There have been a few goings-on around here, so I thought a quick update post was in order.
Help yourself (and me)
I’ve put up a page called Help Yourself, Help the Blog. As the title implies, this page lists products and services that, via affiliate or referral links, will give the blog a small commission.
Most of the options are free, so hopefully you guys find something that works for you.
Ewww, bugs
When the annual bill for Orkin termite protection came due in December, I briefly thought about cancelling it. We haven’t had any activity, and that $300 could be put to better use. In the end, though, I decided that the money was worth the peace of mind. Especially since, if anything did crop up, it’s more than $1,000 for the initial go-round.
I’m now immensely happy that I chose peace of mind because we noticed termite activity in the dining room Friday night. (After Orkin closed for the day, of course.) I’ve never seen a little tunnel, so I didn’t recognize it. Luckily, Tim did.
We called on Monday, and they had someone out here the next morning. Which is good because the tunnel was already a couple of inches longer than on Friday. Eep.
Unfortunately, the stuff they use takes up to 90 days. It’s designed so that they bring it down to their nests in the actual soil and spread it around, apparently. So that strip may get longer before it’s all done.
Also unfortunately, the guy had to drill holes in the floor every 12″ to pump the stuff in. Which wouldn’t be a problem if our tile were 12″. It’s 18.” Meaning there were two places that he had to drill into the tile. He patched the holes with some grout, so it’s not so obvious but… grumble grumble.
Baby stuff
I also saw the new OB/GYN on Monday. She seems nice, and she was pretty much ready to suggest everything that I mentioned. She agreed that I should have the progesterone and prescription-grade folic acid. She also suggested that I take baby aspirin now, which I’d forgotten. So I’ll be taking the aspirin, prenatals and folic acid starting now.
She wrote out prescriptions for 1 mg folic acid and progesterone, so we can fill them as soon as necessary. I also have a handy flier for what compound pharmacy to use for the progesterone.
This was all positive. I’m happy I went. But…
The room had two bulletin boards full of baby pictures. It was tough discussing failed pregnancies in front of documentation of successful ones… I got a little weepy in the parking lot, though some of that was slightly low blood sugar.
Judge a book by its cover (or title)
I guess it’s time to make this e-book thing official. I didn’t want to talk too much about it until I was sure I’d follow through. Being bipolar means that sometimes you get really excited about a project and then lose interest. It’s happened a lot, as many half-done crochet and knitting projects in my closet will attest.
But at this point, I have about 45 pages in a word document, which should be around 50-55 in PDF form. So I think it’s safe to say that I’m not going to give up now. Probably. Always take this stuff with a grain of salt.
Anyway, the e-book is called Frugality for Depressives.
I suppose the title is pretty self-explanatory. I worry less about new and fascinating frugal hacks — there’s really nothing new under the sun anyway — and focus more on helping depressives evaluate which hacks to try and/or how to modify them for the best chance at success.
I’m looking at hacks through the lens of basic depressive symptoms: difficulty interacting (including phone calls), difficulty leaving the house, feeling easily overwhelmed, etc. (Which means it probably applies to most people with debilitating/restrictive health problems too. But that’d make for an awfully long title.)
If anyone thinks of a symptom/byproduct of depression that you think I should address, feel free to let me know in the comments. Or if there’s a specific frugal hack you want to see covered, by all means, leave a comment. I want to try to address as many facets of and potential obstacles from depression as I can.
I have no idea how long e-books generally are. This one is currently at around 50-55 PDF pages (won’t know until I get it transferred). There are about five pages that are golden, and the rest needs work. Lots and lots of work.
So I’m guessing it’ll come in around 70 pages. Definitely under 100. Again, no idea if that’s normal. But I’m a big believer in just writing something til it’s done. So I guess it’ll just be as long as it needs to be.
Have you ever dealt with termites? Does the e-book sound interesting? To other women who’ve struggled with infertility, are OB office photos hard on you?
