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The windmills of my mind

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Posted 5/21/2014 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
Ok, Fibro Sisters (and brothers):

I'm dealing with a situation right now that's a perfect example of what I struggle with on a daily basis, and why it's so hard to get anything accomplished in the Real World....and I'm wondering if this particular kind of Fog is common with Fibro - or is it just me?!

We're having part of our kitchen floor replaced, because we have to.  We had a leaky dishwasher back in February, which drained into the subfloor and - long story short - left us with a large gaping "hole" where the top of the floor is gone. 

FINALLY getting around to dealing with it.  First, the insurance company dragged at their end, and then I kept waiting for my lawyer hubby (who does not have the Fog) to snap to and take charge, but - no.  It's falling to me.  Which is a joke, because I have trouble reasoning where numbers or amounts are concerned.  And he knows this!!  

Here's my story problem:

We've had 2 companies give us estimates.  The 1st was way higher, and the insurance co. already sent us 2 checks based on that amount.  Ok, here's where my mind goes all mushy: the 2nd co. just gave us a much smaller estimate.  So, if we do decide to go with them, obviously we have to give most of that money back...but I already cashed one of the checks (and even spent a little  blush  ) so - how does that work?  How do I figure out what to give back? 

Eventually, on a clear day, I'll get my brain around it.  I'll do the simple arithmetic, and for about one minute, I'll understand why the answer is the answer.  And then the curtains will close over again and it's all Greek.

You too??  Or no?  Please be honest.  I've always been horrific at Math, but it occurs to me it may be more than that....or maybe not.   turn

Debbie 

Posted 5/21/2014 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
I imagine you should keep track of what you spent. I am not sure how it works so I am no help. Wanted to let you know that I know how you feel. I am terrible with math too. I hope you can work it out. Sorry I am of no help Debbie.

Have a pain free night, or as close as possible...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 5/21/2014 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Karen. Figuring what I spent won't be a problem, it all came out of my checking account, and it's not much...

It's the actual mechanics of what to subtract from what that stump me (ok, I've let it soak into my brain awhile and now I get it - it's the difference between the estimate and the checks) - but why do I have to work so hard to get to this point, that's what I don't understand. The answer is so obvious. :(

You have a good night, too!

Debbie
Posted 5/21/2014 6:27 AM (GMT 0)
I think you need to keep all receipts of the work done in your kitchen. Any excess money remaining,upon completion of the work, would be returned to the insurance company. If you spent some of the money from the check you cashed on something completely different, you will have to pay that back by the time your kitchen is done because you will need that for the reimbursement to the insurance company.

Just keep a pocket file (the file folders with sides so the contents can't slip out) of all the receipts and that will help. It's too easy to stick a receipt somewhere and you have no idea where you put it later on when you need it. Be meticulous about this since we can't trust our memories. When it's time to totally settle the claim, you will have everything at your fingertips. I would also put the uncashed check in that file folder along with a check out of your checkbook for the same amount that the insurance company paid you in the check that you did cash. This way you have all the money in one place. Once the work is done, you can cash the checks, pay the workers, and anything left goes back to the insurance company. You will have all the receipts to prove your expenditures, too, right at your fingertips. Keep notes of what you do, too, to refresh your memory if needed.

Debbie, I've had days where I can't remember how to balance my checkbook! I have balanced my checkbook every month for 45 years but yet I got my bank statement, looked at it, and couldn't figure out what to do! It's disconcerting to say the least but I put the statement away and looked at it a day or two later and knew just what to do. I do this also when my checkbook doesn't balance. If I can't see the mistake right away I will put it aside for a day or so and then can spot the error right away.

So if your brain is muddled when it's time to settle the claim, wait a day or two. Your brain will clear up and it will seem pretty basic to you. Stress muddles my brain. Because of this, the more I try to figure something out on a bad day, the less I remember. You will be fine and you can have your husband or daughter check everything before you submit the settlement.

Sherrine
Posted 5/22/2014 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
Sherrine - thanks, but I do have pocket files, one for every category of thing you can imagine! I even have some waiting to be used for as-yet-to-be-decided categories.

My problem is hard to explain. It's like I can see the first step (A), and the next (B), but getting from one to the other is what eludes me somehow. I suppose it all comes down to focus - my thoughts are so scattered...(sigh)

I guess, from the lack of response, that this is just my particular issue, not common for Fibromites.

Again, a lesson learned: we can't blame Fibro for everything! :)

Debbie
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