credit card for the rest of the year, so there is no hurry to pay if off. I'd rather have the money in my EF.

I ALMOST charged the dentist appointment, because I didn't have my checkbook with me. But the receptionist agreed to let me run home and get the checkbook, so I avoided that temptation.

Bad news -- I have broken a filling and he wants to cap it with a crown. I really can't afford that! I told him I'd think about it.

I need a windfall.

It's been a long time -- and I even considered just fading away from here -- but I thought I ought to let you know what's happening.

I may be moving back to the Midwest.

I won't go into detail, but I had a big, long, ongoing discussion with my cousin, and because of the way the economy is going, and because of me missing my kids, and because of certain philosophical differences, I decided to unretire and look for a job near Chicago.

It certainly won't be easy, and may not even be possible. But I did send an application to a university with an opening in my field, and I have sent an inquiry letter to my old boss.

If I don't find a job in the Midwest, I will at least try to find a job here. The market is terrible, but my budget is worse. Mainly it is healthcare that is making it unworkable.

After a little bit of misunderstanding and hurt feelings, my cousin is now okay with it. If I do leave, her sister, who is retiring soon, will be able to step in and help a lot.

At this point I really don't know what's going to happen. I'm just going to take it day by day.