No financial news, but tomorrow will probably be spendy -- and I'll probably break my streak on the eating-in challenge. I have to go to one of the northern suburbs to get another x-ray on my ankle. When I went to physical therapy the therapist was clearly surprised that I was still experiencing numbness on the top of my foot and in my ankle. I called the doctor, and they told me to come up for an x-ray. I'm beginning to think nerve damage and I'm a little worried. Well, we'll see.

Anyway, since the appointment is at 11:15, and it's at least an hour to get there, I will probably end up eating out for lunch. But, counting today, my eating-in score is 17!

Just got my federal refund and paid off my debt to Bank of America. I am now debt-free again!

The refund came earlier than expected -- and bigger than I remembered. I thought it would be in the neighborhood of $1200 -- it was $2012. Duh. A nice surprise.

I'm so excited! Finally I can start really saving!

In other news, I got out once this weekend and made the most of it. A grocery store trip: ($42 for food, $1 for conditioner, $22 for gift candy), a car wash ($5), and a drive through Dunkin' Donuts for a gift card ($20). The gift candy I brought to work, sort of a thank you for everyone who's been so helpful to me, and the gift card is for a co-worker who is leaving, and who has been particularly helpful while I have struggled with my broken ankle.

This time when I got home from my outing I did not collapse on the couch and sleep through the day. I even had the strength and energy to vacuum!

I had my first physical therapy session on Friday. It was not comfortable, but I can see it will be helpful. I really need to increase my range of motion, and the exercises I was given seem to be helping already. Just have to get through the PAIN part of it!

Last night I got my balance sheet from the antique store (where I am a dealer). I owe $92, so only $33 in merchandise sold. That's one of the worst months yet. I know that part of the problem is that North Carolina has been hit with unusually bad weather; I know the store has even been closed at times. I also know it will get better in spring.

I still have faith in our booth. It is a wonderful store in a very picturesque area, and the owners do everything they can to promote it. My sister and I are getting better and better at stocking it with garage sale finds. The problem is people just aren't buying. I'll see how spring goes before I make any decisions about pulling out.

I ALMOST bought a coke out of the vending machine the other day, but I resisted. I have not done any kind of eating out for 10 days now. 10 points!

As for the weather -- how often is it that I experience a blizzard AND an earthquake in the same day, and yet my story pales beside what's happening out East! What a deluge! All you folks out there stay safe and warm.

That was yesterday. I thought I was up to a trip to the grocery store. I had a list of about ten items. Well, the store is big. My ankle was really hurting by the time I went to checkout. I came home, dragged the groceries in, took a pain pill and slept off and on the whole day. The funny thing was I slept in front of the TV so I kept waking up to Matrix Reloaded or Matrix Revolution -- or both -- it seemed to go on for hours and hours -- an endless movie -- and I never saw the end.

Today was better. I did go out for a haircut ($18) but that was my only errand. I also did my taxes. Since I am such a brain-addled gimp right now I elected to do it all on TurboTax, which cost over $100. How? Well, somehow I got sucked into the deluxe version for federal, and then I had to file two state taxes. That was way too much to pay, but at least I'm done, and I'll get $1200 back from federal and about $50 from the two states.

And I got MOST of my laundry done. The last load is soaking and I'll let it soak overnight.

My ankle pain is generally much worse, but I think it is because the numbness is wearing off. I will call my doctor tomorrow, since I am also confused about whether to start physical therapy before the pin comes out.

Still no eating out: 7 points!

Just popping in to report I have 4 points on the eating-in challenge. Honestly, I rarely out eat unless it is to be social. Though I have lately been going through drive-throughs, with the rationale that it's easier than cooking when you have a bum leg!

Looking forward to this weekend. I have lots to do. I'm going to tackle grocery shopping on my own for the first time since mid-December. I'm going to get my hair trimmed. I'm going to start on my taxes. I'm also going to somehow celebrate DS1's birthday, although I haven't heard the plan yet. Yesterday I got his "save the date" card in the mail for his wedding. It gave me a little thrill -- it's really gonna happen -- he's going to marry this wonderful girl!

My car and housing funds are down a little because of the stock market. I can hardly wait till my debt is paid off and I can start adding to those funds.

As I thought, it was the lowest-spending month I've had in a long time. A side benefit of being temporarily disabled!

