Pen tool doesn't place anchor pt where I intended and only in certain places

I'm all the sudden having this problem. 
I create an anchor point with the pen tool, but when I click to create it the actual anchor point is placed a cursor-length away and not where I intended it.

Also, when I try to make another path segment with another anchor point, Illustrator automatically gives me only suggested locations for my next anchor point and not wherever I want it to be. 

It's as if Illustrator has all the sudden revoked my anchor point freedom. 

Help!