Rough Patch

I’m sorry that I haven’t been writing much to this blog lately, but I’m afraid that if I had, it wouldn’t have been too jovial. In addition to some a spike in health-related concerns (detailed in The Silver Lining), within the past month we’ve:

1. Been notified that a copy of a check we wrote showed up in some bad guy’s home, and written beside the check was my birthday and social security number. I don’t think any accounts were set up or money fraudulently withdrawn but still, I’ve been advised to put a credit alert at the Big 3 and to close that account. Huge pain. Especially with my voice.
2. Noticed a suspicious charge on my credit card. It was for $99 and the customer service lady said, “Well, let’s call the number and see what this is.” She put me on hold and when comes back she says, “It seems that the number is not working.” You see, that’s the thing with crooks, they either don’t answer or they provide a bogus call back number. Still, I have to appeal the charge in writing and they shut down the account and issued us new cards. Good, but a bigger pain than changing the bank.
3. Through a misunderstanding with our insurance agent, our homeowners insurance lapsed and the mortgage company is understandably concerned. I got it all ironed out this morning but the whole thing was more difficult than it had to be.
4. The Angels were eliminated.
5. Amanda attempted to withdraw $8 from her savings account because checking only had $4. The teller misunderstood her and hit the checking account anyway. Overdraft fee #1. $35. Then later that evening she tried to use her debit card for $3.22. Overdraft fee #2. $35. I think I can get the bank to reverse those but still, it is just one more thing.
6. This past Monday Amanda’s car broke down. Had to have it towed to the repair shop. They give us a choice: $1,600 to fix what they know is broken or $2,200 for a wiz-bang overhaul to fix anything else that might be wrong. What kind of choice is that? We went with Door #1. Good news is that it was done by Wednesday. Bad news (besides the 1,600 semolians) was that it broke down again today. Same problem.

You know, I know that’s life, identity theft and fraud happen, and cars break down but does it all have to happen at the same time? For 3 years we never had a lick of a problem with Amanda’s car but now that she's 1,500 miles from home, we get to deal with it long-distance

Grumble. Just a rough patch. Things could be much worse (knock on wood.)