Layout:
Home > Archive: September, 2006

Archive for September, 2006

Miscellaneous Update

October 1st, 2006 at 01:27 am

I am home alone tonight Smile. Well, as alone as one can get when sharing their space with 2 adult dogs and 9 puppies. I am doing my best to enjoy inspite of the arm pain.

I received a $3 rebate check today, so that will go into the challenge account, bringing that total to $736.22!!

DD2 has changed our cell phone plan (she works for the company) and we are now going to save 1/2 of the prior months' bill or $35 per month. YESS!

I am trying to do some decluttering around here and was able to donate two bags full of books to the dialysis library and two bags full of clothes and other stuff to Goodwill. I bagged everything and put it in the car before I had a chance to reconsider. My closet and dresser are cleaned and organized now...and it sure feels good! But I have a long way to go..if you didnt know, I am one of those domestically challenged prople!- so small victories are huge to me!!

We are all sold out of madrone wood, which seems to be the only wood selling so far. We now have a wait list for 10 cords, so hopefully our wood guy can get us another load. If so, we will make more than we thought and THAT is a good thing!!

My new, lower salary takes effect on Monday, so I wont be able to deposit for the stair challenge until next March when my salary returns to normal. So I am going to get creative. Pop cans, rebates, and a percent of the puppy money will all help...oh, and I am doing some online surveys which sill help too.

However, when I came to this site in March, I had ZERO in a challenge account and after joining, my goal for the year was $500. So I am already pleased with my results.

Puppies eyes are open and they are starting to walk, albeit a little wobbly.They are two weeks today...and that means they will all be going to their new homes in the next 4-6 weeks!!Time to advertise!

Challenge Update

September 29th, 2006 at 05:37 pm

I received a $10 bonus for an ING referral and I also received a shipping refund of $13.20 from Insiders Club. Both of these are being added to my challenge account, bringing my new total to $756.42!!!

Thank You Flash!

September 27th, 2006 at 06:50 pm

I received the freebies and coupons a few days ago that I received for winning one of the guessing games that Flash and Jeffrey have been promoting..and as always, Flash delivered way beyond my expectations (THANK YOU THANK YOU)

If you havent joined in on all the fun, you are truly missing out.

Here is an easy link to get to the Grocery Coupon Guide right now to jump in and start enjoying one of the many benefits of this website!

Text is http://www.grocerycouponguide.com/ and Link is
http://www.grocerycouponguide.com/

Again, thank you Flash...those coupons will be coming in handy with all these new little mouths to feed during the last week or two when I am weening them in prep for their new homes!

Pain sucks and costs money too!

September 27th, 2006 at 06:40 pm

I miss freely blogging and reading everyones blogs! I miss being able to hold a book to read. I miss a good nights sleep. I miss my homecooked meals. And I know this pinched nerve has had its hold too long= because I even miss the old housework routine.

And Im tired of TV and all the stupid "Paid Programming" that is on at 2,3 and 4 in the morning when I cant sleep.

I know it is getting better because I am actually typing this post without my elbow feeling as if it is about to explode...and I was able to go a full 6 hours yesterday without a pain pill.

But being in pain is not only physical discomfort...it is also emotional and financial discomfort.

Financial, because 1. medications and doctors visits and 2. eating fast food because it is too painful to use my arm to cook.

Emotional, because I feel like I am a lump on a log while DH is working his hiney off to process all the wood (thank goodness for famiy and friends who have jumped in to help!) and because I am watching my house turn into a disaster.

I have a whole new respect for someone in pain. And a whole new appreciation for when I am feeling good.

I have gained a little more mobility in my arm this week..and am confident I am on the right track...but out of 40 painpill perscription starting last Thursday, I am down to 4 today...so its either feel better by tomorrow or Im back to the doctor.

end of pity party.

Challenge Update

September 25th, 2006 at 06:21 pm

Had enough points to cash out on the survey site so i will add that $7 to my challenge account, bringing my challenge balance to $723.33!!

Love it!

Busy!

