Several weeks ago, Eric turned off the van and heard a long, loud gurgle from the air conditioning. We haven’t had air since then. Today, I had an estimate done for repair. $$$
A few weeks ago, while playing outside at a wedding reception, Gabe decided it would be a grand idea to pitch rocks into the air. One came down directly onto the car of the wedding photographer. He had two different estimates done for the repair work. $$$
Eric had some medical testing done about a week ago. $$$
I’m having physical therapy. $$$
Sam’s birthday party is this weekend. $$$
In about two weeks, we’re going to Devil’s Lake for my race. $$$
If anybody has any extra seedlings for a backyard money tree, keep me in mind; I’m on the hunt. 
I’m doing this race as my first 50K/ultra in July 2012. I’m so tardy to the party but...
1. Live without the a/c for the time being – you’re in the Midwest…it’s not *that* hot.
2. Homeowners insurance should take care of the car damage. Possibly your auto policy. Either way, check with your agent.
3. Health insurance? HSA to cover the co-pay? Payment plan?
4.Birthday party/Devil’s Lake: not much can be helped there, except to weigh costs and be careful with dining out, etc.
We’re pinched too. Big time. I’m going to have to go back to work before I finish my degree, and I am not real happy about that.
I have not had a/c in my car for 3 years now….I agree with your friend, the a/c can wait…sumemr is short…..
Urgh. I’m sorry, Carrie.
I hear ya, sister. My air went out on my van – right before the hot weather set in. I’m hoping driving around in a sauna will help me lose weight.
Good luck with everything. Devil’s Lake was the favorite camping spot for my brothers and sisters and I.
Roll down those car windows, put up the hair — keep water (frozen from the freezer) in the car to sip on…there are those *cool bands* for around the neck while running, you could use those in the car
Bring spritz bottles to cool off at stop signs and then get chilled when the breeze comes through as you start off again. We moved from AK to Texas in August (years back) — and we had no air con. I cut my hair, and all the sleeves off shirts and pants — and wore sun dresses (hey, you look great in those now!) NOW – I have air con, but love windows down…but my driver window does not work. Stupid electric windows!! It costs 300 bucks to put a new motor in! I’d rather have my window back than air conditioning.
All the best with all these stressers! Ugh, and what is it with boys and rocks!? One of mine chipped (yes, he did!) a friend’s tooth tossing small ones about, AND hit me on the head (!) one winter when he just randomly tossed a stone! We need to ban those things.
Hang in there!!
((hugs)) There is never a good time for an extra expense, and to have so many in a row – yikes.
For the Devil’s Lake expenses – I’m wondering if Restaurant.com has any restaurants in that area listed? The gift certificates are $10 (or less) for a $25 certificate. You usually have to have a total check of $35 or more(so you are out of pocket the $10 for the certificate, plus $10 for the difference between the certificate and the total check – so $20 for $35 worth of food – a 29% savings). They have fairly casual places listed – might be worth a try.