When I inquired about hosting this past summer, I intended to sign up for the 2006 summer program. But the coordinator was cruel. She sent me photos of four kids who still needed host families. As soon as I saw Peanut's eyes I was hooked. So, ill-prepared in many ways (including financially) I set forth.

After Peanut left and I really needed to start gathering funds I spent about a month in sheer panic. I kept waiting for 25K to just miraculously appear in my bank account but it never happened. I tried every avenue I could think of and my face was seriously getting flattened after running into brick wall after brick wall. Then (angelic voices from the heavens sing "aaah") I found a way to fund a large chunk of the costs. And, thank the lord, I was approved for a grant that covers almost all of my foreign program fee.

I'm scrimping and saving to come up with the rest. Life on an adoption budget is different. Every penny I spend becomes a wasted penny -- because it could have gone to adoption. And, while I'll gladly sacrifice anything for Peanut, there are a few things I miss...

10.) A new pair of jeans. Mine have worn so thin in places it's a gamble each time I wear them.

9.) Pork tenderloin. And generally any other food product that's semi-pricey. At least I'm not down to ramen noodles and mac & cheese.

8.) Contacts. After Peanut's home and I allow myself to order contacts again I'm going to make a ceremony (perhaps a parade) out of placing my glasses in the center of the street and driving over them.

7.) A full tank of gas. I keep thinking that $10 will get me through the week and then I could put more into savings. It never works.

6.) Gloves that match my coat. I lost mine a while back and since I have two other perfectly fine (albeit clashing) pairs of gloves I refuse to buy a new pair.

5.) Professional hair color. I've colored out of a box so many times now it's starting look all one color. In fact I think there's a crayon color named "Margaret's hair."

4.) Hair cuts. Although, if I can get past this in-between stage my hair might look good long.

3.) Dryer sheets. I really miss that spring-fresh smell.

2.) Pomegranate shampoo from my stylist. But my inexpensive Garnier Fructis does smell nice.

1.) The good cat litter. Because... phew!