Rent - $1090
Groceries - $141
Utilities - $103 (artificially low - change in due dates)
Medical/Health - $89
Eating Out - $62
Insurance - $56
Business - $52
Gifts/Charity - $50
Gas - $23
Clothing - $22
Fees/Services - $16
Entertainment - $14
Miscellaneous - $6

Only $1724 in total.

Last night after work I was so cold in my apartment (and also tired, I admit) I went straight to bed and got under the covers. I was still cold most of the night. Finally, some time in the wee hours I got up and turned up the heat. The frustrating part of the this story is that the heat was already set at 72 and I had to raise it to 75 to be comfortable. I don't know how some of you survive at the temperatures you report! I must have a wholly different body thermostat. But I am resigned now that I just have to have my heat set higher than other people and pay for it.

No spending yesterday. I ate in all day, so now have two points in the challenge.
I think I will do well with this challenge, but I might get stuck eating out this weekend, as it's DS1's birthday. In the spirit of the challenge, I will at least offer to make something instead.

Today I donated $50 to the Race for Hope. My DIL is running in honor of her friend who died of brain cancer last year. Sad, sad story, but she was an inspiring person, very much loved.

I still haven't recapped January's spending yet -- I will do that tonight.

Will work on taxes this weekend. They would be simple, but I have to deal with two states this year. I hate state taxes. Why are they always more complicated than the federal?

The weekend flew by, partly because I spent Sunday with my DS2's family. He gave me a ride to Wal-Mart so I could pick up a prescription ($10) and we all went to dinner at a local Mexican restaurant ($26.03) -- I treated. That was all my spending. I think it's going to be a good month.

I'm getting around better and better, though if I get around TOO much I pay for it at the end of the day with pain. I still have plenty of pain medication to get me through the nights.

I'm gradually putting my house back in order. The cat litter pan, which was on the bathroom counter, has been moved back on the closet floor. The foodstuffs that were sitting out for easy access are back where they belong. The shower stool has been put away. Little by little, it is becoming MY house again, not the invalid's house.

I got a notice that another medical bill was finalized -- the ambulance ride to the hospital. Paid in full.

Well, here I am facing another Monday and a whole week of work. Happy Monday everyone!

I went to the doctor yesterday, and to my surprise he told me I no longer had to use the walker OR wear the boot! So I have been limping around on my own two feet. Sleeping without the boot was wonderful last night!

The bad news is that I have to have a pin removed next month. Although they say it is simple outpatient surgery, I am not psyched up for more surgery of any kind.

I have been driving, too. I drove to the doctor yesterday (first time since my accident). I had no problems. I was able to get gas and I found parking near the building. (I'm still waiting for my handicap placard). It felt so good to be out on the road again!

When I came to work after the appointment, there was no place to park, even though I had a special permit. There were simply no parking spaces of any kind. So I parked in an outlying lot and had to walk around the football field. When our president's secretary heard about that, she went to campus security and demanded that they reserve a spot for me! There it was this morning. Right next to the president's reserved spot!

I am so, so tired. Working, getting used to walking, and a sore throat (which will become a cold, I know) are all having their toll on me. I would go home, but I have to write some profiles on some big brass attendees at a dinner the president is going to. So I must stick it out. Will be very happy to see the weekend again.

Yesterday's spending:

Gas - $22.90
Breakfast (Mickey D) - $4.27
Lunch (KFC) - 5.67
Doctor's co-pay -- $15.00

Plus, I signed up to have $10 taken out of my paycheck each month for the annual fund. Since I work in the development office, they want to have 100% participation. $10 is cheaping out, but I have some serious goals of my own to meet.

This time I have to work five days, not four!

I had a pretty relaxing weekend. I didn't do any work except my laundry (which isn't all that easy when you're on a walker!) But I did it. I also watched movies and read and played computer games.

I am spending very little so far this month. But on Wednesday, I have to go to the doctor (who is almost an hour away). I am thinking very seriously about driving myself. The only thing holding me back from driving now is waiting for my handicapped placard. But I know I can park at the doctor's pretty close to the door without a placard. And I can walk now, with the aid of my walker. However, if I do drive myself, I will have to get some gas, and I'm not sure how easy that will be.

I also need to get some groceries, another thing that is not easy. Yet I hate to continue to ask for help, especially when by all appearances I am getting around better. And I just hate to ask for help, anyway.

I'll be glad when Spring comes and this is all over.

I returned to work this week and now, on Friday afternoon, I am just dog-tired. I will try to sleep a lot this weekend, though I do have lots of laundry to catch up on.

