It ain't all bad......

Yesterday was my wonderful daughter's birthday. If you've been following my major rants..you saw I was totally bummed by the fact we couldn't afford a party. Well yesterday was fun anyway. For those of you who are poor like me, I highly recommend making friends with your neighbors. Okay, not all of them cuz I have some pretty funky folks living around me, but try to tolerate at least one of them.
Our neighbors saved the day. They invited us over for dinner and the kids planned a surprise party for my girl. When we showed up at the door, they opened it up screaming "SURPRISE", they all had on party hats and there were balloons and streamers hanging. For an added touch the Beatles "You say it's your birthday...." was playing in the background. It was wonderful. My girl was so surprised. She immediatly hugged everyone. The neighbor's daughter made a fabulous cake. Uh...I won't mention how many pieces I had....okay 3 now shut up about why my pants don't fit.
They bought my daughter all of the supplies she'll need for school and an adorable little purse with her initial on it. What wonderful people they are.
AND they fed us STEAK!!!! I can't tell you how long it's been since I had steak. Oh yeah I can...it was the last time I was at a friend's house for dinner. Thank God for friends and neighbors!
Anyhow after all my worrying over what to do for my child's birthday all turned out well. We got to swim during the day and we did one of her favorite things....washing dishes. I have no idea what is wrong with my child but she likes washing dishes. She sure didn't get that from me. We painted together and went to the grocery store where the super people there gave her cookies and chicken strips. One very special cashier gave her a dollar. My girl was in hog heaven. She said it was the best day ever.
So...being poor sucks...BUT you can always find ways around it to make life work for you. Thank God for children...they remind us it's the littlest things that make life good.