Christmas in August?

I know its August but I could use a little Christmas in July!

This year has been rough on the household and several things could use replacement but as usual there is no room in the budget.

My GE refrigerator panel went so now there is no controlling the temp in my fridge never mind getting ice or water from the door. If you want something to freeze put it on the top shelf of the fridge. If you do not want something to freeze use the top shelf of the freezer. Did I mention its a side by side. Never again! I will never buy another GE appliance or another side by side refrigerator ever. One week before Christmas 2009 the GE cooktop stove had its panel go. We ordered a replacement part plugged it in and it immediately shorted out. A nice $150 down the drain plus the cost of a new stove right at the worst possible time of the year. I have had the panel on my dishwasher go twice. All of these appliances were purchased within a short time frame of one another and none of them all that long ago. Several calls to customer service have gone unanswered.

Earlier in the year I pulled out of the parking lot after just having our taxes done and found my car would not move after it was straightened out. When I got out to investigate it immediately struck me as odd that one front tire was facing forward while the other was completely turned to be facing the back of the car! So much for that refund. A few months later my husband's radiator blew. Hello debt? I guess it is to be expected when you are driving cars that are at in the range of 14 years old.

One of the bathroom faucet's burst leaked all over the floor and caused the fire alarm in my son's room to go off as it filled with water. I never realized just how convenient and how accustomed I would become to having dual sinks in the master bath. For those of you who would be rightfully concerned given our families past history, you will be glad to know the smoke alarm has been replaced and is functional.

My husband's TV went up in smoke. He went downstairs to grab a bite to eat came back and found the room filling up with smoke. He thankfully was able to unplug and stop any further incident but none the less the tv was gone. Of course his was the biggest set in the house and he now has high hopes for a large flat panel. I haven't the heart to burst his bubble.

My son's bed and desk collapsed. He is now sleeping on two mattress on the floor which still needs new vinyl or wood. He is currently using a microwave cart for his computer desk. It might be nice if we could at least get curtain rods so he can hang the drapes he got for Christmas. Did I mention he turns 18 in August and would like something we would even consider letting him drive.

Last straw was a week or so ago when my comfy computer chair broke. Seeing how much time I spend in this thing, this is MAJOR! A replacement must be found as soon as possible. Knock knock CL.

Then there are those things I simply just desire. Topping the list:

A laptop computer. Maybe if I don't replace the chair I can get a laptop instead that I can be more mobile with. Opportunity available for right model: Looking for replacement for desktop workstation. Must have the ability to handle the demands of a computer/internet junkie with strong graphical demands for both work and entertainment. Desire a large screen for severe multitasking and a separate number keyboard for functionality. Please send specs and references to g.s.w.

A digital camera. Starting this blog has only served to further my desire to take more pictures. Yet another hobby just waiting to blossom. The cell phone camera just doesn't cut it!

A grocery shopping spree and a new food processor would be nice. I know I know I've always claimed not to be a cook but the truth of the matter is I really love to cook. I just want to be able to cook whatever I want and keep everyone else out of the kitchen.

Could the real Santa Clause please stand up and bring gifts!