I think the Universe took a little pity on me this week, because:

1.) Orbitz, for no particular reason I can determine, offered me a "courtesy cancellation" on that $400 plane ticket home. While I was under the impression that most plane tickets are use-them-now-or-use-them-later-but-the-money-is-spent non-refundable, I got back ( or Roy's credit card did) everything minus a small $6 processing fee. $6?!?!? I think I can handle owing Roy $6. At any rate, I'm not questioning it. I'm just grateful. And I've got to think of something amazing to do for Roy & Ron for Christmas, I think.

2.) My mother, without provocation or request, sent me a check today. I was seriously laying in bed this morning lamenting losing a week's worth of work over this debacle, and then I went to the mailbox and received a nice surprise. This means I can ACTUALLY pay some bills and not be so behind on everything that I'm worried I'll be spending part of the month in the dark/without heat. Granted, I'm sure my mom has a string attached to this gift ( need I remind you that my brother got a box of cereal one year for Christmas after she helped him out with some random thing financially?), but that's just fine. I'd rather have my power on than open a Wii or yet another knick-knack I have to dust.

So Whomever/Whatever is Up There, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.