I have a tendency to resolve my issues before anyone else has a chance to provide their input...but you did put me on the right track!

I wrote down a list of gifts for all the birthdays coming up and Christmas for all my loved ones, then wrote down what I'm willing to spend per item.

Also, it wasn't just gifts that concern me come Christmas, it's the other issues I deal with as well, the PTSD and my loneliness, etc.

I had a talk with my mom and she agreed to let me drive down to California to visit my grandparents and my friends during winter break from school.

It was really nice to have all the birthday/Christmas stuff written down because I also made a list of all the foreseen expenses that will come with the trip, hotels, food, mad money, etc. and now I now roughly how much I need to set aside for everything and when.

And seeing my grandparents and my friends in December will really lift my spirits and help with my symptoms.

Thank you very much, Mickey, for your help. It may not seem like you did much, but it was just enough to get the wheels turning and help me figure it out myself. And your kind words are always so special and dear to me and I really appreciate it.