I think the e-book idea is super interesting, and I can’t wait to hear more about it! 🙂
Kara @ Money Saving Maven recently posted…February Goals Update
Yay! Well hopefully all this positive feedback will keep me going!
I think your e-book sounds awesome. That is a niche that nobody talks about. Most frugality books take an overly positive approach, but that’s not what everyone needs. Go, you!
Holly@ClubThrifty recently posted…What I’ve Learned About Money by Becoming a Parent
Yeah, positivity is great, but it can be discouraging for depressives. Or people who are just super busy/stressed and can’t tackle a bunch of things at once.
Exactly! Some frugality blogs do a good job of making you feel like a spendthrift if you don’t make your own laundry soap, kid’s clothing, household cleaners, and every single nutritionally -perfect organic free-range meal for your entire family, three times a day, while keeping the house Pottery Barn spotless, homeschooling the kids, writing an active blog, along with maintaining two other side businesses. I can imagine these types of blogs are especially discouraging to people who have depression. I know they are discouraging to me, and I am just a busy, WOTH mom, who has no interest in the science project that is homemade laundry soap.
I think you have hit on a good niche market which would welcome your expertise. Good job!
Haha yeah, I don’t think our house has ever been Pottery Barn spotless — even when we moved in. There was dust from the workers and our boxes everywhere! Hopefully, non-depressives could find some helpful hints too for those looking for imperfect and/or attainable frugality.
Maybe you could have a subtitle, or “tag line”, or whatever they call it. I can definitely see a wide scope for that type of e-book: I’m not depressive, but as an introvert, the “difficulty interacting” definitely peaked my interest! There is nothing I hate more than making phone calls! And so much financial advice is tied around making phone calls.
Cindy @ GrowingHerWorth recently posted…Net Worth Update – February 2016
It is a pretty awful thing. I don’t think we depressives realize how much most people hate phones — but they seem to hold a special terror for us. And yeah, I’ll think about a tagline. Most people with chronic illness seem to struggle with depression, too. So one way or another I think they’d be intrigued. But it’d be nice to officially mention both groups.
Hi – please add something about worrying. Excess worry leads to indecision which can lead to second guessing everything. This often leads to decisions and money spent out of a lack of planning or inability to commit to the lifestyle.
Didn’t even think of that one! Thanks. I’ll be sure to add it.
I have this posted on my laptop: “Worrying is praying for things you don’t want.”
Here’s hoping it takes hold.
Donna Freedman recently posted…Keeping it real online.
I am definitely going to buy your e-book. I love your writing style and the topics you cover. I would suggest covering the topic of reasonable splurging vs. false happiness spending. Sometimes when you’re depressed, you tend to spend more money when you find yourself in that rare good mood. Knowing when you are splurging vs. when you are spending because you think you’re happy can be important in managing money. I hope that makes sense!
Aliyyah @RichAndHappyBlog recently posted…How I Graduated College At 19 With No Debt
I’m so glad it appeals to you! And yep, I have notes in the book about comfort vs value — whether it’s food or purchases. Glad to know it’s an important topic to cover. I’m trying to make sure I hit at least the major notes.
I think your e-book sounds terrific, and as Cindy said, may have some value to folks facing other issues as well. I
One thing: are you addressing the manic side as well? My brother’s bipolar, and a lot of his spending comes from the phases when he’s feeling overconfident in his business prospects and enthusiastic, which causes trouble when he swings back.
Emily @ JohnJaneDoe recently posted…State of the Blog: February 2016
Ooooh, good point! Sadly, even as a bipolar person, I didn’t think about that. If I create a separate section, unipolar depressives can just skip it, I suppose. Thanks!
Wow @ the eBook! I’m really excited for you, Abigail. It’s a big project and takes a lot of resolve to get done. Hope to hear more about it soon!
fehmeen recently posted…4 Benefits of Credit Cards Compared to Debit Cards
Yeah, I’m hoping the resolve stands up! Historically, I’m not great about finishing projects. But I feel pretty strongly about this one, and of course you guys might help keep me accountable.
