Friday.

I feel so much better today.

Why?

Because yesterday was payday. And at lunchtime, I took a few minutes to do a quick back of the envelope calculation, after looking at my savings account balance.

And I figured out, roughly, that we might actually be able to afford me being out of work until September.  Provided we tighten up spending between now and then, and I sink as much money as I can into my savings account.

Best part is that I figured out that I ALONE might be able to to pay for an extended, unpaid maternity leave. Which means that the bonus and tax refund money we’ve earmarked for a potential newer used car can stay earmarked for that.

I got really excited about it. A light! At the end of the tunnel!!

Clearly J and I need to discuss and work out more of the particulars. And I tend to be… well… optimistic when it comes to my ability to save. During busy season it should be no issue – I’ll get expense checks for mileage… and pretty much all I’ll need to buy is gas. But after those go away, well… I probably won’t be able to save quite as much as I had hoped.

But. It struck me yesterday that I really REALLY want to make this work if we can. I have no idea if it’s possible. But the idea of being home all summer with Squishy? Then transitioning into a new job come September, when our baby is close to 5 months old?

Man, it seems like a really good situation. Gives me more time at home… and to really WANT to get back to work. And then we won’t have to spend money on interim daycare between the end of July and September.

That was my happy thought which got me through yesterday.

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And yes, today is Friday. I won the weekly battle – survived, mostly intact. And yes, I’m going to have to work this weekend too.

But I’m planning on doing it from the comfort of my own home. In my pajama pants and my new LL Bean slippers.

31 weeks tomorrow, people. 31!