We’ve received a good income tax return over the past few years, only to have some catastrophic event siphon our money away. I know the wise thing would be to save the money or invest it or pay bills, but I always have our refund earmarked for a vacation or some fun home improvement projects, preferably ones that don’t involve the words caulk, pressure wash, or exterminate.

Last summer my sturdy, reliable (read between the lines: older than dirt, but paid for) Pathfinder needed more than $3,000 worth of repairs. And if we did not have both girls enrolled in full-time daycare (ending! in August! with kindergarten for Caitlin!) we probably would have traded my car for a new previously driven around the block vehicle last summer. But we sucked it up and kissed our precious income tax return check goodbye because I do need a vehicle to drive.

Two years ago our central heat and air unit went kaput.

This year it appears that the sky is falling.

Inside our home.

Actually to be more specific, one of the “decorative” support beams in our den is starting to separate from the ceiling.

Apparently our 39-year-old home decided to settle down this winter and she has some new creaks and cracks.

I don’t mind if our house has a mid-life crisis, but just not on our watch. And really, is this the thanks we get for giving her more curb appeal?

We have a handyman coming today to give us an estimate so I hope it’s not too bad. After all, we’re still paying on the great breast photoshoot of 2007.