Congrats on the e-book. Interesting spin on frugality! I’m pretty sure if there was a substantial earthquake my apartment would crumble to the ground because in the entire almost 9 years I’ve lived here, my landlord has never sprayed for termites, and I KNOW they are there!
Tonya@Budget and the Beach recently posted…What Your Dreams Are Telling Your About Your Life
Well, if you start to see little brown tunnels — including ones hanging from the ceiling away from walls (ewwww) — you’d better call him/her. Beyond that… renter’s insurance!
Abby your link is wrong I just clicked on it, the correct link is: https://ipickuppennies.net/help-yourself-help-the-…
I think the e-book is a great idea. That’s not really something that is addressed in the PF world. Many books assume you have first world problems and that you should have a happy go lucky disposition and there are many people that don’t fit into the mold.
Weird, thanks for the heads up. It should be fixed now. Glad to hear the book will be well-received. If I can actually write it and edit it. Never a dull moment ’round here.
The ebook sounds really interesting and I’m impressed with progress. My own book is still in the skeletal phase.
I just posted about my struggles to keep up with side hustles due to exhaustion. Will your book just be focused on saving money, or will there be something about doing things to make extra money too?
Harmony @ CreatingMyKaleidoscope recently posted…Monday Medley: A Day Late
We had termites. I suspected we did, but was told it was just gnats (I saw the swarm). They were found one cold day in January when our front door was taken out to be replaced. FUN FUN!! That meant 3 days of the front door gently resting in place while we waited for our termite protection provider to send an inspector and someone to treat the area. They did replace the entry way floor and sub flooring, so that was good.
Our termite contract is about the same cost as yours, and our home is in a high termite area – middle GA – if that is any consolation.
While it sucks that you have the little buggers, I’m glad you opted to keep the coverage! And *hugs* about that appointment.
Revanche recently posted…On parenting, after year 1
Yeah, that’s a big relief! Let’s hope we don’t have to call them back in 90 days.
I always enjoy reading your blog. I don’t comment much, but I lurk. 🙂
We went through the infertility ringer and I can tell you the emotions that come with having everyone’s baby shoved in your face are real… And they’re justifiable!
I am excited to read your book. I struggle a lot with anxiety and in the last year it’s turned to more of a social thing than I realized. I was always on a very narrow (successful) career path; however, I’ve walked away from the field and now I’m lost about how to supplement our income. I feel overwhelmed at the idea of trying to find online work, I’m not crafty so Etsy is out, and I don’t understand how you make money off of blogs. So, yeah, not much of a suggestion, just ranting.
I love hearing from lurkers too! Especially since anxiety can make it tough to leave comments at all, as I understand it. So thank you.
I’ll have to see if I can work some anxiety stuff in there. I don’t have much experience with it by and large, minus the zombie freak out lo those many years ago. But it can be a combination with depression sometimes (depressive lethargy plus anxiety must be its own special hell, perhaps similar to my manic swings plus fatigue).
I’m so sorry to hear about the work struggle. I can’t imagine how scary it would be for someone to have to do what you’ve done for your career. But much as it doesn’t help the situation, do try to see how strong and brave it is to walk away from what you know because you’re finally listening to your physical and emotional needs. I know from experience how hard it is to come to terms with what your body and brain are telling you vs how you want reality to go. It takes a lot of tenacity — and tissues.
I’m definitely interested in picking up a copy of your book. Particularly if you’re able to address apathy and guilt in there, which are two edges of the same sword when I’m having a bad time.
I’m glad your doctor was able to help figure out what would be best for you to take as a precaution, I sometimes wish I could take baby aspirin as a precaution, but anything in the NSAID family is a no go for me due to a bad reaction. Fortunately, my circulatory system seems to be designed like a tank, so it’s not as bad as it could be.