My home computer would not connect to the internet last night. This morning I unplugged and replugged the router, but didn't have time to check if it solved the problem. So I don't know if I will have internet access this weekend.

Money-wise, things are going well. I spent $2.29 on a lunch this week, and $50 was withdrawn from Discover for my prepaid phone. No other spending. Hoping to have a good chunk of change to apply to the debt.

Happy weekend everyone!

This is my last weekend before I go back to work. Thank goodness it is a long one.

I'm not looking forward to going back to work -- not because I don't like my job, but I am dreading the logistics of going there with a walker and my leg in a boot.

BUT ... I am so much better off, a thousand times better off, than the injured people in Haiti who have no medical care, not even the food and water they need. I tried earlier to send money to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund but I couldn't get past the "donate" button. I hope that means that a gazillion people are using it. I will try later.

I am still taking it easy, but I am able to do little things now like small loads of laundry, loading the dishwasher, cleaning the bathroom counter. Being able to walk a little bit on my bad leg is making such a difference in my mobility.

Payday was yesterday. I paid my rent, paid off my Discover card (which I do every month), and put $288 on my BoA card. The debt is going down more slowly than I would like, but when I get my tax refund it will be gone for good.

All my other bills will come out automatically. Very handy, but somehow it makes payday less fun!

The doctor said my x-rays were perfect, and I can start walking! That is, I must continue to use the walker, but I can put weight on my foot, as long as I'm careful. Oh, this makes it so much easier to get around!

There was a place on the surgical scar that was still seeping. He found a little piece of thread that had to be removed. Then he had me get a product called Wound-Be-Gone. Wow! It healed up immediately -- I've never seen anything like it!

Financial news -- I've spent another $35 on groceries, $39 on Wound-Be-Gone and blister band-aids, and $35 for the doctor's co-pay. I was only able to put $288 toward my credit card, but let's face it, it's been an unusual month.

I got a bill for the ambulance today. $500 -- but it included a form for insurance information. They want a front and back copy of my insurance card. How am I going to do that? I could draw one, I guess.

I also got a check for $100 from the hospital. I think they are returning my co-pay. I'll have to look into that. Perhaps my insurance automatically paid?

I have promised to go into work on Tuesday. I won't need a wheelchair, now that I can walk a little. I will need a ride, though, and several people have offered. Just hope this nice weather lasts. Nice, as in not below zero, not snowing!

Oh, and my emergency fund is down a little because I sent $50 to my sister. She didn't ask for it, I was just worried about her.

It's been decided. I will work from home starting Monday, with the goal of going into work on the following Monday. On Tuesday, however, I go to the doctor (appointment rescheduled due to last Thursday's snowstorm). I hope that not too much work is given to me, because I still tire out fast.

DS2, wife and sons came down yesterday for the day. They cleaned my whole house and put away my Christmas decorations. That, and their wonderful company was such a boost. I treated them to pizza, which cost $13.50.

I got my account slip from the booth. It was indeed a lean month. I owed $51.96. They say that snows in the Carolinas forced many closings, so I think that is a factor. It worries me, though, because December is usually a good month, and January is usually lean. In fact, things usually don't pick up until April. Oh well, I'll ride it out. We have lots of good stuff in there and it's priced right. Just have to get the right buyers.

I subscribed to Netflix, the 2-at-a-time plan, which costs $13.99 a month. I think it will be worth it. I have basic TV, and this is cheaper than adding channels. Besides that, I enjoy watching movies more than anything on TV. I already got my first two movies, which were from my old queue from way back. This morning I watched "Reign on Me." The other is "The Hoax." I don't remember why I put it on my list or anything about it, so it will be a surprise.

I think someone else did this already -- all the news recaps of the year just ended made me think about the biggest events in MY life this past year -- some are finance-related, some not.

1. I unretired and took a job in Chicago, moving away from North Carolina.

2. Before the above event, I temporarily lost my health insurance because of higher premiums and lower retirement payouts.

3. I welcomed a new grandson in September.

4. My son became engaged to a fabulous girl in October.

5. I also welcomed two new great-nephews into the world.

6. I broke my ankle.

7. I had two other surgeries, these minor: had a dupuythen removed from my finger, and was biopsied for lesions in the mouth (all ok).

8. I lost my ex-mother-in-law to a sudden stroke.

9. I attended two way-fun conferences -- one in Boston, one in Charleston, SC., and in the process met up with some old friends.