September 25th, 2006 at 06:17 pm

Puppies and mom are doing great. Puppies have doubled in size this last week. They are almost ready to open their eyes and see the world!! They are already getting those legs to work better...and talk about fat bellies...nothing so cute as a fat bellied puppy thats sound asleep.

The firewood business is in full swing. We made just under $1500 this past weekend (that is just 3 days of advertising) and we have already had referral calls thanks to our customers!!

Unfortunately, Ive not been able to help much because of that darned pinched nerve. It has now effected my right arm - I went to the dr and am on several serious drugs...but it is looking like the drugs alone arent going to help. Nothing quite like finger/hand numbness and muscle spasms to kill a good nights sleep- no matter how many muscle relaxers, anti -inflamitories and pain pills you take..

Frown

Challenge Update

September 21st, 2006 at 03:29 am

I was able to add that $6 survey check that I received a few days ago...+ I received another $20 CC rewards check...so my new challenge balance is $702.22!!!

Big Grin

Friends Birthday Dinner

September 20th, 2006 at 03:19 pm

I took my friend out to dinner last night to celebrate her birthday. Cost with tip $34.80.

Sometimes, all it takes is a persective on someone elses world to make yours seem pretty darned nice.

Her daughter is entering her junior year at West Point, but was recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease...and has lost an astounding 45 lbs in 6 months...45 pounds that she didnt have to loose. She is home on medical leave right now trying to get stablized.

My friends son is in Iraq as is the daughters fiance'.

My friend also has a stressful job that takes way more than 40 hours each week...and then works a second job at a department store.

I gladly treated her to a nice birthday dinner...strawberry dacquiri included!!!

And on my drive home was so very thankful for my frugal, simple life....and for my family's health.

Somehow, my little problems dont seem so big anymore.

Perspective.

puppy pics

September 19th, 2006 at 07:32 pm

Here is mom and pup...too sweet!



and mom and pups feeding

Saving money, Me Hearties

September 19th, 2006 at 03:36 pm

Ahoy Maties!

Todays is talk like a pirate day, me hearties.

Aye, a day of arghs and maties indeed!

Enjoy your inner pirate! Be a little mischevious, let go...have fun!

Argh!

ps...don't forget to save a little money in the process (this last sentence was added just to keep this post on topic...lol)

Autumn

September 18th, 2006 at 11:47 pm

I have spent today pulling out my fall decorations and starting to decorate the house. I love the gold, orange, reds, acorns, pinecones, raffia and everything else that signifies this season. Autumn truly is a lovely time of year.

It is fun to hear the acorns from our oak trees falling onto the roof, to feel the chilly night breeze, to watch the leaves start to turn.

Soon, we will have windy days that blow all of those leaves off the trees, a beautiful "fall shower".

Afternoon hot tea...orange spice with a few drops of honey and lemon...flannel sheets, a toasty fire in the fireplace.

Lots of baking...I will have to find our Pumpkin Crunch recipe for you guys...it is a pure taste of Autumn in each bite.

Who needs money for entertainment when it is fall? Maybe a tank of gas to see the beauty that nature provides free of charge....but otherwise, entertainment abounds in the trees, the grass returning to green (in the hot months, it is yellow and dry)and in the cooler weather.

DH will soon go hunting. While he is gone, I plan to use some of those free samples of luxury items Ive received over the past several months and enjoy a "retreat" weekend here at home...I may have to spluge on a nice bottle of wine to enjoy...as I watch the seasons change.

Blessed. Yep, I am indeed.

Puppy Update

September 17th, 2006 at 02:53 am

5 hours into puppy births and we now have FIVE black males and ONE black female...

Anna is doing much better now and is actually letting the little guys nurse...

But we still have a few more to go...Im praying for girls or any color but black.

(For some reason, black male labs are the hardest to find homes for...and Im up to five...)

Will post pics when they're all here.

**update- It is now 9:45pm, we just delivered #9!! We now have 5 boys, 4 girls...all black. Everyone is tired...especially Anna...Im not sure if there is one more...but I will stay up with her until I am certain she is done.

Birthday!!!

