Trying for Kansas

I've been agonizing for more than 10 hours about purchasing a flight to Kansas. Each time I go buy a flight, the price shoots up. I'm convinced that travolocity and orbits are keeping track of my IP address. Each time I search flights the price is around 279 or so, but after I complete the process the price has doubled. Why is this?

You are probably wondering why I waited until now. Well, I lost my debit card 2 days ago. I haven't reported it lost/stolen yet because I'm hoping it is in my apartment or the bank atm. The only way I can purchase online now is by using my mastercard, which was hitting my credit limit. So, I had to first pay mastercard, then wait for that payment to clear before I could book a flight.

Two days ago, I thought 279 was too much for my budget. Now, I'm looking for 300 xmas day, one-way. I will have to figure out the return flight later, because I just can't afford a 400 dollar ticket right now.

My other options are: amtrak, but that will get there morning of the 26th, and craigslist rideshare, but i wont be lucky enough to find one. This is my ad http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/rid/1518141006.html
so if you are heading out there...let me know.

Here are some pictures from my camera:

My apartment

Sound is loud- I would mute it.

N train in Astoria

a few of Joyce's paintings

Joyce's opening in wine store. I have hat hair.

Platform in Astoria

Quentin Tarantino at MoMA

Time Square

Radio City Music Hall, 6th ave

6th Ave and 50th st