10. I got to spend both Christmas and Thanksgiving with both my children -- unusual because I rarely get them both for both holidays.

So it's been a tumultuous year, both good and bad. Hope this year is a bit calmer!

In other news, I finally took my first shower with my new shower stool, and do I ever feel good!

All my Monday wishes came true.

The maintenance guy came and switched the door on the fridge so it swings the other way. Wonderful!!! No more wrestling my walker around the door and trying to figure out where to set things down.

The shower stool was delivered. Unfortunately, they delivered to the apartment office, so I had to call and have someone deliver it to my apartment, and I didn't get it till yesterday. It is now sitting in my tub. I'm a little scared to try it now, but I will have to clean up for my doctor's appointment tomorrow.

I emailed work. My ultimate boss would like to see me come in on Monday, but my immediate boss wants me to work at home for a while. They are still in discussion. I really, really don't want to go in in this bad weather. Plus, there is a long ramp to get in the building and I know I don't have the strength to go that distance on my walker. I would have to get a wheelchair. So I hope my immediate boss wins.

It didn't get warmer, so I guess not everything came true. We have a snow advisory tomorrow -- the day of my doctor's appointment. Sometimes I feel like I just can't cut a break.

Good news financially -- I got my bill from the hospital showing 0.00 owed. I am hoping that means that insurance covered everything except the $100 co-pay I already made. Of course, I know there will still be bills from other sources.

The hospital bill alone was over $37K! I am SO glad I have good health insurance now.

I'm just waiting for it to be Monday.

On Monday, my shower stool might come.

On Monday, the maintenance man will switch the door on my fridge so it swings the other way. (Right now it is very difficult for me to use while I'm on a walker).

On Monday, I'll call work and tell them I won't be in till I see the doctor again.

On Monday, the regular TV shows will be back.

On Monday -- maybe it will be warmer? I'm freezing, and I have the heat set way higher than it should be.

On Monday -- maybe my foot will be better? I'm suffering extra pain in my heel all of a sudden. This morning I discovered that the insole in my boot had edged forward, so I think that may be the cause. I fixed it, but my heel still hurts. I may have the beginning of a blister. That's all I need!

No financial news, except that I am having a lot of no-spend days!

My biggest expense -- no surprise -- rent. $9874, or $823 a month. I actually pay $1090 a month, but didn't move in till May.

Next: Moving expenses. $4931

Next: Medical/health-related expenses. $2579, or $215 a month. This doesn't even count what my broken ankle will cost. Nor does it count the premium that is subtracted from my paycheck.

Next: Furniture & equipment: $1786 or $149 a month. I think most of this was for things I needed after my move.

Next: Utilities: $1738, or $145 per month. This is low, because I didn't pay utilities until May except for my phone.

Next: Groceries: $1306 or $109 per month. I didn't know I had done so well in this category!

Next: Vacation/Travel: $1150, or $96 per month. This includes a road trip to Florida last winter, several short trips to Michigan, and conferences in Boston and Charleston, SC. Much of the conference expense was reimbursed; I only included what I paid out of pocket.

Next: Gifts: $1042 or $87 per month. Birthdays, Christmas, charity. Lower than usual -- I bought cheaper gifts this year.

Next: Car Repair/Maintenance: $1033 or $86 per month. Two fender benders; one I paid repairs on out of pocket. Also includes car washes, oil changes, and brake work.

Next: Household Supplies: $780 or $65 per month. These are non-food items like paper towels, etc.

Next: Fees/Services: $590 or $49 per month. Tax fees, fines, a slew of new licenses because of changing residence, professional fees.

Next: Vet/Pet Supplies: $572 or $48 per month. Includes cat food & kitty litter for my own two kitties as well as supplies/housing for the feral cats.

Next: Insurance: $568 or $47 per month. Mostly car insurance; I didn't get renter's insurance till November.

Next: Eating Out: $560 or $47 per month.

Next: Business: $513 or $43 per month. Includes any rent not covered by sales and purchases for the antique booth I run along with my sister. I personally made $432 on the booth so my net expenditure is really $81. Obviously, this is a hobby, not an income stream (but there's always hope!)

Next: Clothing: $465 or $39 per month. This includes some purchases for my new job, so this is pretty good.

Next: Gas: $372 or $31 per month. My short commute to work helps out a lot here.

