I have to admit, in the past few days I have entertained thoughts of "Why am I trying? All this economizing and budget attention doesn't even matter in the face of theft." But yes, I know it still matters, so I am carrying on.

My February recap is as follows:

Housing: $806

Property Tax: $516 (Semi-annual)

 Utilities: $209

Clothing/Accessories: $133 (Boots, PJ Pants)

Car Repair/Maintenance: $124 (Oil Change, Alignment, Tire Rotation)

Groceries: $122

Gifts/Charity: $110 (Birthday, Valentines Day)

Medical/Health: $106 (OTC items, Premium)

Furnishings/Equipment/Decor: $61 (Snow Shovel, Organizers)

Phone: $31

Gas: $24

Entertainment: $16 (Streaming Services)

Laundry: $14

Eating Out/Takeout: $10 (McDonalds)

Household Supplies: $2 (Sandwich Bags)

Grand Total: $2284

Variables: 89%

Yesterday I tried to get help on my tax problem at our senior center (no dice) and I contacted my senator Dick Durbin's office by email -- I had forgotten Lots of Ideas had so nicely provided a telephone number.  But I don't know if telephone is even a viable tool anymore.  You just get a runaround, if you get anything at all.  I hope they will attend to their email. All I'm asking is information on how to get my story to the IRS. So far I haven't been able to share anything with them. As far as they know, the person who used my SSN to steal my refund is me.

My hope now is that a letter from the IRS will actually come to me so I can get the ball rolling on proving identity theft.

All these worries pale against my concern about what is unfolding in Ukraine and what that monster Putin is capable to doing to the world. He is appalling, and I believe we are all in real danger. But I am trying to carry on and enjoy my life.