Bruised from Pinching Myself

My check for the First-time Homebuyer's Tax Credit came in the mail this Saturday.  It totally threw me off guard because I was told it would be at least another month before it would arrive.  Also, I had asked for an electronic deposit.  There wasn't supposed to be a physical check.  I just stared at the check trying to figure out if it was real or just a notice of the coming money.  It did say "Pay to the order of" right in front of my name.  I took the check to a branch of my bank that was open and handed it to a live teller.  (I didn't trust the ATM with that amount of money at stake.)  I asked the teller, "Does this look like a real check to you?"  He seemed perplexed by the question, so I told him I wasn't expecting it.  He said if it is a complete surprise, don't deposit the money.  When I told him I was expecting an electronic funds transfer, he seemed to understand.  

Now the money is sitting in my account and I am afraid to spend it.  I am afraid the IRS will determine there was some kind of mistake and ask for it back.  

I am living in all forms of denial right now.  Going back to my teaching job on Wednesday doesn't seem real to me, either.  I thought that going there to set up the classroom would help me see reality, but the whole idea of teaching again starting Monday is still an illusion.  I probably do this every year in August, but forget.  

No more excuses.  There were many tasks I put on hold until the money arrived from the Government.  Today I am buying (and likely assembling) that patio furniture.  I will replace that ugly light fixture in the kitchen.  I will plan that housewarming party.  I still think people would enjoy it much more in cooler weather, since I will likely have to have it outside.  I will pay off those utilities from the old place.  I will pay off Nebraska Furniture Mart.  It was scary to spend a bunch of money I didn't have yet, but I would have been sitting on the floor for 2 months if I hadn't.  The new TV was a nice little gift to myself.

I will buy new school clothes!  Even teachers get new clothes for school...  Perhaps that is why the new school year hasn't felt real to me.  Nothing new to wear!

I keep repeating, "This is my house, this is my job, this is my Tax Credit..."  Now breathe and say it again...

Shark!

I was watching Shark Week on Discovery Channel with my friend Jason when a commercial for the Swiffer Wet Jet mop came on.  I have been using Swiffer products for years because mops and buckets of soapy water are really bad for my hands.  I mentioned that I was considering giving it a try.  Jason told me that he used the Shark Steam Mop.  How appropriate that I should find out about it watching Shark Week!  The steam mop uses only heated water to steam clean the floor.  The mop pads are also machine washable so I would no longer have to feel guilty about all those disposable Swiffers I have been using. 

I saw one at the store today for WAY cheaper than the online price and I bought one.  It cleaned my kitchen, entry, and both bathroom floors on only one small reservoir of water.  The floors "looked" pretty clean before until I got a look at the mop pad.  I had no idea...  The floors dried pretty much instantly and feel squeaky clean, no soapy film.  The only thing I would say is don't use it on one of the hottest days in August.  Steam can get pretty hot!