With termites- we don’t get them much in our area; we do have a risk for other destructive pests, specifically a type of beetle that can cause wood to weaken. This house is relatively low risk because of the cement slab construction, but our old house did end up needing to be tented (which sucked). We have regular inspections- our homeowner’s policy actually gives us a discount on services that run routine checks on things like this. It’s nice, because they do things like patch gaps that could let insects (or worse, spiders) in.
Our house is block, but apparently that just means there are holes for the termites to crawl up into. Yay?
I’ll definitely try to address apathy. I’ve already attacked the guilt issue, but I forgot about the apathy portion. So thank you!
Yeah, on a normal slab, they can still get in. I was actually talking about a quirk of this house we found when we needed to have some plumbing fixed. They hadn’t done a proper job of joining the sewage pipes, so the nearest redwood sent roots into our pipes (and this wasn’t obvious until the drought started and our pipes were suddenly the best source of water). In getting the pipes replaced with properly fitted ones, we had to have part of the bathroom floor jack hammered up; only to discover what should be an 18 inch slab is a 42 inch slab of concrete. Thanks to California’s faults and drought, the ground settles lower on our foundation than it really should (an 18 inch would adapt a little better, the 42 inch slab doesn’t adjust as well), so we monitor for cracks (none thus far, knock on wood) and live with it. The benefit being that one spray around the perimeter every year keeps us bug and spider free. Yes, I have a savings account labeled “In Case of Foundation.”
Apathy is my worst symptom, not because I get it frequently but because it’s the one I struggle with the most when it does strike. I struggle to get active, and feel guilty that I can’t.
Ah, that’s a pretty common symptom of depression I think. You’re just too flat to care — or to care *enough* to get yourself to do something. Which leads to guilt and frustration. Both of which are further exhausting.
I love the account name. I just wish you guys didn’t have to deal with so many “quirks” in that house. I don’t envy you when it comes time to sell.
Congrats on writing the book! That is so great! I think there is a lot of demand for the topic you are tackling. I think there are a lot of people -depressed or not – who don’t like talking on the phone, would rather not leave the house, etc. who will greatly benefit from your advice. Looking forward to checking it out when it’s done!
DC @ Young Adult Money recently posted…Pet Horror Stories – Why You Need a Pet Emergency Fund
Abby,
In NJ, termites are underground. In Florida they also fly !!! We had a
huge tent on our house, and we had to leave for three days.
Hope all is well with you guys. Things are going well in Florida. Another
great-grand baby won’t upset me. Also, did I send you the info on our family
tree?
Love,
Pop-Pop Glenn
I haven’t seen a family tree since I was in high school, so yeah send it on over please. Also, flying termites are yet another reason I’m glad not to live in Florida. The flying ants during our honeymoon creeped me out enough.
We’ll get working on that great-granchild soon enough.
Here’s hoping that’s true. Thanks for the support!
I LOVE the ebook. Love it. I should probably write more about the fact that getting my depression in check was really the first step to getting out of debt. Debt can hold you hostage, but it’s like being double hostage if you have debt and depression. I think about this a lot, too, when I think about how hard it is for some to face their finances. I wonder if they’ve addressed possible depression issues. They’re so often ignored, or masked, or assumed to be situational. Just getting a little outside help can go such a long, long way.
I’m so eager to read it!
Amanda recently posted…How to Find the Motivation to Exercise (Finally)
Good to know that it’s definitely go an audience. And yeah, I think the idea of being held double hostage is a great way to put it. Debt could easily be a source of depression or anxiety, even if you’re otherwise mentally healthy. Though I’m guessing depression is one reason people might get into debt. The inability to think of the future in positive terms or see a way out, spending to make yourself feel better, apathy about ever being free of debt, etc.
I think the ebook sounds great–and very important. There’s a lot of super-chipper frugal advice out there, but we all need to recognize our limits and live within our emotional means. I guess I haven’t used this “hack” while depressed, but I love the Amazon and Target subscription discounts. I don’t have to go to the store to get household staples, I save 5-15%, get free shipping, and avoid impulse purchase temptation. It can be a little overwhelming to set up, but can be easier than tackling other tasks when I have low energy.