September 17th, 2006 at 01:01 am

September 16 is puppy birthday!! So far we've delivered 4 puppies (we started at 2pm and it is now 5pm)

Anna is not a very mommy-type dog...so I am having to catch them as they come out (she has delivered each while standing up...) and then break them out of their sacks, clean them off and cut the umbilical cord!! (not for the sqeemish, thats for sure)

We have 3 black boys and 1 black girl...and there are still a few left to come!! I will keep you posted!!!

Football Game

September 16th, 2006 at 04:29 pm

I went to the HS football game last night. I forgot how much fun those can be.

DD3 is on the color guard team and was performing at half-time, so I wanted to be there and watch her first performance.

I got to know the couple next to me...their son was one of the players..number 84. So I helped to cheer him on...

Half time came and they wanted to know which was my daughter....

ummm....
ummm...

all the girls had their hair in buns on top of their heads and were wearing ALOT of fancy, dark eye makeup---and it took me a while to pick her out...but I did eventually determine the one Id once given birth to...lol so much for mothers intuition...

Anyway, the color guard did great...and our team WON 34-0...it was fun.

$6 to get in, $2 for a program. Not bad for a great COLD night out.

Best of all, Anna didnt go into labor while we were gone...(which would have been horrible in that cold weather last night-)And we kept her in the house overnight...but this morning she is back in the pen- pregnant as ever.

and the cold has arrived....

September 15th, 2006 at 10:41 pm

Well, we didnt enjoy much 'warm' weather...we went from 90-100s to (today) 54 within a week....It is blustery out there....cold, windy and raining. From tank tops to sweatshirts just like that!!!

Good news, we use alot less electricity in the winter...as we heat this big ol' house with a wood stove. I only had ONE MONTH this year that my electric bill went over budget!! yesss!

I am taking care of GS today...he is napping right now...been a little ball of energy all day...Gramma is exhausted!!

Still no puppies...so she is going to deliver right on time!

Thursday

September 15th, 2006 at 03:03 am

I cashed in enough Mypoints for a $10 Starbucks card. All of these cards are going to be gifts...and I know several people who would really enjoy Starbucks!

Still no puppies...so we are down to 3 days. Anna is HUGE and has slowed down today...she also is not jumping up and down...So those little guys will be here anyday.

I made a quick dinner tonight...I had one ciabatta bread left and so I toasted it and layered on some spaghetti sauce, pepperoni, cheese and peppercini's...instant, easy pizza!

Unsolicited = FREE!

September 13th, 2006 at 10:38 pm

Fun mail day!

I received the new OLAY sample (some of these samples are so tiny. Can you really tell if you like something when there is barely enough of the product to apply??)

And a free sample of Ultra Clear Degree deodorant (the deodorant samples are great...I havent had to buy any in a loooong time now!!)

And then there was this dvd....

A Nascar dvd that came with a free collectors coin. Hmm, I dont remember clicking on anything like this...but, the paperwork says I can return the DVD and keep the free gift (coin)if not satisfied...

Ok, well, I dont remember ordering it...but I will just stick it back in the postage paid box and return it...and then I read a little farther and low and behold "Since you did not request this DVD, you may do nothing a consider it a free gift"... Cool...I have a family of Nascar fans...who will enjoy it!

New Boots

September 13th, 2006 at 05:25 pm

DH got his new work boots. He really wanted the ones that were almost $200...but with no encouragement from me, decided to get the ones that were only $89. DH used his wood business account to pay for them...which sure helps with the family budget...that is $89 that can stay in the clothing fund.

While he was at it, GS(age 2) got a mini-pair of suspenders to wear when he is helping papa log. (too cute)



Challenge Update

September 12th, 2006 at 03:41 pm

Boy, 2 challenge updates in as many days...Love it!!

I received a survey check in the mail yesterday for $6 (dont you love surveys sites that pay quickly...and in cash??)

And I was able to request another rewards CC check for $20 because DH put a large motorcycle repair on my card last month (luckily the repair was paid for by a 'friend' of a 'friend' who had borrowed the quad for a ride and then rolled it into a large pond)

So, my new total with both comes to:
688.22!!!

...which will bring me to $700 on Monday when my stair challenge $$ goes into the account! woo-hoo! But that is a happy dance for Monday!