Next: Entertainment: $301 or $25 per month. Movies, book purchases, outings with the grandkids, the occasional concert or play.

Next: Personal: $159 or $13 per month. Haircuts, grooming supplies.

Last: Miscellaneous: $117 or $10 per month. Whatever didn't fit in the other categories.

Altogether I spent $30,436. Since I lost my previous records in a computer crash I have nothing to compare to.

Next year I will probably have a moving expense again, but it should be much less since I will do it myself with my kids' help. I hope to keep my rent at the same rate or a little lower. Everything else there is room for a little improvement -- except for groceries -- I don't think I can do much better than that. My gifts this coming year will unquestionably be higher -- there will be a $1000 gift to my son for his wedding, and I plan to give better Christmas gifts. I felt bad being the "cheapie" this year, even though I know my family understood.

A good exercise! I like to do this every year!

1. Keep emergency fund up to $1000.
2. Save $100 per month for wedding gift fund.
3. Pay off moving debt with tax refund.
4. Start a Christmas fund (save $5's).
5. Save quarters for kids' laundry.
6. When 1,2 & 3 are done, contribute to car fund (ING account).
7. Count calories -- aim for 1600 daily.
8. Do physical therapy as assigned.

I haven't had any coffee since I entered the hospital on the evening of December 13. I'm one of those people who can't go a day without coffee. I usually have several cups a day, and I REALLY enjoy it.

But I wonder if I should give it up. It's not good for my fibrocystic breasts (sorry guys); it's not good for getting to sleep at night; and maybe it has been contributing to, hmmmmm, an overactive bladder (sorry again).

By this time I am surely over any withdrawal effects.

I had a cup of herbal tea today; and while it was nothing like coffee, I could get used to it. If it would improve my health....

Funny how being injured makes you think about health all the time. Right now there is nothing I want more than health, strength, fitness ... and two working feet.

Rationally, I know I will walk again, maybe even run and jump. But emotionally, I feel like I am grounded for life. I don't know how people weather catastrophic injuries. It is so easy for your mind to prey on you. I admire people who are confined to wheelchairs and maintain a good attitude much more than I ever did before. I'm finding I really have to work at not being sad and blue.

Well, this is not finance-related at all, is it?

Tomorrow I will do my end-of-month and end-of-year totals. Hope to share some resolutions, too. I'm still thinking about them. I want them to be real and attainable.

Not much to report. The plumber came today and snaked out the drain. I did one mini-load of laundry -- exhausting!

I finished a book by Karin Slaughter and I'm getting ready to start another. She writes pretty graphic crime novels, but they are riveting.

I told a friend NOT to come and help -- she is dealing with issues of her own from surgery for a brain tumor.

I'm getting quite fond of Bonnie Hunt and Ellen.

I ordered a shower stool from Amazon, but my flexible spending account would not pay -- because Amazon is a BOOKSTORE. So I cancelled and ordered one from MedicalSupplyHouse. Looks like that order went through. Sheesh. Same item.

Just have a laptop and your purse nearby and you're on!

This morning I paid my $100 co-pay to the hospital. I ordered some stuff from Alice.com for around $20. I bought a shower stool from Amazon for $42, including shipping. I will pay for my prescription renewals and delivery whenever they call me back -- about $16 for the meds, don't know what delivery will cost.

I think I've done all the stuff I have to do.

Yesterday I cleaned up and washed my hair. (Don't laugh; this is hard stuff). I fed the feral cats. I caught up on some email. I watched the Secret Santa episode of "The Office" on hulu.

I'm thinking of getting a Netflix subscription. I had one before that I let go, mostly because I was living with someone who kept saying, "Don't send that back, I'll watch it later," and it never happened. Ended up paying a monthly fee to let discs sit on the counter. Now that there is so much available to watch instantly on the computer, I think it would be a good source of entertainment while I'm laid up.

However, I've done all my business today. Manana.

On Day 2 of Home Alone.

Day 1 had a twist -- the drain in my laundry room backed up. Not that I was going to do any laundry, but it left a mess. Maintenance came and put a plug in it and cleaned it all up, so it didn't turn out to be a problem for me. However, they will have to do some major work -- like replace a pipe -- sometime soon.

I caught up on my finance stuff -- my spending log and my budget -- which I hadn't done since Dec. 10. Everything is on track. For now, a broken ankle is keeping down spending.

I set up an account on Hulu, so I can watch stuff on my laptop in bed.

