My federal tax return dropped into the bank account a few days ago, and my target bonus from work did just yesterday. While I’m not quite one to brag about money, the total bank account standings have reached a new high for me. I could, in all seriousness, go out to a specific car dealership and buy two models of a car I hold in high esteem (base models mind you, couldn’t go nuts on options), straight cash. Or drop half the cost of a particularly sporty German car, excluding my trade in, for which I’ve been lusting.

It’s a very good feeling. It’s going to be spent on the house of course, but I’m riding high on the car thing right now. After years of just treading water between one emergency and the next, I’m suddenly making major headway.