Wow, you don't write as often as some of us, but when you do, it's a doozy, Michelle! I'm sorry about your friend - clearly she knew something was up that the hospital should have paid attention to. And her dogs - my friend Susie is in the same situation, but we found someone who will take all three (the new home has acreage and lost a dog last year and are charmed by the story of the three dogs adopted after one of my co-workers died of cervical cancer 2.5 years ago). She will be moving and can't take the big dogs with her. I hope your friend is as lucky - networking via facebook is finally what worked here.

And your plan - I hope you can share more information - it makes sense for all of us. What can you tell us about the No Spend Challenge - do you have a site that offers tips, moral support, etc? There will be a new thread later today - that's a great way to begin the new year and the new thread.

Don't you love those off-date holiday celebrations? Because they are reminders that it isn't the actual date, it is the gathering of loved ones with the intent of enjoying the day with each other that makes it special.

I concur with your paperwork goal - I'm going to do my income taxes as soon as possible. Every year now I hear about acquaintances who file, only to discover that someone fraudulently beat them to it, and have to wait for all of the investigatory paperwork to be cleared up. I won't characterize them here, but however easy or complicated they are, taxes will be done early rather than late.