I have had a terrible 2007 and just wanted to get it of my chest, I hope not to sound too whinny. To start of with, In 2005 my husband worked a at Chemical plant making pretty good money for us.We have never made more than about $32,000 a year but we do OK. Then one morning I get a call(about 4 am) from his work, "your husbands OK but he's at the hospital, the was an accident, a reactor blew up" . I had been dreading that call for a long time. Luckily he was OK, but the other guy (a new guy) had some serious burns. My hubby is a big boy(as in weight) and that actually saved him. Anyway, we decided enough was enough so he left that company and we decided to open a business to try to better ourselves and maybe be able to give our kids a little more. So in 2006 we took his retirement money (wasn't much) and open us up a clothing store and it went over great. We were doing so good and in December of 2006 we had enough saved to get us through Jan. and Feb. of 2007 cause we knew they would be slow months but unfortunately things got even worse by the time April rolled around things were very bad ,and may put the nail in the coffin. So we closed the store and had to claim bankruptcy, something that no one ever wants to do. It seemed like things couldn't get much worse but boy you never realize what the price of gas and milk and things will do to you. This economy is bad, and not just for my family but for everyone. My husband and I have been married for almost 21 years, we got married right out of high school and have struggled most of our life but it doesn't really bother me to much, please do misunderstand me, I am just writing this to get this of my chest, I am pretty much a happy go lucky person and try to see the brighter days ahead, but sometimes it gets to me. My mother came over the other day and told me that I never take a vacation and that my kids need one , well i thought to myself " duh, mom, but the bills come first , especially when it comes to a vacation or a home to live in." My husband and I took the kids to Disney World in 2000, My mother in law helped us but we were able to go, and they loved it. And I do other things with the kids that they like around here that we can afford but she doesn't see it and makes me feel guilty. Anyway, I just wanted to vent a little but also say that my kids are in no way lacking for anything especially attention, i maynot be able to afford a whole lot right now but thing will start looking up and I just want anyone else out there to know that if you too have had a hard 2007 or any other year, (my 2008 isn't looking too good yet either) you have my sympathy and my prayers. I also realize that things can also get worse but they can also turn around just as quick. And oh yeah by the way, I am on a losing streak on my instant wins so hopefully that turns around too and I can post so good news soon. And to all the winners I want to say Congrats, I love to hear the stories and see the posting. This is the best website around for the nicest people . Congrats to all and keep a lookout cause I' gonna be posting soon I hope!!! :sunny: