The last week or so has really sucked chez Gross. And because I’m in a bad, despondent mood, I’m going to just run down a list of all the hassles:

• Our boiler/water heater is on the fritz. Again. Less than a month after we had its pump replaced ($660!), an anti-condensing valve, plunger, and actuator (and maybe the circuit board, too) are shot. Over the last five years, we’ve spent more than $4,000 fixing this damn thing, and I’m pissed. We’ve worked out a deal with the manufacturer to get this thing fixed (this time) for almost nothing, but it still just makes life suck. Oh yeah, and we’re about to embark on an expensive gut reno of our bathroom—starting Monday.

• Sasha is miserable. Not just the usual non-cooperation here. She recently moved up a class at Preschool of America, and is freaked out, reluctant to go to school at all in the morning and crying for Mommy so long after she’s dropped off that her teacher feels the need to notify Jean. Sasha even, for the first time in her life, started carrying a “blankie” around, for comfort. Fuck. In just six weeks, she’s off to city pre-K with the “big kids.” Oh, I cannot wait.

• Travel writing sucks. After 8 years of doing it, I still can’t make a living, and I don’t see any way I’ll be able to anytime soon. In fact, it’s more expensive for my family if I work than if I just stayed home to take care of the kids.

• The lock in the front gate of our building picked today to get stuck. Maybe I’d make more money as a locksmith?

• My book is due in two weeks. I’ll finish on time, but it’s a race.

• It’s HOT outside. Have you noticed?

Look, I know these are just the average, everyday complaints of anyone trying to maintain his place in a middle class being crushed like a droid in the Death Star trash compactor, but you know what? It makes me feel better to vent at y’all, and my feeling better is really the only thing that matters today.