<< I really hate this has turned into a thread about our money issues. Some of my friends have even offered to let me stay at their place, etc... to beat the heat. >>
Then don't mention it. My downstairs AC went down and it sucks in this 110+ degree summer, the upstairs still works though. I just went and bought 2 $25 fans that blow into the family room and the computer room. Just go get a few cheap fans and lay by them, that will help.