Challenge Update

September 11th, 2006 at 07:10 pm

I received my $20 CC rewards check and am adding that to my challenge account...which brings the total to: $662.22!! Woo-hoo!!

(Maybe the mail will bring a rebate or two today and I can add even more!!!....fingers crossed)

Christmas Shopping

September 11th, 2006 at 05:32 pm

I did a little Christmas shopping this morning while working...and thanks to My Points it was free! I requested a $25 gift card for our brand new Home Depot that will be opening soon...DS loves all things home center...so this will be a great gift for him!

Wood Business / Puppies

September 10th, 2006 at 04:30 pm

DHs wood business saw it's first official 'paycheck' yesterday. He delivered his first load of the season and the check was payable to the business!! He has two loads today and then we will be running an ad in the paper next week...Which means we will get really busy!

The money comes at a great time...As Ive blogged before, I am about to take a 1/2 cut in pay with the bug business and I would love to be able to stay on track with my income for the winter.

In addition, Anna's puppies are due in 7 days. She is HUGE, so I am sure we have a good sized litter coming!

Will keep eveyone posted!

Birthdays Today!

September 8th, 2006 at 04:49 pm

One year ago today, my grandaughter (to DD1) was born on my DD2's birthday!!

Our big party for DD2's 21st and GDs 1st is Sunday...but today I am treating the girls to lunch!

Then, my grandson will spend the night tonight so his mom can go out and celebrate her big birthday with friends.

It will be a busy, celebration kindof day and weekend!!! Definately no 'no-spenders' in the immediate future..but this is a special weekend, so thats a-ok!

What are you doing?

September 7th, 2006 at 04:45 pm

OK-

It's 4am and I am using the bathroom when DH (who works nights and had just got home) pokes his head in and asks me this question...."What are you doing"

I look down and I have 3 sheets of toilet paper that I am separating (it is a double layer roll). Mind you, my eyes are barely open and my fingers are fumbling...all I really want to do is go back to sleep.

Umm...I am only using 1/2 of the TP so I am separating it to save the rest for next time...

He shakes his head and walks off...so I follow him downstairs and he is complaining about a backache and suggests that his boots are worn and may be the cause of the backpain....

So I suggest (again, this is not the first time weve had this discussion) that he go and buy a new pair....

He replies "Right, Im supposed to buy new boots while your separating toilet paper to save money"...

lol....so I explain to him that I have a budget for clothing and his boots are already paid for...but that I am plugging the small financial holes as I can, so that we can save money...

Im not really sure why I am blogging about this...except to wonder if I am going too far...my poor DH did look at me like I lost a marble or two...All I know is that I am in a mindset...and its keeping our budget from busting...so I will continue on with the funny little frugal things I do---even if my family thinks Ive lost it.



ZERO SPENT

September 7th, 2006 at 02:07 am

Big Grin A true no-spender today!!!

I have started doing my parents laundry since DD1 is working a FT and a PT job and wont have the time anymore. I finished 7 loads for them and just have a few more tomorrow...the reason so many is 'cause there was almost two weeks worth to do, plus blankets and throw-rugs. They want to pay me to do this for them, otherwise they will take it to the laundrymat...what is it about parents and their pride???? Cant i just be a good daughter and do this for them???

We ate leftovers for lunch and dinner, so basically FREE meals!!!

I also had some very ripe (pretty much BLACK) bananas...so I looked up a fun recipe for pumpkin banana bread...which included all the yummy 'fall' seasonings...nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, brown sugar...ummm..YUM. So I made two loaves of bread. It sure made the house smell great today!!! I shared some with my folks and will use the rest this week.

and then just enjoyed the no-spender!!
Not much exciting in the mail...I did get the ABC christmas catalog...but didnt really see anything I liked.

I am expecting several rebates to come in this week and next...looking forward to adding them to my challenge!!!

Have a good one!

NY saga continues...

September 5th, 2006 at 09:41 pm

We received a notice from the NY DMV today...they finally opened DHs plea of NOT GUILTY and all of the supporting documents. Did they write to appologize for our inconvenience??

NOT EVEN CLOSE:

They have set a court date for October 31 at 2:30pm.