I fed myself, medicated myself, and changed my dressing. I did not bathe -- I will try to get that done today.

It was a good day to have to stay in -- it snowed all day. I have all my blinds down and can't see the snow. I would like to, but it's too hard to put them up and down, and since I need them down at night, they are down all day. I am in a cocoon.

My next goal is getting my presciptions refilled and getting a shower stool. I think if I call my local CVS, they will not only refill my meds but set aside a stool which I will pay for over the phone with my flex benefit card. Then I just have to get someone to pick them up for me. That will all depend on whether they have a stool in stock. My other option is to order it over the internet.

Just talked to DS2 on the phone. He and his family are headed to Florida today, so DS1 will be my only resource for a week -- except for my co-workers who have made general offers of help. DS1 has a full week of work ahead of him, so I am really pretty much on my own. My apartment manager has offered help, too. She had a broken ankle last year, and knows what I am going through. So I am not without resources. The only real problem I could have would be falling, and I am taking care not to do that (and wearing my phone around my neck).

I will never again take for granted being able to walk on two feet!

Oh, by the way, I had a wonderful Christmas Day. My boys got me everywhere I needed to go. I got to see my grandson experience his first Christmas when he really knew what was going on. I had quality time with both families. I even played a game (though it wore me out). So I am still feeling more blessed than bummed at this point!

I'm home now. The doctor's visit went well; my ankle is doing just what it should.

It's really hard managing by myself but today I did manage to feed myself, wash, wrap presents and clean the cat box, as well as put out a dish for the feral cats.

Tomorrow, if the weather doesn't turn too bad, I'm going back up to Evanston/Skokie just for the day -- or half a day. I would almost be tempted to cancel and stay in, except that my grandson REALLY REALLY wants the present I got (a guitar). DS2 will pick me up and DS1 will take me home. Wish me luck!

And Merry Christmas to everyone!

Oh, what a wonderful luxury... to have clean hair.

Actually my son washed it for me. Don't know how I'll do it when I get home.

I do now have a plan for getting home. Tomorrow my younger son will take me to the doctor and then home in my car. Then in the evening, when my older son gets off work, he will come pick up YS. During the time we are waiting for OS, YS will go to the grocery, take out the garbage, clean the cat pan and otherwise help me get ready for a stay a home alone.

Christmas Day is still up in the air. YS has offered to pick me up early so I will be there when the grandkids check out what Santa left. Then my OS would take me over and take care of getting me home. I hate to be such a pain on Christmas when I know they have so many other obiligations.... I am toying with the idea of just cancelling out and sending my gifts back with OS & YS on Thursday night. We'll see. I think with all I've been through I wouldn't mind a quiet day at home.

My appointment is on Wednesday. Now I have to figure out how I will get there, and whether I should go home before or after the appointment. I will need help with both. I hate to be dependent on others.

And it is getting so close to Christmas... I still have presents to wrap and get back up here for Christmas Day.

The good news is that my son and his fiancee have chosen the venue for their wedding. A chapel in Glenview, with a dinner reception at Wildfire. Should be very nice. Their date is 10-10-10. Plenty of time for me to lose a few dress sizes.

This morning I put $50 on my prepaid phone. It was a bit of a struggle figuring it out, especially since I had bought a prepaid card that I thought would go onto phone as minutes. No, it is simply a prepaid card, to use for making calls from any phone. I don't know why the clerk had me buy it. I arranged to have $50 charged to my Discover card whenever the balance in the phone drops below $5. This was my accomplishment of the day.

I got a visit from my son and grandson, and my cousin from Texas called. My son and I played sort of a "Name That Song" game, while my grandson watched Spongebob and Mickey and circled the candy jar and the not-to-be-touched guitar in hopes that we were not watching too closely. I had a good conversation with my cousin, whom I haven't spoken to since this summer. His wife, who is the breadwinner (he is retired) survived the layoffs at Shell and is now in a position where she will travel less. He didn't exactly say it was a downgrade, but I had the feeling they were feeling lucky to still have an income.

Had a smoothie for breakfast and a leftover chicken thigh for lunch. My appetite is still much reduced. I hope I can segue into a healthier, lighter diet than I had been indulging in before the fall. I may yet be able to get a good-looking dress (to put on an okay-looking body) for my son's wedding.

