Self-care is so important but it's also very difficult for families like mine. This is something I'm thinking about to make it a bit easier.

Things are looking worse and worse in regards to our homeowners claim for the storm damage from a few weeks back. I got the estimate for the cut-up and removal of the tree this afternoon. Putting everything into perspective here for a second, we have a minimum of $1,700 worth of repairs to fix the physical damage to the house and we're looking about $1,500 to remove the tree. That's a minimum of $3,200 total and likely a bit more because they haven't been able to ladder the house in order to fully inspect the giant hole in the outside wall, exposing the attic. Anyway, right now, the total insurance payout is about $1,032. The math isn't looking good for us. Once we get the tree removed, insurance will come…

It's Monday and while I'm not looking to tempt fate here, I need to get a few things done today. Mondays aren't historically fun in my house for a number of reasons. The main reason being that the kids have to transition from being home to going back to school and that doesn't always go well. Anyway, I need to get a few things done today. I have some writing that needs to get done and published before an upcoming deadline. It's not hard but it's really important and a little overwhelming, if I'm being honest. The biggest thing that needs done today is getting someone out here to give a quote on getting this tree the hell out of my yard. I made arrangements to have a very popular…

I heard from our adjuster last night and also received the current estimate via email. I say current estimate because until the tree is gone, he can't tally the rest of the damage. Basically, at this point we're not looking good at all, not even a little. At this point in time, I'm dealing with a total payout of about $1,000, and plus I get the chance to bless a random contractor and whoever did the marketing for construction companies near me. It's important to understand that this is supposed to cover everything that has been currently inspected. That $1,000 has to cover the cut up and removal of the enormous branch in the yard, damaged siding, about 80 feet of gutter and broken cedar fence. The damage to the…