Things I liked this morning on my drive to work...

The haunting melody of a jazz flute on the radio.

The way steam billows over my car as I drive through a plume from a street vent.

The UPS truck painted up in hot-rod flames.

The colors of the sunrise.

Calloo, callay!

Just got a call from a creditor - specifically, for my Mastercard. And it was a good experience. How often does that happen?

Yeah, we've been missing a few payments lately, mainly because of the move and the lack of bonuses and the sick dog and the holidays and all of it snowballing together, so creditor calls are expected. But this one was different. They said I was $240 over balance, but after the $150 I sent them (which they haven't fully processed yet), I'll have only $90 left to pay to get back... and they set up a paymet to be transferred after my next paycheck for $90 to get me under, so I don't have to send a bill this month. On top of that, they're crediting me for my over-balance charges _and_ my late fees, so when all is said and done, I'll be $111 under my max balance, and I won't have another bill until February.

Man, if only all creditors were like that. Most aren't nearly that gracious. Usually I get a half-literate mumbling drone on the phone. This one, on the other hand, was energetic, friendly, well-spoken, and a pleasure to deal with.

So happy day! One more looming debt is not so looming now!