Here is what the notice states:

"If you do not come to this hearing your driver's license or priveledge to drive in NY will be suspended. If suspended, under NY vehicle and traffic law you willhave to pay a $35 suspension termination fee in addition to all other fines and penalties before your license or driving priviledges will be restored, WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE FOUND GUILTY OF THIS CASE."

In a nutshell, if DH doesnt go to the hearing and he is found NOT GUILTY, we will then have to pay $35 fee to get suspension removed because he failed to appear.

UNREAL. Is New York in such financial trouble that they have to continue to hardarm money from innocent people???

At this point all I can say is NY sucks.

DD3

September 5th, 2006 at 05:31 pm

DD3 started HS this morning. Poor thing had a semi-melt down yesterday...I think just a case of pre-HS-jitters. So I gave her the choice of going out to eat at her fav restaurant or having chicken picatta at home...

The ultimate complement is when my family family CHOOSES home cooking over their favorite restaurant!! and that is precisely what DD3 did.

So, we had a nice relaxing night at home and enjoyed DD3s last night of 'freedom' lol...and like many others on the site have mentioned...watched a few of those CSI marathon shows.

What's that odd sound???

September 5th, 2006 at 03:45 am

Hear that odd sound??

It is my dryer, running for the first time since May....drying clothes that DD3 wanted for her first day of HS, that i didnt know about until it was too late to put them on the line.

Certainly an odd feeling to have to toss them in the dryer...and hopefully one that won't get repeated until our first rain...

Tomorrow, all clothes on the line!!!

Shopping today

September 5th, 2006 at 02:03 am

DD2 is turning 21 on Friday, so I wanted to get her a little something extra (outside the birthday club gift that we do as a family)

I went to Michaels and got her a scrapbook case/holder and a gift card. She said she wanted to start this hobby, and I though this would make a nice gift for her. I spent $53 for everything.

That comes out of the Birthday Club fund that I have.

My allowance this week was $19- as I took the odd amount from DHs paycheck rather than the normal amount. I had planned on saving it, but ended up spending it all on LUNCH for DD1, GD, DD3 and me..and A BELT for DD3. Whoosh...just like that my $19 was gone.

Then we went to Target and I got 5 items that came to $13.

Most interesting is what I didnt buy.

"mom, can I get a $64 pair of tennis shoes that I will love forever" ....NO

"can I have this stuff from bath and body works"...NO...

"can I get some of this for school..." no

"I need this..." NO.

I honestly saved more than I spent...and my resolve strengthens....now if I can just use that same philosophy for my allowance!!!



Sunday

September 4th, 2006 at 01:11 am

I am going to count today as a no-spender, even though DH went golfing...since he used his allowance to go.

I am baking a potato dish for dinner...I got the recipe from Taste of Home, but have used it before in a slightly different version. (Potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, green onion and butter)...It smells YUMMY and will go nicely with the grilled steaks tonight. (is it dinner yet??)

A friend of my parents (he is about my age) was killed in an accident this morning, so it has been a solemn day for us. I knew this guy. He was one of the techs at my moms dialysis a few years ago...and was the one that never minded wearing a dress on Halloween just to make the patients smile. Such a sad loss....total freak accident.

I did a bunch of laundry today...and it all got hung out on the line. I am also revisiting my Meals on a Dime book...to get remotivated in saving for the smaller paychecks that are forthcoming.

I want to get all the house bedding done before the weather cools too much- so I can use the sun for drying.

I didnt get to the craft room as I had hoped today...but I will work on it this next week.

I did start pulling out my little christmas trees that I decorate with fall foliage during Autumn...I love doing this...Ill try to post a picture next week when I am all done...it seems weird to start when I still have those sheets up everywhere...but fall is coming quick, and I want to get my home in the spirit!!! (When I get up, the house is 50 something...and by night, it has gotten up to almost 90 in here!)

Shaun, farewell to you. I know life wasnt easy for you...but you and your wonderful sense of humor will be sorely missed by those of us that knew you. Nana and papa enjoyed you, thank you for making nana's time at dialysis a little brighter.






<< Newer EntriesOlder Entries >>