Speaking of weddings, my son's fiancee just returned from a scouting trip for a chapel. Looks like she might have found the right place, a non-denominational church -- white, with a steeple, very classic. It's in the suburb where she grew up. My son hasn't seen it yet, but I have a feeling this is the one.

Now, time for more rest!

Had a pre-Christmas celebration last night -- my ex is going to Florida for the holidays, so he and his wife stopped by to exchange gifts with my kids. Since I'm staying here, I was part of party. It was fine, actually quite fun. Also nice to get a preview of what my kids were given -- luckily I didn't buy any duplicates.

My ankle continues to feel better. Now my worry is whether I will connect with my doctor. Neither number I was given goes through -- one is disconnected -- the other is for the Institute of Bones & Joints, which I guess is closed for the weekend. I'll have to try again on Monday. I am hoping to coordinate the visit with going home, because getting out of the house isn't going to be any easy task.

I canceled AT&T today. Of course I had to go through the hand-wringing WHY???? conversation. I wish they had paid as much attention when I was a customer. AT&T turned me off (not for the first or last time) when they refused to honor a rebate for a phone their own rep had pushed on me.

My prepaid minutes are going pretty fast, and I hope I have made a good financial decision here. I'm not much of a phone talker, so I think it will work.

Don't yet have any sense of how this accident will impact me financially. I was told I owed a $100 co-pay when I was in the emergency room, but no one ever wanted to take it. I guess they'll catch up with me.

Ironically, the reserve in my FSA account is no longer a worry!

I didn't get a chance to talk about the day before my big break --ha, ha-- which I spent in the City. It was a pretty interesting day, too.

Every year I meet an old friend downtown near Christmastime and we do something special. The last two years it has been tea at the Drake Hotel. That's what we did this year as well. She lives in Indiana, and our plan was to take our respective trains downtown and then meet up via cell phone.

Well, I got to the station and realized my cell phone was not working! It looked like it should -- no blank screen or anything, but I could not make a call, or, obviously, receive one. I wasn't even sure when her train was coming in (though I knew it was very close to the same time). I also knew that her train was coming in to Union Station, not Ogilvie, where I was.

So I highfooted it to Union Station (only two blocks away, but big blocks). I had to stand in a line to get someone to tell me when the Indianapolis train was arriving -- luckily, it was late, so I hadn't missed her. I stood at the gate and was very relieved when she stepped off the train. That could have been so disastrous. It made me realize how much we depend on cell phones now.

Well, I had been thinking of going prepay anyway, so I insisted on stopping a CVS and bought a phone on the spot. Thought I would at least be set for the rest of the day. Well, it turned out it had to charge, it was impossible to get out of the package, it had to be activated.... ended up leaving it in her hotel room, charging, while we went out for our tea.

Meanwhile, my friend figured out how to fix my phone (taking out and reinstalling the sim card). And then I started getting the calls. Apparently the phone had been not working for two days, and my kids were in a panic trying to find me, calling everyone they thought might know where I was. When they went to my apartment and I wasn't there, that just added fuel to the fire, and I had lots of 'splaining to do.

Nice to know that they were worried. And worried again when I fell the next day. I think I have been a bit of a troublesome mom lately.

So now I have two working phones and two plans. I can cancel the original AT&T plan, as the contract is up, and switch over completely to the Verizon prepay. I would have done so by now had I not fallen, but thinking about the phone mess was not high on my list of priorities till today. I still have a long list of names and numbers to switch over -- I just do a few at a time, and then I rest... But by tomorrow I should be ready to tell people my new number.

Oh, and today is going to be a BIG day. I'm going to wash my hair.

I broke my ankle on Sunday. I broke three bones and had to have surgery. I am held together now with pins and plates. I am not up for too much right now so I will try to keep this short.

I didn't fall on the ice. (EVERYONE asks me this). I fell over my own feet coming down the stairs outside my son's condo and just landed wrong. I will be in a cast for six weeks, and will not go back to work until after Christmas. I am staying at my other son's (he has a house) and was discharged from the hospital yesterday. I will probably stay here through the weekend and then go home and go it alone. If things get tough, though, someone will come and stay with me there a few days more. I'm very lucky that I live on the ground floor and there are no stairs within my apartment.

I am taking it one day at a time and feeling lucky it is not worse. Today I am feeling especially grateful that the side effects on the anesthesia have worn off, so I I'm not so nauseous and dry in the mouth. Little blessings!

Don't worry about me, friends, I will be all right and will check in with you regularly.