lost and found

i am a bit of the former these days, though i think i am learning to fix it for myself. however, the reason for this post is that the much-discussed lost check has been found. rather, i discovered what happened to it. it is very embarassing and it may take me a few days of getting over said embarassment before i explain the story.
i can smile, though, b/c it all worked out ok...

PS:
CONTEST: write your own version of the story. if you get it right, i will bake you cookies ;)