As surely as night follows day, and protesters follow a G8 meeting, the euphoria of the holidays is followed by a soul crushing depression as I contemplate my current financial situation.

My eBay auctions continue to generate a little income. But I seem to be paying as much in postage and seller fees as I get for the sales. I will resume some part-time work helping a neighbor with her eBay auctions, but that's on $20-$30 a week.

Have I thanked Congress lately for increasing my payments without increasing my income? They sure do care about me.