The Dog did some financial homework this week re recovering from Chapter 13. I pulled reports, checked some things, joined a bankruptcy discussion group and read some stories.

I even compared a few notes and discussed some things with the she. We're still on the same filing so we have to work together on this.

Some thoughts:

- Don't groan about the decision. We were at the end of the rope and our choice was to file or try negotiating and partially paying off each creditor one at a time; death by a single bullet or a thousand paper cuts.

- Ch 13 is not easy. The plans don't leave a lot of extra at the end of the month. I just want it to be over.

- I'm never going back. There is really only one thing I ever desire credit for again and that's a mortgage on a small house or condo.

- I will need time to repair. Patience.

- The Dog has always hated money. Hated dealing with it. Being defined by it. I will work with it and keep it in it's place.

- Our grandparents had it right. Live simple. Pay cash or go without. Be happy with what you have.

"My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand." Thich Nhat Hanh