And yes, the baby pictures at the OB’s office can be a bit much. I’m glad to hear your new doctor is supportive, though!
Kalie @ Pretend to Be Poor recently posted…Maple Sugaring
Yep, subscription services are definitely mentioned. I just finally signed up for some Amazon stuff m’self. And yes, advice for depressives can often be useful for everyone else who’s not perfect or who is feeling intimidated by the need to be perfect. Or people who are just ridiculously busy/stressed.
Aahh – those dreaded termites! We too found termite damage on our home, of course at the worst possible time – when the buyer’s inspector found them. 🙂
It is great that you found this early and are able to mitigate potential future damage. Having the service really paid off!
Bryan@ Just One More Year recently posted…A Picture Can Be Worth More than a Thousand Words
Oh no! That is INDEED the worst time. Well, that or right after you buy a house and discover termites that your home inspector missed.
We’re definitely relieved that it got caught before it got too bad (we assume). Still… my poor tile!
Congrats on the ebook! I look forward to checking it out.
Broke Millennial recently posted…Financial Pet Peeve: The Worst Credit Score Myth of All
Thanks, here’s hoping I have the actual thing out in a reasonable amount of time/ever.
I’m debating whether to get a bug guy out to my house, I got some bugs. I’ll tell you it is totally worth the money to have bug guys once you need it. Peace of mind is worth it.
Yep, we have Orkin come out every other month for roaches and all. Totally worth $80 every other month not to have to squish icky bugs near where we prepare (okay… microwave) food. Blech.
I never really figured out why fertility specialists have pictures of babies all over their walls. When we were doing IUI, each of the exam rooms had a poster-size collage of baby pictures right across from the “recliner” where the procedure takes place. So while you sit there and wait for this procedure (again) you don’t really want to do (AGAIN) but are sucking it up for the end result, you have to look at these pictures of beautiful babies. I guess they are there to give hope…but I always thought it was just mean.
Well, this was a regular OB’s office, so I guess they aren’t prepping for people with fertility issues. But yeah, I could see how tough that would be. I agree that they’re trying to give hope — or assure you that they’ve been successful — but it’s kind of thoughtless. I guess we were lucky because the reproductive endocrinologist we saw didn’t have any pictures up. Granted, they were only in that particular office once a week, which is probably why. Either way, we didn’t have to stare at babies while struggling to have our own.
Good luck with this latest Baby-Making effort. Hope it works out.
Termites…ugh. Got some in a shed outside the house. Fortunately I have a neighbor who’s a bug guy. He sprayed out there for $20 and (since he wasn’t trying to sell me an open-ended “service”) allowed as how he doubted they’d gotten into the house. Our houses are solid block on concrete foundations, so it’s unlikely. These companies will scare the bedoodles out of you by way of getting you on a monthly plan. Luckily, I’m allergic to that stuff, so resistance to those schemes is built-in.
One big bug-spray company — Orkin, maybe, but there’s another one in town — convinced my neighbor to chop down her beautiful, historic eucalyptus tree tecause, the guy claimed, its roots were infested with termites which were soon gonna overrun her home. Heh…eucs are resistant to termites.
Hey, I belong to a writer’s group whose emphasis is on marketing. Could be useful for you. They’re a long way away — Avondale! — but they only meet once a month. First Saturday of the month, 1:15 p.m., Avondale Public Library.
Funny about Money recently posted…Friday Frolics
Well, when they did the initial inspection that got us to sign up, they were able to show us actual tunnels in the guest house siding — but they were quite open about the fact that it was old activity and didn’t appear to be active at that time. Still, given the history, we decided it was worth peace of mind. Even if it isn’t necessary, the yearly money is worth said peace of mind. I might’ve had a minor nervous breakdown if we’d found the tunnel without any termite protection.
I’ll keep the writer’s group in mind, thanks. Tim likes to drive and would be fine bringing something to keep himself busy, so it’d mainly be a matter of being out and about for X period of time.